Tag Archive for: Kubota

Kubota UK sponsorship agreement with Hickstead Ltd

Kubota UK sponsorship agreement with Hickstead Ltd: Kubota UK are delighted to have entered into a sponsorship agreement with one of the country’s most recognisable and well-respected equestrian sporting venues, the All England Jumping Course, Hickstead, with an agreement which sees the supply of additional machinery support for their busy 2023 events season.

With sponsorship of a further eight machines, Hickstead are operating a fleet of 15 Kubota units including compact tractors, RTV’s and ride-on mowers which will be pivotal to preparations, including for the Longines Royal International Horse Show on the 26th – 30th July.

Kubota UK sponsorship agreement with Hickstead Ltd

Kubota UK sponsorship agreement with Hickstead Ltd

“Our facilities include grass and all-weather arenas, and an outdoor showground which is mainly grassland and typical Sussex countryside” explains Showground & Estate Manager William Bunn.

Spread across hundreds of acres, the grounds team of 14 have a vast and varied workload and, since taking delivery of a fleet from Kubota, have not been disappointed. “We have multiple operators, with differing levels of experience, who have all commented how intuitive and well thought out the Kubota machinery is to operate. The ease of access for daily checks and maintenance proves that the range is designed with the operator as a priority.”

Kubota’s sponsorship and additional event support sees Hickstead running 15 machines in total, including M Series tractors, LX Series compact tractors, RTV side by side machines and ride on mowers, in use across the estate as the team ramp up preparations for a packed calendar of events. “One of the noticeable differences with moving to Kubota is the strength and high level of build quality across the range.” William adds, “From a management point of view, the machines have proven to be extremely reliable – our down time has reduced and when we have needed advice, the support from our local dealership, Rod Gaskin Ltd, has been faultless.”

“I look forward to building our relationship with Kubota as they help us to deliver world class events.”

Phil Catley, Kubota Groundcare Product and Key Account Manager added, “Supporting these events at Hickstead with the help of Rod Gaskin Ltd is a great way for us all to increase brand awareness and build new and existing relationships with some of the very best in the equine sector.”

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Kubota shows off new machinery at Plantworx

Kubota shows off new machinery at Plantworx: Kubota showcased its new and innovative construction machinery for the first time at this year’s Plantworx exhibition, allowing members of the public to get hands on with the newly launched construction equipment.

The centre piece of this year’s Kubota stand were three brand new models; the KX085-5, an eight and a half tonne mini-excavator; and two new additions to Kubota’s Smart Energy Solutions range of sustainable construction machinery, the RT210-2e and the RT220-2, electric RT compact wheel loaders.

Kubota shows off new machinery at Plantworx

Kubota shows off new machinery at Plantworx

The KX085-5 offers operators advanced performance and superior operational functionality, powered by a low emission advanced Kubota engine. The mini-excavator can be used with a two-piece boom, expanding the working range and increasing efficiency in narrow spaces.

Kubota’s next generation RT compact wheel loaders offer high productivity with a zero-emission performance, reducing carbon output while offering the same standard of performance operators have come to expect from Kubota. Powered by a 48V system with modular 260Ah lithium-ion batteries, the machines regenerate energy when the machine decelerates.

In addition to the new machines, visitors to the Kubota stand also were able to find out more about Kubota’s OnSite App, which gives users access to information about Kubota machines at the touch of a button. The brand-new app which launched last month, allows users to access their machinery handbook and quick start guide, and ‘how to’ videos for each machine.

Leading construction influencers including Lord Muck and Digger Girl also stopped by to greet fans and discuss the latest machines.

Rob White, division manager for construction at Kubota UK, said: “It’s fantastic to be back at Plantworx for this year’s show. It’s been an exciting year for Kubota so far, with a host of new models and service updates announced, so it was brilliant to be able to demonstrate them to the visitors to our stand.

“Plantworx is a corner stone event of the UK construction machinery sector and it was great to see so many people at this year’s show and to see such interest in our newest models to market.”

For more information on Kubota and its extensive range of solutions for the construction industry, visit www.kubota-eu.com.

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MJ Abbott take delivery of Kubota RTV’s

MJ Abbott take delivery of Kubota RTV’s: Reported as the first vehicles on site and the last to leave any project, a fleet of RTV’s from Kubota have been described as pivotal in the delivery of works by one of the UK’s largest specialist contractors.

