© Jonathan Page

Kubota’s range of four-pot tractors has been upgraded to meet the latest Stage 5 emissions regs.

The 7003 models have the same power output as their 7002 forerunners, offering 130hp in the entry-level M7133 to 170hp in the top-end M7173 (pictured).

The smaller models still a have a 20hp boost, while the range topper has 5hp extra.

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A tweak to the tuning means max power is now delivered at 1,900rpm, rather than the previous 2,000rpm, to cut fuel consumption.

The service life of the DPF has also been doubled to 6,000 hours.

From a driver’s perspective, the biggest changes are the addition of a brake-to-neutral function that cuts drive when the brake pedal is depressed, and a quick-steer feature that reduces the number of turns from lock-to-lock.

There was no sign of the six-cylinder 200hp+ M8 tractors that the firm is building in conjunction with Canadian firm Buhler Versatile, and we’re told there are no imminent plans for them to come to Europe.