PREDICTIONS: Kubota 2006

[DAP]

It's been interesting to watch these unprecedented last 3 years in the CUT - UT sector.

We've seen the advent of the Boomers, a new SUBCUT line, JDeere 'redfining' the CUT, the emergence of gloabl mfgrs into the US Domestic markets (Mahindra and a slew of chinese brands), Kioti pressuring the big three (it's growing in leaps and bounds) and the Retro emergence of old american iron names being recycled - McCormick, Farmall, MF.

Stepping back for a moment, all of this seems unprecedented.

Now ... I believe it's Kubota's turn again. What do you think they might do (or think they should do) as a next competitive step to rise above the pack? Here's my thoughts.

1. Discontinue the B2710 and the BX1830.
2. Curved loader arms and a sloped hood.
3. A 65, 70 and 75 HP HST or invariable speed tranny machine.
4. Factory Cabs for low-end CUTs and perhaps a SUBCUT cab.
5. Standardize the Premium B Series features to the L series line.
6. Change the color scheme of the B21, L35 and L48 (They are unique machines in the Kubota portfolio.)

Your ideas?

 

[Junkman]

If they are to be considered a player in 2006, they had best start working on their dealer network and fix the problems with them first. I ordered parts from a dealer that I thought was going to be great in sales and service. There was a wrong part in the box and after discussion with the Kubota factory representative, it was determined that Kubota made a running part change in the model run. This "good" dealer has yet to send me the replacement parts for 3 weeks. I went to another Kubota dealer and ordered and paid for them rather than have to wait any longer. Can't understand why a dealer that orders a part can get it in 3 days and another dealer in the same general area, can't get the same part for 3 weeks????

 

[_RaT_]

I frankly have not found curved loader arms/hood to be a big advantage. The view doesn't change much. When you look at the industrial TLB's, there is almost no knee, the arms are straight. Check out even the JD 110, almost straight. I would prefer that. I personnally would like it if the new ones came with the high quality plastic like JD etc., many ways, thats a bonus.

 

[DAP]

Rat .. I haven't sat at the joystick of a curved loader machine yet, but I base my thought on the marketing angle.

This is a case of function following form, not the other way around. And if one competitor suceeds in marketing curved loader arms purporting increased visibility and strength, then as a competitor, you will probably follow suit as 2 of the big 3 have demonstrated. Of NH, Deere, and Kioti, only Kubota is left to follow the curved loader arm implementation.

I can see it now: So long Gear vs HST rants --- Hello Curver vs. Box Loader Arms! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

I would also add that sooner rather than later, we will see the introduction of composite materials for shell design introduced into this area of manufacturing. If it's not already there, I'm actually surprised we haven't seen it already.

 

[Yankee]

"I frankly have not found curved loader arms/hood to be a big advantage. The view doesn't change much. "

I see a difference as the tractor goes up in size. The visibility on a DX33 is superb, while that of a B7800 is only so-so. I have pretty good visibility on my B7610, though, and I didn't see much advantage to the Case/NH sloped hood in the smaller tractors. Interesting that everyone mostly focuses on the arms. It really is the hood that makes for the visibility difference.

 

[Yankee]

Hey, since plastic has been mentioned, how about a see-through body? Talk about visibility!

 

[slowzuki]

I'm not a big fan of plastic. Durable yes, unrepairable too.

I'm hoping someone introduces a bi-directional drive CUT. Why is it so hard? Hydro tranny control, hydraulic steering and hydraulic brakes can all be easy extended to any location on the machine. We already have flip around seats from the backhoe models.

Who here would like the bidirectional for using mowers, snowblowers, backhoes, sweepers etc.?

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

The Kubota dealer meeting is around the end of Oct.

I would expect curved loader arms and hoods with time. Its the market trend, on small tractors it makes no difference. On larger ones it does. On the boomers it does make the tractor much longer.

Kubota already has a factory cab for the BX. I could see on for the B's they have it in Europe.

I don't think the bells and whistles from the B's will make it to the L's. People in that class of tractor can see past the marketing BS thats behind most of that stuff.

I don't see color scheme changes in the TLB's, but I think that their construction portfolio will expand. They make a excellent piece of equipment and we are doing really well with them right now.

Expect to see more BX's, talks of Gas, 2WD, etc are in the works. No clear direction yet but they are shooting for a lower cost option.

There might be some chagnes to the Lawn and Garden stuff. The BX is robbing so much of the garden tractor market that somthing needs to make it a viable product option.

Yea, there are a few lemons in the dealer network. That exists with every brand tractor and is not unique to Kubota. They do activly persue this problem.

 

[Junkman]

could you post a picture of the Kubota BX cab? Who is it manufactured by? Do you know if they have a cab in the works for the BX22/23???? thanks

 

[RobS]

How about e-controls for FEL joystick?

/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif