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Kubota has recently hit the 10,000-unit production milestone for its M7 Series tractors.
Having made the decision to break into the higher horsepower market, particularly for Europe and North America, Kubota has recently hit the 10,000-unit production milestone for its M7 Series tractors.
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.
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With the biannual Italian EIMA machinery Expo less than a month away, Case IH has taken out a Technical Evolution award for the Advanced Vehicle Suspension system available on its Optum 360–440 series tractors.
The Advanced Vehicle Suspension system, available on Optum 360, 390, and 440 models, responds to changing conditions, automatically adjusting how the suspension reacts to absorbs shocks and controlling vehicle movement.
In operation, sensors monitor the vibrations transmitted from the tractor chassis to the operator cabin, allowing the system to adjust suspension damping in real time. The control system incorporates key priorities, such as comfort at lower speeds and stability as speed increases, while also reacting to factors such as lower tyre pressures, where the tyres absorb more of the initial shock.
Case IH said as suspension requirements change throughout the working day, as tractors move between the paddock and road transport, the system manages suspension response in the background as tasks, speeds and conditions change, leaving the operator without the need to make manual adjustments.
Richard Hollins, Optum series tractors global product manager, said: “Pioneering technology must earn its place in the working day. Farmers and contractors will judge an investment by what it delivers, including manageable ownership costs, dependable up-time and the versatility to tackle different jobs. With AVS, we are putting intelligent control to work for comfort and stability, without giving the operator another setting to manage.”
Organised by FederUnacoma, the Italian Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers Federation, the contest has been part of EIMA since 1986, with the Technical Evolution distinction awarded to products that introduce original improvements to solutions already manufactured or patented.
www.caseih.com
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