Kubota enters skid-steer market

Add another company to the skid-steer market. Kubota is entering the business with the introduction of the SSV65 and SSV75. The two models feature hand and foot controls, and will be launched in May of 2015.

“The introduction of SSL means now we have a full line of construction equipment,” said Masato Yoshikawa, president and CEO of Kubota. “The North American market is the most important market for Kubota.”

For landscapers questioning why a Kubota skid steer would be relevant to them, John Ryan, construction equipment product manager for the company, wants them to think about what their current machine offers.

“A lot of competitors already use a Kubota engine,” he said. “(With the SSL-Series) you're getting a Kubota from the ground up, and you're getting quality.”

Ryan said the Kubota skid steers offer many features, but one most relevant to landscape contractors is two speed travel, which is standard on the SSL-Series.

“That's very important for them because they're always on the go, and time is money for them,” he said. “They need to get the job done quickly.”

Kubota made the announcement at its national dealer meeting at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville on Wednesday. Almost 100 percent of the company’s dealers were in attendance.

Along with the new skid steers, Kubota revealed three new models of its Z700-Series of mowers. The Z724X-48, Z724X-54 and Z726X-60 mowers are all powered by either Kawasaki’s FX engines or Kohler engines, with both options available to the buyer.

The company is also expanding its presence in the agricultural and construction markets, with the introduction of its M7-Series tractor line, phase two of its hay tools and the R30-Series wheel loaders.

“We are not just a small tractor company anymore,” said Yoshikawa.

With the expansion into the agricultural and construction markets, Kubota revealed that it will be opening a National Parts Distribution Center in Kansas City in June of 2015. The center will allow the company to ship parts to dealers in a shorter amount of time, with most areas being reached via mail in less than two days.

NEW PARTNERSHIP. As Kubota continues to grow, it announced that it will be forming an alliance with Echo, meaning Echo products will also be sold at Kubota dealerships.

“It’s a natural fit,” said Jerry Kobza, national distributor marketing manager for Echo. “It allows us to get in front of untraditional dealers.”

Now, landscape contractors can go to their Kubota dealer and be able to buy Echo products on the same financial program. Kobza said the alliance will hopefully bring new customers to both Echo and Kubota.

Because of the large expansion, Kubota’s theme for the dealer meeting was “A new era.”

“(The theme) signifies revolutionary changes for Kubota Tractor Company,” said Yoshikawa.

The company’s 2015 brand campaign is “We are Kubota” and will feature commercials and advertisements on TV and in national newspapers such as USA Today and The Wall Street Journal.

Kubota also announced that it is partnering with country music singer Alan Jackson for his upcoming 2015 tour to celebrate his 25-year career. The tour dates and locations will be announced at a further date. This will be Kubota’s first major sponsorship of a musician. Following the announcement, Jackson performed at the Grand Ole Opry for the dealers.