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The Kubota M7 tractors are powered by a reworked Kubota turbo-diesel engine, similar to the one used in the existing M135GX tractor. For the new M7 series models, the engine incorporates a combination of a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system along with diesel particulate filter (DPF) and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR).
This allows it to achieve higher power outputs while also meeting the latest Tier 4 tractor engine emission regulations.
Depending on the model chosen, the tractors can produce 130hp, 150hp or 170hp. Kubota uses a 6.1-litre displacement engine to achieve its top 170hp output.
Kubota offers two transmission options. There will be an entry-level transmission which comes with a 24 forward and 24 reverse speed powershift system. This transmission gives six ranges, with four speeds in each range. An optional creep speed system is available.
Kubota will also offer a Kubota variable transmission (KV-T) system, which the company claims to have developed for the tractors. Kubota says this KV-T transmission has dynamic braking with engine-assisted deceleration to give the driver better control.
Kubota will offer an automatic speed control system on the tractors. This means that during road work, the travel mode setting allows the tractor to adjust the gears to the road conditions, such as on hills, whether accelerating or not. In the field mode, the transmission automatically shifts down two gears when you lift the three-point linkage. This mode also minimises changes in PTO revolutions when the PTO switch is engaged. There will be standard and premium level models on offer.
In the cab, there’s a lot more clever stuff than you’d find in Kubotas of old. To start with, there’s a 12in touchscreen that’s based on Kverneland’s Tellus monitor. This has been reprogrammed to handle most of the tractor’s main functions including transmission, linkage and hydraulic settings, as well as setting up the headland management system.
A joystick has been fitted to handle the transmission, but has a few other buttons, too. These include forward and reverse shuttling, manual and auto-shifting functions (on powershift models), as well as rear linkage controls.
Several other buttons and switches are clustered around the joystick, including a bank of electric spools, engine rpm memories and linkage adjustments. To minimise the amount of view-blocking metal in the cab, Kubota has opted for a four-pillar design.
This means visibility should be pretty good all round, but there are no side-opening windows to let the fresh air in. There is an opening roof window, though, that should give the driver a decent chance of seeing loader attachments at full height.
The premium models have electric control of spool valves, while the standard models have lever control.
Kubota dealer manager Kevin Pryce says this tractor is the capable of carrying out any of the tasks on a medium to large arable farm. According to Kevin, the 9t lift capacity and the 110l/min hydraulics, coupled with the high-output engine, make this tractor a heavyweight contender.
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