Capabilities of M7040?

[manitouofthehatchie]

I own an L4400 and my dad is now looking at an M7040 Kubota for moving round bales of hay and general work on his cattle farm. He owns a JD 4020 (67 model) but is looking for a cab now. Will the 7040 handle round bales efficiently and safely @ 68 hp? The dealer says it will w/ no problems but I'd like confirmation from someone who owns one or has at least witnessed the tractor performing this feat. It has considerably less hp than the 4020.
Thanx!

 

[Ken45101]

I've handled round bales with an M4700 (about like an M5040) with no problems. Even done one on the back and one on the front.

Ken

 

[Renze]

Depends on what bales you move. Dry hay bales or 4'x4'wet silage, which may weigh up to a ton.. Kubbies arent very heavy for the horsepower. Your 4020 is no comparison, it weighs over 4500 kg where the Kubbie weighs 2800 at most ?

 

[jcummins]

I don't know how much they weighed, but moved 5x6 very large bales with out problem. I will say, the M7040 is light in the rear end. I've loaded the tires and it helps. I just moved and loaded 20 bales just today with it.

 

[Ken45101]

The OP didn't specify whether he planned to move the bales with a spear on the 3 pt, or on a front loader.

For any loader work, I highly recommend 4wd, and loaded rear tires.

If using the 3pt, any M7040 (even 2wd, without loaded tires) would handle round bales just fine.

Ken

 

[piller]

Depends on what bales you move. Dry hay bales or 4'x4'wet silage, which may weigh up to a ton.. Kubbies arent very heavy for the horsepower. Your 4020 is no comparison, it weighs over 4500 kg where the Kubbie weighs 2800 at most ?

The M7040 4wd ROPS with FEL/hay spear and filled rears weighs about 7300 lbs. If that's not enough add a cab (700 lbs), cast rear wheels (500+ lbs) or rear wheel weights which can get you up to 8500+ lbs (3860+ kg).