Tag Archive for: Kubota

Kubota puts power down gently

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Kubota puts power down gently: A big Kubota tractor with a light tread has hit the ground running for sportsfield renovations in the north west.

The Kubota M7152 is a new addition to the line up for national grounds maintenance contractor idverde’s St Helens depot this summer and has already made a big impression.

Kubota puts power down gently

Kubota puts power down gently

“It’s a bit bigger and more powerful than the tractor it replaced, but shod on Nokian turf tyres it doesn’t leave a mark,” says operator Ryan Stirling. “It’s proving very productive and will be capable of handling a wide range of sportsfield renovation implements including a sand spreader, vertidrain and overseeder.”

Powered by a 150hp Kubota four-cylinder engine, the M7152 benefits from Kubota’s KVT stepless transmission, and Ryan notes:

“It makes the tractor very easy to operate with renovation implements as I can use the A-B buttons to set maximum and minimum revs and then select the auto setting and cruise control. There’s a great touchscreen monitor which I’ve been able to get the hang of really quickly, and it also offers auto pto engagement which will be really useful with the vertidrain, as it automatically disengages and re-engages the pto when lifting and lowering the linkage at the end of a run.”

The impressive rear linkage lift capacity of 9,400kg makes working with larger implements such as the vertidrain a breeze and idverde has plans to get even more out of the tractor.

“We’ll use it for a lot of haulage too, and the cab’s very spacious, which along with the air suspension and KVT transmission makes it really good to drive on the road,” says Ryan.

“For the autumn and winter it will have a reach arm flail fitted, and the front linkage and pto means that we can pair it with a front flail which will make verge mowing much quicker. We’re also looking to have a front loader fitted.”

Ryan notes that the M7152’s Kubota engine is pleasingly frugal, the 330 litre fuel tank giving an extra day between fill ups compared to his previous tractor, and says that the tractor has clearly been designed with the operator in mind.

“Access for routine maintenance is really good – I particularly like the flip up radiator which makes it easy to blow debris out and there are plenty of worklights. It’s very straightforward to drive and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can achieve with it.”

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Kubota launch LX compact tractor range

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Kubota launch LX compact tractor range: Kubota introduces its new LX Series, a range of multi-purpose compact tractors that allow users to handle a wide variety of tasks ranging from mowing and snow clearance to materials handling and cultivations.

The new LX tractor features a Stage V engine and will be available in four different models: the 35hp LX-351 Rear ROPS and LX-351 Cab, and the 40hp LX-401 Rear ROPS and LX-401 Cab, all with three-range HST transmission.

Kubota launch LX compact tractor range

Kubota launch LX compact tractor range

Powerful four-cylinder Kubota engines are equipped with an injection system, exhaust gas recirculation and diesel particulate filter, not only meeting the latest EU Stage V emissions standard, but also offering low fuel consumption. The large engine displacement of 1,498 cmÑ delivers high levels of torque to ensure ample power reserves.

The modern engine cowling of the new LX Series tractors has a distinctive, dynamic design giving the operator an excellent view of the front working area. It can be opened wide to allow easy access to all maintenance points in the engine compartment.

Kubota has developed a new three-range hydrostatic transmission especially for the LX Series which is extremely quiet and guarantees precise and efficient power transmission. An auto-throttle function allows the operator to synchronise driving speed and engine speed with just one pedal. This simplifies operation, reduces noise emissions and further helps to cut fuel consumption. LX Series tractors are also equipped with smooth and responsive hydraulic power steering,  making it easy to use heavy implements or perform front loader work.

The new LA545 front loader is also available for the LX Series, featuring an optional self levelling system, and further expanding the range of tasks that can be carried out with these tractors.

Two double acting valves at the front and two double acting valves at the rear to handle the most demanding equipment are standard. A new multi-function lever is used to independently control the valves. Lifting capacity at the rear is up to 1,150kg, and a front hitch with front PTO is available as an option, a first for Kubota compacts in the UK, and offering even greater versatility.

An external switch at the rear that allows the PTO to be switched on and off from outside the cabin, a useful addition when operating PTO-driven implements such as log splitters, saws, cement mixers, etc. while stationary.

The Bi-Speed system significantly improves the steering performance of the LXSeries tractors and bevel gear drive further enhances its outstanding manoeuvrability; the  large steering angle giving a minimum turning radius of 2.2m.

Kubota offers a completely new cabin design for the LX Series which is easier to access and noticeably quieter when working. As standard, it comes equipped with air conditioning, a heated rear window and windscreen wipers front and rear. All frequently used levers and switches are now located to the right of the operator, while less commonly used controls are located on the left, for the most user-friendly layout yet. Security is a top priority on the LX Series and the tractors are protected by a three-digit access code.

Cabin models have a width of 1.25m and the ROPS models just 1.22m, a compact design making the LX series the machine of choice for an extensive range of applications. A wide range of tyre types, including agricultural, turf and intermediate tyres is available.

The LX series will be available from Kubota dealers in September.

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Kubota makes significant donation

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Kubota makes significant donation: Leading construction machinery manufacturer Kubota is donating €200,000 to the flood-stricken Rhineland-Palatinate region in western Germany.

The area was subject to devastating flashfloods in July, after unprecedented levels of rainfall caused the Rhine to burst its banks. The flooding claimed more than 100 lives and causes millions of Euros worth of damage to towns and cities throughout the state.

Kubota makes significant donation

Kubota makes significant donation

Kubota employs more than 600 people in the region via its facility in the town of Zweibrücken, with company president Mikio Taguchi compelled to action after seeing images of the flooding online.

Having witnessed the impact of natural disasters in his home country of Japan, Taguchi spearheaded the donation of €200,000 to the region’s state treasury, saying: “Because I am a neighbour, I have to help.”

The donation will go towards those impacted by the flooding, with clear-up and rebuilding efforts currently underway throughout the region.

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JE Rees takes on Kubota equipment

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JE Rees takes on Kubota equipment: Kubota (UK) Ltd continues to strengthen its dealer network by announcing that its machinery dealer JE Rees & Sons is to add the Kubota ground care equipment range to its existing Kubota tractor business, with immediate effect.

Carmarthenshire-based dealer JE Rees & Sons gets an extended product portfolio that includes a full range of compact tractors from 18-60hp, plus commercial and domestic ride-on mowers to sit alongside its existing tractor and RTV business.

JE Rees takes on Kubota equipment

JE Rees takes on Kubota equipment

It is a move that puts the family-run business on a path for further expansion into new markets from its two depots – one at Velindre, west Wales, and the other depot in Llandovery, mid-Wales.

“We’re extremely pleased to be able to support JE Rees & Sons with the opportunity for further growth in these important sectors,” explains Tim Yates, agricultural and ground care sales manager, Kubota (UK). “This expansion will help Kubota to further strengthen its position in these key markets with the ability to provide sales, service and aftercare support across the amenity sector, schools and holiday park operators.”

JE Rees & Sons has been established for over 50 years, and is run by brothers Marc, Dylan, Geraint and Mansel. Having been a Kubota tractor dealer for over four years, the introduction of an expanded machinery range will enable the family-run business to better meet the needs of its customers through highly trained sales staff, workshop technicians and mobile engineers.

“We’re delighted to add the Kubota ground care range to our business – it’s an exciting opportunity for us and our customers,” says dealer principal Marc Rees. “There are some fantastic machines in Kubota’s range, that will also appeal to a whole new customer base in addition to many existing customers.”

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Kubota M7132 treads lightly for ODS Parks

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Kubota M7132 treads lightly for ODS Parks: Seeking a tractor with ample power and weight to operate its equipment, yet still tread lightly enough to protect turf and playing surfaces, Oxford-based ODS Parks opted for a Kubota M7132 supplied by George Browns.

That was almost three years ago, and with over 2,000 hours under its belt, the tractor has more than lived up to expectations.

Kubota M7132 treads lightly for ODS Parks

Kubota M7132 treads lightly for ODS Parks

“We looked for a tractor that offered enough stability to handle our hedge cutter at its 6m full reach,” explains Jo Huntley, parks operational supervisor with ODS. “Though it also has to work on fine turf and other delicate sportsground surfaces without leaving a mark.”

As the contracting division of Oxfordshire City Council, ODS carries out a wide variety of grounds maintenance works, and contracting, in and around the city of Oxford. Within the team’s remit is the responsibility for 90 parks, and a further 1,000-acres of countryside sites, plus cemeteries and urban grass verges, so the team needed reliability, comfort and practicality.

“We looked at several makes, specifications and warranty packages,” explains Graham Dix, operator with ODS. “And the M7132 stood out with its 500-hour service intervals, and five-year/5,000-hour warranty. With a set of BKT turf tyres, we found the Kubota provided an ideal combination of stability and low ground pressure for our requirements.”

Equipped with an LM2605 loader, Mr Dix says the tractor has to perform as an all-rounder, though ODS has no requirement for Premium spec or the stepless KVT transmission.

“I could be towing trailers, lifting and loading materials or using grounds maintenance kit such as a 5m-wide flail mower, turf slitter, reseeding equipment, fertiliser spreader, sprayer or hedge cutter,” he says. “With 130hp boosting to 150hp, there’s more than enough power to pull our 12-tonne trailers, and I have the flexibility to use economy PTO with powered equipment, which saves fuel.”

Equally advantageous is a 50km/h road speed.

“With contract services taking us beyond Oxford City, having a 50km/h transmission is really useful – it reduces non-productive time when we’re travelling between jobs,” says Graham. “And the powershift gearbox’s auto-shifting function reduces fatigue when crossing the City.”

He adds that front axle suspension and cab suspension also makes long days more enjoyable, and the ability to quickly reposition the steering column using a foot-activated lever makes getting in and out of the cab more convenient.

“Plenty of air vents provide a decent flow of cool air around the cab, the visibility is good, and there’s no shortage of room in the cab,” he says.

“The tractor also has some really neat features, including a pto guard that unclips to provide better access when hitching up powered equipment; the rear lift capacity is superb; and the external linkage controls on the rear wing are smooth and progressive,” he says.

However, he says that the loader’s cycle times, plus the top link design and location of the spool couplings could be improved.

“The US-built loader has large rams, so it is very powerful, but lacks speed,” he comments. “I’d also like to see spool couplings that are angled outwards, so it’s easier to connect hydraulic hoses, and a more secure mounting for the top link would help when I’m not using the rear linkage.”

“That said, I’m extremely pleased with the Kubota M7 tractor,” he adds. “It does all that we need, and clocking up around 1,000 hours/year, its reliability and fuel efficiency has been very good.”

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