New member with Kubota tractor size (and model) question
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motownbrowne
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I think the main difference is the transmission. The 5640 is only offered as a partially synchronized with 8forward and 4 reverse gears. Gears 3/4 are synchronized in each range. The 5140 has 8f8r and is offered in a synchro shuttle or a hydraulic shuttle which would not require the clutch to shift. The 5140 is heavier but makes less power and lifts the same on the three point. If one could afford the hydraulic shuttle, that'd be a sweet choice. Otherwise, the 5640 is a high value machine for the money.
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Greyhound101
New member
I know I sound like an idiot, but I don't know the difference between synchro shift and not? The only tractor I've ever owned is the Ford 4610 that I have now.
motownbrowne
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A synchronized gearbox is like a car. You can shift while moving. Otherwise you have to stop. The 5640 and MX 4700/5100 only have gears 3&4 synchronized. Not sure about the base 5140, but the hydraulic shuttle option is fully synchronized. Alternatively, the MX series is available with a hydrostatic transmission (the most convenient option). You should really drive a couple types of trannies as they are quite a bit different. If I were you and money was not a big concern, I'd probably buy a 5140 hydraulic shuttle, heaviest tractor that we've discussed, and most expensive. Second choice would be a MX with a hydro. Cheaper option, lighter tractor, but would do the job fine and the hydro is awesome for lots of tasks (though it does rob some power). Next choice would be a 5640. Heavier than the MXes, most power of the bunch and good price tag, but you'll be using the clutch a lot for loader work.
deadduck
New member
Ok, shifting options. I test drove an M5140 before I got my M6040. There wasn't much difference from what I recall except the 6040 has a larger engine. I don't know what options exist on the other models being discussed, as I haven't driven them.
The M5140 should be sychronized in all 4 gears of the main transmission. Meaning you shift it like a manual transmission in a pickup, depress clutch and shift on the go, up or down. You will still have to stop when changing the Hi-Lo range, but not between the 4 gears in the main transmission.
Non synchro means you have to depress the clutch and come to a stop to shift some of the gears in the main transmission. I wouldn't want that personally, but people get along fine with them.
Next is the shuttle, which is a lever on the steering column to select forward or reverse. You can get Hydraulic shuttle, or you can get Synchro shuttle.
Hydraulic shuttle has a wet clutch. You don't have to clutch or even come to a full stop when going from forward to reverse. Just move the lever. Kind of like a backhoe if you've ever run one of those.
The Synchro shuttle has a dry clutch. You have to depress the clutch and stop to switch from forward to reverse. I personally thought the hydraulic shuttle was worth the added cost, but not everyone does. If you're using the loader much its definitely worth it, IMO.
I think the M5140 would serve you well. I really like my M6040, and there's not much difference there. I run a LandPride RCF 2772 which should be similar to your Bushhog, and my tractor hardly knows it's back there.
Good luck with your decision.
The M5140 should be sychronized in all 4 gears of the main transmission. Meaning you shift it like a manual transmission in a pickup, depress clutch and shift on the go, up or down. You will still have to stop when changing the Hi-Lo range, but not between the 4 gears in the main transmission.
Non synchro means you have to depress the clutch and come to a stop to shift some of the gears in the main transmission. I wouldn't want that personally, but people get along fine with them.
Next is the shuttle, which is a lever on the steering column to select forward or reverse. You can get Hydraulic shuttle, or you can get Synchro shuttle.
Hydraulic shuttle has a wet clutch. You don't have to clutch or even come to a full stop when going from forward to reverse. Just move the lever. Kind of like a backhoe if you've ever run one of those.
The Synchro shuttle has a dry clutch. You have to depress the clutch and stop to switch from forward to reverse. I personally thought the hydraulic shuttle was worth the added cost, but not everyone does. If you're using the loader much its definitely worth it, IMO.
I think the M5140 would serve you well. I really like my M6040, and there's not much difference there. I run a LandPride RCF 2772 which should be similar to your Bushhog, and my tractor hardly knows it's back there.
Good luck with your decision.
k0ua
Epic Contributor
One thing going for the MX5100 besides the price is the Hydrostat, this will allow you to creep thru big stuff and speed up when the material is easy to cut, all just by rocking your right foot a bit on the hydro pedal.. It really makes for ease of use for a lot of different tasks, including loader work where it really shines, instead of all of that left leg clutching.. let me tell you in a days time that wears on the old left knee bigtime. You can also work around a "ground man" safer with a hydro, as you have such precision control of speed when doing tasks like setting rocks for a rock wall, or any operation where you might have a person assisting you on the ground. I don't know if any of that is important to you at all, but it is worth thinking about.
Verticaltrx
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The MX series or Grand L's (which are the same chassis) would handle it, but personally I'd go with a M series. It will handle it better and will be a closer replacement to your Ford. Look at the rear end of a Grand L/MX side by side with a M series and you'll see what I mean.
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Greyhound101
New member
Went by the dealership (A) today that has a couple of the M5140HD's. Sales guy gave me a price but wasn't willing to deal. When I told him that another dealership (B) gave me a better price, he said he's never been able to compete with that dealership and acted offended that I was even shopping around. Problem is, the other dealer (B) has a DT instead of an HD (but he sold his HD's for less than dealer A will...which is probably why dealer A still has two on his lot when most others do not). Question: Is it possible for dealer to dealer transfers? I considered asking dealer B if he could ask for a transfer from A? I think I'd rather have an HD than the DT that dealer B has on his lot.
TripleR
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Other members have explained this very well, but here is a link to go along with it. Understanding Tractor Transmissions - YouTube
deadduck
New member
Hard to say, some dealers are holding pretty firm on the 40 series tractors because they don't make them any more and alot of people don't want the Tier IV emissions stuff and price tag that comes with the 60 series. I don't know whether dealers routinely do transfers or not, but I doubt Dealer A is going to let it go cheap enough for Dealer B to make a profit and you still get it cheaper than just buying it straight from Dealer A. I think I would just make Dealer A a firm offer and see what he does.
I do think the Hydraulic Shuttle is worthwhile if you are planning to do much loader work or much change of direction.