MJ Abbott purchased their very first Kubota RTV back in 2006, and now have a total of 29 units supporting operations around the country – with some of their older models clocking up more than 15 years and over 4000 hours of reliable service!

MJ Abbott take delivery of Kubota RTV’s

MJ Abbott take delivery of Kubota RTV’s

MJ Abbott are renowned for delivering unrivalled expertise in all areas of sports turf contracting – from golf course reconstructions and irrigation installations to natural, hybrid and artificial pitch constructions and renovations. Over their near-on sixty years of trading, it’s not just the team and list of services that have grown but their machinery fleet has also expanded at a similar rate to keep pace with the requirements of their long and varied list of clients.

“Our requirements are unique and very different to that of most of our customers” explains Technical Director Adrian Abbott. “Any equipment we purchase has to deliver on a very demanding schedule, cope with challenging ground conditions and give us the ongoing reliability we need to complete works on time. That’s why, when we find something that ticks these boxes we will be very loyal to the brand and that’s exactly what we have with our RTV’s from Kubota.”

Among the 29 units are four RTV 900’s, nine X900’s and thirteen X1110’s – three of which were delivered in February 2023 by local dealer and long-term support partner E G Coles. “The majority of our fleet are running on turf tyres and are equipped to utility spec, with lights, which suits the variety of landscapes we work on. They’ll be the very first thing loaded onto the truck and delivered to site, where they then become the go-to method of transporting both the workforce and the equipment around.”

“As well as them being heavy duty, another big thing we like about the Kubota is the hydrostatic transmission. Compared to other methods, this makes for a smoother drive and is a much more robust mechanism when operating over uneven terrain. In addition, they also have power steering and full hydraulic tip, instead of an electric actuator, which we make full use of.”

With a fleet of that size, comes the necessity to service them effectively which Adrian says is successfully managed in-house with the support of E G Coles and Kubota when required. “When we’ve needed parts or advice, we have always had the support we need both locally and on a national level from the comprehensive Kubota network when we’re out on jobs around the country.”

“It’s testament to the quality of Kubota that we continue to get fantastic performance from RTV’s we purchased over 15 years ago. You can guarantee it will have spent half of its working life axle deep in mud and yet, will still give us everything we ask of it which is why we continue to choose Kubota now and moving forwards” he concludes.

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Kubota appoints Henton & Chattell for East Midlands

Kubota appoints Henton & Chattell for East Midlands: Kubota (UK) Ltd is pleased to announce that Henton & Chattell Ltd is to become a Kubota dealer for agricultural and groundcare machinery, covering the east Midlands area.

The appointment is a strategic move for the long-term business ambition of Kubota, which is to continue to grow the groundcare and agricultural machinery aspects of its business.

Kubota appoints Henton & Chattell for East Midlands

Kubota appoints Henton & Chattell for East Midlands

“This latest dealer announcement reinforces Kubota’s commitment to its customers and the market,” explained Henry Bredin, general manager of Kubota (UK)’s Tractor Business Unit. “The appointment of Henton & Chattell will help Kubota to further strengthen its position in these important market sectors, by serving a wider cross-section of customers.”

Established in 1931, Henton & Chattell is one of the largest garden machinery distributors in the UK and is currently located in Nottingham. A family-owned business, it has a wealth of experience supplying a broad range of customers from its logistics operation, which boasts a workforce of 85 and over 11,000 square metres of warehouse space.

A history of innovation has enabled the company to become the best-performing and most reliable distributor in its industry, and now the firm is ready to build on that success by expanding as a Kubota dealer. This brings M-series tractors, implements and R0 compact loaders, plus a comprehensive range of groundcare and professional turf care products including the new EK compact tractor series and new FC-series out-front mower, plus G-series ride-on mowers and RTV utility vehicles.

“We are delighted to have this opportunity to move our business forward with Kubota,” said Peter Chaloner, managing director of Henton & Chattell. “We like to be successful in every market we’re in, which means it’s all about our team, its knowledge, and the ability to deliver first class customer service.”

“We already have a strong groundcare team,” he said. “The opportunity to develop an agricultural machinery business to provide sales, service and support to the industry through a partnership with a dynamic and forward-thinking tractor manufacturer, is the next logical stage of our business development.”

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Kubota and Broekman Logistics open new location

Kubota and Broekman Logistics open new location: Kubota and Broekman Logistics opened a new distribution centre in Weert on Friday 14 April 2023. In the presence of the Japanese ambassador, a delegation from Kubota and Broekman Logistics performed the opening.

