Kubota M4-071

Apparently the electronic servo looking unit was shown to me by dealer on his tractor only. His 3rd function was a Land Pride. I guess my brain remembered that image and thought it was in my kit.  To be clear, there is no servo looking unit in my kit. I'm guessing some type of controller is already on board. There are wiring harnesses and other assorted wires terminated in clip fasteners. Also, the new joystick loader controller with 3rd function buttons has the wires neatly tucked inside the joystick. I haven't seen that on any other 3rd function system. I will add that the entire kit looks complicated to install.

I picked up my Kubota manufactured 3rd function valve kit Wednesday September 30th. Looking over the kit I see powder coated brackets, to mount quick couplers on loader cross member, and to mount hard lines to inside loader arm. The actual valve is very heavy and both the valve and electronic servo unit look absolutely first rate. There is a completely new joystick with switch buttons in it. It all appears to be first rate. I will be installing the system soon. Updates coming. Stay tuned...

Seeming of interest to some... 6000 lbs tractor Loader 2300 lbs Cast rear centers 700 lbs Approx 1050 lbs liquid in tires 10,050 lbs total I did get the 7 foot bucket and its just over 600 lbs and may be heavier than the 6 ft bucket which is standard for the weight rating.

My experience with this new M4-071 has been nothing but good. My dealer tells me my factory Kubota 3rd function valve kit will be in this week. Sure, lacking the 2nd and 3rd rear remotes is a drawback. My dealer did say he would get them for me at cost, so that's good. I changed the factory oil, as recommended by manual, at 50 hours with Mobile 1 full synthetic for diesels. My second oil change will be at 150 hours. I change the filter every time I change the oil. I loaded my back tires myself with a gallon of antifreeze and 75% full with water. It took 1 hour and 58 minutes total for both tires. I keep my tractor inside a climate controlled shop so my thinking was that if I ever sell it, the next person may keep it outside. In early 2018 we had temperatures of 14 and 17 degrees for several days so the antifreeze made sense on that level too. A small issue is that I can't believe the rear window washer hose is supposed to be kinked or coming from under the headliner and pinched...

LSW=Low Side Wall Even with the low side wall the tires ride well. I suppose partially due to being radials. I believe radials are manufactured under stricter quality controls than typical bias ply tires. This M4-071 is my ninth tractor. 6 new and 3 used. I'd like to point out for anyone who may care about money that the majority, if not all 4 wheel drive tractors, when in 4 wheel drive, for the system to function, the front tires must turn faster than the rear tires.  On dirt, mud and slick surfaces it is a big help with maintaining traction. However, on dry hard surfaces you loose your rubber very rapidly. Oddly enough I have never had an issue not being able to turn off the 4 wheel drive. Every, without exception, 4 wheel drive tractor I have ever seen used, including backhoes etc have all had well worn or worn out front tires, or new from recently being replaced. Hard to understand! I digress. But, if this helps anybody, I'll be glad I mentioned it.