New Head-on Competition in US Mid-Size Market.

Kubota's M-Series tractors are new competitors in the just-under-100 hp, mid-size ag tractor market.

Kubota dealers, meeting in Phoenix last fall, greeted the new M-110 and M-120 models enthusiastically. Not only were they happy about having products for niche markets in their own areas of the US, they were also happy to be able to offer more competitive horsepower -- 88 PTO HP and 98 PTO HP, respectively.

"These tractors mark a new chapter in Kubota's 26-year history in the US," said Larry Nenneman, director of marketing, Kubota Tractor Corporation, Torrance, CA.

More comfort

On the outside, the M-110 and M-120 still come in Kubota basic orange, but it now has a roomier integral cab designed for operator comfort. The cab comes with dual-level air conditioning, heater, stereo cassette, and even a cup holder. More glass is evident, compared to previous models, especially in the frameless doors. The rear window opens, and a bottom-hinged wiper-washer remains out of view until it is in use.

The operator's seat swivels 15-degrees to the right and 30-degrees to the left, which the company says makes it easier to check implements and exit the cab. Both the tilt steering wheel and reclining operator seat are fully adjustable. A red interior LED dome light identifies controls during night operations.

Noise level is low -- estimated at only 72dBA by Kubota -- thanks to sealing and sound proofing of the cab. A full-floating ISO-mounted flat deck mounted on rubber cushions minimizes vibration to the seat and steering wheel. By lengthening and widening the cab, Kubota engineers increased the interior room of this new cab 20 percent over its predecessor.

New machine technology

Kubota's five-cylinder direct-injection engine combines proprietary combustion chamber design and precision fuel injection control, which Nenneman says delivers remarkable engine power for a mid-size tractor.

A wastegate turbocharger and large displacement combine to provide high horsepower and up to 45 percent PTO torque rise. Engine noise is reduced by operation of the fan by a viscous fan drive. The fan runs when it is necessary.

A single lever operates the eight-speed powershift transmission and dual range shift. The 16F/16R gears can be boosted to 24F/24R with an optional cassette-type creep speed kit. The button clutch range shift enables the operator to shift ranges without depressing the clutch pedal and to disengage the clutch.

A 16-bit microprocessor controls the wet disc main clutch when used manually as well as the clutchless electro-hydraulic shuttle shift, which is located on the left side of the steering column, leaving the operator's right hand free for front loader operation. "This feature is great," said Paul Williams, an 18-year Kubota veteran who serves as Kubota's product manager for tractors and implements. "You get smooth and efficient front loader operation with the Electro-Hydraulic Shuttle."

Tight turns & 4WD

Kubota's 4WD Bevel Gear front wheel drive, fully sealed in oil, enables a 55-degree wheel turning angle. Whenever the front wheels exceed a turning angle of about 35 degrees, the exclusive Bi-Speed Turn feature rotates the front wheels at speed about twice that of the rear wheels, resulting in smooth tight turns into an adjacent crop row. If the wheels ever spin, electro hydraulic differential locks on both front and rear wheels can be engaged to give positive, slip-free traction.

Other standard features include hydrostatic power steering, 540/1000 rpm independent PTO, lower link sensing draft control for constant loads, 3-point hitch control panel in the cab, telescopic lower link ends on the Cat II 3-point hitch, rear fender-mounted hitch switch, and a hydraulic system with a total capacity of 20.6gp for hitch and remote valve use and two remote valves.

What about Kubota dealers?

Larry Nenneman talked to Implement & Tractor about Kubota's 1050 dealers and how the company relates to them. Here are a few of his comments.

* We are deeply committed to independent dealers. Company stores work well for some companies, but we like to associate with independent dealers. We don't require a separate store for our products, and we believe the dealer knows what product and brand mix is right for his customers.

* The independent dealer has an awfully tough job, having to do a lot of different things and be good at all of them. In many cases his name is on the front of the building.

* The best dealers do the best job of servicing. If a dealer does a great job of sales and service, he will have a good business.

* Dealers have to look at their local markets to see what their customer's needs are.

* Some dealers aren't set up to grow and need improvements to make them competitive -- things like renovated showrooms, delivery and service trucks, updated shop equipment, employee training, and more sophisticated marketing tools.

* We want to see more men and women service technicians in dealerships, but they have to see a future. On the other hand, as an industry, we need to market the opportunities in order to create the interest and ensure an on-going employee base.

* What's the right role for us as a company? We're studying how we can make a difference in the industry. The US doesn't have a good apprentice program, so we plan to take a positive role in this area.