Tractor, harvester IT comes of age
Over the last halfdecade, digital technology has appeared to be the “must-have” for tractor and machinery companies, who believe that bringing IT to tractors and farming will offer its customers huge benefits.
Developed in 2014, then produced at its European Centre of Excellence at Bierne, near Dunkirk on the northern coast of France, the tractors have gone on to be increasingly popular around the globe, and is now marketing in 32 countries including Australasia.
The first M7001 series, first produced in late 2015, were offered in 130, 150 and 170hp outputs, dubbed M7131, M7151 and M7171, before the second series was introduced in 2018 and picked up the numbering of M7132, M7152 and M7172.
Increasingly popular in New Zealand, the M7-2 range is offered in 12 different models, combining the three power outputs and four different equipment specifications, so offering users a wide range of customisable options.
At the heart of the tractors, Kubota’s own four-cylinder, 6.1 litre engine meets Tier 4 emission regulations, while featuring a 2,100rpm rated engine speed, maximum power delivered at 1,900rpm and a 330-litre capacity fuel tank.
Transmission options include a 30F/15 R speed semi-powershift set up, featuring 5 main speeds, 6 powershift steps and an electro-hydraulic power shuttle for forward/reverse direction changes. A creeper option takes the number of available speeds to 54 F/27R, while an auto-shifting function monitors engine loads to make seamless changes in light load situations. Maximum speed is 40 or 50km/h, the latter with front suspension fitted.
For those looking for more precise control with increased performance and efficiency, the KVT transmission takes the variable/ stepless route, allowing precise control of speed, while also allowing the tractor to operate at a higher 11.5 tonne maximum permissible weight.
In the 4-post, air-conditioned cabin, the operator is offered comfortable seating and excellent visibility, with an ergonomically designed right hand armrest allowing easy access to all the tractors main functions. A choice of 7 or 12-inch, full colour, touch screen monitor is mounted at the front of the armrest, to allow precision control of all tractor functions while also delivering important data on the tractor’s status. Programming is by touchscreen or soft button navigation, while the system also offers full ISOBUS integration and compatibility.
At the business end, the PTO system offers 540/540E/1000/1000E operating speeds, while the 130hp variant features a fixed displacement hydraulic pump delivering 80l/min and the 50 and 170hp models configured with a closed centre, load sensing pump pushing out 110l/min. All models offer lower link sensing with electronic draft control, a choice of up to 5 rear remotes and 5,530 kg lift capacity.
Wheel and Tyre equipment is 28-inch front and 38-inch rear, with a choice of flanged or 110-inch bar axle dependent on model. Offered in Standard, Deluxe, Premium and Premium KVT variants, each grade delivers an increasingly higher specification.
