Does Kubota read these POSTS?

Hoosier_Daddy · Oct 15, 2002

I am just wondering if someone from Kubota looks at our post to improve their product?

I have the BX2200. It's just what I need and it's a great machine.

However, just a few annoying things could make it better.

I posted one of those items that deals with cheap light switches. Give the tractor a bath with a water hose and the switches fail.

Another member stated he was ripping the flimsy Tie Rod Boots on his larger tractor.

So, how about it Kubota, are you reading about our experiences and suggestions for improvement?

We are your best "marketing tool" and "field testers".

Tom

JATO_RaT · Oct 15, 2002

Does Kubota read these POSTS?

No.

Darren · Oct 15, 2002

I talked to a Kubota engineer in the US headquarters earlier this year. He knew about this site and did check the posts from time to time. The feedback is noted. For obvious reasons they don't post here.

For what it's worth, the decisions are made in Japan. That means as obvious as something seems, it doesn't necessarily mean that changes are made quickly. In a comparison between Kubota and any of the US auto builders, I'd say Kubota responds to problems quickly. I can't say how the other major tractor makers compare.

karmakanic · Oct 15, 2002

I'll second that. I spoke with a local tech rep who also monitored this site. In my business you get an idea pretty quickly which manufactors aggressively monitor customer feedback, and more importantly, respond to it. From what I've seen of Kubota, they're first rate in this regard.

Dave

soarkrebel · Oct 16, 2002

Darren said pretty much what my dealer said. he said they probably don't realize that some redneck from south arkansas would want to take the tractor through a thicket to mow it down so he could hunt there.
i'm working on redneckin the tractor. you know belly pan , cage and yep tie rod boot protectors!
the thing has great power for a 32 hp tractor just needs some twinkin in the thicket protection area.
But then again so do new holland ,john deere and the rest. my uncles ford looks like some kind of rural assault vehicle. and it has all been done by him.

Thomas · Oct 16, 2002

I've yet to see a clue that Kubota has visit TBN since I've been here. /w3tcompact/icons/sad.gif..kinda wish they would pop in ever now and than. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

For about year an half Kubota was sending information & questioners etc..thru the US Mail,also couple of phone calls just checking to see if I was to happy about my purchase.

The dealership I visit /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif there always comments & questioners to be fill out if one has the time..and a crayon /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

All in all..Kubota folks I feel do and try hard to talk good care of there customer's. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

kevincook · Oct 16, 2002

I have never received a questionaire from Kubota. Am I the only one?

I would have thought Kubota would have asked for suggestions on improving the new L series before they designed and built it. This forum would be the perfect place to ask what needs to be improved.

The new electronic dash looks like an expensive toy to me. I'm sure it is cool to have but I'd be nervous about the cost of having to replace it somewhere down the road. To be perfectly honest I have never been even a little irritated about anything on the dash of my L3010.

On the other hand I hate the fuel fill cap and position. The cap is too difficult to remove and the opening is too small for me to reall fit my hand into. I end up with a poor grip on the cap or skinning my knuckles when I try to get a better grip. Also, having the fill in the center of the tractor makes filling the tank difficult as everyone knows. I'm glad I don't have to fill my van that way /w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif.

I would also like brighter lights on the tractor. The current lights are just fine for most work but they aren't any good for mowing. It is too hard to see what you have already mowed. Why did I have to add extra lights for this? I would have preferred having the Kubota engineers designed and implemented them.....they would have been better than mine. While I'm on the subject. Why doesn't Kubota offer a light kit installed on the ROPS or at least put mounting tabs on there. How many discussions have we had about not drilling into your rops to install lights? If Kubota welded tabs on at the factory this wouldn't be a problem. Heck even if they just put some threaded inserts into the rops that we could attach brackets to would be a big improvement.

The only other think I would like to see changed is the switch for the directionals. The current one is just too likely to be caught on something and boken.

I must really like my tractor if this is all I can find to complain about. Maybe I'm the only person that thinks these things should be improved/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

frank_f15 · Oct 16, 2002

AGREE; 100% about the lights. they could be brighter and better positioned, i only use it at night when i need to plow snow, but unless the fel is down u cant see a thing. the fel blocks the light, i know i can put rops mounted lights on and probaly will , just have not gotten around to it/w3tcompact/icons/blush.gif

Darren · Oct 16, 2002

It's simple to use stainless band clamps to attach lights to your ROPS. No drilling. No welding.

kevincook · Oct 17, 2002

The clamps are easy but wouldn't it have been nicer if Kubota designed the ROPS to have lights installed and allowed for the wiring to run inside the ROPS and avoid being snagged by a low hanging branch or something.

My point was really that I was surprised they didn't ask for suggestions or take a poll on the things that most annoy current owners. I know these things are small details but Kubota never even asked the question. Their engineers are great but I would have expected the marketing guys to be talking to the customers.

The marketing guys never even asked what it would take to get me to buy a new tractor.....other than a good story for my wife/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif.