Monday, 05 December 2016 10:10

Kubota’s M5 hotly pursuing M7

Written by  Mark Daniel
Kubota M7 series. Kubota M7 series.

Hot on the heels of the M7 series launch Kubota has announced its new M5 series to spearhead an attack in the important 100hp sector.

Whether it will replace or complement the popular M8540 or M9540 tractors is not known, but the 95hp M5091 and 113hp M5111 machines are sure to attract a lot of interest.

Rural News is told that a 4-cylinder, common rail V3800 series engine will meet stage 4 emission regulations with a combination of SCR, EGR, DPF and DOC technologies all neatly hidden under the hood.

For the European market, the machines have 36 forward and 36 reverse speeds, six synchronised speeds on the main lever, three ranges and a high/low splitter. Clutchless forward/reverse shifting is by an electro-hydraulic shuttle.

The large cab has a glass panel with shade to offer improved upwards visibility, a new loader with easy removal, and the maker’s new KSR (Kubota shockless ride) shock absorbing system to improve the ride on rough ground and reduce wear and tear over the machine’s life.

Three point linkage is said to lift 4.1 tonnes, hydraulic output is 80L/min and the selectable PTO offers 540 or 540E speeds.

Deliveries are expected late in 2017.

Global ambitions

Over the last four years Kubota Corporation has shown it aspires to being a global player in farm tractors and machinery, seen in its move into higher powered tractors, its French factory, the M7 tractor series and its buy-up of implement maker Kverneland.

The company says it has spent €1 billion in agriculture in that time, €50m of this swallowed up in the M7001 series, and a similar amount in the factory, which can make about 3000 tractors annually.

In 2015, Kubota’s European operation generated €1.5bn versus €0.5bn in 2014, contributing to total group turnover of €11.5bn.

More like this

Kubota tests diesel engines

Kubota last month used the UK LAMMA Show to test the water with its new 200hp, four-cylinder 09-series diesel engines.

Kubota NZ to take on Krone distribution

Following 54 years of representation by the same importer and distributor, Kubota New Zealand and Tulloch Farm Machines have announced the transfer of Krone Agricultural Machinery distribution rights to Kubota.

Veggie oil set to power tractors

While we have become accustomed to vehicle manufacturers offering alternative fuel sources for its ranges, other than New Holland with its commercially available T6 Methane tractors, the agricultural landscape is firmly fixated on diesel power.

Featured

Sheep drench resistance costly

Analysis by Dunedin-based Techion New Zealand shows the cost of undetected drench resistance in sheep has exploded to an estimated $98 million a year.

Dairy sheep and goat turmoil

Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.

Hurry up and slow down!

OPINION: We have good friends from way back who had lived in one of our major cities for many years.

National

Govt urged to reduce ETS units

The Climate Change Commission wants the new Government to reduce NZ Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) auction volumes as son as…

Dairy sheep, goat woes mount

Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand…

Machinery & Products

All-terrain fert spreading mode

Effluent specialists the Samson Group have developed a new double unloading system to help optimise uphill and downhill organic fertiliser…

Can-Am showcases range

Based on industry data collected by the Motor Industry Association, Can-Am is the number one side-by-side manufacturer in New Zealand.

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Papal visit

OPINION: European farmers are going to extreme lengths to have their message heard.

Thai egg tarts

OPINION: The hustle and bustle of one of Bangkok's most popular fast food outlets may feel a world away from…

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter