Tag Archive for: Kubota

Kubota Gianni Ferrari S.R.L media update

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Kubota Gianni Ferrari S.R.L media update: What happens when Italian flair meets renowned Japanese efficiency? Members of the groundcare press were recently given the opportunity to find out, as Kubota opened the doors to Kubota Gianni Ferrari S.R.L. facility in Reggiolo, Italy. Following the acquisition of the brand in the summer of 2022, the two-day event delivered an update on the past, present and future of developments across the centre-collect front mower range.

Gianni Ferrari boasts a rich heritage of engineering prowess, with the namesake and founder pioneering patented irrigation machinery and the ‘Ferrari Joint’ in the early 1950’s. This developed into the design of their first walk-behind tractor in 1957. Fast forward to 1989, Gianni founded Gianni Ferrari S.R.L. alongside Franco Maletti and son Claudio Ferrari where, from their Reggiolo factory, they began the construction of professional lawn mowers.

Kubota Gianni Ferrari S.R.L media update

Kubota Gianni Ferrari S.R.L media update

Various models were introduced over the next 30 years, including the popular Turbo V50 and PG XPRO which gained much respect and popularity throughout Europe. With such a strong portfolio of centre-collecting front mowers for the professional user, Kubota recognised the complimentary fit of the range within their existing suite of ride-on mowers and proudly completed the acquisition in July 2022.

With the experience and support of Kubota globally, Kubota Gianni Ferrari have been working hard over the last two years to embrace the very best of the Japanese Kaizen approach to processes and manufacturing – which was evident in the slick and streamlined approach to production visible during the factory tour.

The media were also able to learn more about the current and ongoing developments within the product range such as the ‘conversion’ of the PG XPRO into the Kubota FC3-261, and the FC4-501 which has become one of the most powerful, comfortable and operationally equipped mowers on the market.

While the unprecedented rainfall from Storm Boris put pay to seeing the range in action, spirits were not dampened as all enjoyed gaining an insight into the approach – both now and that of the future – and the company ethos by speakers including Kosuke Ota, Vice President of Kubota Gianni Ferrari S.R.L. Further presentations were also delivered by Henry Bredin, general manager and Matt Wilson, groundcare product manager, of Kubota (UK).

“It’s been fantastic to witness first-hand the enthusiasm and passion among the Kubota Gianni Ferrari team and to be able to share this with the media from the UK and Ireland was a real pleasure” adds Matt. “All of us at Kubota are incredibly excited about the bright future we have with the FC range, not just in traditional groundcare applications, but also in other guises where it can also support the maintenance of artificial sports surfaces. We’d like to extend a massive thank you to the team in Italy for being such fantastic hosts, and to all of those who attended.”

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Kubota return to SALTEX

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Kubota return to SALTEX: A stop by the Kubota stand is always a must for visitors to SALTEX, and this year should be no different, with a vast array of industry-leading compact tractors, RTV’s and mowing solutions taking centre stage on stand C070. A particular highlight promises to be the expanded Kubota zero-turn range, with the new Z4-541 on show in the UK for the very first time.

The Z4-541 features a robust 54” steel fabricated deck, 24hp petrol engine and 360-degree turning capability to effortlessly navigate obstacles and deliver exceptional balance and stability for mowing tasks on uneven terrain. It is equipped with side discharge, with an optional Operator Controlled Discharge Chute (OCDC) enabling operators to temporarily shut the chute to prevent clippings from ejecting onto pathways. A mulching kit for the Z4-541 is also available.

Kubota return to SALTEX

Kubota return to SALTEX

Launched in July, the Z4-541 is the latest addition to Kubota’s zero-turn line-up, which combines unbeatable manoeuvrability with a range of chassis sizes, power sources and discharge options to suit all domestic, pro-consumer and professional applications. The Z4-541 will be on display at the NEC alongside the ZD rear discharge and Ze – Kubota’s electric zero-turn range – launched at SALTEX 2023 and making a return this October.

Visitors can also expect to see the FC3-221E from Kubota’s broadened FC mower range. Small, agile and adaptable, the mower deck on the new 22hp FC3-221E features two pairs of blades per rotor for a finer cut, while the expansive 600-litre grass collector means operators can cover significant areas before it requires emptying. This makes the versatile centre-collect machine ideal for various applications including residential gardens, schools, recreational areas and large-scale sports facilities, or adapted to feature a front mounted brush to suit the maintenance of artificial sports surfaces.

Kubota will be joined once again on stand C070 by Baroness and their range of mowers and implements. Together, the two brands showcase the very best of Japanese excellence and provide sports turf and green space managers with a complete maintenance solution.

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Kubota fleet is key to maintenance operations

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Kubota fleet is key to maintenance operations: A fleet of equipment from Kubota is being entrusted with ambitious improvement plans across the surfaces at Hertfordshire’s Aldenham School.

With the assistance of a pair of RTV Utility vehicles, two ride-on mowers and three tractors from Kubota’s L-Series, Grounds & Gardens Supervisor Danny Wells is well-placed to continue the development of the highly historic sports facilities across the 110-acre site.

Kubota fleet is key to maintenance operations

Kubota fleet is key to maintenance operations

Regarded in the Good Schools Guide as ‘seriously sporty’, Aldenham School boasts the title of the earliest organised football club in the history of the game with records dating back to 1825. The game has come along way since then, as to have the facilities which Danny only recently took charge of in June 2024, though he’s certainly no stranger to Aldenham. “I worked here previously before taking up a ‘dream role’ at Arsenal FC’s Colney training complex for three and a half years. When an opportunity arose to bring everything I learned there back to Aldenham, it was one I couldn’t turn down” he explains.

