One of the most exciting new tractors at next week’s FTMTA Farm Machinery Show will be the Kubota M7 Series range. There are three new higher horsepower tractors in the range, spanning 130hp to 170hp.

The tractors are powered by a re-worked 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 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. For the M7 tractors, Kubota uses a large 6.1 litre displacement engine to achieve its top 170hp output.

Kubota will be offering 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. The premium level models will feature a large control screen similar to that developed by Kverneland and it incorporates all of the modern Isobus features. The premium models have electric control of spool valves while the standard models have lever control.

Production of the tractors will begin in the coming weeks and the first models will be available from April 2015, according to Kubota. List prices will be pan-European and will range from €90,000 to €130,000 depending on the model and specification chosen.

In short

  • The M7 series tractors are fitted with a combination of selective catalytic reduction (SCR), a diesel particulate filter (DPF) and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) to give a low emission Tier IV compliant system.
  • Depending on the model chosen, the tractors can produce 130hp, 150hp or 170hp.
  • Production of the tractors will begin in the coming weeks and the first models will be available from April 2015.