Buying Advice Kubota M7040 with Loader Is this right for me

[NativeSon]

The M7040 has done everything I asked and then some. Shred heavy brush, move dirt, haul big round bales, move down trees off of fence line, and last weekend plow snow off drive---Which is very unusual here in East Texas but a heck of a lot of fun. The 4wd and FEL are a must.

Charlie

 

[ole farmerbuck]

I'm having good luck with my new M7040. 55 hrs now. Ihave moved a lot of dirt with it. We had a basement dug, 31x70 which is 34" above ground. I have moved dirt to backfill and slope it. That was a lot of loads!!

 

[swiss]

It is very interesting looking at the specifications between the 6040 and 7040.

The HP is 62 versus 68
Weight 4650 versus 4675
Limited Slip differential only on the 7040 (Big Differentiator???)

base price differential at list is $1835.00

These specs are close enough for me other than the limited slip differential. Given that I am going to be in the woods on loose leaves, mud, soil etc it would seem that the Limited Slip is a must. I know what they do on cars but have no experiance on a tractor.

Is the LSD a MUST HAVE???

 

[gwdixon]

It is very interesting looking at the specifications between the 6040 and 7040.

The HP is 62 versus 68
Weight 4650 versus 4675
Limited Slip differential only on the 7040 (Big Differentiator???)

base price differential at list is $1835.00

These specs are close enough for me other than the limited slip differential. Given that I am going to be in the woods on loose leaves, mud, soil etc it would seem that the Limited Slip is a must. I know what they do on cars but have no experiance on a tractor.

Is the LSD a MUST HAVE???

Of course it is a MUST have - because I have it!!:laughing::laughing::laughing:

Seriously, if you expect to need 4 WD a lot then you want 4 WD, not 3 WD.

 

[Grandad4]

Both models have the usual manually-engaged diff lock for the rear wheels, but the 7040 and larger models also have limited slip on the front. For really low traction situations, that's a plus. If you figure you'll be in the mud and snow a lot, you'll find it worth having.

That may also play into how much ballasting you do with weights, loading tires, etc. More traction may let you get by with less added weight, which can be a good thing on soft ground. The heavier the equpment, the more the ground gets rutted up, and eventually the trail is not passable. Some of the guys with larger equipment can probably comment more.

 

[TripleR]

For me the limited slip is worth its weight in gold. We replaced a Case CX 80 with a M84540 and the difference is very noticeable. We were always pulling the Case out of the mud. We have yet to get the M8540 stuck. The Kubota does have a little bigger tires, but in terms of traction in the muck, I have seen my son bury the M8540 up to the belly and drive right out of it. Now a couple of times he has had to use the FEL, but that did not get the Case out.

I have a Yamaha Rhino 4WD with a locking front differential and many times I have been able to get going in the muddy hills by flipping the switch, it is hard to believe the difference with one more wheel pulling.

 

[swiss]

You guys are not helping me save any money

Here is my list so far

MUST HAVES:
1.) FEL
2.) 4 Wheel Drive
3.) remote value on FEL for grappling bucket
4.) 2 Extra Remotes
5.) Grill Guard

NICE TO HAVES:
1.) Hydro Shuttle
2.) Limited Slip which would require the 7040

Off the top of my head we are looking at a retail differential of 4,000 or 10% of the total tractor cost.

I guess I answered my own question now that I have written this out, we are looking at 10% of the cost, so it a minor additional cost for what many may say is a huge luxury. But it also could be a new implement

 

[gwdixon]

The worst thing that could happen is to need something on the tractor that you don't have (and could have had).

Not talking about later add-ons (which tend to cost more) but rather basic functions unique to that model

If you go first class you'll never have a regret.

But...it is your cash, your budget, and your circumstances that only you know.

 

[rjkobbeman]

You guys are not helping me save any money

Here is my list so far

MUST HAVES:
1.) FEL
2.) 4 Wheel Drive
3.) remote value on FEL for grappling bucket
4.) 2 Extra Remotes
5.) Grill Guard

NICE TO HAVES:
1.) Hydro Shuttle
2.) Limited Slip which would require the 7040

Off the top of my head we are looking at a retail differential of 4,000 or 10% of the total tractor cost.

I guess I answered my own question now that I have written this out, we are looking at 10% of the cost, so it a minor additional cost for what many may say is a huge luxury. But it also could be a new implement

I have an M8540 and studied the entire M50/60/70/85/95 tractors EXHAUSTIVELY before deciding on my tractor.

After using my tracor for almost 100 hours so far (I bought it last summer), I can say this about your list above:

MUST HAVES:
1.) FEL -- YES!
2.) 4 Wheel Drive -- YES!
3.) remote value on FEL for grappling bucket -- Maybe, I have it but don't use it much. It is EASILY added later and does not cost more doing it later vs now. Could save by putting this off until a later date.
4.) 2 Extra Remotes -- Maybe, mine came with one and I bought one extra (still have room for a third). I use only one for my hydraulic top link. Your needs will dictate.
5.) Grill Guard -- YES! Doesn't cost much but really protects.

NICE TO HAVES:
1.) Hydro Shuttle -- YES, YES, YES! You can't change this later. Ditch the extras that you can buy later for this option if money prevents you from getting it all at once.
2.) Limited Slip which would require the 7040 -- I have it on mine so I can't comment on without. I suspect it REALLY helps. I have been in situation where I needed all the traction my tractor has.

 

[E/S]

I have an M8540 and studied the entire M50/60/70/85/95 tractors EXHAUSTIVELY before deciding on my tractor.

After using my tractor for almost 100 hours so far (I bought it last summer), I can say this about your list above:

MUST HAVES:
1.) FEL -- YES!
2.) 4 Wheel Drive -- YES!
3.) remote value on FEL for grappling bucket -- Maybe, I have it but don't use it much. It is EASILY added later and does not cost more doing it later vs now. Could save by putting this off until a later date.
4.) 2 Extra Remotes -- Maybe, mine came with one and I bought one extra (still have room for a third). I use only one for my hydraulic top link. Your needs will dictate.
5.) Grill Guard -- YES! Doesn't cost much but really protects.

NICE TO HAVES:
1.) Hydro Shuttle -- YES, YES, YES! You can't change this later. Ditch the extras that you can buy later for this option if money prevents you from getting it all at once.
2.) Limited Slip which would require the 7040 -- I have it on mine so I can't comment on without. I suspect it REALLY helps. I have been in situation where I needed all the traction my tractor has.

I agree 100 % !
The only thing I would add is if you work at over 4000', you need to think turbo.

E/S