In the 62,000 m² state-of-the-art warehouse, Broekman Logistics facilitates storage, final assembly and also outbound logistics for Kubota Baumaschinen GmbH, part of Kubota Construction Machinery Division. Broekman Logistics also handles the Complete Knocked Down (CKD) of production parts from Weert to Kubota’s production plant in Zweibrucken (D).

Kubota and Broekman Logistics open new location

Kubota and Broekman Logistics open new location

Kubota and Broekman Logistics have been working together since 2006, initially from a European Distribution Centre (EDC) in Sittard. The entire operation moved to an existing Broekman location in Born in 2008, where a total of 40,000 m2 of new construction was built for Kubota. In good cooperation with Kubota, Broekman Logistics decided in 2019 to develop the new building location in Weert

Further efficiency
Further efficiency has been achieved in the new warehouse in Weert. The new set-up features an optimised layout of logistics and assembly operations, shortening lead times and facilitating future growth for Kubota. In addition, the building contributes to further sustainability, to which both parties attach great importance. For instance, large buffer tanks have been placed around the building to collect rainwater. Among other things, this is used for the green surroundings and the 100-year-old trees around the property.

Improving customer satisfaction
Toshitaka Matsuo, President of Kubota Baumaschinen GmbH, says: “The move to the new distribution centre in Weert is a big step forward for Kubota and symbolizes our partnership with Broekman Logistics. This expansion represents a significant investment of business activities and will not only help us further improve our current range of services, but also increase the satisfaction of dealers, distributors and ultimately, end customers. ”

Cherishable cooperation
Rik Pek, Managing Director Broekman Logistics: “The relationship with Kubota is very dear to us as a company, but also to me personally. After consecutive years of growth, it was time to further intensify our cooperation and provide Kubota with a state-of-the-art warehouse. I have been experiencing for years how well the values of our companies match. We are both very entrepreneurial, pay attention to people and value long-term relationships. We are very enthusiastic about the current cooperation with Kubota and look forward to continuing this in Weert.”

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Kubota appoints George Nowell

Kubota appoints George Nowell: George Nowell has been appointed as Kubota (UK)’s agricultural and groundcare Dealer Manager for the midlands, north west and Wales. Now in his fifth year of full-time employment with the company, George joined Kubota in 2015 after getting in touch during his search for a three-month summer job following the completion of his first year at Harper Adams University.

His career path is one that puts the spotlight on opportunities that exist within Kubota. After leaving school, he took a three-year apprenticeship at Bicton College which saw him working with a tractor dealership in Devon. Eager to immerse himself at manufacturer-level, George set about finding a route into Harper Adams University.

Kubota appoints George Nowell

Kubota appoints George Nowell

“I always knew what I wanted to do, and earning myself a summer job at Kubota was a move that has helped to create fantastic opportunities for me,” explains George, whose exam results and high grades achieved from an apprenticeship eased his progression into engineering.

“During my degree course, I returned to Kubota for my work placement year as a student,” he says. “My coursework and dissertation led to a project on M7 tractor optimisation, which was focussed on developing dealer and customer knowledge.”

Proving that a little initiative goes a long way, George returned to Kubota after completing his university studies in 2018, taking up his first full-time role. As a service technician providing product support, his early career included a three-month posting to KFM in Dunkirk, France, working in tractor production.

One year later, George took on the role of Regional Service Representative before stepping up to the role of Aftersales Dealer Manager in 2021. He now boosts his career in 2023 as Kubota’s agricultural and groundcare Dealer Manager for the midlands, north west and Wales.

“I have been involved with groundscare equipment from the start of my career, working as an apprentice in the dealership” adds George. “It’s great to be part of a company that has a reputation for supplying quality, reliable equipment through a dedicated dealer network and I very much look forward to supporting them, and our customers, further over the coming months.”

Commenting on George’s promotion to Dealer Manager, agricultural and groundcare Sales Manager Tim Yates said: “This is a great opportunity to showcase our home-grown talent, and it highlights the professional career opportunities that are available in Kubota (UK).”

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Kubota F-Series deliver picture-postcard finish

Kubota F-Series deliver picture-postcard finish: 2023 is a special year for Deighan’s Caravan Park, as the family-run business celebrate 30 years since the doors first opened on the 5-star resort close to Benone, Northern Ireland.

