Kubota Canada Ltd. - Luyckx
Kubota Canada Ltd. - Luyckx Kubota Canada Ltd. - Luyckx
NO. 93 2010 Special Edition
- Page 2 and 3: In 2010, Kubota’s 120th Anniversa
- Page 4 and 5: Food Kubota plays a vital part in i
- Page 6 and 7: Contributing to Agricultural Modern
- Page 8 and 9: Spreading the Kubota Brand Across t
- Page 10 and 11: y focusing on the comprehensive and
- Page 12 and 13: Mr. Koji Yamagata (KY) Project Lead
- Page 14 and 15: Average Ground Pressure: 1765mm 550
- Page 16 and 17: TK: The main feature of the U-Serie
- Page 18 and 19: Full-opening Hoods rear and right s
- Page 20 and 21: Kubota mini excavators on parade. J
- Page 22 and 23: Kubota Nakhon Sawan (Hua Heng Lee)
- Page 24 and 25: From Kubota Engine America Corporat
- Page 26 and 27: KUBOTA GLOBAL UPDATES BAUMA 2010 In
- Page 28 and 29: SKC Established On the 2nd of Augus
- Page 30: Questionnaire Your cooperation in c
NO.<br />
93<br />
2010<br />
Special Edition
In 2010, <strong>Kubota</strong>’s 120th Anniversary is being celebrated and the<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> Times resumes publication. From this issue – #93 – it is<br />
distributed as PDF files as well as being available on the official<br />
homepages of affiliated <strong>Kubota</strong> distributors worldwide.<br />
Of special note is the fact that selected articles will be<br />
distributed in multiple languages and appropriately<br />
marked ML in the “Contents”.<br />
For readers living in the corresponding area, such articles<br />
will be in Chinese, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Korean,<br />
Spanish, Tamir, Thai, or Vietnamese.<br />
CONTENTS<br />
P. 3-4<br />
P. 5-8<br />
P. 9-10<br />
ML<br />
P. 11-18<br />
ML<br />
ML<br />
P. 19-23<br />
ML<br />
ML<br />
P. 24<br />
P. 25<br />
P. 26-29<br />
120th Anniversary Special Message<br />
120 Years of Growth and Expansion<br />
120th Anniversary Special Interview<br />
Mr. Tetsuji Tomita, Representative Director and<br />
Senior Managing Executive Officer<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> Essence<br />
•<br />
•<br />
Model DC-95GM Combine<br />
Mini Excavator Models KX057-4, U55(-4), and U48-4<br />
Dealer in the Spotlight<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
China: Jiuhui International Construction Machinery, <strong>Ltd</strong>.<br />
Thailand: <strong>Kubota</strong> Kamphaeng Phet (Hua Heng Lee) Co., <strong>Ltd</strong>.<br />
Wales: J. Davies & Son<br />
Special Reports<br />
From <strong>Kubota</strong> Engine America Corporation (KEA ) in the USA<br />
Ads of the TIMES<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> Engine America Corporation (KEA) in the USA<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> Global Updates<br />
Updates from the global members of the <strong>Kubota</strong> Family
120th Anniversary Special Message<br />
In 2010, <strong>Kubota</strong> Group celebrates its 120th Anniversary.<br />
To commemorate this auspicious occasion,<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> has created a new Global Slogan.<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> promises to continue seeking positive solutions<br />
to food, water, and environmental problems<br />
throughits global businesses.<br />
By working to renew and preserve the environment while<br />
contributing to the production of an abundant supply of<br />
food and water, Earth will be beautified and the quality<br />
of humanexistence will be supported for all eternity.
Food<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> plays a vital part<br />
in increasing global food<br />
production by developing<br />
and providing reliable,<br />
high-performance<br />
agricultural machinery.<br />
Environment<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> actively pursues the enhancement<br />
of the global environment by supplying<br />
protective solutions that include sewage<br />
treatment plants, submerged and ceramic<br />
membrane water treatment systems, and<br />
water treatment tanks.<br />
Water<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> contributes to providing access<br />
to clean water globally by<br />
incorporating the advanced water<br />
engineering expertise gained from<br />
producing such products as<br />
ductile cast iron pipes and water<br />
system pumps.
