DRIVING IMPRESSION: Kubota has launched the M4062 and M4072 to supersede its existing M6060 and M7060 models. We had the opportunity to drive the bigger of the two tractors when the sun was still shining

While there has been much farmer focus on the M7000 tractors, Kubota still hasn’t forgotten its bread and butter, lower horsepower models. Recently revamped with the new M4002, there are two tractors in the line, the M4062 and M4072 models, with the two end digits giving

Both the M4062 and M4072 are powered by the same Kubota four-cylinder, V3307 CR-T motor with a 3.3-litre displacement, commonrail injection and turbo. The engine is claimed to optimise power and torque curves, hence reduce noise levels, wear and fuel consumption, though we weren’t able to confirm these claims during our brief drive.

What we are able to verify, however, is that our M4072 put up a good show when pulling the BF2255 round baler (identical to a Vicon FR4225) taking in large straw swaths. The diesel particulate filter, in combination with a diesel oxidation catalyst, earns the engine Stage IIIB status. Yet Kubota sticks to a relatively high 2,400rpm rated speed.

The M4002 has two electric speed memories that are accessed by flicking the switch on the console. However, this only works if the hand throttle lever is set above 1,000rpm; Kubota says this is for safety reasons.

On first inspection the transmission has only had minor tweaks from its predecessor: six speeds in a double H-pattern gearshift and three ranges total 18 speeds. For convenient selection there is a declutch button on the gearstick, so you don’t need to use the pedal. A powershuttle on the steering column make direction changes easy, and those 18 speeds are also available in reverse.

The gear splitter is a new feature on the bigger M4072 model and increases the number of ratios to 36/36, which was really helpful when baling. In addition the 40km/hr box with Eco-Drive sees the engine revving at a more fuel efficient 2,000rpm rather than full tilt when on the road.

The park lock serves alongside the handbrake, but it does mean you have to activate the pawl with a separate lever every time you leave the tractor; otherwise there’s a sharp audible alarm. And before you can do that you have to ensure the shuttle is in neutral. It’s not a speedy solution.

Like the four-wheel drive, the pto is switched electro-hydraulically by wet plates. There is also an external control on the left mudguard. The choice: 540/540E or 540/1,000.

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