Much of the Kubota equipment was already working hard at the school during Danny’s previous stint, and it’s this reliability and versatility – together with the fantastic back up support from local dealer George Browns Ltd – that sees the fleet expanding more in recent months. “Our tractors are the workhorses for the vast majority of operations we do here – whether that’s spraying feeds on the cricket outfields or hitched up with our scarifier, aerator or top dresser for mechanical maintenance on the fifteen winter sports pitches.”

Recently joining two Kubota L2-452 compact tractors in the shed is a cabless L1-382 fitted with flotation tyres. “While we’ve only had it a matter of weeks, this has already proven to be a great bit of kit!” Danny continues, “Our pitches are mainly clay-based so can lay very wet over winter. This capable yet lightweight tractor will enable us to still get implements on the ground without causing damage.”

“Everything we have from Kubota is well-built, intuitive to operate and versatile for all the various applications and environments we manage. Our RTV’s for example, one RTV-X1140 and one RTV-X1110, are reliable people and equipment movers. We can use these to tow hand tools and machines such as our woodchipper around, getting things exactly where they’re needed quickly and safely.”

Danny and his team of six also rely on their Kubota ride-on mowers for the upkeep and presentation of lawned areas. “Our F3890 from the Kubota F-Series of out-front rotary mowers is fantastic for cutting the banks around the site, as well as some of our more natively-managed areas which might only get one or two cuts a year. It poses no match for this machine!”

“I also have to mention the Kubota G21 mower, which has clocked up some serious hours. This is our go-to machine for mowing large areas such as the prep school lawn and the grass around our on-site chapel. Because of its manoeuvrability, this machine is also great for getting where our cylinder mowers can’t on the sports pitches. Because it collects, we’ll also use it in the autumn to remove not just grass clippings but leaves and other debris.”

He concludes, “My predecessor did a fantastic job at bringing the surfaces on and with the Kubota equipment at my disposal, I am confident I can continue this great work and lift the bar even higher.”

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Kubota unveils new Z4-541

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Kubota unveils new Z4-541: Expanding Kubota’s existing zero-turn mower range and tailored for the pro-consumer market, the Z4-541 is a 54-inch petrol model which boasts a larger chassis, exceeding the dimensions of the current Z1 and Z2 models.

Operation and efficiency

The introduction of the Z4-541 broadens the existing zero-turn lineup, building upon a larger chassis while maintaining maneuverability comparable to smaller models.

Kubota unveils new Z4-541

Kubota unveils new Z4-541

The 360-degree turning capability enables effortless navigation around obstacles, while the machines’ low centre of gravity and wide-profile drive wheels ensure exceptional stability and balance, making the machine suitable for tasks on uneven terrain.

The Z4-541’s robust 54” steel fabricated deck comes as a 3-blade side discharge, with enhanced performance and cut quality, and featuring quick-dial height adjustment and K-lift deck operation for easy raising and lowering of the deck. Regardless of whether the machine is fitted with the side discharge or mulching kit, rest assured it will cover expansive areas, delivering a professional finish.

This specific model also features an optional OCDC (Operator Controlled Discharge Chute) kit, enabling operators to temporarily shut the side discharge, perfect for maintaining clean pathways and protecting parked vehicles from debris.

Performance

The Z4-541 is equipped with a petrol Kawasaki V FS730-V engine producing 24hp/17.9kw. The design of V twin engines allows the machine to run quieter and smoother with fewer vibrations than most traditional single-cylinder engines. A rear “wrap around” bumper gives added protection and comes as standard, along with a rear towing hitch, ideal for small light trailers.

Tailored for expansive areas, the versatility of this machine makes it well-suited for tackling large residential gardens or demanding commercial landscapes and green spaces – excelling in diverse settings and guaranteeing maximum efficiency with every operation.

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FC2-221 becomes latest Kubota addition

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FC2-221 becomes latest Kubota addition: The newest addition to Kubota’s Front Collect mower series features a simplified design, complementing the professional-grade models currently available in the Front Collect range.

Operation and comfort

The primary objective with the FC2-221 was to create a machine that brings simplicity to the existing range. Significant design changes have led to a notable reduction in the number of wearing parts and maintenance needs, while the operating platform now features a more traditional and user-friendly layout.

FC2-221 becomes latest Kubota addition

FC2-221 becomes latest Kubota addition

With a 480-litre grass collector, you can easily cut and empty large quantities of grass into trailers or existing heaps – with the raising, lowering and tipping functions of the FC2-221’s high-lift feature easily operated with a single lever.The FC2-221 offers the option of a rotary deck (112cm/44”) or a flail deck (110cm/43”). The rotary deck features twin rotors with overlapping blades for precision cutting, while the flail deck offers various cutting blade options to suit different conditions and applications. The latter option also comes with the patented “Smart System” of blade removal, incorporating an innovative magnetic pin for swift and effortless blade changes.

Performance

The FC2-221 is powered by a Kubota D902 engine producing 22hp/16.2kw. The size and weight of the engine fits perfectly into the dimensional design criteria and has abundant power to perform all operations, even in more demanding environments.

Additionally, it incorporates the patented HST transmission to maintain consistent traction on all four wheels while turning, preventing damage to the turf caused by skidding or slipping.

Kubota’s reputation for dependability and reliability is upheld in the FC2-221, with the majority of its components manufactured in-house. This ensures internal quality control measures and reduces reliance on external suppliers.

Application

The FC2-221’s compact size and straightforward design makes it a versatile option for operators of any skill level, ideal for the effective upkeep of lawns, paddocks and other areas where larger machines would struggle. Its size also facilitates easy transportation in a van or on trailer, making it easier for professional users to move it from site to site. The lighter weight also substantially prolongs the operational season, while guaranteeing peak performance and optimal results.

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