New M9540HD12-1

[DT86]

Looks good, just like some one else's tractor I know. Oh yeah, mine! I've just made my first (yearly) payment on it. Ouch!

Mine is just like yours 12 speed, 2 rear remotes plus 3rd function, horizontal exhaust, tires filled and cast wheels.

The only difference is I have two sets of rear weights, canopy and a different bracket to hold the brush guard on.

Have you ever driven any other tractor of their size that just keeps on pulling like these do?

One thing to watch while using the grapple. I had a stick poke up from the bottom and break my fan belt. Was able to match it up at the parts store for 1/3 of what Kubota wanted (actually they didn't even have one in stock anyway) but still meant an hour of down time.

Good luck with your new tractor!

 

[Piston]

Great write up on your new tractor. That is quite an upgrade from your L4400! What made you decide to skip the 7040 frame size and go to the next one up? Was it PTO power or lift capacity?

How do you find the maneuverability in the woods?

Im also jealous of the guys with cabs.

 

[big bubba]

is the frame on the 8540 a larger frame then my 7040su and still trying to figure out what it wieghts i have 1153 fel shuddle shift open station cast center 30x 16.9 in the rear also loaded with antifreeze 24 x 9.5 in front

yes, the frame of the 85/9540 is wider, longer, heavier than the M50/60/70 series. (noticed the smoother ride right away) basically a bigger machine all around with (imho) more sophisticated options like the hyd brakes, trans lock e brake, and 6 speed/ increased 3 pt. lifting capacity. guess the most accurate weight differential between the two models would be on K website. having owned the 7040 and now 8540 there is no comparison for me. good luck

 

[ovrszd]

is the frame on the 8540 a larger frame then my 7040su and still trying to figure out what it wieghts i have 1153 fel shuddle shift open station cast center 30x 16.9 in the rear also loaded with antifreeze 24 x 9.5 in front

Yes, the chassis of the 8540/9540 is larger than your 7040.

I guessed my tractor weight by using the owner's manual specifications and then adding the things I had done and was very close to the actual weight. If you look at the specifications in the tractor's manual it will give you a weight. It will also quote how much weight is added with cast centers. Then look at the specifications in the loader's manual and it will give you a weight, and the weight of your bucket, depending on what you have. I used windshield washer fluid in my rears so it was easy to figure how much weight was added there. All together I was only off by a 100 lbs compared to actual weight of equipped tractor.

More than the overall weight of the tractor, I was most interested in how the weight was distributed. Was shocked that it was 51% front/49% rear. With cast centers and fluid I have added 2000 lbs to the rear of my tractor. If I hadn't added that weight it would have been 66% front/34% rear!!!

I've owned three Kubota tractors. All three were very, very light in the rear before I added fluid and weights.

 

[ovrszd]

Looks good, just like some one else's tractor I know. Oh yeah, mine! I've just made my first (yearly) payment on it. Ouch!

Mine is just like yours 12 speed, 2 rear remotes plus 3rd function, horizontal exhaust, tires filled and cast wheels.

The only difference is I have two sets of rear weights, canopy and a different bracket to hold the brush guard on.

Have you ever driven any other tractor of their size that just keeps on pulling like these do?

One thing to watch while using the grapple. I had a stick poke up from the bottom and break my fan belt. Was able to match it up at the parts store for 1/3 of what Kubota wanted (actually they didn't even have one in stock anyway) but still meant an hour of down time.

Good luck with your new tractor!

The first tillage implement I pulled was a 12' chisel. I had enough HP but lacked traction. Was chiseling an old fencerow after I had removed all the trees and stumps. Got it done, but it was slow. Then I pulled a 14' springtooth harrow. No problems there at all.

When I put my loader up against something I am very cautious and gentle with the push. Never a HP issue and gets very good traction. The other thing I noticed, when you lift the 3pt, something is going to happen. I'm using a Big Rhino rear blade and could easily tear it up .

I'm always cautious with the grapple. Before I used mine on this tractor I reinforced and shielded the grill guard. I've also built metal guards under each end of the radiator. Even with all that protection it's still possible to get a stick in the wrong place as you found out!!!

