2022 M7060 - any concerns

[68camaroguy]

Hello All, first time poster here. I'm in the market for a 60-70HP loader tractor. Own 100+ acres that I maintain. Current stable of tractors are 861 Ford, JD 2030, and JD 4020. This will be my first MFWD tractor and looking to replace the 2 John Deere's. Just looking for something more maintenance free and newer and easier to haul.
I will be purchasing used. Was originally set on a M6060, but a low hour 2022 M7060 has come available at a pretty good price. In reading reviews, I've seen a few posts/videos about the 12 speed of this particular year having shift fork / detent issues in the transmission. Should I be concerned about this? Generally, the 7060 appears to be pretty bulletproof, but after reading a few posts, I'm a bit gun shy and may opt for the 8 speed m6060 which have very good dependability ratings.
Thanks,
Jon

 

[SDT]

Hello All, first time poster here. I'm in the market for a 60-70HP loader tractor. Own 100+ acres that I maintain. Current stable of tractors are 861 Ford, JD 2030, and JD 4020. This will be my first MFWD tractor and looking to replace the 2 John Deere's. Just looking for something more maintenance free and newer and easier to haul.
I will be purchasing used. Was originally set on a M6060, but a low hour 2022 M7060 has come available at a pretty good price. In reading reviews, I've seen a few posts/videos about the 12 speed of this particular year having shift fork / detent issues in the transmission. Should I be concerned about this? Generally, the 7060 appears to be pretty bulletproof, but after reading a few posts, I'm a bit gun shy and may opt for the 8 speed m6060 which have very good dependability ratings.
Thanks,
Jon

The 7060 is a popular, well regarded model, one that I would recommend.

I much prefer the 6X2 (12 speed) transmission to the 4X2, and have heard nothing about shift fork or other problems with it. You will find that you need to stop to change ranges less frequently with the 6X2 vis a vis the 4X2.

Glad to hear that you plan to keep your 861, a great small tractor.

By the way, I like 68 Camaros too.

 

[McMXi]

Hello All, first time poster here. I'm in the market for a 60-70HP loader tractor. Own 100+ acres that I maintain. Current stable of tractors are 861 Ford, JD 2030, and JD 4020. This will be my first MFWD tractor and looking to replace the 2 John Deere's. Just looking for something more maintenance free and newer and easier to haul.
I will be purchasing used. Was originally set on a M6060, but a low hour 2022 M7060 has come available at a pretty good price. In reading reviews, I've seen a few posts/videos about the 12 speed of this particular year having shift fork / detent issues in the transmission. Should I be concerned about this? Generally, the 7060 appears to be pretty bulletproof, but after reading a few posts, I'm a bit gun shy and may opt for the 8 speed m6060 which have very good dependability ratings.
Thanks,
Jon

I've owned an M6060 for four years and it's a great tractor. I live on a hilly 20 acres and rarely find the need to change gears. I pull a 12 ft folding cutter around that weighs north of 4,000 lb. When cutting at my friend's place by the river or cutting in the valley (basically flat) I run in L3 but due to the hills at my place I run in L2. I had the dealer add the creep range cassette so I have F12/R12 but of course you could have F18/R18 with the M7060.

Not saying that an M7060 isn't a better tractor, but I don't miss the extra two gears, but more is typically better, and the M7060 does have some really nice upgrades over the M6060 such as the hydraulic brakes, push button 4WD, extra hydraulic flow, transmission parking brake and probably a few more bells and whistles that I'm missing. Don't figure in the hp difference as being significant since I'm up around 85 hp after buying a programmer from Reimer Tuning in Canada.

