New Kubota M7060!

[Maconaco]

New member here! My dad and I have been eyeing the Kubota M7060 for a few years now as a possible replacement for our aging JI Case 530. Finally settled on one with the 12 speed trans, loader, and cab; signed the papers last week so it should be ready next weekend. Our family owns a small cattle farm in Virginia; primary uses for the tractor will be mowing, road maintenance, all-around loader work, and other general utility tasks. 70hp is really a little more than we need considering most of the heavy work is done with my uncle's John Deere 2955, but we have lots of steep hills + rough terrain so I figure this tractor will be able to handle anything we may throw at it in the future. Do any of you seasoned Kubota owners have any tips or advice for me? Also does anyone have any gripes with the skinny "pizza cutter" front tires that they put on the M60 series? Although I haven't received the tractor yet I'm not a huge fan of those tires, can't believe it slipped my mind at the dealership before we signed the papers. I'm considering talking to them about changing to the wider 320/85R20 radial tires for the front and probably radials for the rear as well. Like I said, lots of STEEP hills and rough terrain. Any and all advice is appreciated!

 

[Rustyiron]

Welcome Maconaco:thumbsup:
Those narrow front's have been discussed here, search M7040 - M7060. It seems that up in Canada they offer a nice much more proportional size tire/wheel combo. I just don't remember the size. I know what you mean about those tires, I was wanting a 7040 back when I was moving to a new tractor but couldn't get past those skinny "pizza cutters" and ended up with a few extra HP and a decent width tire up front.

 

[Maconaco]

Thanks Rustyiron! I have heard from some that the larger front tires are not available in the US, but also others have said that they are. I'll see what my dealer has to say about it tomorrow, really hope they can help me out on this one.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Did you get rear remotes (how many and type?) as well as the loader 3rd function ? Now's the time to get these items if you are at all considering them.

 

[SDT]

New member here! My dad and I have been eyeing the Kubota M7060 for a few years now as a possible replacement for our aging JI Case 530. Finally settled on one with the 12 speed trans, loader, and cab; signed the papers last week so it should be ready next weekend. Our family owns a small cattle farm in Virginia; primary uses for the tractor will be mowing, road maintenance, all-around loader work, and other general utility tasks. 70hp is really a little more than we need considering most of the heavy work is done with my uncle's John Deere 2955, but we have lots of steep hills + rough terrain so I figure this tractor will be able to handle anything we may throw at it in the future. Do any of you seasoned Kubota owners have any tips or advice for me? Also does anyone have any gripes with the skinny "pizza cutter" front tires that they put on the M60 series? Although I haven't received the tractor yet I'm not a huge fan of those tires, can't believe it slipped my mind at the dealership before we signed the papers. I'm considering talking to them about changing to the wider 320/85R20 radial tires for the front and probably radials for the rear as well. Like I said, lots of STEEP hills and rough terrain. Any and all advice is appreciated!

Could have ordered it with optional radials.

Yesterday, I looked at an M6060 at my local dealer with optional radial tires. The fronts were at least as wide if not wider than the fronts on my M9960. Certainly a much better looking and, no doubt, functioning alternative.

SDT

 

[Maconaco]

Got the single rear remote that comes standard, as I don't see many uses for this tractor that would require extra remotes right now. We use my uncle's JD 2955 to run the big equipment. However I have a feeling that I'll be adding a couple more remotes in the future when the need for them inevitably comes. I did get the 3rd function for the loader and a 4 in 1 bucket, probably will buy a grapple and dedicated standard bucket when I can afford it as well.

 

[Maconaco]

Could have ordered it with optional radials.

Yesterday, I looked at an M6060 at my local dealer with optional radial tires. The fronts were at least as wide if not wider than the fronts on my M9960. Certainly a much better looking and, no doubt, functioning alternative.

SDT

Yes, I can't believe it didn't dawn on me to include those before signing. Definitely going to talk to the dealer about swapping tomorrow, hopefully it wont be a big deal since they haven't filled the bias tires with fluid yet.

