USED MACHINERY: Kubota livestock tractors? Why not concentrate solely on the ME and 2008-and-on M40 series? Or perhaps take a detailed look at just the M105S, first seen in 2005, and its M108S successor? No. James de Havilland checks out the full 60-110hp Kubota monty

Until it was superseded in 2008 by the M40 line, the ME range had proven a decent seller for Kubota. The 2005-and-on 105hp M105S was also starting to shift in larger numbers until it too was replaced in late- 2007 by the 108hp M108S. So, in short, it’s the ME, M40 and M105S/M108S that we’ll concentrate on here – quite different tractors, admittedly, but the top ME and M40 models may well hold similar appeal to the larger M105 or M108 for those buyers who are on the look-out for a nominal 100hp tractor.

First a few basics. The ME series, which was introduced to the UK in 2003, comprises the ME5700, ME8200 and ME9000, developing a nominal 57, 83 and 93hp respectively. The two larger models went on to be the volume sellers into agriculture and are fitted with 18F/18R synchromesh transmissions plus powershuttle and clutchless operation. Air conditioning was standard from launch. Bear in mind, too, that Kubota enjoys strong tractor sales to the non-agricultural sector, which can make an ME in ‘amenity spec’ (on surface-friendly turf tyres etc) a viable choice if you’re seeking just a yard or basicloader tractor.

In 2008, the ME tractors were superseded by the M40 series, the model count increasing to include the M6040, M7040, M8540 and M9540 with nominal outputs of 60, 70, 85 and 95hp. These still current tractors are closely related to their ME predecessors in the transmission, hydraulics and general running gear departments, but then also benefit from much modernised styling and improved ergonomics. Powered by Stage IIIA-compliant motors, the base spec of the M40 is likely to be enhanced compared with its nearest ME equivalent. See series outline specification table for full details (pages 27 and 32).

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