Kubota shows latest, greatest

Kubota dealers from all over the country flew into Melbourne recently to take part in the annual Kubota new product launch, focusing on tractors, finance and awards..

Dealers were treated to a formal presentation headed by one of Kubota Corporation's senior directors, Dr Iida, as well as being addresses by KTA managing director Toshi Kawasaki and national sales manager Peter Gloury who spoke about the direction for the company until 2019.

As well as finance and formalities, there was the traditional unveiling of new Kubota products and some significant upgrades to existing models in the Kubota agriculture range.

Changes to the Kubota mid-size budget tractors were on show, with the introduction of the very modern looking L3200 and L3800 set to replace the existing L-basic models at Kubota.

While these tractors are priced for customers looking for a no-frills, affordable tractor option, they still featured most components included on a modern tractor in its class.

As well as budget models, Kubota's premium L40 series has had an upgrade to its state-of-the-art HST Plus transmission.

A new electronically-operated PTO has had a stall guard and auto range changing function linked to it to assist the professional operator in completing rear implement tasks more efficiently.

As well as this, the L40 series has had a massive price cut, making it an attractive and affordable option to even non-professional customers.

Larger tractors were also on display. A new Kubota high clearance ROPS tractor was one of the standouts, set to serve the vegetable market across the country.

The M96S Mudder, with up to 710mm crop clearance and which includes a 96 horsepower engine and a Swing Shift 24 forward/24 reverse speed transmission, was an imposing presence among the new line-up.

But it was overshadowed by a surprise sneak peak at one of Kubota's proposed new models scheduled for release next year.

"This new model has certainly turned a lot of heads here at the conference and our dealer network is as excited about it as I am, but for now we are still at the evaluation stage as this model is a project for the future," KTA product manager Lars Pasedag said.

A formal dinner followed the show and included the presentation of lifetime awards to three respected dealer principals who will retire at the end of 2011.

Darryl Squiers, of Squiers Sales & Service, Summertown, South Australia, John Jewson, of Paton's Farm Machinery, Mornington, Victoria, and Ian Goding, of Goding's, Whittlesea, Victoria, all accepted awards recognising their contribution to the Kubota brand and their work in the community.

The second day of the conference saw dealers make their way to KTA head office where they were brought further up to speed on the new tractors through demonstrations and a ride and drive session in the field.

"It is important for our dealers to see these tractors in action and understand their capabilities," Mr Pasedag said. "They must fully understand the product that they are servicing the market with.

"As well as demonstrations, they get a chance to drive the tractors which gives them a feel for the working quality of all new models."

After a successful release, dealers were told about the latest marketing programs and given direction on new techniques to run service centres.

WA Kubota dealers include Argyle Machinery, of Kununurra, Bindoon Tractors, of Bindoon, Boya Equipment, of Balcatta, Bunbury Machinery, of Bunbury, C&C Machinery, of Albany, E&MJ Rosher, of Kenwick, and Nicholls Machinery, of Busselton.