New To Us M8540

392 Goat

New member
May 27, 2026
3
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Grants Pass, Oregon
Hey guys,

Thanks for all the help with the buying advice from the few Kubotas we were thinking about.

We ended us buying a M8540 4x4 Cab and loader. Has 2600 hrs. Everything works as it should with no immediate problems.

It does need a new 24x10 6 loop inner ( wont hold much air ) going to try to bend it back but its seen better days, other side is newer but I found one and will order it.

Should I do all the filters and change the fluids? It was a street transportation municipal unit for a city. I bought it from the guy who bought it a few years back. It shows 6-2022 on the belts. Not sure on the filters.

I ordered a manual and it should be here next week. It has a few small leaks, I believe hub seals, one front and back same side and the oil pan gasket may need replaced. We towed it from east Az to Southern Oregon and not much leaks on our trailer.

This is our 1st tractor. I used one for over a year in my 20s for work and we just bought our own. So how concerning are the small leaks? Its i believe a 12' or 13' and it is pre emissions. We are not rich, so i was going to fix things as we went along and when they needed it.

To me, its ready to roll. Drove it and tested it and everything works as it should and no overheating.

So should it change filters and fluids to be fresh now? Keep up on the fluids in the axles and address it later?

Not going to use the tractor much now because its so dry and im not about the be the one to set North Grants Pass on Fire ! Lol

Any advice would be super appreciated. You all are awesome. Ty 👍

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Last edited:

Russell King

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L185F, Modern Ag Competitor 4’ shredder, Rhino tiller, rear dirt scoop
Jun 17, 2012
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If it was me I would change all the fluids (front axle, transmission, radiator, engine oil) so you know when it was done and know what fluids were used. And change the filters (hydraulic, engine and air) also.

It will cost quite a bit to do all of it but I would use Kubota branded filters for sure. The engine oil can be your favorite brand but must be rated for a diesel engine. The transmission fluid should probably be Kubota SUDT2 full synthetic if the tractor is HST drive. But that is expensive.

You also need to grease all the grease points on the tractor and FEL.

Welcome to the Orange family!
 

JasonW

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Jan 29, 2015
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Al
Pictures show it’s a hydraulic shuttle. No HST M-series.

How bad are the oil leaks? If you don’t plan on using it right away I would fix the oil leaks as you change the fluid.
No sense in changing the front axle oil to take it all apart in a month to change seals.

I would check/torque all the lug nuts, wheel bolts and loader mounting bolts.

When I bought my M6040 it was almost 1k for fluid and filters to service everything. And that was me doing the work.
 

Tx Jim

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M7040 HDC & JD 4255
Apr 30, 2013
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Coyote Flats,Texas
If frt end loader will be used to load objects on a trailer then I highly recommend installing a front grill/hood guard. I've owned a '11 M7040 hyd shuttle that I purchased used in '12 with a 137 hrs that has 1900 hrs showing on speed/hr meter that has handled many 100's of rd bales, 7 ft rotary cutter & 9' disc cutter. I really like the operation of the hyd shuttle.
 

BAP

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2012 Kubota 2920, 60MMM, FEL, BH65 48" Bush Hog, 60"Backblade, B2782B Snowblower
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If the rim is Not cracked or rusted, I would just throw a tube in the tire and keep going.
 

PoTreeBoy

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Mar 24, 2020
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Good looking rig. I see it has weights on the left rear but not the right, so I'd guess it was used with a side mower.

The first thing I noticed is that the fronts are at their maximum width. Since the front axle pivots in the center, that doesn't really add much to stability. But it does increase the load on the wheel bearings, especially when using the loader. I'd consider pulling those fronts in some.