 

[Mathias NY]

Hello and welcome. We took delivery on our M7060 this spring. I also didn't like the pizza cutter front tires. We ordered it with the 320 radial front tires and 480 radial rears with cast centers. The cast centers and loaded tires make the machine very stable. Since you mentioned the hilly terrain, I'd definitely recommend loading your tires with Rim Guard. If you didn't get the the cast centers, I would also add 2-3 sets of wheel weights.

Changing tire diameters on a 4x4 tractor can be expensive unless you can keep the same ratio between the front and rear tires. If the ratio changes, you also need to have the gearing in the front axle changed.

My only real complaint with the tractor is the Teir4 emissions. We are a small acreage farm and don't have a lot of tasks that take hours to complete. After 49 hours on the machine, it is getting ready its 4th regeneration. Not a big deal, but its kind of annoying when you are in the middle of a task that can't use full rpm.

Good luck!

 

[Maconaco]

Thanks Mathias. I am very confused now after doing further research about swapping out the tires. The tractor came from the factory equipped with bias Goodyear 9.5-24's on the front and the 16.9-30's on the rear, cast wheels all around. If I want to change to the 320/85R20 and 420/85R30 radial tires will that mean new front rims AND re-gearing the front axle? I am new to Kubota and not very experienced with newer (post 70's) tractors. I don't understand why the pizza cutters are so prevalent in the US on these midsize utility tractors.

Whichever tires we end up with will definitely be loaded. I'm not too thrilled about having the tier 4 emissions system either, I would have preferred to get a well kept 7040 but the old man is dead set on a NEW tractor (majority of the money going toward the tractor is his so I can't complain).

 

[TripleR]

Get the bigger tires, foreman eTexas got them on his second M7040. When we bought our M8540, unless otherwise requested ordered bigger tires on most of his M Series tractors. Lucky thing for us as oue CX80 went toes up right a th peak time, so we had to take what was on the lot. We wanted cast wheels, air suspension seat and a third remote along with a couple of other things. You will love the ride. Some places I use to do with our L5740HSTC, I now do with the M, so much smoother and more stable.

You might want to have your rear tires put in the wide position for stability on your hills.

 

[SDT]

Thanks Mathias. I am very confused now after doing further research about swapping out the tires. The tractor came from the factory equipped with bias Goodyear 9.5-24's on the front and the 16.9-30's on the rear, cast wheels all around. If I want to change to the 320/85R20 and 420/85R30 radial tires will that mean new front rims AND re-gearing the front axle? I am new to Kubota and not very experienced with newer (post 70's) tractors. I don't understand why the pizza cutters are so prevalent in the US on these midsize utility tractors.

Whichever tires we end up with will definitely be loaded. I'm not too thrilled about having the tier 4 emissions system either, I would have preferred to get a well kept 7040 but the old man is dead set on a NEW tractor (majority of the money going toward the tractor is his so I can't complain).

To change to the Kubota optional radial tires you will not need to re-gear the front axle but the radial front tires will almost certainly use different front rims. Not sure about the rears but I doubt it.

Generally, rims/tires are swapped as a set (all 4). Tire changes are most cost effectively done before the tractor is ordered. Your dealer may rape you if you decide to do so now. I know that mine would.

Cast rear centers is an entirely different issue. If you did not order cast rear centers (cast centers are available only for rear wheels) you may wish to reconsider. Cast centers add (don't nit pick) 500-600 lbs. to the rear axle vis-à-vis the standard stamped centers without adding width. The cost for cast centers (when ordered) is reasonable. Again, your dealer may rape you if you decide to change to cast centers now.

I ordered my M9960 with cast centers as I never use liquid ballast (I change/repair my own tires.) I also ordered a single pair of rear weights. More weights would have added to the overall width of the tractor as I have my rims adjusted. I also ordered a ballast box. A ballast box is much more effective than liquid ballast, cast centers, wheel weights, etc., when doing FEL work, as it is mounted behind the rear axle and is, therefore, a counterweight. Ballast boxes are not particularly expensive and take up less space than other three point mounted implements sometimes used as counterweights.

