Overview
The Kubota M4500 is a Japanese-built utility farm tractor produced between 1978 and 1985, offered in both two-wheel and four-wheel drive variants. It features a 2.6L 6-cylinder diesel engine rated at 55.5 gross horsepower and a 16-speed partially synchronized transmission providing 16 forward and 4 reverse gears. The mechanical setup includes an open operator station, power assist steering, and a Category II/I rear hitch with a 3,300-pound lift capacity.
Ideal Applications
Tested Power and Fuel Consumption:
Nebraska Tractor Test 1348 recorded a maximum drawbar power of 41.09 hp and fuel consumption rates ranging from 2.9 to 3.5 gallons per hour depending on the load.
Chassis and Weight Specifications:
The tractor has a 78.2-inch wheelbase and varies in weight from a 4,220-pound 2WD shipping weight to a maximum ballasted weight of 7,800 pounds.
Hydraulic and Hitch Capabilities:
The open center hydraulic system operates at 2,485 psi with a pump flow of 7.3 gpm, supporting a rear lift capacity of 3,300 pounds at the ends.
Production
| Description | Utility tractor / Built in Japan |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Kubota |
Engine
| Engine type | Kubota 2.6L 6-cyl diesel |
|---|---|
| Fuel tank | 14.3 gal (54.1 L) |
| Air cleaner | single paper element |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.23x3.23 inches (82 x 82 mm) |
| Compression | 21:1 |
| Description | Kubota S2600-A / diesel / 6-cylinder / liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 158.5 ci (2.6 L) |
| Power (gross) | 55.5 hp (41.4 kW) |
| Rated RPM | 2600 |
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Drawbar (tested) | 41.09 hp (30.6 kW) |
| Engine (gross) | 55.5 hp (41.4 kW) |
| PTO (claimed) | 49 hp (36.5 kW) |
| PTO (tested) | 49.72 hp (37.1 kW) |
Transmission
| Gears | 16 forward and 4 reverse |
|---|---|
| Transmission type | 16-speed partially synchronized |
| Type | partially synchronized |
Mechanical
| Cab | Open operator station |
|---|---|
| Description | Differential mechanical wet disc brakes |
| Drive type | Two- or four-wheel drive |
| Steering | power assist |
Hydraulics
| Pressure | 2485 psi (171.3 bar) |
|---|---|
| Pump flow | 7.3 gpm (27.6 lpm) |
| Type | open center |
| Valves | 1 |
Hitch
| Control | position and draft control |
|---|---|
| Rear lift (at ends) | 3300 lbs (1496 kg) |
| Rear Type | II/I |
PTO
| Engine RPM | 540@2193 |
|---|---|
| Rear PTO | independent |
| Rear PTO Type | 540 |
Electrical
| Battery volts | 12 |
|---|---|
| Ground | negative |
Dimensions & Tires
| Front tread | 50.4 to 78 inches (128 to 198 cm) |
|---|---|
| Ground clearance | 16.7 inches (42 cm) |
| Height (exhaust) | 89.6 inches (227 cm) |
| Length | 132.5 inches (336 cm) |
| Rear tread | 51.2 to 74.8 inches (130 to 189 cm) |
| Wheelbase | 78.2 inches (198 cm) |
| Width | 66.1 inches (167 cm) |
| Front tire | 6.00-16 |
| Rear tire | 14.9-28 |
| Weight | 4220 to 5165 pounds |
| Wheelbase | 78.2 inches (198 cm) |
| Ag front | 6.00-16 |
| Ag rear | 14.9-28 |
Kubota M4500 Weight
| 2WD Shipping | 4220 lbs (1914 kg) |
|---|---|
| 4WD Operating | 5165 lbs (2342 kg) |
| 4WD Shipping | 4750 lbs (2154 kg) |
| Ballasted | 7800 lbs (3538 kg) |
Kubota M4500 attachments
| Description | front-end loader |
|---|
Nebraska Tractor Test 1348
| Description | Diesel 16-speed 4WDMay 12 - 22, 1980Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 1348 file / PTO performance / Drawbar performance |
|---|---|
| Fuel use | 3.5 gal/hour (13.2 l/hour) / 2.9 gal/hour (11.0 l/hour) / 3.3 gal/hour (12.5 l/hour) |
| Max power | 41.09 hp (30.6 kW) |
| Max pull | 5,932 lbs (2690 kg) |
| Power at rated engine speed | 49.72 hp (37.1 kW) |
| Power at rated PTO speed | 44.49 hp (33.2 kW) |
References
| Description | Tractors and Excavators published in 1981, by Kubota / Tractors and Excavators published in 1982, by Kubota / Diesel M4500 published by Kubota / Diesel M4500 Tractor published in 1981, by Kubota |
|---|
Speeds
| Description | With 14.9-28 rear tires. |
|---|
Variants
| M4500DT | 4WD |
|---|---|
| M4500-OC | orchard tractor |