Kubota Tractor Corp. unveiled its plans to shake up the skid-steer market in 2015, debuting its SSV-Series at its 2014 annual dealer meeting, held Oct. 12-16 in Nashville, Tenn.
Kubota’s first-ever skid-steers, the SSV65 and SSV75 models have two-speed travel and optional high-flow hydraulics. Features include an overhead front door, new multi- function handles for high-flow machines and a side light feature.
Approximately 4,000 Kubota dealers and employees from the U.S. and Canada attended the annual meeting, marking the first time Canadian-affiliate Kubota Canada joined the gathering.
A broader line of construction, turf equipment
In addition to the SSV-Series, Kubota unveiled its R30-Series of wheel loaders, the R530 and R630.
The R530 is the most compact of the new R30 Series, and the R630 with 4-mode HST is Kubota’s first entry into the 60 hp-80 hp range.
Kubota’s R30-Series include an air-conditioned cab, large entrance and operator’s space, good tipping load and 100 percent on-demand differential lock and multifunction controller.
Kubota also expanded its commercial turf product lineup, adding three new models to its Z700-Series of zero-turn mowers.
The Z724X-48, Z724X-54 and Z726X-60 are powered by Kawasaki FX engines and include a Parker TorqPact GT 14 transmission. Each model features a seven gauge steel 48”-, 54”- or 60” deck 6 inches deep. The Z700-Series tops out at 11 mph, running on an 11.6-gallon fuel tank.
Additional products, company news
Kubota revealed its further tapping into consumer and agricultural markets, too, with the release of a new zero-turn mower and tractor line, respectively
The Z122R residential zero-turn mower, a part of the Kommander series, is equipped with a Kawasaki FR engine, offering a 42” mower deck.
Kubota’s M7-Series tractor line, which will be available in the second half of 2015, comprises three new mid-range tractors in the 130 hp to 170 hp range—to date, the largest hp offering in Kubota’s tractor lineup.
As part of the dealer meeting, Kubota and its Tennessee dealers volunteered at the Nashville Rescue Mission to serve meals to the Mission’s residents. Kubota also pledged to contribute to the organization’s fundraising efforts, matching dollar for dollar those donations contributed by dealers, employees and vendors during their week in Nashville. Company officials donated a new BX Series tractor to the Mission, too, to assist with its grounds maintenance needs.
To round out the event—and as a surprise to dealers—Grammy award-winning country singer, Alan Jackson, performed at the meeting upon Kubota’s reveal that it’s sponsoring Jackson’s upcoming tour in 2015.
Photos: Kubota