Their first mower – installed by local dealers D.A.Forgie – was a Kubota and three decades on, it remains Kubota at the heart of site maintenance, with a fleet of Kubota F-Series mowers ensuring a picture-postcard start to every holiday.

Kubota F-Series deliver picture-postcard finish

Kubota F-Series deliver picture-postcard finish

Open every year from April to October, Deighan’s consists of static and touring caravan facilities managed and maintained by Thomas Deighan Jnr alongside a team of four. “From March, I will have two people on full-time grass cutting and strimming duties and when I say full-time, they’ll start at one end of the park at 9am on a Monday and will only just get to the other end of the site come 5pm on a Friday… then it’s time to start again!” explains Thomas. “We take massive pride in our grass areas. Keeping this well maintained gives the great first impression we’re looking for.”

Thomas currently has four mowers, including an F3890 and F391 from Kubota’s F-Series. The F3890 sets the benchmark for the out-front mower market, featuring a 38hp 4-cylinder engine that delivers unbeatable productivity and impeccable cut quality. The F391 further enhances the F Series’ position as the professional’s choice for parks, open spaces and local authorities with a high output, maximum comfort philosophy. The newer, stage-V compliant model also offers power steering and an adjustable out-front deck making the F391 highly manoeuvrable – a feature praised by Thomas, “we can cut between the caravans and around the bollards at the back of the caravans with ease, leaving a finish that we can’t fault. Kubota is the only brand that has ever cut our grass and we would never use anything else.”

Together with an RTV-X1110 used to transport the team around the site, the latest delivery was a Kubota M4063 tractor, fitted with turf tyres, installed in December 2021. “We decided to purchase a second tractor to complement our multi-use M5112 and already the M4063 has proven to be a great addition. With caravans getting longer, we were having to use rubber matting to protect our turfed areas when we moved them around. With the turf tyres, we were able to use the M4063 to move a 41ft caravan a few weeks ago without the need for any protective matting – saving a significant amount of labour and time.”

He concludes, “Our relationship with the Kubota brand is longstanding, delivering reliable, well-built machinery backed up with brilliant service and support every time from D.A.Forgie. We look forward to continuing this partnership through our celebratory year and long into the future.”

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Kubota LX 351 a real workhorse

Kubota LX 351 a real workhorse: Lifting, mowing and manoeuvring within confined areas are proving no problem for an estate in the heart of Lincolnshire following the delivery of a Kubota LX 351 – which the owner describes as the ‘Swiss Army Knife’ of compact tractors.

Complete with a range of attachments, the LX 351 was installed by Irelands Farm Machinery in Spring 2022 and has gone on to be fundamental to the expanding orchard operation, making light work of the year-round estate management and reducing the reliance on external contractors.

Kubota LX 351 a real workhorse

Kubota LX 351 a real workhorse

The 400-acre family-run estate comprises arable land, run by a tenant farmer, with 34 acres of woodland a further 6 acres of grassland in the final stages of being converted into a fully-operational orchard – with close to 1000 apple trees planted come the end of February 2023. A spokesperson for the estate said, “Our tractor is at the centre of everything we do here, so when it came to looking for a new one, we spent extensive time researching and comparing the options available. We had used Kubota machinery on hire previously and were impressed with the quality and engineering, but still looked at the specification of comparable brands.”

They continue, “Our wish list was for a 35hp tractor, powerful but small enough to navigate around the estate and capable of being equipped with attachments for mowing, towing, hedge cutting and lifting and moving pallets to where they are needed. We also wanted a cab and air-con for comfort and safety as we work all year-round.” Ticking every box, with a competitive price tag and excellent back-up support from the team at Irelands, the LX 351 complete with mixed service tyres, front-end loader and counterweight, front forks, log grapple, 60” mid-mounted mower deck and 2-tonne Kubota tipping trailer was installed in April last year.

“It’s proven itself to be a real workhorse, from lifting pallets on and off delivery vehicles, assisting with pruning trees, felling and planting jobs throughout the winter and spring and assisting with the apple harvest in September and October. Attachments are easy to switch with the ‘quick attach’ mechanism and all of the controls and features are designed for comfort, making for a very pleasant operator experience. The cut quality with the mid-mounted deck has also been superb, navigating around the newly planted saplings where the gap is no more than 4m.”

The LX 351 has also enabled the team to conduct more operations in-house, saving money otherwise spent on bringing in contractors, to the point where the estate are now considering offering contracting services themselves to those in the surrounding area. “This investment will pay for itself in no time and there’s been nothing we have asked of it to date, that it hasn’t been able to deliver.” They conclude, “The whole experience has been so positive that we would not hesitate to consider further equipment from the Kubota brand in the future, as and when the need arises.”

