Kubota M135GX

[keenanfeeder]

Hello,

I have had a 62 plate Kubota tractor M135GX, with front loader since 2015, its had a few issues but nothing too major!

However its most recent problem is the steering, once it has had its few minutes engine warm up, the steering is still very rigid and hard to turn the wheel and hence the wheels too.

After about 20 minutes + it has warmed up and operates as you would expect, to me this isn't acceptable

The local dealership haven't been too helpful with resolving the issue, does anyone have a idea as to what is the cause of the problem/root of the issue?

I am really happy with the machine and its capabilities, however if this issue cannot be resolved then a rethink to the machines future is a strong possibility

Photo for attention

TIA

5

 

[H200GT]

Can’t comment on the fault, but if you get no joy from your dealer get onto kubota directly. Kubota (and the dealer to be fair) were very good when a gearbox bearing went when the tractor was just out of warranty on dads 9540 few years ago. It was a known issue on early ones, Kubota paid for the repair fully and the dealer gave a free demo tractor for almost 3 weeks whilst it was being repaired. Cant fault that at all.

 

[keenanfeeder]

Can’t comment on the fault, but if you get no joy from your dealer get onto kubota directly. Kubota (and the dealer to be fair) were very good when a gearbox bearing went when the tractor was just out of warranty on dads 9540 few years ago. It was a known issue on early ones, Kubota paid for the repair fully and the dealer gave a free demo tractor for almost 3 weeks whilst it was being repaired. Cant fault that at all.

We had a few issues, it only came with one key, dealership didn't want to know as it was second hand, also dealership didn't want to know when we had a back end oil temperature problem, even once they had got in to investigate the problem and the O rings had failed within, they claimed it was operator error, We contacted to Kubota HQ and they resolved all of our issues, without too much hassle

I would consider another Kubota as a replacement, we've had poor dealership back up however we are fortunate to be within proximity to 2 dealerships, but we have always used the one we bought the machine off, so another dealership could offer a better service

I would also say that I would look at other brands too as our local AGCO seem very competitive but we have also had back up issues with them too, I just wonder have I got the Friday afternoon machine so to say

 

[kiwi pom]

Hello,

I have had a 62 plate Kubota tractor M135GX, with front loader since 2015, its had a few issues but nothing too major!

However its most recent problem is the steering, once it has had its few minutes engine warm up, the steering is still very rigid and hard to turn the wheel and hence the wheels too.

After about 20 minutes + it has warmed up and operates as you would expect, to me this isn't acceptable

The local dealership haven't been too helpful with resolving the issue, does anyone have a idea as to what is the cause of the problem/root of the issue?

I am really happy with the machine and its capabilities, however if this issue cannot be resolved then a rethink to the machines future is a strong possibility

Photo for attention

TIA

5

Do you know and good independent mechanics, probably better than the dealer?
A lot of dealers just load up the parts cannon and hope. Try and find someone with good diagnosing skills.

 

[daveydiesel1]

@Battlefield Machinery might know whats the problem

 

[Barleycorn]

We have the same tractor and had a similar issue with the steering. Gave it a good service and filter change and that cured it, although the steering is still noisy when cold.

 

[HCC]

A mate had this issue with his Kubota recently, filter and back end oil change cured it. Apparently there are 3 filters for the back end....

 

[Battlefield Machinery]

@Battlefield Machinery might know whats the problem

As the guys said below, I think the one back end filter can get forgotten!

 

[keenanfeeder]

Thank you all very much!

This will hopefully resolve the issue, I've got a M7 coming on demo too for a go as well to see about a upgrade

 

[daveydiesel1]

Thank you all very much!

This will hopefully resolve the issue, I've got a M7 coming on demo too for a go as well to see about a upgrade

Can u give us a review once uv got it on this thread accompanied with photos please

 

[texelburger]

Thank you all very much!

This will hopefully resolve the issue, I've got a M7 coming on demo too for a go as well to see about a upgrade

M7 is a good machine,think you might like it.

 

[keenanfeeder]

Good Evening All

Apologies it's been a busy time, and also a time of bad experiences

My 135 went in for a service and to resolve the steering issue, both things have been fixed, ideal! however they also felt the brakes needed attention and the UJ to the front axel steering, I have not received the bill yet, and not looking forward to it. Furthermore my machine was in my local dealers workshop for over 3 weeks to complete this work, bloody ridiculous. However I took the chance to try the more updated version the M7 and its competitors to make a informed decision about the future...

When I asked about a replacement machine whilst mine was in I was told I could have one for a day and I should not put too many hours on it, que a burst of outrage and they let me have it for 2 days (apparently standard demo period) and allowed me to put a maximum of 15 hours on the machine which was there demo M7153 powershift basic spec.

The machine was impressive and certainly likeable, however I was cautious of the price, I valued it at £80K in my head rather foolishly, on it's return to the dealer, we were offered a "DEAL" and that was a low value for our own machine which he said he could sell any day of the week, low houred, no ad blue, tidy example ect. and over £100K for the M7153 with a forehand loader and front link, warranty ect. on top, I was in disbelief, the economics did not add up, at that price for a 4 pot engine as he was talking Fendt money! A Fendt 516 power plus (the basic Fendt) with loader is attainable for approximately £110k (neighbouring farm nearly bought one, but went for the Massey instead) surely a better value buy???

