Kubota National Sales Manager Dieter Bergmann SPE Director Tom Bloom at Nampo Cape 2019 in front of the Kubota M7-172 (Image: Farmers’ weekly at NAMPO)
At Nampo Cape 2019 – which took place from 4-6 September in Bredasdorp – Smith Power Equipment showcased the new Kubota M7-172 tractor, the most powerful model in its Kubota tractor range in South Africa thus far.
Latest on Smith Power Equipment’s arrival court is the new Kubota M7-172 tractor, which made its grand debut in South Africa at Nampo Cape 2019. Delivering 130 kW (172 hp), the M7-172 is the most powerful Kubota tractor in the South African market to date. The new M7-172 is part of the new M7 second-generation line of tractors introduced earlier this year, and also includes the M7-132 and M7-152. The range benefits from an array of refinements and enhancements designed to meet today’s operational needs.
A major talking point is the 30-speed semi-powershift transmission, upgraded from the predecessor range’s standard 24/24 transmission. According to Dieter Bergmann, Kubota national sales manager at Smith Power Equipment (SPE), the new transmission provides greater flexibility, allowing the operator to find the optimal gear for each job. “The number of main gears has increased from four to six, and an auto shifting function evaluates the range gear and then automatically adjusts engine output to improve acceleration performance under light loads,” explains Bergmann.
The new transmission maximises productivity and increases efficiency. The Premium KVT (Kubota Variable Transmission) features a continuously variable transmission that offers an infinite number of forward and reverse speeds. In addition, with a 40 km/h top speed and the new powershift transmission, operators can reach travel speeds faster and require less range shifting.
Meanwhile, on all M7 models, Kubota offers standard 4-speed live-independent power take-off (PTO), giving the driver the ability to operate a variety of rear-mounted implements at the optimum speed for each, resulting in lower operating costs and reduced fuel consumption. Auto PTO on/off with a 3-Point Hitch Position automatically disengages the PTO when the linkage is raised, then re-engages when the linkage is lowered, increasing operator efficiency.
Kubota’s M7 Series is powered by a V6108 Kubota turbocharged diesel engine with a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) that transforms exhaust into water vapour and nitrogen. The Common Rail System (CRS) on the M7 Series electronically controls the timing and amount of high-pressure fuel injected in stages for optimal combustion, which results in greater efficiency, better fuel economy and less engine noise.
According to Bergmann, two M7-172 Premium KVT tractors have been brought into South Africa since its global launch earlier this year. “The tractors have been undergoing extensive trials across South Africa during the past six months. We expect three new Powershift models to be available in the country in November this year,” concludes Bergmann.
