Buying Advice Kubota M7040, Think I'm gonna do it...

[budcampo]

I have been looking into the M7040 for a few weeks now, it seems like the best tractor for my work. I do a lot of weedabatement, debris and tree removal stuff, and I also do dirt work here and there.

I have a L3600 right now that I will sell and put towards the new one. The problems I have had with the L3600 I'll list, things I want to avoid with the new one.
Overheating due to rapid clogging of the radiator while mowing (constantly blowing it off with a leaf blower, and washing it on a daily basis.)
Damage from debris coming from below to radiator, fan, oil filter, etc. Any kind of Armor availible?
Damage to the body of the engine compartment on sides and top. Armor question again?
Front tires going flat while carrying heavy bucket loads on slopes.

So advice on what to do on the M7040 that might make those problems go away?


This is the set up I'm thinking about, advice on some gizmo/attachment I'm forgetting, anything you got


M7040HD-1


Optional Valves - 3 remote valves
Downexhaust Pipe w/ spark arrester
Grill Guard
Loader
4 in 1 Loader Bucket
Third Function Control Valve
Single Lever Value Hose Quick Coupler
Backhoe Type - 11' Digging Depth w/ aux
Backhoe Bucket
Backhoe Stabilizer Cylinder Cover
Backhoe Quick Coupler
Rubber Stabilizer Flip Pad
Backhoe Thumb
Tortella flail mower
JD Grapple Bucket

Any recomendations on a good gannon with rippers for this setup?

Also, I'd like to get the quick attach set up in this video
YouTube - Kubota M7040
instead of the 3 point quick attach set up. I can't find those anywhere, anyone used them, like them? The video is in german, but you can see what I'm talking about.

I know that's a lot, but thanks in advance

 

[gwdixon]

The quick attach in the video is very similar to the Pat's system. It is sold here on TBN in the Attachments section - see the sticky.

Not too sure about the backhoe set up. I considered it but for the price (well - close) was able to pick up a used L48. The M7040 seemed too tall and without the hydraulic output that can be had with a BH-dedicated machine.

The emphasis on armor may be a bit excessive. These tractors are made to hold up and are fairly bulletproof as is. Much of my work is the same as yours and there have been no problems. The grill guard does have a bend in it from a tree removal but that is why it is there.

If by a "gannon" you mean a box blade/scraper, I have a 88" Gannon 4G4 that works great. The hydraulics of a Top & Tilt would work well with it but a T&T is not included in your list. A T&T is very useful if you intend to plow as well.

 

[TripleR]

We have an M8540 which is pretty similar to the M7040 and agree with GW, no real need for armor; don't know much about the other stuff.

 

[budcampo]

Got it ordered, pretty excited. I did not get the backhoe yet, it was around $17,000 with the frame installed... I'm thinking of maybe getting a used Kubota mini excavator instead, what do you guys think. I can't convince myself that $17,000 is worth it.

 

[gwdixon]

Got it ordered, pretty excited. I did not get the backhoe yet, it was around $17,000 with the frame installed... I'm thinking of maybe getting a used Kubota mini excavator instead, what do you guys think. I can't convince myself that $17,000 is worth it.

You are right. Good choice. Get a dedicated digging machine. You won't regret it.

 

[ITHINKICAN]

Congratulations on your M7040. Don't forget to post pics when you get it. :thumbsup:

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Any recomendations on a good gannon with rippers for this setup?

Since your in Calif, Gearmore is probably going to be your best bet. A real Gannon would be the best, but the Chino shop was closed up and now the Gannon's come from the Mid West.

http://www.gearmore.com/products/Pg75-79_2010.pdf scroll to the bottom, I would think that either a 4G4 or 4G5 series would be the best for you.

As far as a quick hitch, these are the best IMO Customer Testimonials on the Delta Hook Rapid 3 Point Hitch System

 

[gwdixon]

Oops, my "gannon" is indeed a Gearmore 4G4.

Almost any tractor dealer in CA can get one. Your dealer may give you a break on the price since the tractor was just purchased there. An 88" model will cover the tire tracks.

The hydraulic rippers are a real convienince along with the Top & Tilt. You will need the three remotes to make it work.

Gearmore also sells a Cat 2 Top & Tilt kit. My dealer gave me a break and installed it for free when the tractor was purchased. The dealer has to custom make the hoses for a perfect fit.

