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General Forestry => Forestry and Logging => Topic started by: g_man on August 10, 2017, 08:11:57 PM

Title: Setting Up a New To Me Kubota
Post by: g_man on August 10, 2017, 08:11:57 PM
I've been looking for an M series Kubota for a long time but never found one that seemed right. Late this spring I found this M5640 that I couldn't pass up and got it home earlyer this summer. 56 hp, 4WD, geared transmission, loaded 16.9 X 28 rears,  3rd function hydraulics on the loader, and a single rear remote.



 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/P1150975.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1502394579)

I was lucky and found a used Farmi JL501 winch for it.



 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/WinchJL501_1.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1502394961)

Been adding goodies to it little by little.
I put a saw scabbard on the loader post



 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/SawScabbard2.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1502394750)

and a removable shelf behind the seat mounted on the ROPS



 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/SawShelf3.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1502394774)

I put my second saw scabbard and tool box on the shelf.



 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/ToolBox.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1502394799)

Underneath was pretty good except the hydraulic filters were at risk. I made a box to protect them from a direct hit.



 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/UnderArmor1.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1502394944)



 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/UnderArmor3.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1502394945)

Last but not least, so far anyway, I put a Frost Bite Log Grapple on it



 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/FrostBite1.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1502394925)



 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/FrostBite2.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1502394926)

Yesterday was the first day I did anything serious with it out in the woods. Pulled some maple firewood that I dropped last winter. Quite a different beast from my little L3010.



 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/WoodsWork2.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1502322164)



 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/P1160743.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1502315844)

gg
Title: Re: Setting Up a New To Me Kubota
Post by: thecfarm on August 10, 2017, 09:24:01 PM
And you have the real tires on it too!!!!
Looks new. How many hours?
I hate the way some brands put the filters down low.
Title: Re: Setting Up a New To Me Kubota
Post by: Stephen Alford on August 10, 2017, 09:43:02 PM
   That right there is some  " sweet hardware"  Looking forward to more pics.    :)
Title: Re: Setting Up a New To Me Kubota
Post by: 2308500 on August 10, 2017, 09:58:02 PM
i would add valve stem protectors on each wheel. 
i do quite a few and usually make them with a piece of tubing over the valve stem and a piece of flat bar between two outer rim bolts. (no pictures)
eliminates the risk of burning tubes while welding
Title: Re: Setting Up a New To Me Kubota
Post by: 78NHTFY on August 10, 2017, 10:02:51 PM
Sweet ride g_man!  All the best, Rob.
Title: Re: Setting Up a New To Me Kubota
Post by: Stoneyacrefarm on August 10, 2017, 11:00:54 PM
Nice set up G_man.
Looks great.
Title: Re: Setting Up a New To Me Kubota
Post by: thechknhwk on August 10, 2017, 11:10:05 PM
Awesome ride and attachments. 8)  I've got an L3800, and am still wishing I bought an M series.
Title: Re: Setting Up a New To Me Kubota
Post by: Peter Drouin on August 11, 2017, 05:50:26 AM
I like the box thing for the hydro.
Title: Re: Setting Up a New To Me Kubota
Post by: g_man on August 11, 2017, 06:43:04 AM
Thank you all !! I have used that grapple to move a few big rocks. It works good for that too. I need wider trails now  :)

I like the weldless valve stem protector idea No. 2308500. From past experience I know I should have them but it is easy for me to put off breaking and reseating a tire bead.

gg
Title: Re: Setting Up a New To Me Kubota
Post by: Crusarius on August 11, 2017, 07:58:47 AM
Very nice. I have an L2800. My biggest complaint is absolutely no place to put anything on it. The best place is on the foot board and that is always in the way of the pedals.

I think I may copy your tool tray off the ROPS.
Title: Re: Setting Up a New To Me Kubota
Post by: petefrom bearswamp on August 11, 2017, 08:04:20 AM
Nice machine and mods!
Title: Re: Setting Up a New To Me Kubota
Post by: GRANITEstateMP on August 11, 2017, 08:38:08 AM
Nice Rig g-man!  Does it have a forward/reverser?
Title: Re: Setting Up a New To Me Kubota
Post by: Banjo picker on August 11, 2017, 08:39:28 AM
I like your mods.  Need to put some of those on my M7040. Banjo
Title: Re: Setting Up a New To Me Kubota
Post by: porcupine on August 11, 2017, 09:00:11 AM
Not just a farm tractor anymore....a true woodsman special. Nice Setup.

