Kubota M8540 Has Arrived!

[IH3444]

OMG that tractor is gorgeous.....

 

[Ken45101]

Out of curiosity, why did you buy a 8540 instead of a 7040? I'm debating that decision since I want to go to a 15' batwing Bush Hog and need a bigger tractor. The 8540 is probably the right tractor but I suspect the 7040 would do the job okay too.

 

[piller]

Out of curiosity, why did you buy a 8540 instead of a 7040? I'm debating that decision since I want to go to a 15' batwing Bush Hog and need a bigger tractor. The 8540 is probably the right tractor but I suspect the 7040 would do the job okay too.

I'll jump in here with my answer, also interested in Davidsan's thoughts.

I bought an 8540 last year, I considered both the 7040 and 8540. The 8540 has 75 vs. 62 pto hp. The 8540 weighs more, is wider, has a longer wheelbase, has larger tires. The 8540 has more 3 point lift, more hydraulic flow. The 8540 has a transmission parking brake which I use all the time. The 8540 has hydraulic wet brakes. The 8540 is the exact same tractor as the 9540 except the engine is tuned to make 10 HP less and the standard wheel/tire sizes are different. The FEL for the 8540 is the LA1353 vs. the LA1153.

So there is a lot of difference going from the 7040 to the 8540 for not a lot of money. The only drawback I see is that the 8540/9540 might be too big for some things and the implements for it are bigger and more expensive.

Test drive them both. When I first looked I thought the 8540 would be too big, but now it seems to be the perfect size.

 

[Davidsan]

Out of curiosity, why did you buy a 8540 instead of a 7040? I'm debating that decision since I want to go to a 15' batwing Bush Hog and need a bigger tractor. The 8540 is probably the right tractor but I suspect the 7040 would do the job okay too.

Ken, my answer would be pretty much the same as Piller's answer on this subject. The 8540 is just a little bit bigger tractor is all respects. For me, I wanted the weight, the width and tire size - in fact, I almost went 9540 but decided against it as it would have been way overkill. Besides, the 9540 only weights 111 lbs. more than the 8540. Also, I really liked the LA1353 FEL on the 85/9540 models. It is heavy. My personal thought is to always buy a little bigger than what you think you will need. In honesty, the 7040 would have probably been just fine for my needs too. The 7040 does have a CAT I/II hitch which is a plus if you have a lot of CAT I equipment. The 8540 is strictly CAT II.

Goodluck in your decision, whichever way you go. I'm really enjoying mine. Here's a pic of the 8540 going in for the kill!

 

[E.B. Haymakin']

Ken45101, how do you compare the M5040 and TT60a you own. I have a NH3010s that is the precurssor to the TT60A, and I like that tractor. The M5040 is in the same horsepower range, and strikes me as a well made unit. I need one more tractor in my haying operation, and want to stay in this horsepower range. What are your thoughts on these two units as a owner/operator.

 

[Ken45101]

Ken45101, how do you compare the M5040 and TT60a you own. I have a NH3010s that is the precurssor to the TT60A, and I like that tractor. The M5040 is in the same horsepower range, and strikes me as a well made unit. I need one more tractor in my haying operation, and want to stay in this horsepower range. What are your thoughts on these two units as a owner/operator.

The NH is a LOT noisier than the Kubota. An amazing difference. My ears have hurt after bushhogging for a couple of hours with the NH, something that has never happened with Kubota equipment. I've started wearing ear plugs.

Also, the turning radius on the NH is very poor compared to the Kubota.

The M5040 is a "premium" model compared to the TT60 and costs more. Kubota's KX line is more comparable pricewise.

Bottom line, I wish I had stuck with Kubota. At this point I'm considering a bigger rotary cutter and I'm thinking of trading the TT60 (with 30 hours) in on a larger Kubota (M7040 or M8540). I feel I made a poor choice with the TT, although I do like the blue color!

Ken

 

[GATC35]

hey David,

Nice looking machine. I've been thinking about upgrading from my M5400 to a M7040 with cab and AIR CONDITIONING! The 8540 is probably a little big for me.

What part of Bama are you in? I grew up in Huntsville, went to collge in Ozark, and currently have a cabin on Logan Martin lake near Talladega. Right now I'm stuck living in Atlanta until I retire, then I'll come back to the home land.

 

[Davidsan]

hey David,

Nice looking machine. I've been thinking about upgrading from my M5400 to a M7040 with cab and AIR CONDITIONING! The 8540 is probably a little big for me.

What part of Bama are you in? I grew up in Huntsville, went to collge in Ozark, and currently have a cabin on Logan Martin lake near Talladega. Right now I'm stuck living in Atlanta until I retire, then I'll come back to the home land.

Mark,
Thanks! The cab with AIR would be super nice indeed!

I live just north west of Huntsville closer to Athens. I work in Huntsville. Small world!

David

 

[ChuckinNH]

I've looked the photos all over very carefully, and I'm convinced that you have a lot more tractor than my little B! That is a great looking rig for some serious work, but you sure have the land to need it. Hope it works out great for you, and see no reason why it shouldn't!