 

[ovrszd]

Great write up on your new tractor. That is quite an upgrade from your L4400! What made you decide to skip the 7040 frame size and go to the next one up? Was it PTO power or lift capacity?

How do you find the maneuverability in the woods?

Im also jealous of the guys with cabs.

It was actually tire size. At first I dismissed the 9540 as being too big for timber work. What I did not like about the 7040 was the much smaller front tires. Then the more I looked the more I realized how much more tractor you get with the 8540/9540 size. Especially tire size.

That's what got me looking at the NH T4000 series. Bigger tire size. Then realized the 8540/9540 Kubota was just slightly taller than the T4000 tractors. After a failed deal on a NH, I was back to looking for a Kubota. I had to go 400 miles to get my 9540. I found only one open station, 12 speed 9540 in the Midwest. Only found one open station 8540 near me, it was in Southern Missouri down by TripleR.

After 100 hours I don't consider the M9540 as a big tractor at all. It's very stable on steep terrain and extremely nimble for it's size. It was easy to learn it's footprint size and now the tires are always right where I expect them to be. Most of my use is in steep timber, on the edge of deep ravines. This tractor handles that environment better than the L4400 did. Mostly due to it's much larger front tires, better articulation in the front axle and front differential limit slip.

As for the cab, I hate to admit jealousy.... I simply cannot use a cab. I'd have the windows busted out of it the first day.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

My only disappointment with the transmission is the 6 speed shifter. It's cable operated and sometimes doesn't smoothly go into gear, especially when changing on the go.

totally right. thats one of the things that was fixed on the new 60-series. its linkage now rather than cables.... but I'd still grab an 9540 given the cost difference.

 

[ovrszd]

yes, the frame of the 85/9540 is wider, longer, heavier than the M50/60/70 series. (noticed the smoother ride right away) basically a bigger machine all around with (imho) more sophisticated options like the hyd brakes, trans lock e brake, and 6 speed/ increased 3 pt. lifting capacity. guess the most accurate weight differential between the two models would be on K website. having owned the 7040 and now 8540 there is no comparison for me. good luck

Shouldda read down to Bubba's response before I made mine. Very well stated. :thumbsup:

 

[ovrszd]

totally right. thats one of the things that was fixed on the new 60-series. its linkage now rather than cables.... but I'd still grab an 9540 given the cost difference.

Yep, the cost difference was what had me searching everywhere trying to find a 40 series. I had three dealers close to me looking. None of the dealers that had an 8540 or 9540 on their lots would dealer trade. So I had to drive 400 miles to one of the dealers that had one in stock to make my purchase. I didn't know they had went to linkage on the shifter as I haven't saw a 60 series. But I did notice on the website that the 60 series integrated the park brake lever and shifter lever into one. I liked that idea. It's slightly awkward to use one lever to put the tranny in neutral then have to grab a second lever to engage the park brake.

 

[TripleR]

It was actually tire size. At first I dismissed the 9540 as being too big for timber work.

As for the cab, I hate to admit jealousy.... I simply cannot use a cab. I'd have the windows busted out of it the first day.

We have put our M8540, same tractor as the M9540, in places I would not have believed possible. Long story, but I actually mowed my oldest sons yard once this year with ours and a 10' rotary cutter; wife then trimmed it up with our BX. It turns really sharp and is just a really nimble tractor. It replaced a Case CX80, so we were use to the size; really great tractors in my opinion at least for what we do.

I LOVE our cab tractors, but accept their limitations especially in the woods. My ideal setup, when I could still run open station geared non hydro tractors, was the cab tractor along with our 72 HP Massey Ferguson open station. I blazed a lot of trails and pulled quite a few trees with that Massey Ferguson without having to worry about busted lights, broken mirrors etc.

 

[Big Wave D]

ovrszd,

I really like the way you have customized your tractor to suit your needs.

They all look to be well thought out as well as built.

