Buying Advice Kubota M7060 vs M8560?

[aventino68]

Have a few questions for the knowledgable. Need a tractor for running a 72" mower and a 72" snowblower and to occasionally put a 9000lb boat in and out of the water on a relatively flat boat ramp. My budget is $35-45K Canadian, and I'm hoping that will get me a 5-10 year old machine with max 3000 hours. Read up on Kubota, have a good dealer nearby so I'm happy with them. I'm looking at those two Kubota and wondering if I need an 85 hp tractor that's a fair bit heavier or if the M7060 will do all I want.
I also need an FEL for housebuilding and with a grapple to clear scrub and felled trees, does Kubota make a bucket with grapple for this or do I buy aftermarket? I've only ever used an old 35 hp tractor with a small mower for clearing so I have no idea about horsepower or weight or hydraulic outlets. How many will I need? Does the grapple rob one? What else do I need hydraulics for on the rear, I thought the pto will run mower or snowblower?

 

[PaulL2]

Can't comment on those models, although they sound more than sufficient. How many acres?

On grapple - you need a third function - i.e. one additional function beyond raise and curl. Usually you'd look for a quick attach, and you'd use a bucket when you need a bucket, and a grapple when you need a grapple. You can get third function kits relatively cheaply, so a tractor without one isn't the end of the world.

The mower would run from the PTO. A rear snow blower would run from the PTO. If you want a front snowblower (depends how much snow blowing you do) then I think you need a grand L instead, as they have a mid PTO.

The rear hydraulic outlets would run top and tilt on your box blade, a hydraulic fold on your rear mower, for example if you had a batwing, and on a snowblower they can angle and turn your blower chute. All those things can also be done by hand if you don't mind. So in general for your usage I'd say you probably aren't going to be too fussy on how many rear outlets. Some people do run a rear wood splitter for firewood, those can be hydraulic or PTO driven. I think in that size range the cycle time isn't fast due to hydraulic flow, but they work.

 

[deserteagle71]

The M7060 can easily handle the tasks you mention. I have a 6' rotary mower that I mow 50 acres with, using the Kubota and the EPTO setting which lets me run the tractor at lower rpms. Still plenty of power, never had it bog down at all.

 

[ovrszd]

Welcome to TBN.

There's considerable difference in those two tractors. Weight and HP. Most noticeable would be HP. I believe they would be very close in maneuverability. My 9540 is very nimble for it's size and power.

Very common here on TBN to hear of too small being purchased. Extremely rare to hear of too big being purchased.

Sounds like your budget may dictate a sizeable portion of this decision.

As mentioned above, you need 3rd function on the FEL to operate a Grapple. Kubota doesn't make a Grapple.

Get as many rear remotes as you can.

Right now I have a Grapple on the front and a QH with TnT and BB with hydraulic scarifiers on the back. I'm using 3rd function and 3 rear remotes. I never remove the QH/TnT so am always using 2 rear remotes.

Keep us posted on your path. With pictures if a purchase is made!!!

 

[Scook222]

IUnless you are have more plans or large acreage for you might be able to go alittle smaller on horse power. Like the grand L series if you want a cab. If you don’t want a cab there are several other models you could consider. If you are constantly moving back and forth doing loader work, you will probably want a hydraulic shuttle shift instead of a gear drive tractor and if you are doing a lot of loader work you will want r4 tires on the front as well. R1’s grip better, but sqaut more when moving 1000 pound hay bales.
If I remember correctly, both the m7060 and m8560 have the same front end loader so in theory, they will both lift the same amount. The m8560 will do it without being as light in the rear even if both tractors have the rear tires loaded. The M7040 and M8540 were the previous series and are very similar, minus a few upgrades.
Are you looking at finishing mowers or Bush hog style mowers? Finishing mowers can be used with less hp than a bush hog if your are isn’t knee deep. We have a M7040 that we bush hog with a 6ft bush hog in pasture, it chews through briar pasture without missing a beat. If we are in 3 ft tall grass, it will load the motor alittle, but nothing severe. We also cut and bale hay with it.
To run a grapple, you have a true third function kit, or a diverter valve. Both work, it just depends on which style you like better. If you are look for a bucket grapple, there are several that can be added to the bucket. If you are clearing a lot of brush and stuff you might want a dedicated grapple.
As far as the remotes, unless you have a need for more than one, I would just get one. The way Kubota valves are, you can always add valves because they are stackable up to three valves. We have 2 but only use both for running a hay baler. If you find a tractor that has 2 or three installed thats even better because you won’t have to buy an extra or two if needed.
On our M7040, our rear wheels aren’t slid out all the way so we can transport it on a pipe top utility trailer. If you won’t trailer the tractor a lot, or have a car hauler type trailer, I would have the rear wheels slid out to the widest position for stability.
If you already haven’t, I would go on the Kubota website and build my Kubota to see how the new ones price out. Your budget is might be close enough to buy a new one.

