My 3 yr old M5040

[ORANGE U NV]

This site was very helful when I was looking to buy, so just trying to give back some info.

Bought my M5040HD (hydro shuttle, 4x4, ROPS) w/ a Loader (folks/bucket) 3 years ago, but only have about 250 hrs on it. Awsome tractor and I've had my only problem just occur. Somehow, the plastic bottom of my radiator cracked between the fan shroud bolts as I was driving across the pature checking fence.
Anyhow, I've moved a lot of cut trees, round bales of hay and rotary mow 30 acres x2 a yr. The loader has been my "right hand" and has done the work of a dozen men. The more you use it, the more I appreciate the "extras" that Kubota includes that others charge more for (arm rests, extendable arms, flat floor, digital readout, etc).
The wet clutch requires more oil changes, but the longevity of that options is what I liked most. Most other brands don't offer it on utility tractors.

 

[daveinnh]

I'm looking at the m5040 vs. L 5340 in cab versions (cold in NH De thru March moving snow). So how / why does the trans require frequent changes?

Dave

 

[Thomas]

"The loader has been my "right hand" and has done the work of a dozen men."

In years to come your body will thank you even more..believe me.

 

[ORANGE U NV]

I'm looking at the m5040 vs. L 5340 in cab versions (cold in NH De thru March moving snow). So how / why does the trans require frequent changes?

Dave

The optional "wet clutch" (hydrallic shuttle) is why. The fluid reduces heat and extends the life of the clutch, but it does cause the oil to get dirtier sooner than a typical "dry clutch" design.

 

[ORANGE U NV]

BTW, Kubota's local rep told the dealer I'm S.O.L on my radiator cracking..cause it's past 2 yrs old (2 yrs 11 mths w/ 236 total hrs). :thumbdown:I will continue to follow up with a rep in Georgia.

I'm disappointed in the defect and by getting blown off by Kubota. No one has asked to see the defective radiator or pictures. The tractor is a garage queen, and only used on weekends at my our family ranch.

I did pay more for a Kubota rather than a Mahindra or other lesser known brands to avoid this VERY thing. I love the tractor, but I do question spending the extra $ on a tractor I seldom "work" and it still breaks for no reason and I get no factory support.:mur:

 

[TripleR]

I can certainly understand your frustration and would continue to pursue remedy through all means. I know someone who got similar treatment from John Deere a month out of warranty.

 

[Recoveryhill]

BTW, Kubota's local rep told the dealer I'm S.O.L on my radiator cracking..cause it's past 2 yrs old (2 yrs 11 mths w/ 236 total hrs).

I'm disappointed in the defect and by getting blown off by Kubota. No one has asked to see the defective radiator or pictures. The tractor is a garage queen, and only used on weekends at my our family ranch.

I love the tractor, but I do question spending the extra $ on a tractor I seldom "work" and it still breaks for no reason and I get no factory support.:mur:

Out of warranty is out of warranty. Sorry for your problem but....

Unless I'm mistaken, there was a post here that indicated a repair using JB Weld or some similar Monkey Compound. Garage Queens are perhaps spoiled for attention and act up just to insure they have your attention.

I'm more familiar with "Dock Queens", commercial fishing being part of my harvest profile. One here would never go to sea in a Dock Queen, for what it's worth.

Were I stressed for cash, I'd go the Monkey Weld route. If not, a new radiator would be my move. Diesels, marine or dirt just love a supply of coolant.

You're probably spending wooden nickels, feuding with Kubota on this issue

 

[ORANGE U NV]

Ok, some help on my radiator cracking.... The tractor was finaced with Kubota and thus insured with KTAC (Kubota Insurance). The insurance is great and I have extended the coverage since the tractor is now paid off ($180 a/yr, loader included & transportation to/from dealer).

Anyhow, they agreed that something must have stressed the radiator causing it to crack (pothole, striking object, etc). I don't know of anything, but whatever. So my $400 radiator is a $250 deductable. Of course, I find this out after I did the labor which could have been completed by the dealer, including transportation, for the same $250.

Dealer was NO HELP.. but the site was great! Thank you guys! :thumbsup: