Kubota M6040 vs. New Holland T4020? Which should I buy?

nh3930 · Dec 10, 2009

Looking to purchase a new tractor and can't decide between a Kubota M6040 or a New Holland T4020. Gonna go with 4wd and manual shuttle shift with either brand. What do ya'll think? Blue or orange? My current tractor is a New Holland 3930, but that's when it was Ford and not Fiat.

Anyone know of any problems with either tractor?

Thanks!

JoeinTX · Dec 10, 2009

I'd say 6 in one hand, half a dozen in the other.

The NH is heavier.......Kubota lighter by around 1000lbs. HP is about the same.

What are you gonna do with it? Where/who are your nearest dealers?

Nothing wrong with New Holland kit. They make good stuff so don't worry about the FIAT issue............there is no FIAT-AGRI anymore. And, obviously, Kubota is a long-term player in N.A. with a solid history.

By either if similar money and looking for pure utility rig. Tillage in the future.......go NH. Lots of other stuff.........buy Kubota.

Flip a coin...

nh3930 · Dec 10, 2009

I'm looking for an all around utility rig to bush hog 20+ acres, tree removal, grading (use of box blade, scrape blade, and pulverizer), fence work, hay baling.. just about everything under the sun. Have about 55 acres to maintain. I noticed the weight difference, but I won't be doing any tillage. Maybe in the future but not at the moment. Even so, do you think anti-freeze in the rear tires would add enough weight to make up the difference? Dealer is about 20 minutes from my property and they deal with both New Holland and Kubota, so that's not a concern for me.

JoeinTX · Dec 11, 2009

Well, what kind of baling.....round or square?

A little extra heft is always nice but it sounds like either are plenty good for what you want to do with it.

Again, I think you've got a 50/50 situation with the dealer for both being so close. At this point I'd probably be narrowing it down to price for each as you want it and going with the one that's cheaper....

Tractordawg · Dec 11, 2009

I like blue tractors over 50 HP. The Japanese are more compact minded. I also think the blue tractor has a better clutch and a 12x12 tranny the orange has a 8x8.

RickB · Dec 12, 2009

nh3930 said:
I'm looking for an all around utility rig to bush hog 20+ acres, tree removal, grading (use of box blade, scrape blade, and pulverizer), fence work, hay baling.. just about everything under the sun. Have about 55 acres to maintain. I noticed the weight difference, but I won't be doing any tillage. Maybe in the future but not at the moment. Even so, do you think anti-freeze in the rear tires would add enough weight to make up the difference? Dealer is about 20 minutes from my property and they deal with both New Holland and Kubota, so that's not a concern for me.

If you plan on a loader, the prudent operator will have the rear tires loaded in either case. That still leaves the Kubota 1000lbs light. Look at service access on the Kubota. I find them extremely difficult to perform basic and periodic service on as compared to New Holland.

CTW · Dec 12, 2009

Not sure what other dealers are close to you, maybe CaseIH? The Farmall 70 might be a good comparison to look at with the other two. The Case is nice and heavy, seems to be pretty reliable, just a thought. When you go to the dealer, see them up close and demo different models and brands you'll have a much better idea. TBN is is good start but can't take the place of driving each one individually. Best of luck!

piller · Dec 12, 2009

Research and test drive both tractors, see which one you like better.

As for the Kubota is too light issue, how much weight do you want or need? Do you want or need the tractor to be heavy all the time? The M6040 base weight is 4785 lbs, or 5445 with cab. A loader and bucket adds about 2000 lbs. Filling the rears adds about 1000 lbs. Add rear wheel weights if you like for more weight. It's pretty easy to get an M6040 up to 7800 lbs or more.

Just something to consider.

nh3930 · Dec 12, 2009

Thanks guys for the thoughts.

I'm starting to lean towards the New Holland over the Kubota for several reasons. I've test driven both of the tractors and personally liked the feel of the New Holland, feels more like my 3930. I also noticed that the New Holland appeared to be more service friendly like RickB pointed out. Also talked to a diesel mechanic at work and he said the Consolidated Diesel engine on Case and New Holland beats a Kubota hands down, don't have to mess with glow plugs. I've asked a bunch of people what they would buy and 2/3 to 3/4 say Kubota, but I'm starting to think it's just because they tend to see more of them out there. Both are great tractors...

Ya'll have any other thoughts on the subject? I have read New Hollands can have some electrical issues. Has any one experienced this or know someone who has? Maybe NH has worked out the kinks.

ModMech · Dec 12, 2009

I know my Kubota is not in the same weight class, but I have been disappointed with the overall lay-out and performance of the HST. There is no way a manufacturer should build a tractor where the speed/direction controls can jam as has happened on my B2410 more than once from grass - yep, GRASS.

I think Kubota makes an excellant tractor, for the price, period.