Glad you are enjoying it. :thumbsup:

 

[Piston]

What did you do as far as implements? Did you trade all your old ones in for all newer implements? I like how wide of a stance you can get for increased stability but of course then the 6' implements common to the L series tractors won't cover your tracks anymore.

 

[Piston]

It was actually tire size. At first I dismissed the 9540 as being too big for timber work. What I did not like about the 7040 was the much smaller front tires. Then the more I looked the more I realized how much more tractor you get with the 8540/9540 size. Especially tire size.

That's what got me looking at the NH T4000 series. Bigger tire size. Then realized the 8540/9540 Kubota was just slightly taller than the T4000 tractors. After a failed deal on a NH, I was back to looking for a Kubota. I had to go 400 miles to get my 9540.

I was under the impression that the T4000 series were closer in size to the smaller M series (6040/7040) than they were to the 8540/9540 tractors? Or are the T4000 closer in size to the
9540?

As a side note regarding my impressions of tractor size, I recently drove to upstate NY to pick up a Brown rotary cutter, while I was there I used the guys NH TD80 and really liked the
Bigger tractor. I also couldn't help but notice just how BIG a lot of those tractors are out there. It's funny when sometimes I think of an M7040 or a high HP compact as a good sized tractor. Looking around the farms up there I didn't see a single CUT on my entire ride!

 

[TripleR]

I was under the impression that the T4000 series were closer in size to the smaller M series (6040/7040) than they were to the 8540/9540 tractors? Or are the T4000 closer in size to the
9540?

As a side note regarding my impressions of tractor size, I recently drove to upstate NY to pick up a Brown rotary cutter, while I was there I used the guys NH TD80 and really liked the
Bigger tractor. I also couldn't help but notice just how BIG a lot of those tractors are out there. It's funny when sometimes I think of an M7040 or a high HP compact as a good sized tractor. Looking around the farms up there I didn't see a single CUT on my entire ride!

It seems to be different here, as most farmers are using 7000, 8000 and 9000 Series or their equivalent, I am seeing more CUT's at farm shops. Our renters use a JD4610 and a large farmer a few miles down the road just got a new JD CUT. I see them being transported between farms on trailer quite often with ditcher, blades etc., lots quicker and cheaper than running a full size tractor around.

 

[ovrszd]

What did you do as far as implements? Did you trade all your old ones in for all newer implements? I like how wide of a stance you can get for increased stability but of course then the 6' implements common to the L series tractors won't cover your tracks anymore.

Good point about implements. That's the issue with changing tractor size. There are hidden costs because of having to change implements. I started with a B2910 Kubota, lost it in a fire and replaced with the L4400, outgrew it because of land ownership changes and now am in an M series.

I never trade implements at a dealer. I figure he already is making a profit on me with the price of the new one. If I trade I just allowed him to make money again when he sells my used one. With the Internet you can easily shop for used equipment without burning $4.00 diesel fuel in my truck. My goal is always to buy used and buy from an individual. There's always someone out there like me that's stepped up in size or because of operation changes is selling their equipment.

The first hours I put on the 9540 were pulling my 6' cutter that I used on the 4400. Needless to say, I'm shopping for a cutter. I am looking for an 8' double spindle. That keeps my width and length where I can still get around in the timber. My rears measure 7.5' outside so an 8' will work great.

 

[ovrszd]

I was under the impression that the T4000 series were closer in size to the smaller M series (6040/7040) than they were to the 8540/9540 tractors? Or are the T4000 closer in size to the
9540?

Physical size they are very similar to the 9540 but are heavier. They are a discontinued series and are replaced with the "4." series, 4.75, 4.85, etc. The new series are lighter and taller. The NH dealer I was working with said his customers are complaining because the new series won't fit in their poultry houses because of the height gain. They are also Tier IV. Everyone is buying up the 4000 series to avoid that. I struggled to find a new 4000 series and even had a hard time finding a good, low hour used one. But I would be driving blue now if I could have.