So I was shocked at the poor service and the price!

I also tried a 6 pot Massey 7718 dyna 6, similar to the 4 pot Massey but £5k dearer and a lot more capable with the extra 2 cylinders and a extra 12 inches ish longer. very impressive bit of kit with front loader and front link for less than the quoted price of the M7 however offered very little for my Kubota 135 GX in exchange.

Therefore I have decided to keep my Kubota, its been reliable but when it goes in to the dealership it is there for far too long. Its a compromise/ risk ill take as it is worth soo little it will not be depreciating much, a cheap tractor to keep and run.

I think next on my tractor shopping list is something 150-200hp with 50k box, front link for preference something that's done a few hours, but still tidy, I'm looking to buy between now and October so not rushing into any deal

It wouldn't allow me to upload my in-cab video of the M7, unless someone more forum savvy can assist? PM me and I can email it to you?

But here are some photos of the M7

 

[daveydiesel1]

This might suit u if u put a loader on

 

[kiwi pom]

Good Evening All

Apologies it's been a busy time, and also a time of bad experiences

My 135 went in for a service and to resolve the steering issue, both things have been fixed, ideal! however they also felt the brakes needed attention and the UJ to the front axel steering, I have not received the bill yet, and not looking forward to it. Furthermore my machine was in my local dealers workshop for over 3 weeks to complete this work, bloody ridiculous. However I took the chance to try the more updated version the M7 and its competitors to make a informed decision about the future...

When I asked about a replacement machine whilst mine was in I was told I could have one for a day and I should not put too many hours on it, que a burst of outrage and they let me have it for 2 days (apparently standard demo period) and allowed me to put a maximum of 15 hours on the machine which was there demo M7153 powershift basic spec.

The machine was impressive and certainly likeable, however I was cautious of the price, I valued it at £80K in my head rather foolishly, on it's return to the dealer, we were offered a "DEAL" and that was a low value for our own machine which he said he could sell any day of the week, low houred, no ad blue, tidy example ect. and over £100K for the M7153 with a forehand loader and front link, warranty ect. on top, I was in disbelief, the economics did not add up, at that price for a 4 pot engine as he was talking Fendt money! A Fendt 516 power plus (the basic Fendt) with loader is attainable for approximately £110k (neighbouring farm nearly bought one, but went for the Massey instead) surely a better value buy???

So I was shocked at the poor service and the price!

I also tried a 6 pot Massey 7718 dyna 6, similar to the 4 pot Massey but £5k dearer and a lot more capable with the extra 2 cylinders and a extra 12 inches ish longer. very impressive bit of kit with front loader and front link for less than the quoted price of the M7 however offered very little for my Kubota 135 GX in exchange.

Therefore I have decided to keep my Kubota, its been reliable but when it goes in to the dealership it is there for far too long. Its a compromise/ risk ill take as it is worth soo little it will not be depreciating much, a cheap tractor to keep and run.

I think next on my tractor shopping list is something 150-200hp with 50k box, front link for preference something that's done a few hours, but still tidy, I'm looking to buy between now and October so not rushing into any deal

It wouldn't allow me to upload my in-cab video of the M7, unless someone more forum savvy can assist? PM me and I can email it to you?

But here are some photos of the M7

That's the problem when you buy a less popular tractor, if the dealer won't give you a good deal for a replacement, you're stuck trying to shift a brand no one really wants or has experience fixing.
Be interesting to know what the bill for repairs came to, I've heard parts aren't cheap (that is here though)

 

[Martyn]

We priced a kubota verse a fendt and there was £4k in it so went for the brand with a known resale value. We were offered a £1000 cash back to try and sell the Kubota but it never added up on paper, It needed to be £20k difference to have any chance. I have seen a lot around so some people must make the figures add up.

 

[H200GT]

I think a lot depends on your replacement policy with the lesser brands. In general they should be cheaper to buy giving an initial saving, but will depreciate much faster in the first years of ownership but should level out to be comparable after 5+ years. Certainly was the case with Kubota Dad bought in 2012 and sold in 2019, depreciation was no different to main brands.

 

[daveydiesel1]

We bought a 135 gx. 145 hours on it now and love it so far. Depreciation isnt a problem for us as we drive our tractors till the death. Purchase price,fuel consumption and reliability is the most important things in a tractor for us

 

[kiwi pom]

We bought a 135 gx. 145 hours on it now and love it so far. Depreciation isnt a problem for us as we drive our tractors till the death. Purchase price,fuel consumption and reliability is the most important things in a tractor for us

Don’t forget back up and parts price. Not much good parked up for a month waiting for bits.
Be interesting to see what your fuel consumption is as that motor isn’t good in tests if I remember right.

 

[daveydiesel1]

Don’t forget back up and parts price. Not much good parked up for a month waiting for bits.
Be interesting to see what your fuel consumption is as that motor isn’t good in tests if I remember right.

Fuel consumption is pretty good. Full tank does about 3 days slurry along the road between milkings

 

[keenanfeeder]

As the guys said below, I think the one back end filter can get forgotten!

I've the same issue again, i'll PM you my number can you give me a ring please

UPDATE: I ran the tractor this season to pay off the spring time repair bill