 

[ovrszd]

Scook gave a comparison for HP of the two. He uses a 6ft brush cutter on his 7040. I use a 15ft on my 9540.

 

[jeff9366]

Need a tractor for running a 72" mower and a 72" snowblower and occasionally put a 9000lb boat in and out of the water on a relatively flat boat ramp.

I also need an FEL for housebuilding and with a grapple to clear scrub and felled trees, does Kubota make a bucket with grapple for this or do I buy aftermarket?

I've only ever used a 35 hp tractor with a small mower for clearing so I have no idea about horsepower or weight or hydraulic outlets.
How many will I need? Does the grapple require one? What else do I need hydraulics for on the rear, I thought the pto will run mower or snowblower?

My budget is $35-45K Canadian, and I'm hoping that will get me a 5-10 year old machine with max 3000 hours. Read up on Kubota, have a good dealer nearby so I'm happy with them. I'm looking at those two Kubota and wondering if I need an 85 hp tractor that's a fair bit heavier or if the M7060 will do all I want.

1) How many acres is your property? Fields, woodland or combination?
2) Does your property have hills?
3) How long is the drive/road you need to clear of snow?

Tractor shoppers usually underestimate the tractor weight and horsepower needed for their applications. You, perhaps, are considering tractors two increments heavier and more powerful than essential. But better a tad heavy than underweight.
VIDEO: Kubota MX Series VS. Kubota M Series - YouTube

I think a new or used Kubota MX model, 4-WD, 3,800 pounds bare tractor weight, and 54 or more horsepower is ample for your needs. 54-horsepower or more will operate a 72" Bush Hog or rear Snowblower with ample margin. Loader on an MX will lift 2,500 pounds, which should be ample for your applications. With SSQA Pallet Forks you can move tree trunks and brush on the Loader. No 3rd function front remote necessary.
PHOTO #1, #2, #3. #4.
I LIKE TO KEEP EVERYTHING TRACTOR RELATED SIMPLE.
VIDEO: Kubota MX series walk around and features by Messicks. | MX48 MX52 MX58 - YouTube

LINK TO KUBOTA WEB SITE: https://www.kubotausa.com/docs/default-source/brochure-sheets/mx5800.pdf?sfvrsn=1c71be0c_4

Land Pride, 100% owned by Kubota, makes Loader grapples.
LINK TO LAND PRIDE WEB SITE: Grapples | Land Pride

The MX series has been in Kubota's lineup for years. There are plenty out there used. MX series are NOT available with a cab.


Rear hydraulics replace manually adjusted Three Point Hitch fittings. Many feel rear hydraulics are almost essential when operating a rear/angle blade and convenient when drawing a Box Blade. On a snowblower, two pairs of rear remotes allows you to rotate the snow exhaust left to right and direct exhausting snow up or down. I do a lot of tractor work. I have one pair of remotes on the rear.

Rear mowers and rear snowblowers operate off the tractor PTO. Disadvantage: You have to look to the rear regularly. Snowblowers are for DEEP snow. Most use the FEL bucket, a snow push box or a rear/angle blade to move MODERATE snow.

 

[big bubba]

Jeff366

OP mentioned unloading 9k boat to water. mx ok on that? had one once, great bare bones, but light on it's feet. just asking

 

[jeff9366]

Presumably the boat is on a trailer with pneumatic tires. Operating weight of MX will be 6,000 pounds. Should be easy-peasey for 4-WD tractor to draw the boat.

 

[PaulL2]

Jeff366

OP mentioned unloading 9k boat to water. mx ok on that? had one once, great bare bones, but light on it's feet. just asking

OP also specified relatively shallow angle on boat ramp, and I presumed from that also mostly flat ground getting there. I pull a 5800 pound boat with my 1400 pound BX in and out of our ramp. I have no ability to stop the boat, but it pulls it quite happily if I go slowly. An MX should easily pull and control a 9000 pound boat on the flat.

 

[big bubba]

OP also specified relatively shallow angle on boat ramp, and I presumed from that also mostly flat ground getting there. I pull a 5800 pound boat with my 1400 pound BX in and out of our ramp. I have no ability to stop the boat, but it pulls it quite happily if I go slowly. An MX should easily pull and control a 9000 pound boat on the flat. paulL2


the mx series does fit nicely into many applications. however, given all the tasks the OP described, i sure would be looking at his original choices. the M utility series is in a completely different league than the compact mx series. no comparison. plus the M70/85 utility series would open up a lot more future options.

 

[ovrszd]

Yep, totally different tractors designed for different work.

I went from an L4400 to M9540. Only similarity was orange paint.

 

[big bubba]

likewise, went from L4400, to Mx5000, then current tractor. i enjoy mine every time i start up, regardless of task. think the OP has chosen a good match, that is if one could be found @ those prices. he may consider Mxx40 series as well, less emission stuff. all the best to the OP

 

[mopardude318]

I think the M8560 has the 1353 loader which lifts more than the M7060’s 1154. Kubota doesn’t even show the M8560 on their build my tractor anymore. It goes from the 7060 straight to the M4.