 

[PoTreeBoy]

Hello All, first time poster here. I'm in the market for a 60-70HP loader tractor. Own 100+ acres that I maintain. Current stable of tractors are 861 Ford, JD 2030, and JD 4020. This will be my first MFWD tractor and looking to replace the 2 John Deere's. Just looking for something more maintenance free and newer and easier to haul.
I will be purchasing used. Was originally set on a M6060, but a low hour 2022 M7060 has come available at a pretty good price. In reading reviews, I've seen a few posts/videos about the 12 speed of this particular year having shift fork / detent issues in the transmission. Should I be concerned about this? Generally, the 7060 appears to be pretty bulletproof, but after reading a few posts, I'm a bit gun shy and may opt for the 8 speed m6060 which have very good dependability ratings.
Thanks,
Jon

Why hellll, we all know one Kubota beats two Deere any day of the week! No experience with a 7060, but have run a 7040 8sp hyd shuttle. It was owned by a rescue, everybody used it, nobody maintained it. Only issues, all minor, were caused by lack of care. I liked it.

 

[Botamon]

I've owned a M7060HDC12 (12speed cab model) for 8 years now. Not one problem. And this is the first I've heard of any kind of transmission problem.

But I'm surprised that you are getting rid of the old John Deeres. I've had a John Deere 2020 diesel for many years and I sure don't consider it anymore maintenance-intensive than the Kubota. It just keep running and because it has no electronics or computer engine control I wouldn't be surprised that in the long run it will outlast the Kubota. Yes, the Kubota with its shuttle drive and the climate controlled cab is nicer to spend hours in...but the old John Deere still has its attraction.

 

[McMXi]

Hello All, first time poster here. I'm in the market for a 60-70HP loader tractor. Own 100+ acres that I maintain. Current stable of tractors are 861 Ford, JD 2030, and JD 4020. This will be my first MFWD tractor and looking to replace the 2 John Deere's. Just looking for something more maintenance free and newer and easier to haul.
I will be purchasing used. Was originally set on a M6060, but a low hour 2022 M7060 has come available at a pretty good price. In reading reviews, I've seen a few posts/videos about the 12 speed of this particular year having shift fork / detent issues in the transmission. Should I be concerned about this? Generally, the 7060 appears to be pretty bulletproof, but after reading a few posts, I'm a bit gun shy and may opt for the 8 speed m6060 which have very good dependability ratings.
Thanks,
Jon

I want to add that it's my opinion that many issues are due to rough use/abuse, ignorance and lack of maintenance. Some don't see to do much in the way of following Kubota's maintenance schedule which includes adjusting various linkages and greasing in addition to the normal stuff such as fluid and filter changes.

As an owner of four Kubotas over the past 10+ years with zero issues, but with plenty of hard use but also regular maintenance, I would say that they're exceptionally well made and reliable, and if you look after them they will prove to be all that they're cracked up to be. I would buy an M7060HTC with the F12/R12 (F18/R18) without any concerns at all. It's the tractor I would have ordered if the M6060 didn't jump out in front of me at a great price.

If I ever upgrade (I'd need to buy a bigger property with a hay field), I'd jump up to an M5-111 or M6-111/M6-131 and then have to decide if I keep the MX6000 or the M6060. It would be a nice problem to have.

 

[SDT]

I've owned a M7060HDC12 (12speed cab model) for 8 years now. Not one problem. And this is the first I've heard of any kind of transmission problem.

But I'm surprised that you are getting rid of the old John Deeres. I've had a John Deere 2020 diesel for many years and I sure don't consider it anymore maintenance-intensive than the Kubota. It just keep running and because it has no electronics or computer engine control I wouldn't be surprised that in the long run it will outlast the Kubota. Yes, the Kubota with its shuttle drive and the climate controlled cab is nicer to spend hours in...but the old John Deere still has its attraction.
View attachment 169373

The 4010/4020s were revolutionary when introduced in the early 60s and most are still working today.

I expect that very few if any of today's tractors, Kubota or otherwise, will be working after far fewer than 60 years.

 

[McMXi]

I expect that very few if any of today's tractors, Kubota or otherwise, will be working after far fewer than 60 years.