120Years of Growth and Expansion<br />
The Early Period<br />
At nineteen years of age, Gonshiro<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> founded an iron foundry that<br />
manufactured iron castings – the<br />
beginning of what was to become the<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> Corporation.<br />
He then guided the steady<br />
growth of the firm until<br />
he passed away at<br />
the age of 90.<br />
The founder as the firm’s<br />
Senior Advisor in 1954.<br />
Gonshiro <strong>Kubota</strong><br />
1890<br />
At 19 years of age,<br />
Gonshiro Oode<br />
becomes the founder of<br />
Oode Casting.<br />
1922<br />
Production of the<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> Kerosene<br />
Engine for<br />
agro-industrial<br />
purposes<br />
commences.<br />
1893<br />
The young founder,<br />
Gonshiro Oode<br />
The development of<br />
iron pipes for the<br />
supply of water<br />
commences.<br />
The founder with a<br />
shipment of iron<br />
pipes in 1905.<br />
1930<br />
The <strong>Kubota</strong> Kerosene Engine is selected as an “Excellent<br />
Domestic Product” by Japan’s Ministry of Commerce<br />
and Industry.<br />
Gonshiro <strong>Kubota</strong> is named President of <strong>Kubota</strong> Tekko-sho.<br />
1937<br />
The Sakai Engine Plant (later the<br />
Sakai Plant) commences operations.<br />
1897<br />
Gonshiro is adopted by Toshiro <strong>Kubota</strong>.<br />
As a result he takes the <strong>Kubota</strong> family name and changes the<br />
name of the firm to “<strong>Kubota</strong> Tekko-sho” (<strong>Kubota</strong> Iron Works).
Contributing to Agricultural Modernization<br />
1947<br />
Production and<br />
sales of <strong>Kubota</strong><br />
Cultivators<br />
commences.<br />
1962<br />
Production of the<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> Model L15R<br />
Paddy-Field Tractor<br />
commences in<br />
Japan.<br />
1953<br />
Name of company changes to “<strong>Kubota</strong> Tekko”.<br />
Construction equipment business is established.<br />
1960<br />
The T15<br />
The First Ride-On Tractor<br />
Model in Japan<br />
Production and<br />
sales of the<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> Model<br />
T15 Tractor – the<br />
first ride-on<br />
model in Japan –<br />
commences.<br />
1966<br />
The First<br />
Binder Model<br />
Production of the<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> Model<br />
HC75 3-Row Binder<br />
commences in<br />
Japan.<br />
1968<br />
Assembly line for <strong>Kubota</strong> Diesel Engines commences<br />
operations at the Sakai Plant.<br />
The First<br />
Combine Model<br />
Production of the<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> Model<br />
HT125 5-Row<br />
Combine<br />
commences in<br />
Japan.<br />
1970<br />
Shin Taiwan Agricultural Machinery Co., <strong>Ltd</strong>. (STA) – base<br />
for the production of agricultural equipment – is established<br />
in Taiwan.<br />
1961<br />
Production and sales of engines and cultivators commences<br />
in Taiwan.<br />
The First<br />
Rice Transplanter Model<br />
Production of the<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> Model<br />
SPS Single-Wheel<br />
2-Row Rice<br />
Transplanter<br />
commences in<br />
Japan.
Global Marketing<br />
1972<br />
Begins full scale global<br />
marketing with the<br />
establishment of <strong>Kubota</strong><br />
Tractor Corporation (KTC)<br />
in the USA.<br />
1973<br />
1974<br />
1975<br />
1976<br />
1977<br />
1978<br />
1979<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> (U.K.) Limited (KUK) – <strong>Kubota</strong> Tractor distributor –<br />
is established in the UK.<br />
1983<br />
1987<br />
KTC head office<br />
The Model L175 Tractor<br />
is introduced into<br />
the US market.<br />
P.T. <strong>Kubota</strong> Indonesia (PTKI) – base for engine production and<br />
sales – is established in Indonesia.<br />
Production of the <strong>Kubota</strong><br />
Model KH-1 mini-excavator<br />
commences.<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> Europe S.A.S. (KE) –<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> Tractor distributor – is<br />
established in France.<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> <strong>Canada</strong> <strong>Ltd</strong>. (KCL) – <strong>Kubota</strong> Tractor distributor – is<br />
established in <strong>Canada</strong>.<br />
The Sakai Plant wins the Deming Prize<br />
for major advances in quality<br />
improvement.<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> Tractor Australia<br />
(KTA) – <strong>Kubota</strong> Tractor<br />
distributor – is established in<br />
Australia.<br />
The first M-Series Tractor –<br />
the M4000 – is introduced<br />
