rutwad
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Jul 28, 2006
- Messages
- 815
- Location
- Alabama
- Tractor
- Massey Ferguson 5465, Kubota M5040, Farmall H (2), Minneapolis Moline R, Case 530CK, Cat 416C
Well I was able to demo a new M5040HDC. I will post my observations good and bad.
Upon entering, the very first thing I noticed was a squewshy (sp) feel to the floor. I thought maybe the rubber floor mat was hung up on something and not laying all the way down. But a quick look showed a thick foam pad under it, which should help with heat, noise, and vibration.
Cranked up, I like the way it sounds running. More tractor sound vs. the L4610, I am guessing due to larger dispacement.
Instumentation- simple layout, digital options allow you to change from MPH to km/h display, along with hours or PTO RPM's.
Tilt steering is good, but seemed like it should come down slightly more. Telescoping would be a nice feature as well.
A/C worked great. Kept in on high the entire time, but it maintained a comfortable temp.
Seat was comfortable, provides arm rests, weight adjustment, and slides. However, it would be nice if it had a slight swivel for easier viewing to rear.
OK, tractor engine has warmed up, cab cooled off, let's ride!! Hyd. shuttle does not require use of clutch, but I find myself still using it. When mowing and keeping the tractor RPM's up, the shuttle shift has prompt engagement/acceleration. Enough so that it will spin enough in the grass to disrupt the ground if kept in 2wd.
F8/R8 transmission. Personally, I think there should be a speed between 3rd and 4th in low range. Seems like first thru third would go from 0-2.6MPH, then fourth jumped up to 4.2MPH. High/low engagement is not super easy to change, no real problems. Sorta like old trucks geting into granny "double low" or something.
Overall, tractor is pretty dang quiet. Ride quality is much better compared to our L4610. Nice tractor, smooth operation, I give it a thumbs up :thumbsup:
For the cornerlights mounted to the handrails of the cab about dash height, exposed wired and huge zip-tie seem "cheesey". And after some time mowing and darkness came, I got to try out the front and rear work lights. With the dust accumulated on the glass, the work lights made it much harder to see due to the glare. This may be easily fixed by simply adjusting the lights, or they may need a small shield on the bottom to block light from the glass.
Deluxe corner cab exhaust is nicely tucked out of the way. However, I have concerns that it may very well soon become loose or cracked. It last brace is just as it exits from under the hood, so the remaining side piece, upward bend, and entire vertical stack are all supported here. I suspect without another brace it will crack from vibrations. When Kubota later comes out with a recall to fix this, you can remember hearing it here first......
!
Cab design, hhhmmmmm........ The front windshield has an arched top so that it is higher in the center. This may work well for up-high FEL work, not sure. Otherwise, I see no need. There is huge amounts of headroom in the cab. The whole top could probably be 2"s shorter, possibly only affecting up-high FEL visibility. But you would have a shorter tractor, more clearance, and less cab air to heat/cool. Maybe they should just drop the windshild 2"s at front and have the work lights recessed, or somehow mounted more to just the fiberglass encompassing the output so as not to shine on the glass.
Rear visibility for attaching implements is great. Ext. 3 pt. hitch arms super easy to release/operate.
Probably jumping around with this thread a bit, but I guess that's how my mind works....lol.
Differential lock? do not remember. probably does have one. 4wd engagement seemed wierd at first. The handle has to pulled straight up about 6"s. Easy enough.
Now in the short time my mother ran the tractor, she definitely prefers the HST of the L4610. If she is mowing and needs to slow down, her tendancy now is to reduce throttle. And she is concerned about backing close to objects. HST spoiled her.
Some seemingly negative comments are just subjective observations. Just letting you know what I found.
Upon entering, the very first thing I noticed was a squewshy (sp) feel to the floor. I thought maybe the rubber floor mat was hung up on something and not laying all the way down. But a quick look showed a thick foam pad under it, which should help with heat, noise, and vibration.
Cranked up, I like the way it sounds running. More tractor sound vs. the L4610, I am guessing due to larger dispacement.
Instumentation- simple layout, digital options allow you to change from MPH to km/h display, along with hours or PTO RPM's.
Tilt steering is good, but seemed like it should come down slightly more. Telescoping would be a nice feature as well.
A/C worked great. Kept in on high the entire time, but it maintained a comfortable temp.
Seat was comfortable, provides arm rests, weight adjustment, and slides. However, it would be nice if it had a slight swivel for easier viewing to rear.
OK, tractor engine has warmed up, cab cooled off, let's ride!! Hyd. shuttle does not require use of clutch, but I find myself still using it. When mowing and keeping the tractor RPM's up, the shuttle shift has prompt engagement/acceleration. Enough so that it will spin enough in the grass to disrupt the ground if kept in 2wd.
F8/R8 transmission. Personally, I think there should be a speed between 3rd and 4th in low range. Seems like first thru third would go from 0-2.6MPH, then fourth jumped up to 4.2MPH. High/low engagement is not super easy to change, no real problems. Sorta like old trucks geting into granny "double low" or something.
Overall, tractor is pretty dang quiet. Ride quality is much better compared to our L4610. Nice tractor, smooth operation, I give it a thumbs up :thumbsup:
For the cornerlights mounted to the handrails of the cab about dash height, exposed wired and huge zip-tie seem "cheesey". And after some time mowing and darkness came, I got to try out the front and rear work lights. With the dust accumulated on the glass, the work lights made it much harder to see due to the glare. This may be easily fixed by simply adjusting the lights, or they may need a small shield on the bottom to block light from the glass.
Deluxe corner cab exhaust is nicely tucked out of the way. However, I have concerns that it may very well soon become loose or cracked. It last brace is just as it exits from under the hood, so the remaining side piece, upward bend, and entire vertical stack are all supported here. I suspect without another brace it will crack from vibrations. When Kubota later comes out with a recall to fix this, you can remember hearing it here first......
!Cab design, hhhmmmmm........ The front windshield has an arched top so that it is higher in the center. This may work well for up-high FEL work, not sure. Otherwise, I see no need. There is huge amounts of headroom in the cab. The whole top could probably be 2"s shorter, possibly only affecting up-high FEL visibility. But you would have a shorter tractor, more clearance, and less cab air to heat/cool. Maybe they should just drop the windshild 2"s at front and have the work lights recessed, or somehow mounted more to just the fiberglass encompassing the output so as not to shine on the glass.
Rear visibility for attaching implements is great. Ext. 3 pt. hitch arms super easy to release/operate.
Probably jumping around with this thread a bit, but I guess that's how my mind works....lol.
Differential lock? do not remember. probably does have one. 4wd engagement seemed wierd at first. The handle has to pulled straight up about 6"s. Easy enough.
Now in the short time my mother ran the tractor, she definitely prefers the HST of the L4610. If she is mowing and needs to slow down, her tendancy now is to reduce throttle. And she is concerned about backing close to objects. HST spoiled her.
Some seemingly negative comments are just subjective observations. Just letting you know what I found.