Ditto on the valve stem protection.......$300 to get a tire guy out to repair mine!
Title: Re: Setting Up a New To Me Kubota
Post by: pineywoods on August 11, 2017, 09:07:27 AM
I have an M4700 2 wheel drive with forks on the front and home-made winch on the back. After 8 or 9 years of use, I'm well pleased. Have retrieved some hardwood logs too big for my woodmizer mill. I have a neighbor with one of the larger L series tractors. There's no comparison, the M is a much better machine for me.
Title: Re: Setting Up a New To Me Kubota
Post by: g_man on August 11, 2017, 09:17:57 AM
Quote from: Crusarius on August 11, 2017, 07:58:47 AM
Very nice. I have an L2800. My biggest complaint is absolutely no place to put anything on it. The best place is on the foot board and that is always in the way of the pedals.

I think I may copy your tool tray off the ROPS.

Your L2800 must be a lot like my L3010. I took two pieces of angle and put them across the ROPS. One in front, one behind, like a sandwich. ROPS in the middle. Used two long bolts on each side to clamp them to the ROPS at fender height. Laid a piece of plywood on top then a box. Might give you an idea.



 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/Tractor1.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1408280896)



 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/SawBox7.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1408280729)

This is how I did the M5640 shelf



 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/SawShelf1.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1502394767)



 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/SawShelf5.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1502394786)


The transmission is set up with a Forward low/hi - N - Reverse lever by my left thigh and a 4 speed stick on the floor between my knees. 8 forward, 4 reverse. Straight line shift Forward lo - N- Reverse. Forward hi off to the side.

gg
Title: Re: Setting Up a New To Me Kubota
Post by: rjwoelk on August 11, 2017, 09:35:01 AM
I could use a graple, very nice. smiley_clapping
Title: Re: Setting Up a New To Me Kubota
Post by: Crusarius on August 11, 2017, 10:00:49 AM
thats a nice idea. I should try that. Thanks.

How often do you hit your elbow on it?
Title: Re: Setting Up a New To Me Kubota
Post by: Ken on August 11, 2017, 08:04:04 PM
That is a very good looking piece of equipment g_man.  Hope it works out well for you
Title: Re: Setting Up a New To Me Kubota
Post by: thecfarm on August 11, 2017, 09:44:14 PM
Crusarius,I did as he did with a chainsaw.



 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10436/chainsawholder1.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1402578899)

And than on the other side,
This is both gas and chainsaw oil,



 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10436/gas_and_oil_holder1.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1402579076)

And than a wrench. I have one on both sides.



 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10436/001.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1402580752)
Title: Re: Setting Up a New To Me Kubota
Post by: Bruno of NH on August 12, 2017, 04:05:58 PM
I just got a log grapple with my new tractor they are great tools
Nice tractor gman
Title: Re: Setting Up a New To Me Kubota
Post by: Magicman on August 12, 2017, 05:07:16 PM
That is a very nicely outfitted M56.  It should serve you well.   smiley_thumbsup
Title: Re: Setting Up a New To Me Kubota
Post by: Crusarius on August 14, 2017, 08:43:28 AM
I really think the engineers who made the L2800 did their best making it so you can't store anything on it.

Cfarm, I like the mounts and box you made. Unfortunately Kubota does not have that much room on the left side and the right side has the loader controls. I can barely clear the loader controls to get on the right side of the tractor.

I am still looking at ideas but my sawmill parts should be here tuesday so the storage ideas are on hold.
Title: Re: Setting Up a New To Me Kubota
Post by: ToddsPoint on August 16, 2017, 06:50:31 AM
I have a 2015 L3901 and it came with the welded valve stem protectors.  Kubota woke up!  Gary
Title: Re: Setting Up a New To Me Kubota
Post by: g_man on November 07, 2017, 08:09:26 PM
I've added a saw vise. Pretty simple but very handy.



 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/P1160803.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1509448888)

I was using the grapple to move some tops off a trial. I was sticking them off to the side and then coming down on top of them to crush them down. Then I noticed one side of the grapple had come loose from the SSQA. When I checked it out I saw that the lever on that side had been pushed all the way up by a limb releasing the grapple. Luckily I saw it before I bent or broke anything. There is no kind of lock on the Kubota SSQA levers. Don't want that to happen again so I made two hooks from some angle and 1/2" bolts 8" long. I put the hooks thru existing holes in the loader frame to hold the levers securely in the locked position.



 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/P1170017.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1509448882)



 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/P1170027.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1509448908)



 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/P1170031.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1509448903)

gg

Title: Re: Setting Up a New To Me Kubota
Post by: mike_belben on November 07, 2017, 08:58:55 PM
Thats clever on both accounts.  My bobtach handles pop up all the time but im always changing attachments anyhow.  And you gotta climb over them to get out so its no big deal to push em back down on your way.
Title: Re: Setting Up a New To Me Kubota
Post by: g_man on November 07, 2017, 09:18:03 PM
I can't take credit for the vise. Stole the idea from GrassFed. Haven't seen him around for a while.

gg
Title: Re: Setting Up a New To Me Kubota
Post by: John Mc on November 07, 2017, 09:44:28 PM
G-Man - I like the idea on the SSQA release hooks. I've not had one pop off on me yet. Probably unlikely with the bucket on, but with what I'm doing with the log grapple, I'm sure it's only a matter of time
Title: Re: Setting Up a New To Me Kubota
Post by: Piston on November 15, 2017, 09:56:35 AM
This is a very nicely setup tractor Gordon!  You do very nice work.  I really like that small work cart you have for your tools.  Your little projects show that you don't need a giant setup shop to do nice work, I envy that. 

