Kubota Skid Steer! Huh?

[jayste]

Well I usually do live under a rock and now I JUST NOW noticed that Kubota is in the skid steer market! How about it? Anyone tried one or own one?

 

[Duffster]

Well I usually do live under a rock and now I JUST NOW noticed that Kubota is in the skid steer market! How about it? Anyone tried one or own one?

Do they actually have any out?

Last I heard they had scrapped the program.

 

[Texas Fella]

Program is not scrapped. The skid steers are in the states now but I do not know of any dealers with them on their lots now.

 

[equipman]

Kubota hasn't released the SVL75 Compact Track Loaders to the dealers yet.

 

[Spencer C]

Our first unit will be here in August. I've got a fair amount of seat time in one and they are nice.

 

[radman1]

Horrible time for any newcomer to the market. Talked with a dealer today, they usually sell 15 new units/month this time of year. Have sold 1 in the past 1.5 months. I doubt many dealers will be standing in line ordering these machines. Is the Kubota machine going to change the skid steer world? Doubtful. The machines are all close in specs, prices and features between the companies. No real earthshaking differences.

 

[Duffster]

Horrible time for any newcomer to the market. Talked with a dealer today, they usually sell 15 new units/month this time of year. Have sold 1 in the past 1.5 months. I doubt many dealers will be standing in line ordering these machines. Is the Kubota machine going to change the skid steer world? Doubtful. The machines are all close in specs, prices and features between the companies. No real earthshaking differences.

They can't build the new Deere fast enough (along with backhoes). Apparently the rental companies are buying after a hiatus.

 

[red4now]

Kubota roadshow going through the area lately. Will have to go to one of them and check them out.They have one or two as part of the displays. Hopefully test drives as well.

 

[Spencer C]

Any construction dealer ordering these units has to get a minimum of six. They are also territory protected. My first unit is already sold, and I've got a long list of customers in line to demo the next unit.

 

[CHDinCT]

Read about these over a year ago but haven't seen a 3D version of one yet. So is the rumor true that Kubota decided to go into the Skid Steer business when Bob Cat decided to start marketing tractors? Heard that Bob Cat and Kubota had some unspoken accord for BC to buy Kubota engines and Kubota to not make Skid Steers?

 

[keerym]

There was one sitting on the Dealer's lot in Mesa, AZ yesterday. It was all shiney and new. By the end of the it was gone. I'm sure its sold or headed out for demo. Market is pretty slow here too, but a few still get sold every month.

 

[Spencer C]

Read about these over a year ago but haven't seen a 3D version of one yet. So is the rumor true that Kubota decided to go into the Skid Steer business when Bob Cat decided to start marketing tractors? Heard that Bob Cat and Kubota had some unspoken accord for BC to buy Kubota engines and Kubota to not make Skid Steers?

That's mostly how it went. Bobcat and Kioti joining forces is really what pushed Kubota over the edge. Kubota corporation really despises having another orange tractor out there, especially one that they consider inferior.

 

[Ken45101]

Just a point of clarification: Kubota is not coming out with a skid steer (4 wheels), it's a CTL (compact track loader). That typically adds another $10K to the price over a SS, plus significantly higher maintenance costs.

I've heard they've been testing them in Europe for a year or so.

Ken

 

[Lockport]

They went through here, on tour, with some typ of semi-trailer caravan to introduce them. Unfortunantly, I was on my way out of town at the time and could not go down to see them.

I also heard the same rift, that Bobcat approached Kubota to make them (S)CUT's and they declined and threatened to stop using Kubota engines. Then Doosan approached Daidong to supply them with units, hence the black and white tractors competeing with their own orange line. In typical Japan vs South Korea fasion, Kubota enters the Track Loader business.:confused2:

It's also on the Kubota Canada site and can be seen here

 

[Duffster]

I don't see the point.

They are making a very limited amount of models, the models they are making are nothing special, feature wise.

I don't quite buy the "get back at Bobcat" angle, maybe it is true but Kubota can't possibly sell enough loaders to even make a dent in Bobcat's business.

 

[Duffster]

Here are some pics in case you haven't seen them yet.

 

[Ken45101]

I don't see the point.

They are making a very limited amount of models, the models they are making are nothing special, feature wise.

I don't quite buy the "get back at Bobcat" angle, maybe it is true but Kubota can't possibly sell enough loaders to even make a dent in Bobcat's business.

From what I understand, Kubota construction equipment (mini excavators) have a significant market share overseas compared to the U.S. It's probably broadening their construction line of equipment.

Ken

 

[Lockport]

I don't see the point....Kubota can't possibly sell enough loaders to even make a dent in Bobcat's business.

I don't know. Kubota's reputation is a name to contend with. They already have a current reputation to those working regularly with Bobcats as a reputable engine manufacturer. I could see people jumping ship on their next purchase if, and this is a big if, the huge assortment of implements already manufactured by Bobcat are compatible and they quickly ramp up to match feature for feature. From what I gather so far, they have pressurized cabs but see no mention of heat and AC. Nothing showing for implements, as of yet, either. Both these issues will have to be quickly resolved to even stand a chance. Perhaps they are coordinating the announcement of implements to come with an American debut.

 

[jayste]

Just a point of clarification: Kubota is not coming out with a skid steer (4 wheels), it's a CTL (compact track loader). That typically adds another $10K to the price over a SS, plus significantly higher maintenance costs.

I've heard they've been testing them in Europe for a year or so.

Ken

Ok. Help me out here. SS= skid steer, CTL= compact track loader. I get the difference but how are they different as far as steering? Do they both not steer by "locking up" one side to steer that direction? Still using hydraulic motors to power the wheels and tracks?

 

[Ken45101]

Ok. Help me out here. SS= skid steer, CTL= compact track loader. I get the difference but how are they different as far as steering? Do they both not steer by "locking up" one side to steer that direction? Still using hydraulic motors to power the wheels and tracks?

They steer the same way, just as excavators, bulldozers, etc. steer.

However, CTLs have more complex drive mechanisms (idlers, sprockets, etc.) that wear and need maintenance. Also the rubber tracks wear out and are more expensive than tires.

CTLs have advantages such as better stability (longer track length) than a SS, but in certain conditions, a SS with metal tracks has better traction and generally less maintenance.

Ken