Even if true, that's more down to today's "disposable" mentality than anything else. I don't buy into the idea that the electronics in today's tractors will lead to forced obsolescence. Just look at the new car or truck every five years schedule that so many seem to be on. So many perfectly good vehicles get traded or sold off after five years.

I'm still driving the '98 Jeep TJ that I bought more than 25 years ago, and my other daily driver is an '02 F-250. Honestly, the only reason that I bought a '24 F-450 is for towing duties. My girlfriend used to own horses and wants to get back into that (in part for her daughter to experience horses) so I have little doubt that I'll be pulling a horse trailer before too long, not to mention the M6060 and 12 ft cutter. If my '02 was up to pulling 20,000 lb of trailer, tractor and cutter around Montana I would never have bought the F-450. Unfortunately, 12,000 lb out back is about as much as the F-250 can handle if hills are involved, and it's not handled that well to be honest. Factory is 250 hp and 500 lb-ft and even with an 80 hp bump from the chip and programmer, the 4-speed automatic and the 3.73 rear end just don't add up to a good time.

 

[68camaroguy]

Thanks for the replies everyone. The reason for the change in tractors, I don't really use them enough, and I believe setting around is taking a toll on them, especially with the fuel quality of today. The 4020 is a great tractor, but a bear to start if batteries aren't kept topped off. It's just not something I can go jump on and feel good it's going to start, without planning ahead of time and either charging batteries or plugging it in when it's cold. I picked up the 2030 with loader a little over a year ago, and thought it might fit the bill, but it's just not got the weight or traction I am looking for in a tractor. I'm even a little concerned the M7060 will be lacking compared to the 4020, but hope that the MFWD will make up for it. At my age now, I'm hoping for something I can just go jump on and go. I enjoy wrenching on the old stuff, but looking for something more reliable. And if it's more reliable, I think I will use it more, as I do with the 861.

 

[Botamon]

I picked up the 2030 with loader a little over a year ago, and thought it might fit the bill, but it's just not got the weight or traction I am looking for in a tractor. I'm even a little concerned the M7060 will be lacking compared to the 4020, but hope that the MFWD will make up for it.

Don't expect the M7060 to pull anywhere near what the 4020 can do! Not even close! The 4020 is rated at 20 more PTO HP than the M7060. But the biggest factor is weight. The 4020 will weigh ~ 9500 lb; the M7060 is only about 5400 lb! So the John Deere is 2 TONS heavier and that makes a huge difference in what it can pull.

When I'm moving dirt with my M7060 I have to have it in 4WD. Otherwise the rear tires will just spin. You'll have to get the cast center wheels for the M7060, and fill the rear tires and it still won't do what the 4020 can do. The M7060 is a great tractor and I really like mine - but it is not in the same class as a 4020. In fact, I'd put it closer to your 2030.

Spent many many years on a Ford 861. My Dad bought it new for $3250, snow plow included!
My Dad (and his grandson) tedding hay with the 861, 54 years ago:

 

[SDT]

Don't expect the M7060 to pull anywhere near what the 4020 can do! Not even close! The 4020 is rated at 20 more PTO HP than the M7060. But the biggest factor is weight. The 4020 will weigh ~ 9500 lb; the M7060 is only about 5400 lb! So the John Deere is 2 TONS heavier and that makes a huge difference in what it can pull.

When I'm moving dirt with my M7060 I have to have it in 4WD. Otherwise the rear tires will just spin. You'll have to get the cast center wheels for the M7060, and fill the rear tires and it still won't do what the 4020 can do. The M7060 is a great tractor and I really like mine - but it is not in the same class as a 4020. In fact, I'd put it closer to your 2030.

Spent many many years on a Ford 861. My Dad bought it new for $3250, snow plow included!
My Dad (and his grandson) tedding hay with the 861, 54 years ago:
View attachment 169376

Bingo.