SDT

 

[Maconaco]

To change to the Kubota optional radial tires you will not need to re-gear the front axle but the radial front tires will almost certainly use different front rims. Not sure about the rears but I doubt it.

Generally, rims/tires are swapped as a set (all 4). Tire changes are most cost effectively done before the tractor is ordered. Your dealer may rape you if you decide to do so now. I know that mine would.

Cast rear centers is an entirely different issue. If you did not order cast rear centers (cast centers are available only for rear wheels) you may wish to reconsider. Cast centers add (don't nit pick) 500-600 lbs. to the rear axle vis-à-vis the standard stamped centers without adding width. The cost for cast centers (when ordered) is reasonable. Again, your dealer may rape you if you decide to change to cast centers now.

I ordered my M9960 with cast centers as I never use liquid ballast (I change/repair my own tires.) I also ordered a single pair of rear weights. More weights would have added to the overall width of the tractor as I have my rims adjusted. I also ordered a ballast box. A ballast box is much more effective than liquid ballast, cast centers, wheel weights, etc., when doing FEL work, as it is mounted behind the rear axle and is, therefore, a counterweight. Ballast boxes are not particularly expensive and take up less space than other three point mounted implements sometimes used as counterweights.

SDT

Well the thing is when we decided on the tractor at the dealership they had a 2018 model in the lot with the standard bias tires, no 7060 tractor in their lot had radials. They suggested that rather than order one, they usually prefer to take a similar tractor from the lot and have their "excellent" service techs install all of the options we wanted, detail, and deliver it. The tractor has single digit hours and had come from the factory only a few months ago, so we agreed. The only problem is that I forgot to tell them that I wanted the bias tires swapped for radials. I'm trying to convince my father that it's well worth it for us to pay for new front rims and the extra cost of the radials as long as its not an outrageous price difference. Don't you think under these circumstances, since they suggested we take the one from the lot, the dealer shouldn't have that big of a problem with getting us the radials? I emailed the salesman handling our purchase and he's going to get back to me tomorrow (hopefully).

The tractor will definitely have the 12 speed trans + standard features that come with that, a cab, wide adjusted rims, cast centers, fluid filled tires (we have adequate tools and equipment in our shop to remove and move the heavy tires if needed), air ride seat, third function loader valve, 4 in 1 bucket, skid loader coupler, and radio. Also I'm planning on making a heavy duty steel ballast box for the 3pt eventually. Although it takes up more space behind the tractor, I can grab a big round bale for extra rear ballast when doing heavy lifting until I get around to making the ballast box.

 

[sixdogs]

I put Firestone radials on the rear of my M7040--16.9x30-- and the difference in tillage and traction is dramatic. I usually put radials all around but the 9.5x24 is not a good option. I can find that size in an import but would prefer the 20" front wheels. Kubota won't sell the wheels in this country and it costs around $340 each to have them made. Even then, I would prefer the Kubota wheel. I've posted pics of my Firestone radials here so a search would show the pattern I picked. It's an impressive photo.

When I do get the 20" wheels, I'm probably going with bias tires on the front and the Firestone radials on the rear. You can't buy the 20" Firestone in the USA. The 20" as bias would be just fine up front for my use so that's my current plan that's subject to change. I also have cast rear centers and have added two rear weights to each side and sometimes 5 or 7 front weights up front. It's all good.

We need to get those Kubota wheels in this country. Can't someone pull some strings?

 

[BufordBoone]

Hello and welcome. We took delivery on our M7060 this spring. I also didn't like the pizza cutter front tires. We ordered it with the 320 radial front tires and 480 radial rears with cast centers. The cast centers and loaded tires make the machine very stable. Since you mentioned the hilly terrain, I'd definitely recommend loading your tires with Rim Guard. If you didn't get the the cast centers, I would also add 2-3 sets of wheel weights.


