M4 vs M5 alternator

[troverman]

Thinking of buying an M5 primarily for snow plowing operation, many times happening at night. We would normally add a lot of extra lighting for warning and visibility. However, it appears the M5 only has an 80A alternator yet the M4 comes with a 130A unit? How does that make sense? And apparently they are not interchangeable. Any upgrades for the M5 unit?

 

[85Hokie]

If you need 130 amps of light ........ you could light up a football stadium.

80 amps will provide PLENTY of light - assuming you are not using halogens!

Set up as many lights as you think you need via LED's and you will be fine! Fuse them all in a separate box too.

 

[troverman]

Why would they give the M4 130A if it’s unnecessary then? That’s what I’m curious about. M4 and M5 have a lot of similarities…

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

You can get a 130amp alternator for it:

3S205-64010

Whole kit:
M9134

https://www.messicks.com/parts/kubota/m9134

 

[troverman]

Pricey, but available. Thanks NIW. Still wonder what the rationale behind the HO alternator on the M4 is.

 

[jimh406]

LED light bars don't use very many amps. Check to see how much you will draw for the lights you want to add.

 

[troverman]

It depends…I had an L4060 in the past which had a cab and a 60A alternator. I used it all day once with just the stock headlights, work lights, windshield wiper, and heater blower and four way flashers on. Tractor performed great in the snow all day and night. Shut it off, then dead wouldn’t start. Just factory accessories killed it because the engine wasn’t constantly revved up.

 

[whitetiger]

Pricey, but available. Thanks NIW. Still wonder what the rationale behind the HO alternator on the M4 is.

Does the M4 have heated rear windows?

 

[troverman]

Does the M4 have heated rear windows?

The heated rear window is an option, but the 130A alternator is standard equipment. Just seems odd. Apparently the M5 doesn’t have a de-clutch button either.

 

[jimh406]

It depends…I had an L4060 in the past which had a cab and a 60A alternator. I used it all day once with just the stock headlights, work lights, windshield wiper, and heater blower and four way flashers on.

I guess, but you could also change all of those bulbs to LED as well.

I'd also check with the dealer to find out if the specs you are reading wrt to M4/M5 is just a misprint or is comparing open station to cab.

 

[JasonW]

M4 is only available with a cab. One difference I can think of is the M4 has an electric 4wd clutch and the M5 is mechanical. Specs show the M5 dual speed (24 speed) is electric 4wd, but has the same 80 amp as all the cab models.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Pricey, but available. Thanks NIW. Still wonder what the rationale behind the HO alternator on the M4 is.

It has to do with cabs, heating and cooling, more than lights or any other equipment.

 

[JasonW]

It has to do with cabs, heating and cooling, more than lights or any other equipment.

I have always read that the M4D is basically a M7060 12 speed with a M5 cab and a de-clutch bottom. Is that correct?

 

[troverman]

I have always read that the M4D is basically a M7060 12 speed with a M5 cab and a de-clutch bottom. Is that correct?

Yes, that’s true. It also has a modernized instrument cluster and couple other updates.

 

[whitetiger]

I have always read that the M4D is basically a M7060 12 speed with a M5 cab and a de-clutch bottom. Is that correct?

Well, you could say the cabin is similar to the M5 cabin.

 

[#40Fan]

LEDs for sure. I switched out all of my lights/bulbs to LED and cut the draw to a 1/3 of original and added more work lights. The manual even states if you're using the work lights to make sure you have the engine above a certain RPM.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

If you need 130 amps of light ........ you could light up a football stadium.

80 amps will provide PLENTY of light - assuming you are not using halogens!

Set up as many lights as you think you need via LED's and you will be fine! Fuse them all in a separate box too.

Used to plow a LOT of snow with a '73 CJ-5, 1/2 century ago, NO LEDs back then well no white ones.JEEP only had 37 amp alternator, 4 'plow; lights was more than enough. You'd have to supply sunglasses, no, welding helmets, to the neighbours if you lit up 80 amps worth of bright white LEDS !