My Kubota 4060: The Ultimate Tractor for Country Living in Southwest Washington

Hey folks, welcome to my blog! Today, I’m excited to share my experience with my Kubota 4060 tractor, a beast that’s become my right-hand machine for managing my 13-acre tree farm and supporting my real estate business in Southwest Washington. This is my fifth tractor, and after years of trial and error, I can confidently say this one does it all—fieldwork, grading, light logging, and heavy lifting. Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or new to country living, grab a pen and paper because I’m diving into the must-have features, accessories, and implements for a rural property. Let’s get started!

Why the Kubota 4060?

After going through four other tractors that didn’t quite meet my needs, the Kubota 4060 has proven to be the perfect fit. With 40 horsepower, a hydrostatic transmission, and advanced features like auto-throttle and cruise control, this tractor is versatile enough for my tree farm and real estate work. It’s got six effective gears (three with slow/fast settings), a tilt steering wheel, and a treddle pedal for seamless forward and reverse operation. No clutch, just a flick of a switch for the PTO—it's like driving a luxury vehicle on four wheels!

This setup runs about $50,000 fully loaded, but you can find solid tractors between $15,000 and $25,000 if you shop smart. My advice? Buy based on your needs, not just your budget. A tractor that’s too small will collect dust, so aim for one that handles 85-90% of your tasks.

Must-Have Accessories for Your Tractor

Let’s talk about the accessories that make the Kubota 4060 a game-changer. These are the tools I rely on daily for property maintenance and improvement.

1. Saw Haul

First up, the saw haul—a lifesaver for your chainsaw. I learned the hard way after dumping a load of rock over my chainsaw in the bucket (yep, rookie mistake). This accessory, costing a few hundred bucks, keeps your chainsaw secure and ready to go. Whether you’re clearing a fallen branch or trimming trees to avoid snagging your canopy, the saw haul is a must. Modern designs are advanced—you can detach it and hang it in your shop, and some even rotate for easy access, like a gun in a holster. The plastic scabbard prevents chain damage, and it’s built tough to withstand heavy use. I use it constantly when brush hogging or clearing alder trees, and it’s a non-negotiable for my tree farm.

2. Work Lights

Good lighting is critical, especially for evening work during the busy real estate season. Forget cheap $30-$100 Amazon lights—they don’t last. I use Larsson LED lights, the same ones big Midwest farmers rely on for their combines. These are mounted under my canopy to avoid rain exposure (though they’re weather-resistant) and provide incredible brightness. I’ve got two in the front, one for implements, and one in the back to light up my workspace. If you’re working on unfamiliar terrain or grading fields at dusk, these lights are a game-changer.

3. Hood Guard

If there’s one accessory you absolutely need, it’s a hood guard. I got a custom ¼-inch thick steel bumper bar from Black Anvil, a small American company I highly recommend (drop a comment for their contact info!). This beast protects your radiator from limbs and debris when pushing burn piles or working around trees. I’ve dented lesser guards before, but this one takes a beating and keeps going. Trust me, a damaged radiator is a costly repair you want to avoid.

4. Canopy

Living in the Pacific Northwest, where it rains several hundred days a year, a canopy is essential. I used to scoff at them until I got sunburned and soaked one too many times. My fiberglass canopy (around $700-$1,000) keeps me, my seat, and my electronics dry and protected from the sun. It’s large enough to cover the entire cockpit and is a must for comfort and equipment longevity.

5. Tires and Beet Juice

Tires are as crucial for tractors as they are for race cars. I chose industrial tires for my Kubota 4060 because they’re less aggressive than agricultural tires, preserving my pasture land and providing a smoother ride on gravel roads. Agricultural tires are great for mud but tear up grass, which my wife wasn’t thrilled about! I also filled my tires halfway with beet juice, a heavier alternative to water that doesn’t corrode rims. This added weight improves stability and ensures I’m using the tractor’s full horsepower without tipping risks.

6. Quick Attach System

A quick attach system is a time-saver. It lets me swap implements like forks, buckets, or grapples in seconds without messing with pins. Every major tractor brand (Kubota, Deere, LS, Coyote) offers one, and it’s worth every penny for efficiency.