 

[budcampo]

Since your in Calif, Gearmore is probably going to be your best bet. A real Gannon would be the best, but the Chino shop was closed up and now the Gannon's come from the Mid West.

http://www.gearmore.com/products/Pg75-79_2010.pdf scroll to the bottom, I would think that either a 4G4 or 4G5 series would be the best for you.

As far as a quick hitch, these are the best IMO Customer Testimonials on the Delta Hook Rapid 3 Point Hitch System

Thank you for the response, I hadn't seen the Delta Hook attachment, that is exactly what I want, thanks for the info!!!

 

[MtnViewRanch]

I agree, top and tilt would be a great addition to your tractor.

 

[budcampo]

Top n Tilt for sure, we've had that on our old one and it's a must.

 

[ecoscaper]

I was looking at the M60 but heavy to haul, what do you guys haul these M's with? The L57 would be lighter to haul.

 

[TripleR]

I don't haul our M, we drive it between farms; our L5030 is not a problem to haul if we ever needed to.

 

[Builder]

I have an M-7040. I like it, but the cab leaves something to be desired. The roof is very fragile. If you do ANY work around trees, you'll break the roof in no time. Mine is cracked in 3 or 4 spots. 2 of the spots were not from trees. They just seem to develop stress cracks. My work lights seem to attract branches and rip-off easily. The roof also leaks. Small amounts of water slosh around in the roof which is annoying. Hopefully they redesinged the roof since '07. The rear window tubular gasket also holds water in the bottom.

I would highly recommend the optional cast center wheels and radial tires. Nothing wrong with steel rims & filled bias tires, but they require tubes for rim gaurd. I've had a flat already and the cost to remove & replace tube and refill with Rim gaurd was nasty.

I would also suggest the KSR option to aleviate the shock from the FEL. I will be installing this option myself this winter to make plowing a little more comfortable.

I am uncertain if I will keep this tractor. Considering trading it on a Deere if I can make the numbers work, or repairing the roof, adding KSR & cast wheels in favor of filled tires. Looks like I'll have to dump 3 grand into this tractor to make it a real keeper, or move on to something else.

What I like: Love the engine. Has lots of power and starts instantly. 3pt is very powerful. Visibility is great. Front differential locks up nice and with rears locked together is nearly impossible to get stuck.

 

[NativeSon]

Congratulations on the new tractor. You're going to love it. It is trully a pleasure to play.....urh a Work with. Good luck.:thumbsup:

 

[budcampo]

Still not here....
Looking for advice from you guys, how long should something like this take?

I ordered the tractor on the 17th last month. My dealer said it was going to probably arive on Dec 3rd, it didn't, then he said they were shipping it, on the 9th, and they'd have it on the 10th, and would have it ready by the 14th (tomorrow). So I call today to see how things are going, they shipped the wrong tractor, they are going to ship it on the 15th, which means it might arive the 16th or 17th, plus 2-3 days for assembly... and they don't have the r4 front tires or rims, so I will be borrowing front Ag tires and rims till probably January till they get them.

I'm not buying a tractor for my enjoyment, my old one is down, and I need it to feed the family.
Being in business I understand problems, and have had people get very upset at me for things that just happen and are out of my hands. So before I start getting upset at my dealer, and start putting some demands out, I want to know if I'd be right in doing that, or if 1-1.5 months for a order is normal? This is the first brand new purchase I've ever made on a piece of equipment of this caliber... so thanks in advace for the advice!

 

[bill in ny]

make sure it is ok to run the r4's on the rear, and ag's on the front. might be a problem with the 4wd.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Not a good idea to mix the R4s and Ag's, pretty hard if it is even possible to get the right sizes to match up. If the dealer wants to put Ag's front and rear, no worries. :thumbsup: Bad deal with your tractor, but as you know, stuff happens. The fan gets dirty if the delivery date goes past next week. After all, I assume that the purchase was made with the delivery date being considered.

Good luck, hope that the dealer comes through for you.

 

[budcampo]

I asked him about the Ags on front and R4's on the rear, thinking that it might not work good using 4 wheel drive, but he said it's no problem. That's why I got on here and asked, doesn't sound right, the ags are taller than the r4s I believe.

The whole thing is bugging me...

I don't see how it would take so long to get 2 wheels and 2 tires, seems like someone in the state would have them?

 

[MtnViewRanch]

If that is what he is going to do for you, I WOULD NOT RUN IT IN 4x4 MODE. The wrong size tires would be a HUGE no no in my book.

Either do not accept the deal that he is offering or get him to put in writing that he will warranty the drive train and furnish at no charge to you a lender tractor when yours breaks.