Latest model has lots of appeal
22nd October 2021
An opportunity to try Kubota’s latest M6002-series tractors in a range of working applications confirmed their suitability for UK farms. David Williams reports.
The M6-series tractors were announced at the Spanish Fima show in February 2020, but deliveries to the UK were delayed for various reasons, including Covid-19. Since spring this year, the tractors have been available through the growing UK dealer network, and a press demonstration on a Staffordshire farm in late September provided opportunities to assess their performance with a plough, a loader and for transport.
Filling a gap
The brand new M6-series comes with a higher level of sophistication and greater capability than existing MG-X- series tractors of similar power which will continue to meet the needs of the utility sector with a Stage 5 emissions control refresh, but the new M6-series remains lighter and more compact than the more powerful M7 models. The three new M6 models with a 2.96m wheelbase and power outputs from 122–142hp fill a gap in Kubota’s agricultural offering in the popular 120–140hp market segment.
Power is from a 4-cyl, 6.1-litre turbocharged engine and all models have an extra 20hp available for transport applications. Like the M7- series, the engine’s large capacity and long piston stroke provide very high torque at low revs – with maximum achieved at only 1,500rpm. Stage 5 emissions standards are met using SCR (AdBlue) and a DPF. The DPF service interval is increased from 3,000 hours on MG-X models to 6,000 hours on the new M6, and oil changes are at 500 hours.
New transmission
The new eight-speed powershift transmission with three robotised ranges provides 24×24 speeds standard, and an optional creeper transmission increases the choice of ratios to 32×32. Gears within each range can be set to change automatically and speed matching ensures that when changing up or down through the ranges, the ratio selected is suitable. A sensitivity dial allows the gear change response to be set to match the working load. The 40kph Eco transmission achieves maximum speed in 23rd gear, but in top 24th gear the engine revs reduce to 1,640rpm for fuel savings.
Standard tractors will automatically engage the bottom gear for starting when the clutch is depressed and held, but with the optional K-Monitor terminal the operator has the option to select any gear for starting as a preference.
The new tractors also have Kubota’s Xpress Restart function allowing operators to stop and start tractor movement just by depressing or releasing the brake pedal, and the clutch engages and disengages automatically. This is ideal for repetitive tasks including loader work or baling.
Tight turning radius
A front portal axle manufactured by Kubota ensures plenty of ground clearance and allows a tight steering angle up to 55 degrees. The selectable bi-speed turn mode speeds up the front wheels when the steering angle exceeds 35 degrees and is used to reduce the turning radius and maximise manoeuvrability. “Bi-speed turning mode reduces the turning radius by 15% and offers particular advantages for vegetable producers and similar intensive farming regimes where small headlands are used, allowing turns to be completed without shunting to save time and optimise productivity,” pointed out Kubota UK agricultural and ground care dealer manager for the Midlands, North-West and Wales, Phil Brooks.
The new rear axle is much larger than that of the MG-X series to cope with greater loads, and a Cat 3 rear linkage with 7.0t lift capacity is standard. Four PTO speeds – 540, 540-Eco, 1,000 and 1,000-Eco are provided at the rear. An optional front linkage with 3.26t capacity is an option not previously available on this size tractor from Kubota, and a front PTO is also available.
Closed centre, load-sensing hydraulics are standard, and 115 litres/ min oil flow provides Power Beyond capability. Four standard spool valves all have in-cab flow control.
A new agreement with MX means tractors can be ordered from the factory loader-ready, and five Kubota- badged loaders with lift height to 4m and capacity up to 2,400kg are available.
Operator environment
The four-post cab frame is shared with the larger M7-series and the MG-X, but the interior finish is different. Cab and front axle suspension and a Grammer seat are standard for the UK market. Armrest-mounted controls include a multi-function joystick with buttons to shuttle between forward and reverse, operate the hydraulic linkage and to store and select travel and engine speeds. Travel direction can also be selected using the main shuttle lever beside the steering column.
An optional 7in K-Monitor terminal adds functionality and improves control. Isobus is an option. Precision farming capability includes an option to specify tractors from the factory autosteer-ready, otherwise motorised steering wheels can be fitted. Work light packages include a premium option with 16 LEDs, and high-intensity LED beacons are standard.
A test drive quickly proved the new M6-series to be worthy of consideration for farmers needing a comfortable and capable tractor in this size category.
A wide opening door provides easy access to the four-pillar cab, and the large windows and narrow pillars ensure excellent all-around vision. Two levers adjust the steering wheel – one allows it to move forward for access and then locks it in the working position and the other is used to adjust the reach.
The Grammer seat has plenty of adjustment and legroom for taller operators is adequate. There is plenty of headroom, and space to the sides and rear.
The armrest-mounted controls are well arranged, and large buttons and switches are easy to use, although some identification decals are too small, making them difficult to read.
Handling round bales on the front-end loader, the M6-132 proved nimble. The separate loader joystick was comfortable to use and allowed fine adjustments. The generous hydraulic oil flow rates provided quick cycle times, even with the engine at just over an idle. Using the main shuttle lever beside the steering column for direction changes was more convenient for loader work than using the main joystick-mounted buttons, but direction control through the loader joystick is a possible future upgrade.
Kubota’s brake-to-clutch system was also tried and proved useful for working with the loader. Holding the tractor on the brake while the shuttle lever is used to change direction, then just releasing the brake to move away again is more convenient than using the clutch and brake pedals together.
Traction and torque
An opportunity to assess the most powerful M6-142 with a 5f Kverneland Vari-width plough proved the M6’s field work capabilities. The engine has plenty of torque and the plough was pulled easily. Memorised working speeds made headland turns easier and pressing the slower speed on approaching the headland allowed time for the plough to be lifted and turned ready for the return run. As soon as the turn was completed and the plough had been lowered, the button selecting the saved working speed was pressed, and the tractor accelerated. With plenty of torque, the tractor could be kept in a high gear at low revs to reduce fuel consumption. Rain showers on the clay soils made conditions very slippery. Working uphill required the front differential lock to maintain a constant speed, but the tractor coped well.
Ploughing also provided an ideal opportunity to try out the bi-speed steering mode. With it engaged the 4.5m turning radius made it possible to work much closer to the fence before commencing turns. It is a useful feature but quite aggressive, and with the front wheels fighting for traction there was obvious surface disturbance.
Verdict
The clear view from the driver’s seat down to the front wheels is excellent, and for loader and yard work this helps in confined spaces and around obstructions. The cab isn’t luxurious, but it is comfortable and quiet and the finish is good. For a tractor in this power segment its ability to pull the plough without fuss was impressive. It’s easy to operate with straightforward controls that operators will like, and the optional K-Monitor makes it easy to tweak settings to optimise performance.
Growing brand reputation
“We have an excellent agricultural dealer network covering most of the UK, but there are still some areas where representation is needed,” explained Kubota agricultural marketing manager Rob Edwards. “In areas where the brand is ‘new’, we see potential customers being approached by dealers then being impressed by our tractors during demonstrations. Where dealers have had the tractors available for longer, there are more Kubotas already on farms and owners are recommending the brand to friends and neighbours who then approach the dealers. Feedback from Kubota users is generally excellent, and the brand is building a great reputation.
“The new M6 tractors fill a gap in our range in a competitive market segment, but with a comfortable cab and many useful features standard they are bound to be popular. We expect a large number of M6 buyers to fit front loaders for use on livestock and mixed farms, but options including GPS guidance and autosteer, front linkage and PTO, and Isobus for compatibility with complex implements will ensure appeal to all types and sizes of farm and farming business.”
Rob Edwards from Kubota (left) is pictured with Phil Brooks.