 

[aventino68]

Thanks all for the info, a ton of questions answered and a bunch of links to read up. I'm happy with the M7060 or smaller and I agree it should do all I want it to, I'm selectively clearing only 3 acres of trees and bush with a bush hog and then using tractor to build a house, lift equipment and materials on site. Then mowing and snow blower. Land has hills but 1:6 gradient at worst and driveway is only 600 ft long but we get a decent snowfall. The only other reason I would go bigger is because I have no idea what the ratio is between the weight of the tractor and the weight of the trailer and boat I'm moving about. If the 8540/8560 isn't massively more expensive and its a similar size for manoeuvring then it might be safer for controlling the boat. Plenty of info online about figuring out a truck and what weight trailer with combined weight can be but I can't find much written about tractors and hitching a boat on behind. I'm thinking if tractor is at least half the weight it should be fine or am I too optimistic?

And, very sorry, should have mentioned that I need a cab and with A/C for when I'm away for a few days for work and the wife needs to use the snowblower. So by default that rules out the MX which looks very capable otherwise.

Agree with Mopardude318, it seems to go from 75 straight to 92 hp on the Kubota website these days.

 

[goeduck]

How available are those models in your area or are you willing to have one trucked in? Finding some used models locally is like finding hens teeth

 

[KWentling]

I have a 7060 and run a 84" blower and a 12' batwing and rarely run short of hp. Mine has the wheels set at maximum width for mowing stability and the 84" blower doesn't quite cover the tire track. If you're on side hills that is something to consider when sizing attachments. Narrowed up a 72" blower might work OK. +1 on more remotes is better. A grapple could be run on a rear remote as an alternative to the 3rd function, but would not be as handy. Creeper gears for snowblowing would be nice also. I don't have them and have to clutch sometimes to let the blower catch up. Might add them in the future.

 

[ovrszd]

I think the M8560 has the 1353 loader which lifts more than the M7060’s 1154. Kubota doesn’t even show the M8560 on their build my tractor anymore. It goes from the 7060 straight to the M4.

My 9540 uses 1353. Beast of a loader.

In my foggy memory seems like the 85 and 95 are maybe being phased out with the M4 and M5 series???

 

[ovrszd]

In regards to pulling the boat or any wheeled trailer load without brakes. I sometimes pull my 7K lb GN trailer. I've hauled 8K lb load on the trailer. Pulling it is no problem. Stopping it is something else!!!!! In this scenario once you go past the weight of the tractor you are at risk!!!

 

[jeff9366]

1) How many acres is your property? Fields, woodland or combination?
2) What would be a heavy snowfall in inches where you live and how often does a heavy snowfall occur?
Snowblowers are for DEEP snow. Most use the FEL bucket, a snow push box or a rear/angle blade to move MODERATE snow.

I should have mentioned I need a cab with A/C for when I'm away and the wife needs to use the snowblower. That rules out the MX which looks very capable otherwise.

Equivalent to the MX series in weight but available with a cab, research the Kubota Grand L series: L5060, L5460 and L6060. The MX series are economy tractors. The Grand L tractors are de luxe models. Front PTOs are an option for the Grand Ls, so you can operate a front mount snowblower and a front mount, angling snow blade.

VIDEOS: Kubota Grand L Series VS. Kubota MX Series - YouTube

Kubota Grand L66 Auto-hitch and attachments (walk around and demo) - YouTube

KUBOTA WEB SITE: https://www.kubotausa.com/docs/default-source/brochure-sheets/l60.pdf?sfvrsn=bad1e991_6

I have no idea what the ratio is between the weight of the tractor and the weight of the trailer and boat I'm moving about. If the 8540/8560 isn't massively more expensive and its a similar size for manoeuvring then it might be safer for controlling the boat. Plenty of info online about figuring out a truck and what weight trailer with combined weight can be but I can't find much written about tractors and hitching a boat on behind. I'm thinking if tractor is at least half the weight it should be fine or am I too optimistic?

Road vehicles and tractors are not comparable. TRACTORS ARE PRIMARILY DESIGNED TO PULL, trucks are not. Tractors have bevel gears in the front, so a large tractor will turn in a smaller space than your truck. While we do not answer many questions about tractors and boats, we answer regularly relative to tractors and hay wagons and tractors and grain wagons both of which weigh more than 9,000 pounds loaded and pull from a tongue. A 4-WD tractor with a bare tractor weight of 4,000 pounds will be ample for moving and controlling your boat. The Loader will add 1,300 pounds, the cab will add 750 pounds. ((I am making the assumption your boat trailer has dedicated brakes.))

My concern for you on the larger tractors with cabs is how MASSIVE they seem to new operators and barn storage space required.

Very few wives, very few, could be convinced to operate a 6,000 pound bare weight tractor.