Tag Archive for: Kubota

Kubota delivers in small, medium and large

Kubota delivers in small, medium and large: It’s Kubota all the way for the Mere Resort near Knutsford, Cheshire, where Course Manager John Quinn is in no doubt about the right choice of horsepower for a multitude of turf preparation tasks.

The 7003yd par 71 course is highly popular with hotel and corporate guests as well as members, presenting a variety of challenges from its James Braid-designed heathland and parkland setting. It also plays host to the Mere Trophy, a popular amateur tournament, won in the past by Ashley Chesters and Ernie Els.

Kubota delivers in small, medium and large

Kubota delivers in small, medium and large

John has been at the resort for five years, quickly rising up the ranks to be Course Manager, and as part of his upgrading plan looked to replace some older tractors.

“We already had an L Series and its performance and durability made the choice of Kubota a ‘no brainer’,” he says. “I decided what we needed was a small, medium and large tractor, and Kubota had the models to fit the bill, which were delivered in the summer of 2019.”

For power in a compact package and Kubota’s exclusive Bi-Speed turn for manoeuvrability, the 37hp ST 371 is ideal for greens and tighter areas but is also handy with a trailer and has the muscle to pull a small slitter.

The 50hp L2501 is a real workhorse, tackling leaf clearing duties with a Trilo vacuum and aeration with the Vertidrain.

“Its predecessor was a great tractor and to be honest would still have done more hours, but it made sense to have the latest model as there have been significant improvements. The greenkeepers all find the new L series really easy to use as it’s a lot smoother to operate, and the pto engagement is more straightforward.”

Big jobs are down to the 74hp M4072 which is fitted with a Kubota LA1365 loader, which pulls a high capacity Omarv flail collector and tackles all sorts of materials handling work from loading seeders to top dressers.

“Having the choice of tractors means that we can handle all the implements that we need, or can use them together – for example with a chipper on the ST blowing into a trailer behind the M4072, which still leaves the L2501 to work on the greens,” explains John.

“We’ve specified pallet forks as well as a bucket for the loader to get the most out of its materials handling capabilities.”

Also picked out by John as a good feature is the drop hitch, which makes hooking up big implements much easier. “The tractors are really well thought out – there’s even a slot for a spare hitch which means that you have it with you when you need it rather than leaving it on the shelf in the workshop!”

Fuel economy comes in for praise too – even when working with implements requiring high revs such as the flail collector.

“You just have to compare the savings made from having the tractors – our pto-powered blower is considerably more economical than the petrol blower it replaced.”

All servicing is carried out in-house and John reports that the tractors are also good to access and work on.

“We’ve not needed any parts yet, but our dealer GGM Groundscare is local and offered us very good support as the tractors were delivered and set up.”

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Kubota launches new L1-382 tractor

Kubota launches new L1-382 tractor: Building on the success of its versatile, dependable L1 Series, Kubota has introduced a brand new model,  the L1-382.

With its enhanced features, the L1-382 model ensures greater durability and productivity, whilst also improving performance and efficiency. Its attractive new styling reflects Kubota’s new design strategy, combining a dynamic appearance with superior robustness.

Kubota launches new L1-382 tractor

Kubota launches new L1-382 tractor

Amongst its most significant improvements is a new Kubota stage V three-cylinder 38hp engine with CRS, EGR and DPF technologies designed to minimise exhaust emissions and reduce fuel consumption. The L1-382 also boasts increased fuel tank capacity at 42 litres for longer working days.

In addition to its improved efficiency and enhanced performance, this tractor offers increased visibility and comfort, with a new platform design and impressive ergonomics, all controls being optimally placed and easily within reach.

The 8F+4R manual transmission has a two-stage clutch which allows the pto to be operated while engaging the main clutch. This is particularly useful when needing to change gears when working without stopping the pto. Alternatively, the L1-382 can be specified with the popular three-range HST transmission for easy operation and smooth control of implements requiring constant speeds.

Routine maintenance is simpler and quicker thanks to a one-piece fully opening hood, and a newly designed bonnet and side cover.

L1 Series utility tractors are renowned for their robustness and high quality, as well as their powerful diesel engines and outstanding lifting capacity. The L1-382’s Cat 1 linkage has a maximum lift force of 906kg, perfect for pairing with the wide range of implements offered by Kubota. It is also ideally matched with the Kubota LA525 front loader to make an invaluable materials handling combination.

In its efforts to further improve its offer and integrate the latest technologies into all of its products and services, Kubota continues to innovate, with the help of its R&D centres located around the world, whilst simultaneously keeping up to date with new market trends and the most pressing customer needs.

The L1-382 tractor will be available for purchase from March 2021.

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Kubota set to support #GroundsWeek

Kubota set to support #GroundsWeek: Kubota (U.K.) Ltd is proud to officially support the Grounds Management Association’s #GroundsWeek, an inaugural celebration week for the turf care sector.

Managed by the Grounds Management Association (GMA), the leading not-for-profit membership body for grounds professionals and volunteers, the turf care campaign will take place 1-7 March 2021 and will celebrate and highlight the vital role that professional grounds staff, volunteers, and the turf sector play in making sport possible.

