using a normal gear lever, but Kubota engineers have added
a system of wet plate clutches to engage the output shafts to
the wheels and PTO systems. This eliminates the normal dry
plate clutch and allows for the tractor to function much more
effectively. This is ground-breaking engineering not found in
other tractormakes.
Travel and PTO power – the shafts that supply power to the
wheels (PTO, Bi-speed and 4x4) all have their own wet, multi
disc clutch packs. This allows for independent selection of all
systems on themove.
PTO system – the small operating lever is just under the steering
column and is completely independent of the gear system.
The separate multi disc wet clutch pack is unusually free of
any snatching action due to the flow control of the operating
pressure and the overrun braking system. This is an important
feature for operating sprayers andmowers, etc. A retro fit 540e
PTO kit is also available as anoptionwherenecessary.
Instruments– the instrument panel now includesadigital display
givingcontinuous readingsof thegroundspeedandPTOspeeds.
This is vital information for control and calibration, particularly
when spraying.
Hydraulic system – unlike most tractors, the dual pumps are
mountedon the sideof thegearbox togetherwithdual screw-on
filters. The gearbox casing holds over 50 litres of Kubota high-
spec hydraulic oil, which also operates the steering system. All
moving parts are instantly lubricated under pressure, which
promotes exceptional longevity and an oil cooler constantly
controls thehydraulic oil temperature.
Servicing – all rotating power train components operate in
sealed oil baths, reducing the traditional areas of wear and tear
considerably.
Operator safety and comfort – Kubota design andmanufacture
their own cabins and fit them in a variety of configurations. The
air-conditioning and heating systems are state-of-the-art and
the internal sound level is 84 db with the door closed. The air
cleaning system accommodates external and internally recycled
and filtered air with numerous adjustable air ducts. The whole
cab is exceptionally free from vibrations having been mounted
on four large rubber pods.
New cooling development – after extensive research and test-
ing, all Kubota products sold in South Africa will shortly be
filled with the Evans waterless coolant, which is distributed via
all Kubota dealers nationally. This product not only raises the
boiling point to 190°C and freezing down to -40°C, but it also
eliminates corrosion and liner pitting and reduces the cooling
system’s operatingpressure.
Heath concluded that that seeing how the “inner” tractor works,
encouragedmanypotential customersatNAMPO towant toactually
drive a Kubota tractor. “This iswhat wewantedwith this display, as
only after you personally operate a Kubota, can you fully appreciate
the easeof operation and the effectiveness of aKubota.”
Kubota technical specialist, Mike Heath, showing off the unique inner
workings of theKubota 8540N tractor atNAMPO.
