New, larger tractor

[majorwager]

MX5200 = 3,800 pounds, bare tractor. (( Caution: Not all MX series tractors are 4-WD.))

M7040 = 5,000 pounds, bare tractor, open station
73" wide with R1 tires, probably 78" wide with R4 tires. Width inhibits passage between trees.

VIDEO: Kubota MX Series VS. Kubota M Series - YouTube

Tractors up to and including 60-horsepower are generally available with HST (pump) transmission.

Over 60-horsepower Utility Tractors are gear rather than pump driven. Not "clutch and gear" as in cars and trucks.

Heavier tractors are mostly used in field work where gears make more sense.

Jeffy,
Just a slight adjustment. Some +60 hp tractors still utilize mechanical shuttles requiring the clutch to shift. And changing ranges is not so different than the car/truck shifting reference.
And just to interupt tradition, the swiss offer a 109 hp hydrostatic pump transmission in their tractor. And the deere and others IVT trannys are all hydro and actually superior to any HST in a compact. Go test drive one, you'll be amazed at the simplicity as your feet are NOT required.

 

[Tennsawdust]

Don't forget the CVTs as well.

 

[OrFish]

I appreciate all the advice. I did end up purchasing a used L4740 with 300 hours. I really ended up between than and a MX5200. I am having the dealer install the top and tilt kit and front grapple. Now I just need to keep my eye out on used 6' implements, and use my old 4' ones until then.

 

[jeff9366]

L4740 is an excellent choice. I really enjoy my L3560, a more compact Grand L.

CONGRATULATIONS!

 

[majorwager]

Orfish,

Good luck and know that is a nice all glass aftermarket cab available for your tractor if the desire arises.

 

[BMan2005]

Heavier tractors are mostly used in field work where gears make more sense.

Curious why you say this?

 

[searcyfarms]

I would agree that larger/heavier for field work, my neighbor has gotten rid of all but one of his 6K series deere and has 7 and 8K series now

he has 6 total

I have one larger case ih and one heavy farmall for field work and even mowing large patches of CRP

all are gear/partial power shift

 

[jeff9366]

Curious why you say this?

HST is particularly adept when tractor direction and speed changes often, ie: Loader work.

Also particularly useful on hills, where HST applies automatic engine braking.



In field work long pulls in one direction, at one speed, in big fields are the norm. No/few hills in field work.

Gear tractors are about 5% to 7% more fuel efficient than HST tractors. When using a tractor 300 to 400 hours per year in ground engagement field work, when fuel use may be 2-3-4 gallons per hour, fuel economy becomes important to profitability.

Gear transmissions generate significantly less heat than HST transmissions.

 

[majorwager]

HST is particularly adept when tractor direction and speed changes often, ie: Loader work.

Also particularly useful on hills, where HST applies automatic engine braking.



In field work long pulls in one direction, at one speed, in big fields are the norm. No/few hills in field work.

Gear tractors are about 5% to 7% more fuel efficient than HST tractors. When using a tractor 300 to 400 hours per year in ground engagement field work, when fuel use may be 2-3-4 gallons per hour, fuel economy becomes important to profitability.

Gear transmissions generate significantly less heat than HST transmissions.

JEFFY,

NO HILLS IN FIELD WORK, Demonstrates a complete DISCONNECT w/ the real world. The ground may be FLAT in Florida, YET the rest of us deal w/ plenty of hilly ground in field work !!

 

[Trillium Farm]

Trillium Farm - - I have to agree with you on all the electronics and need for adequate protection. So far my 2009 Kubota has been OK as far as electronics. I think - since its about one year pre-tier 4 - perhaps not so much electronics to get futzed up just being stored in an open car port.

Oosik I'll give a tip, if you have nearby a Krown Rust Protection center go and buy one of their spray cans and douse all the electronics with it every year when it's warm. This will allow the spray to spread throughout the wire and protect the terminals from rust & oxidation (corrosion) This procedure has stood me in good stead over the years and I've never head any electronic problems.