Kubota set to support #GroundsWeek

Kubota set to support #GroundsWeek

Following a difficult year for the sector due to the impact of Covid-19, #GroundsWeek aims to showcase grounds staff and the amazing work that they do – and have continued to do – despite sport coming to a grinding halt. It also comes after a year where parks and green spaces have been hugely valuable to the public’s health, with increased use for ‘daily exercise’ and physical activity.

To celebrate the week, Kubota (UK) Ltd will be highlighting the essential role of the groundsman via its social media channels.

Kubota (UK) Ltd General Manager Henry Bredin commented: “At Kubota, we’re immensely proud of the fantastic relationship we share with professional groundsmen, who work so hard all year round to maintain and enhance sports and leisure facilities for everyone to enjoy. During #GroundsWeek we look forward to highlighting the incredible job that they do and how they use our equipment to achieve the best results.”

Geoff Webb, CEO of the GMA, said:

“After a tough year, GroundsWeek is a fantastic opportunity for every part of the sector to come together and celebrate all the hard work that’s gone on throughout the year. We want to inspire sports fans and the general public to realise the vital role we play and get even more people to enter the profession and lend a helping hand at pitches across the country.

“We’re grateful to those officially supporting #GroundsWeek, with businesses and partners helping us champion grounds staff and the amazing work they do.

More information on #GroundsWeek can be found here.

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Hughes Bros and Battlefield take on Kubota equipment

Hughes Bros and Battlefield take on Kubota equipment: Kubota (UK) Ltd continues to strengthen its dealer network by announcing that two of its machinery dealers are to add the Kubota ground care equipment range to their existing Kubota tractor businesses, with immediate effect.

Shropshire-based dealers Hughes Bros and Battlefield Machinery will extend their product offerings to include a full range of compact tractors from 18-60hp, RTV utility vehicles, and commercial and domestic ride-on mowers, putting both dealerships on a path for further expansion into new markets.

Hughes Bros and Battlefield take on Kubota equipment

Hughes Bros and Battlefield take on Kubota equipment

“We’re extremely pleased to be able to support both Hughes Bros and Battlefield Machinery with the opportunity for further growth in these important sectors,” explains Tim Yates, agricultural and ground care sales manager, Kubota (UK). “This partnership will help Kubota to further strengthen its position in these key markets with the ability to cross-sell between agriculture and ground care customers.”

Hughes Bros Agricultural Engineers based at Oswestry, was established in 1973 by brothers Gary, Roy and Roger Hughes. A Kubota tractor dealer since 2012, the family-run business also has Kubota implements and Vicon machinery among its portfolio.

The business operates with a team of over 20 staff, and sees the expansion into ground care as an opportunity to strengthen its business, further enhancing its reputation as a supplier of premium quality tractors and equipment.

“There are great opportunities ahead, supplementing our existing agricultural business with Kubota’s prestigious ground care equipment,” says Richard Hughes, sales manager and partner in the family business. “We’ve been looking after many ground care customers with parts and servicing – now we can reinforce that with sales of new equipment.”

Battlefield Machinery was formed in 2017 as a Kubota tractor dealer based in Shrewsbury. Run by company directors Richard Evans and Meyrick Pope, the business is one that comprises a team of 14, of which six are mobile engineers. Battlefield Machinery has built a reputation on delivering first class service for its customers, and the extended portfolio will sit alongside the supply of Kubota Implements and Kverneland machinery.

“We’re delighted to have been given this opportunity to expand our business into new sectors,” says company director Richard Evans. “Ground care fits very well with what we already do – and the ability to now provide sales, service and support to schools, golf clubs, parks and sports grounds is a fantastic opportunity for all involved.”

“Our customer base has evolved, and a lot of that is linked to the prestigious brands we supply and service,” he says. “We also want to apply our ‘can-do’ approach to customer service and back-up to the ground care sector. All our customers must benefit from the same level of service and support.”

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Kubota appoints Henry Bredin

Kubota appoints Henry Bredin: Kubota (UK) Ltd has appointed Henry Bredin in a newly created role as general manager to head-up its recently formed Tractor Business Unit (TBU).

With responsibility for Kubota’s agricultural and ground care sectors, Henry brings with him a wealth of commercial experience. For the last nine years he has been both account director and commercial manager with two high profile fresh produce businesses, following several years working with agricultural and ground care machinery manufacturers.

Kubota appoints Henry Bredin

Kubota appoints Henry Bredin

The development of a general manager’s role is part of the business’ expansion plans, and releases managing director David Hart to allow him to focus on his secondary role as vice president of business transformation within the broader European market sectors.

“Having worked among both the consumer and manufacturing aspects of industry, I am looking forward to bringing my experiences to this new role, and to support further development of the Kubota dealer network,” says Henry Bredin. “This is an exciting period of expansion for Kubota in the UK.”

“This new role will further strengthen Kubota’s commitment to our dealers and customers in the agricultural and ground care sectors,” explains David Hart. “With a focus on sales, marketing and dealer development, Henry’s role is one that will be instrumental in continuing to grow our core business activities.”

Since graduating from Harper Adams University with a degree in agricultural engineering, Henry has since earned a diploma in professional consulting, and recently achieved an MBA – both through the University of East Anglia. Away from work, his interests include skiing, rugby, golf and motorsports, while an element of volunteering sees him contribute to the management of Oundle Town U11 cricket teams.

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