DRIVING IMPRESSIONL: Kubota is up against some tough rivals to its 130hp M7131, 150hp M7151 and 170hp M7171 tractors, with these newly minted models operating in a fiercely price competitive sector in which all-round capability is by no means a guarantee of success. So, has Kubota’s M series got that extra something that will make it stand out from a talented crowd?
Kubota continues to sharpen its agricultural teeth, the European-built M series entering a market spoilt for tractor choice in the 130-170hp bracket. We took a brief look at the M7100 line-up when it was launched back in the profi 03/2015 issue, but more recently we had the chance to spend some quality time with the range-topping M7171 Premium KVT. Our test tractor came complete with a stepless transmission and packs a useful punch from its 170hp Stage IV (Tier 4 Final), 6.1- litre, four-cylinder engine. Yet the tractor also carries a similarly meaty price tag, our test model sporting a sticker figure not far shy of £110K.
Our M7171 KVT test tractor was coupled with a five-furrow Kverneland ED85 auto-reset plough, which proved a perfect match for both the tractor’s pulling power and rated 9,400kg hydraulic lift.
The M7171 bonnet is short. As a result, the view to the front is fine to the near distance but provides no clue as to where the two part 1,600kg weight pack on the 3,900kg capacity Zuidberg front linkage ends. Protruding nearly 1,500mm from the nose of the tractor, the front ballast is completely hidden from the user’s line of sight.
For more up-to-date farming news click here and subscribe now to profi and save
