New member, transmission question.

[Kruz]

Hello all, first off, I'm a new member, but have been lurking around for a few weeks. I am looking for advice from members who currently have the Kubota M-series tractors. I have been shopping for awhile now and have decided on a M8540. My question is this; is there any reason to opt for the 12-speed trans over the standard 8-speed? The tractor will be used mostly for loader work and hay/pasture operations. Thanks for the help and a great site.

Greg

 

[froggy]

Just did a search on the 8540 and there is a lot of information on TBN about it. That might get you the answers you need.

 

[Kruz]

Thanks for the reply. I've done a few searches and read all I could find on the 7040 and 8540. Nobody says much about the drive trains, though.

 

[froggy]

Did you see this answer? http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-buying-pricing/114907-m-series-drive-train.html?highlight=8540

 

[Kruz]

Yep, I've read that one too.

 

[froggy]

Wish the M5040 through 7040 had the 12 speed transmission. Would buy one in a minute.

 

[Kruz]

Wish the M5040 through 7040 had the 12 speed transmission. Would buy one in a minute.

I thought you could get the 12 speed in the 7040. I must have misunderstood.

 

[big bubba]

Keep in mind that the creep speeds are only recommended for spreading, drilling,etc, not for tillage and FELS work. so the applications for the creep speeds are limited and not directly equated like the 8 speed. nonetheless, a good option. you should be able to download or at least look at the owners manual on the 12 speed at your dealers. the 8540 seems to be a great machine. I'd go with that model over my 7040 in a repeat purchase, but I have more than I need now. good luck bb

 

[piller]

I know that there are a few kubota dealers on this list, perhaps one of you would be so kind to shed some light on the 8 speed vs. 12 speed setups and on limitations of the creeper option. What percentage of sales are the 12 speeds on the M8540 and M9540? What's the option price to get the 12 speed trannsmission?

 

[Kruz]

I agree with the above posts. I'm not interested in the creeper gearing option, just the 8 vs. 12 speed. I don't remember off hand the cost difference. I think my dealer said the 12 speed was a couple thousand dollars more, maybe $1500-$2500. Like I said, I don't quite remember. I guess I'm more interested in if a guy would use the extra gearing or would I be better off spending the money elsewhere? Thanks for all the help though, it is appreciated.

Greg

 

[art]

Greg, buy another option! It's rare that more then eight speeds is needed or used on most tractors.

 

[Kruz]

Greg, buy another option! It's rare that more then eight speeds is needed or used on most tractors.

That was kind of my thinking also! Thanks for all the info guys.

 

[derekuk101]

We have a 8540 with the 8 speed hydraulic shuttle transmission. It was one of the first series bought new in 2005. We use it with a 15 foot batwing bushhog and bale 4X5 bales of hay. Couldn't be happier with it. If you're getting a loader get the hydraulic shuttle but I wouldn't worry about the 12 speed.

 

[Bob_Young]

From looking at the 7040 specs and reading posts here, it appears the 4 creeper speeds that can be added with the optional cassette are restricted to slow speeds only and not heavy pulling. Does the cassette add a third "creeper" range in addition to the existing Low and High in the range transmission or does it turn the 4-speed main tranny into a 6-speed?

On the Kubota site, the 12 speed 8540 appears to have a 6-speed main transmission instead of the standard 4-speed. No mention is made of pulling restrictions in the lower gears. Are the lowest gears in the 12 spd. 8540/9540 OK for heavy pulling?
Bob

 

[Yankee Clipper]

Bob,

There are two questions: 4 vs 6 speed transmission and the addition of a creeper to existing of either 4 or 6 speed.

The standard tractor is a 4 speed with 2 ranges - 8 speeds

The 6 speed also has 2 ranges - 12 speeds.

If you are just doing loader or chore work, a 4 speed should suffice

If you want more speeds for mowing, making hay or a particular speed for spraying at 4 MPH, likely the 6 speed is what you want.

Either can have the creeper added to add another 4 or 6 speeds in the bottom speeds. The tractor does not have to be split and it is readily done in about half a day by first timers.

Unless you are harvesting vegetables or blowing lots of snow, you likely do not want a creeper. If you are pulling high draft tools in primary tillage, you would not use the creeper here either.

Hopefully this will clear up any misconception on the M40 transmissions.

Good luck!