That said, the 4020 was designed for tillage and it will pull the 7060 (or the 9960 that I once owned) into the next county without breaking a sweat. The overwhelming majority of Kubota tractors are used for grounds maintenance, e.g., mowing, or other hobby farming tasks. Few see tillage duty.

The 861 was a great tractor in it's day and remains so today. Many, probably most, are still working. I once collected, restored (and used) vintage Ford tractors but sold just about everything within the past ten years. For years, my"big" tractor was a 55 860, and it was a dandy. I also owned a 961, a 64 four cylinder 4000 SOS (blue version of 871) with all of the bells and whistles, and 51 and 52 8Ns, both with Sherman combination transmissions. The 52 had only 1,1** OEM hours on it and still steered and shifter rather hard. It was the last one sold and went to a collecter in VA.

Nice photo of your Dad on the 861.

 

[68camaroguy]

I agree it won't be quite the tractor of the 4020, but I am hoping it's closer. I am seeing guys saying fully loaded with wheel weights, fluid, and front end loader, the 7060 can be at 9k. Again, I'm not doing tillage anymore, so I'm not looking to pull like the 4020, but don't want to regret it either. Everyone's perception of what their tractor will pull is relative to the work they do. Another factor for me is portability, I'd like to have something in the 7k lb range that I can move with a 10k trailer. Moving the 4020 wasn't really an option without a gooseneck and 3/4 ton setup. Have to give up a little in one area to gain in another. I'm not looking to turn this into a 4020 vs Orange debate here, just want to have the right expectations before I buy. Hell, maybe I end up keeping both.

I'll have to post up pics of my 861. I've got similar pics of me on Dad's lap of the 861. Then I restored it and have pics of me and my sons on it. For the size of the tractor, it is a very versatile machine. A pet peeve of mine is when someone tells me I have a nice 8N tractor. They have no idea the 861 was light years ahead of the 8N.

 

[McMXi]

Don't expect the M7060 to pull anywhere near what the 4020 can do! Not even close! The 4020 is rated at 20 more PTO HP than the M7060. But the biggest factor is weight. The 4020 will weigh ~ 9500 lb; the M7060 is only about 5400 lb! So the John Deere is 2 TONS heavier and that makes a huge difference in what it can pull.

When I'm moving dirt with my M7060 I have to have it in 4WD. Otherwise the rear tires will just spin. You'll have to get the cast center wheels for the M7060, and fill the rear tires and it still won't do what the 4020 can do. The M7060 is a great tractor and I really like mine - but it is not in the same class as a 4020. In fact, I'd put it closer to your 2030.

Spent many many years on a Ford 861. My Dad bought it new for $3250, snow plow included!
My Dad (and his grandson) tedding hay with the 861, 54 years ago:

The OP hasn't really said much about what he uses the tractors for other than " 100+ acres that I maintain". Maintain doesn't sound like tillage to me, more like general stuff like cutting grass, maybe moving some dirt, maybe moving logs and such, but who knows.

Regardless, it's interesting to learn about the older tractors. So would a JD 4020 be closer to the M6 models?

 

[68camaroguy]

The OP hasn't really said much about what he uses the tractors for other than " 100+ acres that I maintain". Maintain doesn't sound like tillage to me, more like general stuff like cutting grass, maybe moving some dirt, maybe moving logs and such, but who knows.

Regardless, it's interesting to learn about the older tractors. So would a JD 4020 be closer to the M6 models?

Sorry, I should have explained more about my use. I'm looking to get a MFWD with FEL. Primary use will be maintaining 800' gravel driveway, that is on a pretty steep incline. Currently use HD 8' Rhino blade, which is more than the 2030 wants to pull it uphill loaded with rock. 2nd use is pulling logs for firewood and a little milling. Not many a log the 4020 won't pull out of the woods, may have to cut them down a bit for the 7060. 3rd use is bush hogging about 20 acres hilly ground, and around woods/field edges. Currently have both 7' Woods 3 pt mower and a 10' pull type bush hog. 4th use is snow removal for multiple residences on the property. Used brother in laws Mahindra 5145 for this past 12" snow. It did well, MFWD was nice, but it lacks power. Also be nice to have FEL with bucket or forks for general stuff around the farm. I do have a Case backhoe for large loader work. I know it a tradeoff for a lighter tractor, giving up pulling capability, but would like the ability to be able to move it with 10k trailer and 1/2 ton truck over short distances.