Good luck!

Like Mathias, I ordered mine with the 320 radial (front) and 480 radial (rear) tires with cast rims.

Inasmuch as we have a lot of muddy terrain, I wanted as much "grip" as I could get. I'm very happy I made that decision.

 

[SDT]

Well the thing is when we decided on the tractor at the dealership they had a 2018 model in the lot with the standard bias tires, no 7060 tractor in their lot had radials. They suggested that rather than order one, they usually prefer to take a similar tractor from the lot and have their "excellent" service techs install all of the options we wanted, detail, and deliver it. The tractor has single digit hours and had come from the factory only a few months ago, so we agreed. The only problem is that I forgot to tell them that I wanted the bias tires swapped for radials. I'm trying to convince my father that it's well worth it for us to pay for new front rims and the extra cost of the radials as long as its not an outrageous price difference. Don't you think under these circumstances, since they suggested we take the one from the lot, the dealer shouldn't have that big of a problem with getting us the radials? I emailed the salesman handling our purchase and he's going to get back to me tomorrow (hopefully).

The tractor will definitely have the 12 speed trans + standard features that come with that, a cab, wide adjusted rims, cast centers, fluid filled tires (we have adequate tools and equipment in our shop to remove and move the heavy tires if needed), air ride seat, third function loader valve, 4 in 1 bucket, skid loader coupler, and radio. Also I'm planning on making a heavy duty steel ballast box for the 3pt eventually. Although it takes up more space behind the tractor, I can grab a big round bale for extra rear ballast when doing heavy lifting until I get around to making the ballast box.

Good luck with that.

The purpose of the dealership is to make money for the owner(s). Your interests are well down the priority list.

Yes, you will likely be able to get your preferred radial tires on your 7060 but you will pay substantially more than you would have paid had you ordered one from Kubota with the radial tires.

SDT

 

[lpigott]

I ordered mine with cast tears and radials. $1800 upgrade and well worth it.

 

[sixdogs]

I ordered mine with cast tears and radials. $1800 upgrade and well worth it.View attachment 564595

You did the right thing and that is the way all of them should be ordered.
Can you post a side shot of the front wheels?

 

[moship]

Pulled the following from the August 17, 2016 Wholegoods price list in the event it helps the OP. The "add" is over the standard tire/wheels.

AG - RADIAL REAR
AMR8586 F-TIRE 320/85R20 R1W ALCE FRMPRO 150 lbs Add $ 436.00
AMR8588 R-TIRE 420/85R30 R1W ALCE FRMPRO 341 lbs

AMR8586 F-TIRE 320/85R20 R1W ALCE FRMPRO 150 lbs Add $ 1,736.00
AMR8587 R-TIRE 420/85R30 R1W ALCE FRMPRO CAST 618 lbs


They can be purchased outright (ex: as a second set). Price is for each tire/wheel assembly:
AMR8586 F-TIRE 320/85R20 R1W ALCE FRMPRO 150 lbs $ 595.00
AMR8588 R-TIRE 420/85R30 R1W ALCE FRMPRO 341 lbs $ 1,200.00
AMR8587 R-TIRE 420/85R30 R1W ALCE FRMPRO CAST 618 lbs $ 1,850.00

So to gain 544 lbs of weight using cast wheels on the rears will cost $1,300 to do so.

I hope the OP can get the desired radial tires for just the price adder over stock.

Good Luck!

 

[lpigott]

You did the right thing and that is the way all of them should be ordered.
Can you post a side shot of the front wheels?

 

[sixdogs]

View attachment 564605

Thank you. I didn't realize it was a fixed wheel but that's OK.
I can buy a custom made quality wheel for $325 each and then I have to buy the tires. It looks like the Kubota front tire price is $595 each but then I have my old tires that a dealer was going to take in trade for me. Maybe Kubota sells just the wheel so that's something I can look into since I'd like to stay with Kubota parts.