Kubota

Kubota Mission Statement

Kubota Tractor Australia will strive to be the essence of our customers business’ and lifestyle through product excellence, respect for humanity and the environment.

KTA contributes to the development of the Oceania Region and the preservation of the region’s environment through its products, technologies and services.

The Difference Between Kubota: Export Quality and the Japanese Domestic Product. 

Kubota Export models (as found at Paton's Machinery) have guaranteed parts availability, factory warranty, full dealer technical service support and assistance.

In addition, all export models sold in Australia comply with Australian Standards and OH&S requirements and have passed stringent R&D testing in Australian conditions. Tractor Rollover Protection Structures (ROPS) comply with AS1636 for the protection of operators in the event of a roll over. Customers can therefore be confident of the durability, reliability and safety of export models.

Be aware the phrase"Remanufactured Japanese Kubota" does not refer to tractors remanufacted by Kubota Corporation.

It refers to secondhand domestic Japanese Kubota models refurbished by parties other than Kubota Corporation

How do Kubota tractors made for export vary from those made for the Japanese domestic market?

Customers unsure of the differences have been contacting Kubota Tractor Australia on a regular basis for advice.

To clarify these differences, Kubota’s Executive Coordinator Engineering, Mr Kazumi Suehira, explained Kubota Corporation manufactures tractors for the specific requirements and applications of the destination country.

Mr Suehira said: “A compact tractor built for export to North America or Australia will incorporate heavy duty parts and components. 

On the other hand, tractors made for the Japanese domestic market have a component build list suited to light duty applications such as rice paddy cultivation. 

The market requirements for tractors in Japan can be vastly different from those in other countries with most Japanese domestic models only used for 50 to 100 hours.”

To an experienced eye the differences between Japanese domestic and export models are clear. The most recognizable features of Japanese domestic models include rice tyres with paddle like high lugs, two wheel drive front axles, basic gear drive transmissions, single bearing rear axle housings, 3 or 4 speed rear PTO, steel seat, Japanese (not international) standard three point hitch, non English decals and an overall dated appearance.

A major source of frustration with owners of domestic models has been their inability to source selected parts. Mr Suehira said that customers unable to source parts from a reseller would contact Kubota only to be told that particular part is unavailable. “Because Japanese domestic tractor models were originally manufactured for sale in Japan only, overseas Kubota outlets do not carry parts for models not for sale in that country. While there may be some engine parts compatibility this will not extend to transmission and other component parts. The situation is compounded by the fact the age of some models means a particular part may no longer be produced.” Mr Suehira explained.

While warranty on second hand Japanese domestic models may be offered by resellers, no Kubota Corporation or Kubota Tractor Australia warranty coverage is available.

On the other hand, Kubota export models have guaranteed parts availability, factory warranty, full dealer technical service support and assistance.

In addition, all export models sold in Australia comply with Australian Standards and OH&S requirements and have passed stringent R&D testing in Australian conditions. Tractor Rollover Protection Structures (ROPS) comply with AS1636 for the protection of operators in the event of a roll over. Customers can therefore be confident of the durability, reliability and safety of export models.

Mr Suehira concluded: “At Kubota Tractor Australia we have posted a customer alert on our website to inform customers of the potential hazards of purchasing a second hand Japanese domestic model and this article is published to inform the public of the differences between Japanese domestic and export Kubota tractor models”

To view this second hand machinery warning go to www.kubota.com.au and select “imports” or free call 1800 334 653.