The 'box' build around the filters is a good idea as well.  That is something I don't like about my HST Kubota, I have a lot of exposed hoses/filters under there.  I've been luck so far, but.....
Title: Re: Setting Up a New To Me Kubota
Post by: John Mc on November 15, 2017, 10:30:09 AM
G_man - was that saw vise just an old stump vise that you welded on? Have you had any problems with it getting in the way or snagging on things, or is the location protected enough to avoid problems? I'm thinking of doing the same on my tractor, but space is a bit cramped.
Title: Re: Setting Up a New To Me Kubota
Post by: g_man on November 15, 2017, 04:51:36 PM
Right, just a stump vise with a busted prong. So far I haven't mangled it. Easy to fix if I do.  It is pretty much back out of the way from heavy stuff. Here is a pic of the other side, may you can see better. Huh - I forgot what summer leaves look like already !!



 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21065/P1160800.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1510782155)

gg

Title: Re: Setting Up a New To Me Kubota
Post by: hopm on November 15, 2017, 05:57:13 PM
NO MORE GRAPPLE PICTURES!!!!!
My will power and self control are low!!! ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Setting Up a New To Me Kubota
Post by: John Mc on November 15, 2017, 06:08:52 PM
Quote from: hopm on November 15, 2017, 05:57:13 PM
NO MORE GRAPPLE PICTURES!!!!!
My will power and self control are low!!! ;D ;D ;D

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/16836/Tractor_in_logging_mode.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1498178519)

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/16836/Tractor_in_Logging_mode2.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1510786982)

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/16836/Storm_clean-up_Pine_log.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1510787237)

Oh, wait... did you say NO more grapple pictures?  Sorry.
Title: Re: Setting Up a New To Me Kubota
Post by: thecfarm on November 15, 2017, 06:14:56 PM
That poor little tractor has some weight on the front of it. Good thing it's a NH.  ;D
Title: Re: Setting Up a New To Me Kubota
Post by: John Mc on November 15, 2017, 06:28:57 PM
Quote from: thecfarm on November 15, 2017, 06:14:56 PM
That poor little tractor has some weight on the front of it. Good thing it's a NH.  ;D

We calculated the pine log in the third picture at a little over 800#.

The American Elm in the first picture was about 1300 or 1400#. It was all it could do to lift it as high as is shown in the picture. I would not attempt something like that in the woods with this tractor. This was just moving a short distance across smooth ground to get it out of the way of a crew cutting firewood for charity (this log was among those set aside by the landowner for a later visit by a portable saw mill).
Title: Re: Setting Up a New To Me Kubota
Post by: mike_belben on November 15, 2017, 09:54:53 PM
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/43722/1509717849284.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1509718097)


(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/43722/1018171105a.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1510800476)

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/43722/1004171639-1.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1510800637)


Dont wait.  You need a grapple more than the money. 

Title: Re: Setting Up a New To Me Kubota
Post by: hopm on November 15, 2017, 10:25:31 PM
Quote from: John Mc on November 15, 2017, 06:08:52 PM


(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/16836/Tractor_in_logging_mode.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1498178519)

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/16836/Tractor_in_Logging_mode2.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1510786982)

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/16836/Storm_clean-up_Pine_log.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1510787237)

Oh, wait... did you say NO more grapple pictures?  Sorry.

AND WHAT TRACTOR IS THAT......
Title: Re: Setting Up a New To Me Kubota
Post by: John Mc on November 15, 2017, 10:34:11 PM
Quote from: hopm on November 15, 2017, 10:25:31 PM
Quote from: John Mc on November 15, 2017, 06:08:52 PM


(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/16836/Tractor_in_logging_mode.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1498178519)

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/16836/Tractor_in_Logging_mode2.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1510786982)

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/16836/Storm_clean-up_Pine_log.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1510787237)

Oh, wait... did you say NO more grapple pictures?  Sorry.

AND WHAT TRACTOR IS THAT......

Its a NH TC 33D with a Woods 1012 loader (chosen over the NH loader offered at the time due to its greater dump and roll-back angles, as well as higher lift capacity), Sundowner GR40 grapple, a Uniforest 35E logging winch, and a few modifications for working in the woods.
Title: Re: Setting Up a New To Me Kubota
Post by: Crusarius on November 16, 2017, 07:07:26 AM
After my mill build is done I will be building a quick attach and then some type of grapple. Maybe I need to quit my day job and go work for a steel company?