Kubota MX4900: Performance Meets Affordability in Big New Utility Tractor

Kubota‘s newest utility tractor, the MX4900, debuted at the 2025 National Farm Machinery Show this week, capturing attention with its blend of performance and affordability. The MX4900 is set to be a go-to option for ranchers, farmers and municipalities. These owners need reliable, high-performing tractors for various tasks, from grading driveways to transporting hay bales. From the press release:

“We’re hitting a lot of ‘wish list’ items with the introduction of the MX4900: not only is it the largest chassis with an HST that Kubota offers, but this model now includes a lower horsepower offering in both a ROPS and cab machine, placing it at a more competitive price point for the customer seeking the capabilities of a machine this size,” said Tyler Weyenberg, Kubota product manager, utility tractors. “Starting at an attractive $32,012.00 MSRP [power unit only], the MX4900 is making the dream of owning a cabbed Kubota utility tractor a feasible option for many smaller operation farmers and ranchers. Plus, with the turf tire option, it will make for an affordable utility tractor to round out turf and municipality fleets.”  

Key Features of the MX4900

At the heart of the MX4900 is its powerful engine. The tractor offers two transmission options: a gear drive transmission with a 50.3-hp turbocharged engine and an HST (hydrostatic transmission) model with 51.8 hp. Both come with a Kubota diesel engine, ensuring durability and performance. The HST transmission is particularly noteworthy as it provides smooth, easy-to-use shifting, ideal for precise maneuvering.

Kubota designed this model with ergonomics in mind. It features a spacious operator station and optional air ride suspension seats in the cab model for extended comfort. Kubota placed the tractor’s controls intuitively for ease of use, whether you’re tackling long hours in the field or performing quick maintenance tasks. Both the ROPS (rollover protection structure) and cab models are available, making it adaptable to different work environments.

Built for Comfort and Versatility

Kubota’s MX4900 prioritizes comfort and ease of operation. Its heated and air-conditioned cab includes a rear defogger and a rear wiper, ensuring optimal visibility in all weather conditions. The cab also boasts dealer-installed LED lighting kits and a rubber floor mat for added comfort and convenience. When paired with the LA1065A front loader, the MX4900’s performance is amplified. Kubota designed the loader to maximize productivity with its high lift capacity, breakout force and simultaneous lift-and-dump capabilities. This tractor offers built-in versatility. It can handle a range of attachments for different tasks. These include implements like grapples and bale spears.

A New Price Point for Kubota’s Utility Tractors

The MX4900 offers significant value, starting at just $32,012 MSRP for the base model. It’s the most affordable option in Kubota’s MX series. This makes it accessible for smaller operations and those looking to expand their municipal or turf fleet. The MX4900 will be available at authorized Kubota dealers in spring of 2025.

Kubota’s Busy 2025: Expanding the Lineup

Kubota’s 2025 lineup has been packed with new releases, showcasing the company’s commitment to enhancing its compact equipment offerings. Along with the MX4900, Kubota unveiled two new excavators — the U17-5 and KX040-5 — and a new SVL97-3 compact track loader at the 2025 World of Concrete event.

The New Excavators

The KX040-5 continues Kubota’s tradition of compact yet powerful excavators, ideal for customers in the construction, landscaping and utility sectors. Powered by a 40.3-hp diesel engine, this machine can dig up to 11 ft and has a bucket breakout force of nearly 9,400 lbs.

The U17-5, meanwhile, replaces its predecessor, the U17VR1, offering increased stability and a more spacious operator cab. This model is perfect for light construction and landscaping projects. It also provides an expanded track gauge for added stability when using heavy attachments.

SVL97-3 Compact Track Loader

Kubota’s SVL97-3 takes the crown in the compact track loader category, replacing the SVL97-2. It’s designed to handle high-flow attachments with ease, offering a 3,459-lb rated operating capacity and a host of new comfort and serviceability features, like the swing-out radiator for easy access to the engine and filters.

Kubota Leads in Customer Service

Kubota’s 2025 year isn’t just about new equipment; the company also shined in the 2025 Pied Piper PSI Internet Lead Effectiveness (ILE) Compact Tractor Industry Study. Kubota ranked #1 in Internet Lead Effectiveness — a crucial factor in today’s digital-first marketplace. The study evaluated dealership responsiveness to online inquiries, and Kubota dealers stood out by offering fast, multi-channel communication and low failure-to-respond rates.

Kubota’s commitment to customer service showed a marked improvement in 2025, with 10 percent of Kubota dealers scoring above 80 on the ILE scale, surpassing the industry average of 4 percent. The company’s quick response time and multi-channel approach helped create a seamless buying experience for customers, setting them apart from competitors like John Deere and Mahindra.

An Exciting 2025 for Kubota so Far

Kubota’s 2025 releases, including the MX4900, U17-5, KX040-5 and SVL97-3, demonstrate the company’s ability to innovate while maintaining the reliability and durability its customers expect. Whether you’re in the market for a new utility tractor, an excavator or a compact track loader, Kubota’s diverse lineup offers versatile solutions for a wide range of industries. The company’s continued focus on improving customer service further solidifies its position as a leader in the compact equipment industry — with a strong 2025 already in the book.

Keith Gribbins is a publisher of Compact Equipment.

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