Kubota has steadily grown its presence in the agricultural equipment sector during the past few years. That has meant adding more horsepower to the top end of its tractor line, including the previous introductions of the M7 and M8 models.
In August 2023, Kubota introduced a fourth generation version of the M7 tractors.
The three updated Gen-4 models — M7-134, M7-154 and M7-174 — will keep the 128 to 168 engine horsepower ratings, getting power from an in-house, 6124 cc diesel engine.
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“This new generation matches the performance that customers know to be true of Kubota and the existing M7,” Morgan Ludwig, Kubota’s livestock tractor product manager said in a news release.
But the new models offer better operator comfort and new features for productivity in a range of operations, including haying, loader work, and small- to mid-sized row crop farming, he added.
A big part of appealing to that customer base is the introduction of a new front-end loader designed specifically for the new M7s.
“It’s the LM2606 loader,” said Ben Sandercock, field product manager for Kubota Canada.
“It’s strictly for use on the Gen 4. It’s redesigned and has the same high-lift capacity. The bushings have all been redesigned for longer wear life and longer service intervals. We went from a 10-hour service interval to 30 hours.”
The LM2606 loader can lift 2,620 kilograms up to a height of 4.24 metres. The Kubota Shock-less Ride System smoothens the ride for the load in the bucket when travelling over rough terrain. And the loader is controlled by a new multi-function joystick arrangement.
“In the cab we’ve introduced the new loader joystick,” Sandercock said. “Which is a great feature now as we have shuttle shift on the loader joystick for forward and reverse. You can power shift through your gears, and it has the capability for functionality for a loader grapple or different hydraulic functions.”
To make loader work even more convenient, semi-powershift-equipped M7 models have a brake-to-neutral feature that stops the tractor without using the clutch when the operator applies the brake.
“So you don’t have to clutch to stop,” said Sandercock. “You can just run it like a car with the brake, you can also restart without using the clutch as well. That’s standard on all powershift units. We also have a new electronic parking brake.”
The M7s can be ordered in premium or deluxe versions. CVT transmissions are an option on the premium models. The other transmission option is that semi powershift with on-the-go gear changes in six ranges.
With the new multi-speed steering control feature, operators can also select the level of steering sensitivity by changing the number of steering wheel turns required to go from lock to lock. And the M7s now come autosteer-ready from the factory.
“All new Gen 4 M7s are coming fully equipped for telematics,” added Sandercock.
“That’s new. And we offer a four-year maintenance plan if a customer wishes. When you go with a premium (model) it’s fully-ISOBUS (compatible) with the monitor and has electronic remotes. You can also get cab and front suspension.”
The M7s are covered by a four-year, 4,000 hour warranty program and reduced interest rate incentives are available on new purchases.
