considering an Kubota M6800 for small farm

[jt7157]

Hello. I am not a total newbie to tractors, but my experience with anything newer than our old Ferguson and Ford 8N is nil. I am considering an M6800 for my small farm in Tennessee, about sixty acres, half in woods. Some of my land is quite steep, so one of my real concerns is stability on slopes. My first and primary use for this tractor is for bush hogging. Second, I want to increase the size of my garden, up to the point where I can take produce to the farmers' market. Third, general clean-up and maintenance. Fourth, cleaning up after my woods are gently logged. Fifth, some commercial bush hogging to help recover costs of the tractor. Sixth, I'd like to start a small orchard, apples and peaches. I thought a genuine Ag tractor would be best--no compact--they seem to light weight. Also, I don't really understand the new transmissions very well. The hydraulic shuttle shift seems attractive, especially for loader work. And it seems to me that it would be nice in tight mowing areas when backing the tractor into corners and pulling out again several times. Another question for me is the creep speed option. Will the M6800 go slow enough in its lowest gear to roto till? Any help anyone can share will sure be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Deerlope]

Your choice of an M-6800 (68hp) is a good one. The shuttle shift is very easy to use and I would suggest that you get it. But maybe the M-7040(70hp) is for you. Its their new model and all controls are conveniently located near your right hand. I own a compact because that is all I need . It has been said by many that the M6800 it probably the best tractor that Kubota ever made in a full size.

 

[EastTexFrank]

I don't know the M6800 but we have the M5700 at the farm (150 acres) which is basically the same machine. I haven't used it much as it is my S-I-L's tractor. She loves it. When I have used it I found it to be quite impressive. The shuttle shift is very easy to use and is worthwhile when to-ing and fro-ing a lot. My S-I-L says it is pretty stable and that she "feels" safe on it when traversing slopes and ridges. I think it would fit your needs very well although I can't speak for the tilling part of the equation because I use my tiller on a hydro tractor. I don't think there would be a problem though as there must be a gear/rpm combination that would allow you to do it. After all, that's all most people had before hydrostatic transmissions became so popular. Lastly, if you are worried about stability on hills, remember that the wheels on 4-WD tractors generally can't be set as wide as they can on 2-WD machines. That may not be important to you but I think that it's worth mentioning.

 

[mike223]

I've been searching for the ideal tractor as well, and plan on doing pretty much the same thing that you are on my 70 ac in middle TN, with teh exception of commercial mowing. My property is hilly, and fairly steep in some areas, so I'm concerned about stability as well. The tractor that I've finally decided on is the Kubota L5030. The reasons are numerous, but primarily the versatility of the tractor overall, especially the QD feature of the FEL. I looked at the M5040, and it was a bigger, stouter machine, but it also sat taller, and taking off the FEL to traverse the woods would have been a major PITA. The L5030 is the perfect size for my needs, and with the HST option should be very easy to operate, especially in loader and mowing operations. Filling the tires should add all the extra weight I will need to help with lowering CG for stability on hills. Just my opinion based on my yearlong search to find the ideal tractor.

 

[FamilyFarm]

JT7157,

I would take a look at the new M series, maybe the 6040 or 7040, depending on your needs. I bought the 5030 for many reasons, but came close to talking myself into the M series. I was really impressed with them, especially with the hydraulic shuttle.

mike223,
I spent about 6 months researching, expecting to replace my BX22. I was initially looking at a 3830, mainly trying to stay a little smaller since I was planning to use it for some of the tasks the BX does so well. I ended up keeping the BX22 and adding the L5030HSTC. Wow, what a combo! Each one fits specific needs, I still have my backhoe (rarely used, but invaluable when I need it!), and still have a great mowing machine with the MMM on the BX. My oldest son is a very mature tractor operator, so together we tackle many tasks with both tractors. Anyway, I am very impressed with the 5030. I did not get the tires filled initially, but I think I will. It's amazing how much ballast is needed for the loader when doing any downhill work. I can keep from slipping using 4WD, but still not quite as safe as I would like. ENJOY YOURS!
Terry

 

[HappyHillFarmer]

I'm doing most ofthe things you mentioned and live on a 130 acre farm with some very hilly and rocky areas. I've got a M5700 4WD with shuttle shift and the standard 8 speeds and love it. I do quite a bit of tilling for our market gardens, and depending on the weed pressure and ground conditions, till in low 1-4. Over tilling is always a concern, as I don't like to destroy my soil structure and turn everything into powder, so unless I'm putting under a thick gound cover or tilling up turf, I rarely run over 1500 RPM. Thus, speed has never been a problem. However, if you are planning on adding a vegetable transplanter to your operation, you will want the creeper gears and/or HST. As for stability, I feel much more stable and safe then on many smaller (2,8,9N, etc.) tractors. Size wise, I think the M6800 is probably bigger than what you really need, remember that if your getting a 4WD unit, you will increase the tractors pulling potential by up to a 1/3 over a similar HP 2WD unit. As others mentioned, I'd take a look at the L5030, as it will give you the power you need for what you described plus better manuverablity and more transmition options. That said, if your dealer has a M6800 on the lot and is offering a good deal, I don't think you'de be sorry with the decision.