M7040 and Rhino Turbo 96

[wbuffetjr1]

Hello!

Firm time poster, long time lurker.

I just picked up a M7040 with FEL and a Rhino Turbo 96. Got a deal on the combo I absolutely couldn't refuse. I researched everything thoroughly before I made the purchase and test drove the tractor with the cutter. I checked the Turbo 96 HP requirements, etc to make sure it was appropriate for the tractor. The tractor handled the cutter no problem at all (with the FEL on). Now that I own the tractor I downloaded the service manual and discovered it says the M7040 can only handle a 1,200lb rotary cutter on the 3 point hitch!! I got a great deal so I could sell the Turbo 96 and get a smaller one, but I would prefer to keep it. Will I "damage" the tractor with a 2,000lb cutter when the manual says 1,200lb?

I will be taking the tractor to 10,000' in the Colorado mountains and climbing some steep stuff to get to some fields to mow. I know the heavy cutter will be a negative in that one situation but seems a positive everywhere else? Getting new front tires foam filled and don't mind adding suitcase weights as well.

Help set me straight!

Thanks!

 

[mddorange]

:welcome:
To TBN Wbuffet. Glad that you finally joined so that we may get to know you.

Congrats on the new to you tractor.

I don't understand that limit since the 3ph has a lift of 3,700 lbs.

 

[SDT]

Hello!

Firm time poster, long time lurker.

I just picked up a M7040 with FEL and a Rhino Turbo 96. Got a deal on the combo I absolutely couldn't refuse. I researched everything thoroughly before I made the purchase and test drove the tractor with the cutter. I checked the Turbo 96 HP requirements, etc to make sure it was appropriate for the tractor. The tractor handled the cutter no problem at all (with the FEL on). Now that I own the tractor I downloaded the service manual and discovered it says the M7040 can only handle a 1,200lb rotary cutter on the 3 point hitch!! I got a great deal so I could sell the Turbo 96 and get a smaller one, but I would prefer to keep it. Will I "damage" the tractor with a 2,000lb cutter when the manual says 1,200lb?

I will be taking the tractor to 10,000' in the Colorado mountains and climbing some steep stuff to get to some fields to mow. I know the heavy cutter will be a negative in that one situation but seems a positive everywhere else? Getting new front tires foam filled and don't mind adding suitcase weights as well.

Help set me straight!

Thanks!

Not sure what a Rhino Turbo 96 is but 2000 Lbs. is a heavy three point mounted mower.

Sure your tractor has the lift capacity to lift it but other variables are involved. Overloading the three point lift over stresses components, e.g., sway bars, bolts, brackets etc. The transient loading while moving and turning, much less hitting obstructions are limiting factors.

Manufacturers provide lift limits for reasons. Of course, ignoring these limits will void your warranty.

SDT

 

[Rustyiron]

Run it :thumbsup:

 

[oosik]

I have a 2009 M6040 which has the exact same 3-point system and restrictions as your M7040. I run a Rhino 950 rear blade - 96" wide and 1035#. Its within the manufacturers weight specs and 24" beyond their recommended width for a rear blade. Like any implement - I run it with understanding and care. Never had a moments problems.

Just run the cutter carefully and don't use it as a bull dozer.

 

[Tx Jim]

Welcome to TBN
If you're very concerned about damaging tractor hyd system then I'll suggest to disconnect center link & operate cutter as a semi-mount(2 point) configuration. I operate my JD 709 84'' rotary mower similar to that on many occasions. Several new mowers are marketed to be utilized in the semi-mount configuration.

 

[big bubba]

have a rhino turbo 96 on an m8540. yes, the cutter weighs 2000#. the cutter is shorter in length that 6-7' models, working to your advantage. although the 7040 is a bit light on it's feet, your tractor should handle the lift without a problem. highly recommend fluid fill in rear tires. foam fill in front may be overkill (expensive too) but would help. i have read where kubota doesn't recommend filling ft tires but that is a subject for debate.... you could also just put ballast in your fel when using the mower.

overall, you have a great machinery combo. the turbo96 is an extrodinary machine, smooth, excellent even cut rivaling a finish mower. the twin spindle is smooth.
don't get rid of the turbo!! but do take care on hills, esp avoid raising the mower when ascending hills. otherwise you should be fine. & keep those cutters sharp!

 

[wbuffetjr1]

Thanks for all the advice, fellas! Very good to hear. I was hoping I would not need to get rid of the Turbo 96!!

Tons of info on this forum. I am trying to soak it all up!

 

[ovrszd]

I'm guessing you'll need to leave the FEL on and maybe even put some ballast in the bucket.

If you remove the FEL you'll need some front weights.

Post a picture of your purchase. We love pictures.

Here's my M9540 with a JD M1008 mounted cutter.

 

[JWR]

You should be fine & that Turbo96 is a great beast to have. I agree with Bubba that "being shorter helps" back there being a twin blade. The 2000lb not set back so far. I use a 7ft Bush Hog weighing 1460lbs on a MF tractor somewhat heavier than yours (81 horse) and it is HEAVY both to deal with in general for one person and for something hanging on the 3pt. I still think you will be fine in that regard. I doubt you will need any ballast other than the FEL which is quite good by itself. I run a 1000lb pinch bucket on mine which is "full-time ballast" if you want to view it that way.

I hope and assume your's is 4WD ? Getting someplace steep to get to your mowing location might be a challenge out there. I can only picture it. We'd love to see pictures of where you are headed with this rig !

TX Jim's suggestion of running it in the semi-mount configuration is a darn good idea if you have concerns about the heavy cutter on that size tractor. The down side of that is the front of the cutter ends up skidding along the ground the majority of hours you are cutting and that just bothers me from a smoothness and wear and tear standpoint. Especially in Colorado at high elevation where you probably face a lot of gravel/sand/rocky parts of the meadows. For my 2 cents, I'd run it in lift mode until or unless it causes you problems. You may also find an hydraulic top link to be a good investment so you can play with it and change things as needed. As for your 3pt hitch components and lift hydraulics -- don't worry about that in my opinion. The majority of the time you only have a fraction of the 2000lb vertical load on the 3pt. When transporting (small % of the time) I say you are still OK.

If you have ANY places where the steep stuff is not all up/down and some may be sideways, I think you should consider wheel spacers for rollover resistance. Here is a picture of an M6040 mechanically very similar to your 7040 that my renters use on steep ground in WV at times. They put 6" spacers on each side because the basic tractor just does not provide enough rear wheel spacing for comfort/safety.