Kubota Power Krawler M8540 NARROW User manual

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M8540 NARROWMODEL
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
READ AND SAVE THIS MANUAL
The first part of this manual covers the features of the common M series tractor.
The second part covers the special features of the M8540 POWER KRAWLER(TM) tractor.
Please read both parts before operation.
PRINTED IN JAPAN © KUBOTA Corporation 2012
English
(Europe, Australia)
Code No. 3C877-9971-4

KUBOTA Corporation is ···
Since its inception in 1890, KUBOTA Corporation has grown
to rank as one of the major firms in Japan.
To achieve this status, the company has through the years
diversified the range of its products and services to a
remarkable extent, until today, 19 plants and 16,000
employees produce over 1,000 different items, large and
small.
All these products and all the services which accompany
them, however, are unified by one central commitment.
KUBOTA makes products which, taken on a national scale, are
basic necessities. Products which are indispensable, products
intended to help individuals and nations fulfill the potential
inherent in their environment. For KUBOTA is the Basic
Necessities Giant.
This potential includes water supply, food from the soil and
from the sea, industrial development, architecture and
construction, and transportation.
Thousands of people depend on KUBOTA's know-how,
technology, experience and customer service. You too can
depend on KUBOTA.
M8540 NARROW
English (Europe, Australia)
AQ . K . 1 - 1 . 0 . AK
2WD
4WD
API
ASABE
ASTM
DIN
DT
fpm
GST
Hi-Lo
HST
m/s
PTO
RH/LH
ROPS
rpm
r/s
SAE
SMV
Two Wheel Drive
Four Wheel Drive
American Petroleum Institute
American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, USA
American Society for Testing and Materials, USA
Deutsches Institut für Normung, GERMANY
Dual Traction [4WD]
Feet Per Minute
Glide Shift Transmission
High Speed-Low Speed
Hydrostatic Transmission
Meters Per Second
Power Take Off
Right-hand and left-hand sides are determined by facing
in the direction of forward travel
Roll-Over Protective Structures
Revolutions Per Minute
Revolutions Per Second
Society of Automotive Engineers, USA
Slow Moving Vehicle
Abbreviations Definitions
ABBREVIATION LIST

UNIVERSAL SYMBOLS
As a guide to the operation of your tractor, various universal symbols have been utilized on the instruments and
controls. The symbols are shown below with an indication of their meaning.
Safety Alert Symbol
Diesel Fuel
Fuel-Level
Engine-Rotational Speed
Hourmeter/Elapsed Operating Hours
Engine Coolant-Temperature
Diesel Preheat/Glow Plugs(Low Temperature
Start Aid)
Parking Brake
Engine Intake/Combustion Air-Filter
Battery Charging Condition
Engine Oil-Pressure
Turn Signal
Engine-Run
Engine-Start
Engine-Stop
Power Take-Off Clutch Control-Off (Disengaged) Position
Power Take-Off Clutch Control-On (Engaged) Position
Bi-Speed turn
Differential Lock
Position Control-Raised Position
Position Control-Lowered Position
Draft Control-Shallow Position
Draft Control-Deep Position
3-Point Lowering Speed Control
Remote Cylinder-Retract
Remote Cylinder-Extend
Hazard Warning Lights
Headlight-Low Beam
Headlight-High Beam
Four-Wheel Drive-On
Four-Wheel Drive-Off
Front-Wheel Drive-On
Fast
Slow
Creep
Windshield Wiper
Windshield Wiper Intermittent
Windshield Washer
Lock
Rear Window Defroster
Steering Wheel-Tilt Control
Empty
Full
PTO 540 rpm
PTO 1000 rpm
Beacon Light

FOREWORD
3
SAFETY FIRST
IMPORTANT :
NOTE :
3DANGER :
3WARNING :
3CAUTION :
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.
Indicates that equipment or property damage could result if
instructions are not followed.
Gives helpful information.
You are now the proud owner of a KUBOTA Tractor. This tractor is a product of
KUBOTA quality engineering and manufacturing. It is made of fine materials and
under a rigid quality control system. It will give you long, satisfactory service. To
obtain the best use of your tractor, please read this manual carefully. It will help you
become familiar with the operation of the tractor and contains many helpful hints
about tractor maintenance. It is KUBOTA's policy to utilize as quickly as possible
every advance in our research. The immediate use of new techniques in the
manufacture of products may cause some small parts of this manual to be
outdated. KUBOTA distributors and dealers will have the most up-to-date
information. Please do not hesitate to consult with them.
This symbol, the industry's ''Safety Alert Symbol'', is used throughout this manual
and on labels on the machine itself to warn of the possibility of personal injury.
Read these instructions carefully. It is essential that you read the instructions and
safety regulations before you attempt to assemble or use this unit.