7. Diesel Can

A reliable diesel can is a small but essential accessory. I use Eagle cans for their spill-proof design, perfect for keeping fuel on hand for my Kubota’s number two diesel engine. On-site fuel storage is a must for long days in the field.

Essential Implements for Country Work

Implements are where the Kubota 4060 shines. Here’s what I use to keep my tree farm and real estate properties in top shape.

1. Pallet Forks (Land Pride PFL 2042)

These light-duty forks lift about 1,750 pounds (the tractor’s max capacity) and are surprisingly versatile. I use them more than my bucket for moving materials, lifting logs, or handling pallets. They’re a staple for any property owner.

2. Heavy-Duty Bucket

The Kubota heavy-duty bucket is great for moving rock, soil, or grading in reverse. I added three 3/8-inch hooks for chaining stumps or lifting heavy items. It’s a workhorse you’ll use more than you expect.

3. Flail Mower (FM 4188)

This is my favorite implement. The FM 4188 is a heavy-duty flail mower that can handle 3-4 inch stumps and blackberries with ease. Its offset design lets me mow along fence lines, and the massive blades make quick work of tough brush. It’s pricier than a brush hog but leaves a cleaner finish. If you’re doing heavy brush work, invest in a heavy-duty model like this one.

4. Brush Hog (Woods 720)

For serious clearing, my Woods 720 brush hog is a beast. At 1,500 pounds and 6 feet wide, it’s built for 35+ horsepower tractors and can handle 3-inch root balls. With oversized gearboxes, stump jumpers, chain guards, and skid plates, it’s perfect for trails, pastures, and fence lines. Always go heavy-duty—cheaper models won’t survive tough jobs.

5. Box Blade (Raiken 5-ft)

This American-made box blade is great for grading roads and driveways. Its replaceable tines make maintenance easy, and it’s a simple, reliable tool for property upkeep.

6. Land Plane (Land Pride)

For precision grading, the Land Pride land plane is unmatched. It’s ideal for roads, fields, and dirt work, using the quick attach system for easy setup. It’s not cheap, but it’s built to last.

7. Grapple (Land Pride SGC060)

If you have trees, a grapple is non-negotiable. This $2,500 mid-range model connects to the front hydraulics and handles branches, logs, or debris with ease. It opens, closes, tilts, and pushes up to 2,000 pounds, making it perfect for clearing windstorm damage or dragging brush while chainsawing. I’ve never managed to break it, and it’s a joy to use.

Tips for Choosing Your Tractor and Implements

• Match your tractor to your tasks: Don’t buy a tractor that’s too small or too big. My Kubota 4060 handles 90% of my needs but isn’t ideal for lawn mowing (I use a flail mower instead). If you need a lawnmower, get a dedicated one.

• Avoid backhoe attachments: They’re clunky and rarely used. Rent a mini excavator like a John Deere 50G for the occasional digging job.

• Invest in heavy-duty implements: They cost more but last longer, especially for tough jobs like clearing roots or blackberries.

• Consider your terrain: Industrial tires are great for pasture and gravel, while agricultural tires excel in mud. Fill tires with beet juice for added weight and stability.

• Budget wisely: A good tractor setup can cost $15,000-$25,000. I worked my way up from an $1,100 tractor to this $50,000 setup by buying, using, and selling smarter each time.

Final Thoughts

The Kubota 4060 has transformed how I manage my tree farm and real estate properties. With the right accessories and implements, it’s a versatile powerhouse that makes country living easier and more efficient. Whether you’re clearing land, grading roads, or prepping properties for sale, investing in quality gear pays off.

If you’re in Southwest Washington and thinking about buying or selling a rural property, or just want tractor advice, give me a call at 360-612-2079. I’m Jared Ritz, your country broker and rural living specialist, and I’d love to help you find the perfect setup or property. Drop your questions in the comments, and check out my next post for more tips on country living. Let’s go burn some fuel and get it done!

Cheers, Jared Ritz