Need more gears Kubota!

[Rustyiron]

Hey, I'm new around here, has there been any other complaining of Kubota's lack of offering a modern transmission? I'm talking in the 50-70 HP range not the smaller guys with a hystat. Most other's (manufacturers) left the el cheapo 4sp/2range 20 years ago. I think that a 4sp 3range should be the base (std) trans. and option up from there (sync., hyd shuttle etc.) There are us guys out there that need that flexability esp. if it's your only tractor and your making hay!
Sorry about my "venting" If you wonder, I do have a 'bota but ended up with a much bigger HP tractor than I need just so that I could get a 12 sp. (6X2) I would have rather spent that $$ towards a cab model!
The only thing that I miss about my JD 5400 that I traded in on my new M9540 is the tranny, (4X3 Lh + reverser) but not having that middle range is growing on me!
Just needed to rant on this very rainy day, I have had a Kubota on & off for 30 years or so, and yes the first one (a L-185 I think), had a 4X2 trans. and if it were not for that (trans choice) and some "cheesey" sheet metal, I'd say that Kubota makes a fine tractor that is better priced than others.
Oh by the way a bigger tractor is allways better!

 

[TripleR]

It has been mentioned on here before. In order to get the 12F/12R, you have to go to the M8540. It would be nice to have that option in "smaller" units. We have a 1986 Massey Ferguson with 12F/3R in 72 HP. On any geared tractor, I like lots of ranges from which to choose.

We have the M8540 with hydro shuttle and 12F/12R and really like it.

 

[art]

It really is a matter of applications and the desired speeds needed. I have listened to people ask me why so many speeds in the tractors they own because they only use a few of them the bulk of the time. Most farm tractors do the bulk of work between 4 and 8 miles per hour and that is where the most speeds are normally in ag tractor transmissions.

This does mean that not anyone transmission would fit all applications for everyone. I've seen sixteen speed transmissions that did not have the right speeds for a job as well as 24 being miss geared for the horsepower and the job.