M SERIES TRACTORS; EXTENDED SERVICE INTERVALS.
NOTICE OF CHANGE OF MAINTENANCE INTERVALS WHEN USING KUBOTA
GENUINE OILS AND FILTERS
Revision from standard operator’s manual revised service items, as listed in the maintenance table below
■ Applicable tractor models
M6060, M7060, M8560, M9960
M6040, M7040, M8540, M9540, M6040N, M7040N, M8540N
M110GX, M135GX
■ New maintenance intervals
Indication on hour meterItems
50 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000
Interval
Engine oil Change ◎
○○Every 500 Hr
Engine oil filter Replace ◎
○○Every 500 Hr
Fuel filter Replace
○○Every 500 Hr
Hydraulic oil filter Replace
○○Every 500 Hr
TransmissionfluidChange ○Every 1000 Hr
Front differential
case oil
Change
○
Every 1000 Hr
Front axle gear
case oil
Change
○
Every 1000 Hr
Pre-Fuel filter *1 Clean
○○Every 500 Hr
NOTE:
● The jobs indicated by ◎must be done after the first 50 hours of operation.
● Use the KUBOTA genuine oils and filters.
● For other maintenance items than in the above table, refer to their respective operator’s manuals.
● If you have any questions, contact your local KUBOTA Dealer.
● *1：Only for Model M135GX tractor.

CONTENTS
SAFE OPERATION ............................................................................................ -1
SERVICING OF TRACTOR......................................................................................... 1
SPECIFICATIONS....................................................................................................... 3
SPECIFICATION TABLE ......................................................................................... 3
TRAVELING SPEEDS ............................................................................................. 5
IMPLEMENT LIMITATIONS ........................................................................................ 6
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS................................................................... 9
PRE-OPERATION CHECK ....................................................................................... 13
DAILY CHECK ....................................................................................................... 13
OPERATING THE ENGINE....................................................................................... 14
STARTING THE ENGINE ...................................................................................... 14
COLD WEATHER STARTING ............................................................................... 16
Block Heater (if equipped) .............................................................................................. 17
STOPPING THE ENGINE...................................................................................... 17
WARMING UP ....................................................................................................... 17
Warm-up and Transmission Oil at Low Temperature Range .........................................17
JUMP STARTING .................................................................................................. 17
OPERATING THE TRACTOR ................................................................................... 19
OPERATING NEW TRACTOR .............................................................................. 19
Do not Operate the Tractor at Full Speed for the First 50 Hours....................................19
Changing Lubricating Oil for New Tractors.....................................................................19
BOARDING AND LEAVING THE TRACTOR ........................................................ 19
STARTING ............................................................................................................. 19
Operator's Seat............................................................................................................... 20
Seat Belt ......................................................................................................................... 21
Muffler.............................................................................................................................21
Tilt Steering Adjustment..................................................................................................21
Light Switch ....................................................................................................................22
Turn Signal / Hazard Light Switch ..................................................................................22
With Trailer Connector.................................................................................................... 22
Horn Button.....................................................................................................................23
Brake Pedals (Right and Left).........................................................................................23
Clutch Pedal ...................................................................................................................24
Main Gear Shift Lever.....................................................................................................25
Range Gear Shift Lever..................................................................................................25
Hydraulic-Shuttle Shift Lever .......................................................................................... 25
Creep Speed................................................................................................................... 26
4WD / Bi-speed Turn Switch...........................................................................................26
Hand Throttle Lever ........................................................................................................ 27
Foot Throttle ...................................................................................................................27
Parking Brake Lever ....................................................................................................... 27
STOPPING............................................................................................................. 28
Stopping.......................................................................................................................... 28