 

[R_Walter]

Physical size they are very similar to the 9540 but are heavier. They are a discontinued series and are replaced with the "4." series, 4.75, 4.85, etc. The new series are lighter and taller. The NH dealer I was working with said his customers are complaining because the new series won't fit in their poultry houses because of the height gain. They are also Tier IV. Everyone is buying up the 4000 series to avoid that. I struggled to find a new 4000 series and even had a hard time finding a good, low hour used one. But I would be driving blue now if I could have.

Why do you need such a big tractor for working in timber? How big are your trees? I don't see anywhere on here much mention of dirt work where your big tractor would be useful. Just curious?

 

[ovrszd]

Why do you need such a big tractor for working in timber? How big are your trees? I don't see anywhere on here much mention of dirt work where your big tractor would be useful. Just curious?

That's a fair question and I'll try to explain. I started with a B model and immediately outgrew it. I then went to an L model. I was often unable to do the tasks I was attempting because the tractor either could not handle the weight, was stuck because of the small front tire in a ditch, or struggled severely. So I would have to adjust the plan, split the load, or attack from a different angle. After three years of use I was asked if I would sell the L tractor. I priced it for $2000 less than I gave for it new and it sold. At the same time the amount of land I maintain went up by 5 times. I decided I was not going to go thru the buy/sell process again because of buying too small. I have solved that problem.

I worked my L4400 very hard. It served me well. The only fair comparison between the L4400 and the M9540 is their color. The productivity and limitations are so much higher with the M9540. A couple days ago my Brother and I were loader hauling dirt to fill a large washout at the edge of a field. He worked his L3240 hard but in the end I moved four times as much dirt, all at an idle. His was constantly at open throttle, spinning, clawing, and struggling at the dirt pile to get a bucket full, then bouncing his way across the field to the washout. I can fill my bucket with one push, dirt coming over the top, and idle my way to the dump site comfortably. Again, there's just no comparison.

The size of the 9540 rarely limits what I can do with it in the timber but the productivity is unmatched by the L4400. The ROPS height difference is rarely an issue. The rear tire width is 18" wider, which is only 9" on each side. Rarely was I driving between two trees in the timber that I only missed by 9". The capacity of the loader is at least 50% higher. I rarely block firewood on the ground now. I fall a tree, grab it with the grappler and hold it at waist height to top and block. If cutting large trees (2ft diameter or bigger) I can carry the logs out of the timber versus dragging them with the L series. Clearing small trees I can now dig them up with the loader in the same time it would take me to get the chainsaw going and cut them, but now I don't have a stump left to deal with.

If your L4240 completes every task you ask of it, you are a lucky man. If at some time your needs increase beyond it's ability, then you'll face what I've faced and have to make a decision. My decision was to increase productivity. Hope I didn't bore you with my explanation.

 

[Piston]

Ovrszd,
The way you described the reasons for your upgrade is exactly the reasons I'm looking at an upgrade. You stated it pretty much perfectly. I'm in a similar situation as you were, I have an L4610 and do a lot of timber work. I do fairly often find myself either struggling with not enough power (mostly lift capacity) or working my tractor to the max. I much prefer to baby a larger piece of equipment than to max out the capabilities of something just barely big enough, and sometimes not big enough. I do a lot of work with logs too big to pick up, and cutting them in half to make them lighter is not an option.

The example you gave about you and your brother both moving dirt is an excellent example of why it's worth upgrading. I originally thought that when I bought my tractor is was overkill for what I do. I was originally going to buy a B series, thank god I didn't! Not only is my tractor not overkill, but it's actually underkill, however, it does still do the majority of what I ask of it.

I'm glad you put the size into perspective saying that an extra 9" on each side of the tractor rarely limits where you can go in the woods. The way I look at it, if it does limit you every once in a while, then one of those two trees will be coming down! :laughing:

Just as soon as I'm in a position to upgrade (not in the cards right now with building a new house,) I am going to do so for pretty much the exact reasons you stated.

Well said!

 

[foreman Etexas]

Nice write up,and photos overszd... I put the 8540/9540 front tires on my new 7040 and have alittle over 200hrs with them on and I guess only more time will tell if it does any harm but they are so much better than the skinneys it comes with...
7040 Kubota / Vicon cutter - YouTube