Pics: Kubota unveils its new M4 and M5 tractor ranges

Kubota has launched two slick new ranges – the M5002 and M4003 series tractor ranges.

The Japanese machinery giant claims that these latest machines possess “several upgrades” over their predecessors, the M5001 and M4002.

Introduced to meet EU Stage V emissions compliance, these updated models include the 66hp M4063, the 74hp M4073, the 96hp M5092 and the 115hp M5112.

M4 series

Power for the M4 comes from a 3.3L, four-cylinder engine. It meets EU Stage V emissions using a diesel particulate filter (DPF) combined with a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) in a single cannister.

The after-treatment package has been integrated beneath the bonnet, delivering low emissions “without compromising on visibility to the front and sides of the tractor”, the machinery firm says.

While the engine operates on 500-hour oil change intervals, the DPF comes with a 6,000-hour cleaning interval – twice that of its predecessor, contributing to lower cost of ownership, Kubota claims.

DPF regeneration now occurs using lower engine rpm, typically 1,100rpm instead of 2,000rpm.

The M4’s gearbox uses six synchronised speeds in three ranges, creating an 18×18 transmission. With the addition of a Hi-Lo powersplit, this transmission is also available as a 36×36 on the larger M4073 model.

All models have an overdrive gear, which delivers a 40kph road speed at 1,945 engine rpm.

An electro-hydraulic shuttle and dual memory settings for engine rpm are highlighted, while it is noted that an LED work light pack is now fitted as standard.

M4 models are equipped with 540/540E PTO speeds as standard, with 540/1,000rpm available as an option. Ground speed PTO can also be specified.

An electronic rear linkage control option is available on cabbed models to replace the mechanical controls, with linkage raise/lower and PTO activation buttons added to the left-hand rear mudguard.

Hydraulic performance from the Cat II rear three-point linkage includes a 2.5t lift capacity, and 63L of hydraulic pump flow, and all M4 models can be fitted with an optional Kubota LA1365 front-end loader.

M5 series

The more powerful M5 version uses a diesel particulate filter (DPF), diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) for exhaust after-treatment for its 3.8L, four-cylinder engine.

It too has an extended interval of 6,000 hours for DPF servicing, up from 3,000 hours, with regeneration achieved at lower operating revs.

Maximum power is 96hp for the M5092 and 115hp for the M5112, with power put down through a 36×36 transmission with an over-drive ratio creating a 40kph road speed at reduced engine revs.

Operator convenience includes dual engine rpm memory settings, hydraulic shuttle control and the inclusion of an LED work light package.

PTO speeds are 540/540E as standard, with the option of 540/1,000rpm. In addition, an electronic rear linkage control option is available.

A 64.3L hydraulic pump and Cat II rear linkage provides a 4.1t lift capacity. Both M5002 models can also be fitted with a Kubota LA1854 front-end loader, and an optional fourth service, to improve versatility with attachments.

Prices start at €40,606 for the M4063 with cab, and from €50,015 for the M5092 model, the manufacturer says.