Kubota Transmission Types

Kubota is known for their innovations and robust agricultural machinery. Their vehicles can be equipped with different Kubota transmission types which might be confusing for many.

If you are looking for your next Kubota tractor, you should definitely take into consideration the type of transmission required for your fieldwork and match it with your driving preferences. Let us explain the different transmission types offered by Kubota so you can confidently choose the best tractor.

What Are the Kubota Transmission Types?

Kubota are not just famous for their durable and powerful engines. When it comes to tractors, the brand offers various transmission types. In fact, that is one of the many things that sets them apart from their competition.

While you are looking at Kubota tractors on our website or in our Wickham Tractors location, you will notice that they come with the following transmission types:

• Mechanical transmission
• Hydrostatic transmission
• Glide shift transmission
• Powershift and semi-powershift transmission
• Continuously variable transmission
• Shuttle shift transmission

Kubota Transmission Types Explained

The Kubota agricultural machinery has a high demand, and for good reason. They offer different types of vehicles for commercial and residential use. 

As the best Kubota tractor suppliers we have the latest tractors with various types of transmissions. We even have some of the models available in two transmission types, so you can choose according to your preferences.

Let’s see what are the different types of Kubota transmission available.

Mechanical Transmission

The main characteristic of mechanical transmissions is that they have gears. Consequently, they are also known as gear-drive transmission tractors or DT in short. Kubota typically uses the mechanical transmission for compact tractors from the B01, L01, L02, and L60 series, utility tractors like the MX series, and specialty tractors as part of the LX20N and L02N series.

The number of gears will depend on the specific Kubota tractor model. The most common applications are eight forward gears and eight reverse gears.

Each time you want to switch a gear, you will have to press the clutch. Generally, the Kubota tractors with DT are most suitable for pulling loads and traveling long distances. 

They are also perfect for rougher terrain. Although they can also be used when a lot of gear changing is required, for many the process may be frustrating and exhausting.

Generally looking, Kubota tractors with mechanical transmission are available in models with different horsepower. In addition, you can choose between a mechanical transmission with two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive.

Hydrostatic Transmission

A prominent question among potential customers is about hydrostatic transmission, more specifically, does Kubota have hydrostatic transmission? Luckily, they have various models with hydrostatic transmission, which include sub-compact, compact, utility, and tractor loader backhoes.

The agricultural machinery with hydrostatic transmission works differently than manual transmission. Instead of using the clutch to deliver power to the drivetrain, the hydrostatic transmission has hydraulic fluid. That means you, as an operator, don’t have to press the clutch and switch gears, making the operation of the tractor much easier.

The HST Kubota tractors come with a rocker pedal with arrows, allowing you to easily distinguish the forward from the reverse driving. The harder you push the pedal, the faster it will go. The rocker pedal is located on the right side, while the break pedals are on the left.

The HST tractors also have a pedal for adjusting the range, typically located on the left side of the seat:

• Low range is typically used for loader work
• The medium range is used for mowing
• The high range stands for highway and fast speeds

One of the downsides of all tractors with hydrostatic transmission is that their PTO HP is rated lower compared to manual transmission vehicles. Yet, the Kubota HST tractors are excellent for agriculture tasks that don’t require consistent speed.

Glide Shift Transmission

The Kubota glide shift transmission, or GST in short, is available for the L60 series of compact tractors. More specifically, two models, the L4760 and the L5060, have glide shift transmission.

The glide shift transmission is a type of gear transmission that operates without a clutch. That means shifting the 12 forward and 8 reverse gears of the Kubota tractor can be done effortlessly.

The glide shift transmission brings the best of both manual and hydrostatic transmission. Hence, tractors with glide shift transmission are excellent for different task types.

Powershift Transmission and Semi-powershift

The powershift and semi-powershift transmissions are generally used on agricultural tractors. Powershift transmission is a characteristic of the M8 series, while semi-powershift is available on tractors from the M7-2 series and M7-4 series. Both are continuously variable transmissions.

The difference between powershift and semi-powershift transmission is the need for clutching. If the Kubota tractor comes with a powershift transmission, clutching is not required at all. But, with the semi-powershift transmission, you will have to clutch only when you want to shift ranges.

The powershift and semi-powershift are typically used on agricultural tractors with horsepower above 128HP. Kubota tractors with powershift transmission are available in the M8 series, while the semi-powershift transmission can be found in the M7-2 and M7-4 Kubota tractor series.

Continuously Variable Transmission

The continuously variable transmission is known for its ability to offer an unlimited number of forward and reverse speeds. The CVT transmission type can be used for various types of tasks because it allows you to easily find the gear for maximum productivity. It is used on Kubota tractors with high horsepower, such as the ones coming from the M7-2, M7-4, and M8 series.

Shuttle Shift Transmission

The shuttle shift transmission doesn’t require clutching to switch between gears. The two most common Kubota shuttle shift transmissions are:

• 12F/12R, and
• 24F/24R.

The shuttle shift transmission is best for tractors used for transporting hay, harvesting, and cultivating. What makes the shuttle shift transmission better than the other transmission types used by Kubota is that it doesn’t influence the engine horsepower like the other clutchless transmissions.

Intelli-Shift Transmission

The intelli shift transmission is used in Kubota utility tractors. The Intelli-shift transmission typically comes with 8 powershift gears and 3 ranges (high, medium, and low). The gear shifting can be done by touching a button, which is typically located on the shifting lever itself.

If you are interested in a tractor with Intelli shift transmission, you should look for models in the M6 and M6-1 series. We guarantee that with this transmission type you can easily find the right gear for your field work.

Tips for Choosing A Transmission Type

The type of transmission the Kubota machine has will directly influence your operating experience. Consequently, for some, it’s best if they get agricultural equipment with a transmission they are familiar with and know how to use.

In addition, all Kubota tractor transmission types offer their own set of unique advantages and limitations. When you are seeking through the different Kubota products, you should also have in mind the terrain and workload you are typically working with.

Some of our clients also consider the operating costs and maintenance when choosing transmission type. For instance, continuously variable transmissions and powershift transmissions are typically more complex to maintain and more expensive.

Lastly, choose the transmission type according to the tasks you will perform. The manual transmission tractors are best for field work that requires precise control and heavy-duty jobs. Hydrostatic transmissions are recommended for tasks that require continuous power delivery.

Conclusion

Kubota is, without a doubt, one of the top brands that manufactures tractors. They have a variety of models capable of doing all types of fieldwork thanks to their powerful engines and transmission options. Now that you know all the Kubota transmission types, their benefits, and typical use, you can check out our offer on our website or visit us at one of our Colorado locations.