CONTENTS
CHECK DURING DRIVING ................................................................................... 28
Immediately Stop the Engine if:...................................................................................... 28
Easy Checker(TM).......................................................................................................... 28
Fuel Gauge.....................................................................................................................29
Coolant Temperature Gauge .......................................................................................... 29
Tachometer.....................................................................................................................29
PTO RPM / TRAVEL SPEED MONITOR............................................................... 30
Changing Display Mode..................................................................................................30
PTO Speed Display Mode Switching..............................................................................32
Entering the Travel Speed Coefficient............................................................................ 33
PARKING ............................................................................................................... 34
Parking............................................................................................................................ 34
OPERATING TECHNIQUES ................................................................................. 34
Differential Lock..............................................................................................................34
Operating the Tractor on a Road.................................................................................... 35
Operating on Slopes and Rough Terrain ........................................................................35
Transport the Tractor Safely...........................................................................................35
Directions for Use of Power Steering.............................................................................. 35
Trailer Electrical Outlet ................................................................................................... 36
Hydraulic Brake for Trailer..............................................................................................36
PTO ........................................................................................................................... 37
PTO OPERATION.................................................................................................. 37
PTO Clutch Control Switch.............................................................................................37
PTO Gear Shift Lever ..................................................................................................... 38
PTO Gear Shift Lever ..................................................................................................... 38
LCD Monitor Message .................................................................................................... 39
PTO Shaft Cover and Shaft Cap ....................................................................................39
GROUND PTO OPERATION................................................................................. 40
Ground / Engine PTO Select Lever ................................................................................ 40
THREE-POINT HITCH & DRAWBAR........................................................................ 42
3-POINT HITCH ..................................................................................................... 43
Category 1 & 2................................................................................................................43
Selecting the holes of Lower Links ................................................................................. 43
Selecting the Top Link Mounting Holes .......................................................................... 43
Drawbar .......................................................................................................................... 44
Lifting Rod (Left) .............................................................................................................44
Lifting Rod (Right)........................................................................................................... 44
Top Link.......................................................................................................................... 45
Stabilizer......................................................................................................................... 45
DRAWBAR............................................................................................................. 46
Swing Drawbar ............................................................................................................... 46
HIGH-HITCH .......................................................................................................... 46
High-Hitch....................................................................................................................... 46
High-hitch with Automatic Trailer Coupling..................................................................... 47
PITON-FIX ............................................................................................................. 48
Piton-Fix.......................................................................................................................... 48
HYDRAULIC UNIT..................................................................................................... 49
3-POINT HITCH CONTROL SYSTEM................................................................... 49
Position Control .............................................................................................................. 49
Draft Control ...................................................................................................................49

CONTENTS
Mixed Control..................................................................................................................50
Float Control ...................................................................................................................50
3-point Hitch Lowering Speed.........................................................................................50
REMOTE HYDRAULIC CONTROL SYSTEM........................................................ 50
Remote Control Valve..................................................................................................... 50
Remote Control Valve Lever........................................................................................... 51
Remote Control Valve Coupler Connecting and Disconnecting .....................................52
Hydraulic Control Unit Use Reference Chart..................................................................53
TIRES, WHEELS AND BALLAST.............................................................................. 54
TIRES..................................................................................................................... 54
Inflation Pressure............................................................................................................ 54
Dual Tires ....................................................................................................................... 54
WHEEL ADJUSTMENT ......................................................................................... 54
Front Wheels (with four wheel drive) ..............................................................................55
Rear Wheels ................................................................................................................... 56
BALLAST ............................................................................................................... 57
Front Ballast.................................................................................................................... 57
Rear Ballast ....................................................................................................................57
Maximum Masses........................................................................................................... 57
CAB OPERATION ..................................................................................................... 58
DOOR AND WINDOW........................................................................................... 58
Locking and Unlocking the Door.....................................................................................58
Opening the Door ........................................................................................................... 58
Rear Window .................................................................................................................. 58
Side Window................................................................................................................... 59
Emergency Exit............................................................................................................... 59
DOME LIGHT......................................................................................................... 59
Dome Light .....................................................................................................................59
WORK LIGHT ........................................................................................................ 59
Work Light Switch...........................................................................................................59
Front Work Light ............................................................................................................. 60
Rear Work Light..............................................................................................................60
WIPER ................................................................................................................... 60
Front Wiper / Washer Switch..........................................................................................60
Rear Wiper / Washer Switch (if equipped)......................................................................60
Using the Wipers in Cold Season...................................................................................60
AIR CONDITIONER ............................................................................................... 61
Airflow .............................................................................................................................61
Air Control Vent ..............................................................................................................61
Control Panel..................................................................................................................62
Operation........................................................................................................................ 63
REAR / SIDE DEFOGGER WITH TIMER (if equipped)......................................... 65
INSTALLING THE IMPLEMENT CONTROL BOX................................................. 65
ELECTRICAL OUTLET.......................................................................................... 66
Electrical Outlet...............................................................................................................66
BEACON LIGHT .................................................................................................... 66
Beacon Light Switch ....................................................................................................... 66
MAINTENANCE......................................................................................................... 67
SERVICE INTERVALS .......................................................................................... 67