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Kubota keeps Mount Kelly in tip-top condition

Kubota keeps Mount Kelly in tip-top condition: A fleet of machinery from Kubota has been described as ‘critical’ to the maintenance programme at Mount Kelly College and Prep School, replacing an array of equipment lost in a major blaze in November 2021.

Grounds Manager Mat Stevens has praised a pair of cabbed compact tractors and the two GR2120 ride on mowers for their roles in keeping the 140-acre site presentable, while their new RTV X1110 has vastly improved both accessibility and productivity.

Kubota keeps Mount Kelly in tip-top condition

Kubota keeps Mount Kelly in tip-top condition

The grounds and gardens that make up the Mount Kelly complex are a hive of activity, not just providing sports and recreational facilities for students, but open to community and club use – including Chelsea FC who have used the winter sports pitches for Girls and Junior fixtures. A team of ten assist Mat in the maintenance who, for the last year, has been tasked with replacing their equipment bank following a shed fire at the site.

“We have had Kubota equipment here for 15 years or so, and while we have used other tractors in that time, we came back to Kubota as it has always been the best suited to our requirements and is a brand we all know and trust” explains Mat. “We opted for a L2452 and ST40 tractor, both cabbed, which means we can keep the team safe and healthy in all weathers. They are equipped with everything you’d want for a comfortable operator experience and the illuminated dash display is great for easily keeping an eye on fuel usage, PTO revs and hours etc.” He adds, “Both of these compact tractors have plenty of pulling power and their 4×4 drive makes light work of the heavier tasks where trailers are required.”

Alongside the L2452 and ST40, local dealer Vincent Tractors also delivered a pair of GR2120 ride-on mowers which Mat says are perfect for cutting around the lawns, particularly in areas where tractor access is limited. “It couldn’t be easier to adjust the height of cut and raise and lower the cutting deck on these which makes changing the set-up between different areas super simple. The 450-litre grass collector holds plenty of clippings, reducing the amount of time spent emptying and, again, an easy lever system makes the task quick and simple.”

“These machines, along with our new RTV X1110, have had a massive impact on how we get tasks done – in better time and with improved accessibility all round.” The X1110 from Kubota’s RTV Series brings a smoother ride, more comfort and even better drivability, ergonomically designed for optimum driver comfort and control. “This is an amazing bit of kit! We’ve not had one for the site before so previously would have to walk or share the tractor to get equipment around. The open back has plenty of space for tools and the hydraulic tip function means we can easily remove any soil or debris. Its ability to seat two people comfortably and its great off-road capability gives the team access to any part of the estate in any weather or ground conditions for improved productivity.”

“Another bonus is the fantastic support we get on Kubota products from the team at Vincent Tractors. Getting parts is super easy and communication and servicing is never a problem.” Mat concludes, “We couldn’t be happier with these additions to our equipment bank and each of them are making a real difference to our maintenance programme and keeping the site presentable throughout the year.”

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Kubota launches online Solutions Hub

Kubota launches online Solutions Hub: Kubota has launched an online communication website called Kubota Group Solutions Hub. This new platform, freely accessed via www.kubota-group.eu is an initiative from Kubota Holdings Europe (KHE) to bring together innovative customer solutions from multiple brands under the Kubota Group umbrella. These include Kubota, Great Plains, Kverneland, Vicon, Fede and ROC.

The Kubota Group Solutions Hub brings together various stories about customer solutions with technologies that enable users to successfully overcome industry challenges, under the themes of innovation, sustainability, connectivity, automation and efficiency.

Kubota launches online Solutions Hub

Kubota launches online Solutions Hub

Each story describes the challenge faced and the solution provided from each brand, along with videos and customer testimonials. And at the conclusion of each story, there is a description of how these solutions specifically contribute towards the achievement of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals.

Visitors to the site can discover various stories shared by Kubota’s tractor, construction and engine divisions, as well as from Kverneland Group (Kverneland, Vicon and ROC), Great Plains Manufacturing and Fede. This new platform also enables the various Kubota Group companies to progressively ramp-up communications towards key industry events, for example the forthcoming Agritechnica event that will take place from 12-18 November 2023 in Hannover, Germany.

Explore the Kubota Group Solutions Hub: https://kubota-group.eu

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