maybe upgrading from a M5040 to a M7060 cab

[Herkypilot]

You'll like the M7060. I've found that mine gets a good bit better fuel economy then the MX5100. I'm sure it's a combination of more efficient tractor and doubling the cutting width from 6' to 12'. I love the A/C, quieter operation, & radio!

Save up some more $$ and get a 12' batwing. That will save you a lot of time cutting and you already have two rear remotes - one set for raising the wings and one set for raise/lower the deck.

HP

 

[Farmer495]

I've mowed hay for years with an 8-speed tractor, only 90 to 100 acres pretty well in the same gear all the time.

It's always better to have more gears, but you'll find you use the same gear for the same jobs anyways, so whether it has 1 gear or 100, as long as the gearing goes the speed you need it doesn't matter how many slots you have to shift into.

 

[majorwager]

Agree, 12 speed is nice, but not necessary,

Also mowed many years w/ my 8 speed IH, and toggle between 4 L& 1H but not worth any concern. Time difference for 20 acres with a sweet spot gear selection provided by four additional gears will not be significant. If you are encountering substantial road travel, the 12 speed has lower engine RPM in high gear and believe a faster top speed. That could effect fuel consumption. Travel time. 12 speed has increased GPM hyd output, you would only notice w/ intensive loader work or an implement driven by hydraulic motor. If 8 speed is priced right, don't listen to jealous advice. In your shoes, they'd take the 8 speed in a heartbeat.




Batwings have advantages and disadvantages. Save that topic for future discussions.

The economy PTO is not std on all 8 speeds

 

[Deerherd]

If 8 speed is priced right, don't listen to jealous advice. In your shoes, they'd take the 8 speed in a heartbeat.

It is not jealous advice. It is advice based on actually mowing with one. Heck, I doubt his tractor has the 540e option, most of the 8 speeds don稚. At least with the 12 speed and 540e you get a couple choices.

So when I was in his shoes I did not take the 8 speed in any heartbeat because I had test drove one for the weekend first. There are better options out there for mowing than an 8 speed. FYI the one I ended up with has 40 forward and 20 reverse speeds.

The OP already purchased the tractor, so let us all just wish him good luck!

 

[majorwager]

Deerherd,

Heck, your's is really the only opinion that is relevant and the OP is doomed in having made a grevious error. Many comments support the OP to make a decision based upon his own needs analysis. I manage my 150 acre small farm that has been family owned since 1947. Had dairy, had row crops, still produce quality horse hay, small sq' s in cooperation w/ neighboring farm. This website has some wise and seasoned folks, knowledgeable in land management and equipment operation. However, few are regularly summoned in court cases requiring expert testimony regarding the aforementioned sudjects, Heck, few if any are published best selling authors of these matters. So heck, might be a good idea for members to seek advice to the level they find useful, and ultimately, heck, make their own decisions, the browbeating given a well deserved rest.

 

[big bubba]

keep the knives sharp & your 8sp will walk through it
if you have the patience to shift between hi & low range, cake walk w/your set up best of luck on that

 

[shane77c]

So I had 9 hours of seat time today on the new tractor. It took a few laps to adjust to being in the cab and the sounds from the bush hog. I also had to get comfortable in the way it drove. AC!!! yeah that will spoil anyone real quick. The first lot I cut was 7 acres and I found I was able to cut it a little quicker. I was also able to answer phone calls and have conversations without stopping. After that I moved on the next lot which is 10 acres. What I was really surprised about was the fuel economy. I only burned half a tank of diesel for 17 acres. In my old tractor I would have to used 1/2 to 3/4 tank on the 7 acres and a full tank on the other 10. Its a great machine and I am really happy with the purchase.

 

[mopardude318]

Nice lookin tractor! The M7060 is a great machine in any flavor!

 

[Herkypilot]

Yes, that is my experience with fuel economy also. I expected to take a big hit going from 50 to 70hp since both engines are turbocharged, but that simply wasn’t the case.

 

[sandman2234]

I guess I need to stay away from a 12 speed tranny so I don't learn what I am missing. I mainly mow with my tractors and have always managed with an 8 speed.
Time to put my head back in the sand,
David from jax