CONTENTS
LUBRICANTS, FUEL AND COOLANT .................................................................. 70
PERIODIC SERVICE................................................................................................. 72
HOW TO OPEN THE HOOD ................................................................................. 72
Hood ............................................................................................................................... 72
DAILY CHECK ....................................................................................................... 72
Walk Around Inspection.................................................................................................. 72
Checking and Refueling.................................................................................................. 73
Checking Water Separator ............................................................................................. 73
Checking Engine Oil Level.............................................................................................. 73
Checking Transmission Fluid Level................................................................................74
Checking Coolant Level.................................................................................................. 74
Cleaning Evacuator Valve .............................................................................................. 75
Cleaning Grill, Radiator Screen, Oil Cooler and Battery Mount...................................... 75
Cleaning Air Conditioner Condenser Screen..................................................................77
Checking Brake Pedal .................................................................................................... 77
Checking Parking Brake ................................................................................................. 77
Checking Gauges, Meter and Easy Checker(TM) ..........................................................77
Checking Head Light, Turn Signal / Hazard Light etc.....................................................77
Checking Seat Belt ......................................................................................................... 77
EVERY 50 HOURS ................................................................................................ 78
Checking Engine Start System ....................................................................................... 78
Checking Wheel Bolt Torque..........................................................................................79
EVERY 100 HOURS .............................................................................................. 79
Lubricating Grease Fittings.............................................................................................79
Cleaning Air Cleaner Primary Element ........................................................................... 80
Adjusting Fan / Air-conditioner Belt Tension................................................................... 81
Adjusting Alternator Belt Tension ................................................................................... 82
Checking Fuel Line.........................................................................................................82
Adjusting Brake Pedal .................................................................................................... 83
Checking Parking Brake Lever ....................................................................................... 84
Checking Battery Condition ............................................................................................ 84
EVERY 200 HOURS .............................................................................................. 86
Checking Radiator Hose and Clamp ..............................................................................86
Checking Intake Air Line.................................................................................................87
Checking Power Steering Line .......................................................................................87
Adjusting Toe-in.............................................................................................................. 87
Draining Fuel Tank Water...............................................................................................88
Cleaning Inner Air Filter..................................................................................................88
Cleaning Fresh Air Filter.................................................................................................89
Checking Air Conditioner Condenser ............................................................................. 90
Adjusting Air-Conditioner Belt Tension...........................................................................90
EVERY 300 HOURS .............................................................................................. 91
Changing Engine Oil.......................................................................................................91
Replacing Hydraulic Oil Filter ......................................................................................... 91
EVERY 400 HOURS .............................................................................................. 92
Replacing Fuel Filter....................................................................................................... 92
Cleaning Water Separator .............................................................................................. 93
EVERY 600 HOURS .............................................................................................. 93
Replacing Engine Oil Filter .............................................................................................93
Changing Transmission Fluid ......................................................................................... 94
Changing Front Axle Gear Case Oil & Front Differential Case Oil .................................94

CONTENTS
Adjusting Front Axle Pivot...............................................................................................95
EVERY 800 HOURS .............................................................................................. 95
Adjusting Engine Valve Clearance ................................................................................. 95
EVERY 1500 HOURS ............................................................................................ 95
Checking Fuel Injection Nozzle (Injection Pressure) ...................................................... 95
EVERY 3000 HOURS ............................................................................................ 95
Checking Turbocharger .................................................................................................. 95
Checking Injection Pump ................................................................................................ 95
Checking Intake Air Heater.............................................................................................95
EVERY 1 YEAR ..................................................................................................... 96
Replacing Air Cleaner Primary Element and Secondary Element.................................. 96
Checking Air-Conditioner Pipe and Hose .......................................................................96
Checking CAB Isolation Cushion....................................................................................96
EVERY 2 YEARS................................................................................................... 96
Flushing Cooling System and Changing Coolant ...........................................................96
Anti-Freeze .....................................................................................................................97
Replacing Radiator Hose (Water pipes) ......................................................................... 98
Cleaning Master Cylinder Filter ...................................................................................... 98
Replacing Power Steering Hose.....................................................................................98
Replacing Fuel Hose ...................................................................................................... 98
Replacing Intake Air Line................................................................................................98
Replacing Master Cylinder Kit ........................................................................................ 98
Replacing Equalizer Kit................................................................................................... 98
Replacing Brake Seal 1 and 2 ........................................................................................ 98
Replacing Lift Cylinder Hose .......................................................................................... 98
Replacing Air Conditioner Hose......................................................................................98
SERVICE AS REQUIRED...................................................................................... 98
Bleeding Fuel System.....................................................................................................98
Bleeding Brake System .................................................................................................. 99
Draining Clutch Housing Water ......................................................................................99
Replacing Fuse............................................................................................................... 99
Replacing Slow-Blow Fuses ......................................................................................... 101
Replacing Light Bulb..................................................................................................... 101
Replacing Head Lamp .................................................................................................. 101
Lubricating Points ......................................................................................................... 102
Adding Washer Liquid................................................................................................... 102
Checking the Amount of Refrigerant (gas) ................................................................... 103
STORAGE ............................................................................................................... 104
TRACTOR STORAGE ......................................................................................... 104
REMOVING THE TRACTOR FROM STORAGE................................................. 104
TROUBLESHOOTING............................................................................................. 105
ENGINE TROUBLESHOOTING .......................................................................... 105
OPTIONS................................................................................................................. 107
APPENDICES.......................................................................................................... 108
MAXIMUM MASSES............................................................................................ 108
Maximum Permissible Load of The Tire .......................................................................108
Trailer Load Capacity....................................................................................................110
INDEX .................................................................................................................. 113