Here is my current stable of tractors.

 

[Botamon]

Here is my current stable of tractors.

Oh, dear! It's a good thing you live so far away from me or I'd be advising you to buy that M7060 and sell me the 4020!!!!!!

 

[JasonW]

If you can swing it definitely get the 12 speed. I have a M6040 8 speed and there is a big jump in speed between L3 and L4 at PTO speed using a bush hog. It’s doable, but more gears the better. The 12 speed gears are more evenly spaced. Only negative is the 12 speed uses a parking gear and doesn’t have a regular foot brake lock.
Either one upgrade and get the creeper gears.

My open station M6040 with wide radials(factory M7060 tires) filled with water, three sets of wheel weights, FEL with bucket is 9000lbs on a CAT scale. Definitely not hauling it on a 10k trailer with a 1/2 ton.

 

[McMXi]

If you can swing it definitely get the 12 speed. I have a M6040 8 speed and there is a big jump in speed between L3 and L4 at PTO speed using a bush hog. It’s doable, but more gears the better. The 12 speed gears are more evenly spaced. Only negative is the 12 speed uses a parking gear and doesn’t have a regular foot brake lock.
Either one upgrade and get the creeper gears.

My open station M6040 with wide radials(factory M7060 tires) filled with water, three sets of wheel weights, FEL with bucket is 9000lbs on a CAT scale. Definitely not hauling it on a 10k trailer with a 1/2 ton.

My M6060 with loaded tires (Rim Guard), three set of wheel weights and FEL with bucket is 9,790 lb.

 

[JasonW]

My M6060 with loaded tires (Rim Guard), three set of wheel weights and FEL with bucket is 9,790 lb.

Yes that’s quite a bit more with a cab and rim guard instead of water. Water is just fine for my climate for ballast but shows a difference of how much more weight can be utilized with different products.

It did actually stay below freezing for the past few days but I was stuck at work, I doubt that much water froze solid. It’s supposed to be 75F Friday.

 

[68camaroguy]

Good info on the weight. That was always my thought, was I could keep adding weight to get me closer to the weight that I needed for what I do. Maybe a 7500 lb tractor with MFWD will do what I need, and if I need a little more weight, add wheel weights or more ballast.

I definately won't be buying new, so I'm stuck with what I can find and trying to decide how much I want to spend. In my area is a 1500 hr 6040 for 25k, 500 hr 6060 for 35k, or very low hr 7060 for 38k. I think all are good buys.

 

[SDT]

Sorry, I should have explained more about my use. I'm looking to get a MFWD with FEL. Primary use will be maintaining 800' gravel driveway, that is on a pretty steep incline. Currently use HD 8' Rhino blade, which is more than the 2030 wants to pull it uphill loaded with rock. 2nd use is pulling logs for firewood and a little milling. Not many a log the 4020 won't pull out of the woods, may have to cut them down a bit for the 7060. 3rd use is bush hogging about 20 acres hilly ground, and around woods/field edges. Currently have both 7' Woods 3 pt mower and a 10' pull type bush hog. 4th use is snow removal for multiple residences on the property. Used brother in laws Mahindra 5145 for this past 12" snow. It did well, MFWD was nice, but it lacks power. Also be nice to have FEL with bucket or forks for general stuff around the farm. I do have a Case backhoe for large loader work. I know it a tradeoff for a lighter tractor, giving up pulling capability, but would like the ability to be able to move it with 10k trailer and 1/2 ton truck over short distances.

Here is my current stable of tractors.

Nice stable. I like all of them.