into the US market.<br />
The Siam <strong>Kubota</strong> Industry Co., <strong>Ltd</strong>. (SKI) – base for diesel<br />
engine production and sales – is established in Thailand.<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> (Deutschland) GmbH<br />
(KDG) – <strong>Kubota</strong> Tractor<br />
distributor – is established in<br />
Germany.<br />
Total engine production<br />
exceeds 10 million units.<br />
Model KH-1 mini-excavator<br />
1988<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> Manufacturing of America Corporation (KMA) – base for the<br />
production and sales of tractors and implements – is established in<br />
the USA.<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> Baumaschinen GmbH (KBM) – base for the production of<br />
small-size construction machinery – is established in Germany.<br />
1990<br />
100th Anniversary<br />
is celebrated.<br />
Name is changed to “<strong>Kubota</strong><br />
Corporation” and the new<br />
corporate logo introduced.<br />
Ceremony commemorating<br />
100th Anniversary.<br />
Total tractor production exceeds 1.5 million units.<br />
1993<br />
Becomes the world’s first company certified by the California Air<br />
Resources Board to be in compliance with the Utility, Lawn and<br />
Garden Equipment (ULGE) regulation of utility diesel engines.<br />
1995<br />
The U20 – the first Zero Tail<br />
Swing mini excavator – is<br />
introduced in Japan.<br />
1997<br />
Center Direct Injection Diesel Engines<br />
Models V3300/V3300DI-T are developed.<br />
1998<br />
Model V3300DI-T<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> Engine America Corporation (KEA)<br />
– <strong>Kubota</strong> Engine distributor – is established in the USA.<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> Agricultural Machinery<br />
(Suzhou) Co., <strong>Ltd</strong>. (KAMS) is<br />
established and production of<br />
combine harvesters<br />
commences in China.<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> España SA (KES) – <strong>Kubota</strong> Tractor distributor – is<br />
established in Spain.<br />
2000<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> Korea Co., <strong>Ltd</strong>. (KKR) –<br />
agricultural equipment<br />
distributor – is established in<br />
Korea.<br />
The first innovative Zero-Turn<br />
Mower Model ZD18 is<br />
introduced in the USA.<br />
2002<br />
Model PRO488 Combine is<br />
introduced into the Chinese market.<br />
Total engine<br />
production exceeds<br />
20 million units.<br />
Ceremony commemorating<br />
engine production at the Sakai Plant<br />
exceeding 20 million units.<br />
Model ZG23
Spreading the <strong>Kubota</strong> Brand Across the World<br />
2003<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> Construction Machinery<br />
(Shanghai) Co., <strong>Ltd</strong>. (KCS) –<br />
construction machinery distributor –<br />
is established in China.<br />
Model U-50 mini excavator<br />
is introduced into<br />
the Chinese market.<br />
2007<br />
Introduction of DC-Series Combines in Asian markets<br />
commences. In 2007 the DC-60 is introduced in Thailand, in<br />
2008 the DC-68G is introduced in India, in 2009 the DC-60 is<br />
introduced in Vietnam, and in 2010 the DC-95GM is<br />
introduced in Thailand.<br />
Center Direct Injection<br />
Diesel Engines Models<br />
V3800/V3800DI-T and New<br />
Super Mini Series Models<br />
D902/Z602 are developed.<br />
2004<br />
The multi-purpose Utility Vehicle (UV) –specifically<br />
developed for the North American market – becomes a big<br />
hit upon being introduced.<br />
2005<br />
Utility Vehicle models in the RTV-Series have an extensive<br />
range of applications for a wide variety of users.<br />
Total tractor<br />
production exceeds<br />
3 million units.<br />
Model V3800DI-T<br />
Model D902<br />
Model DC-60<br />
2008<br />
2009<br />
Model DC-95GM<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> Engine (SHANGHAI) Co.,<strong>Ltd</strong>. (KESCO) – <strong>Kubota</strong> engine<br />
and generator distributor – is established in China.<br />
Siam <strong>Kubota</strong> Metal Technology Co., <strong>Ltd</strong>. (SKMT) – the foundry<br />
manufacturing castings – is established in Thailand.<br />
Siam <strong>Kubota</strong> Tractor Co., <strong>Ltd</strong>. (SKT) - the first plant for the<br />
production of Japanese tractors is established in Thailand.<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> Agricultural Machinery India Pvt. <strong>Ltd</strong>. (KAI) – agricultural<br />
equipment distributor – is established in India.<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> Vietnam Co., <strong>Ltd</strong>. (KVC) – agricultural equipment<br />
distributor – is established in Vietnam.<br />
The line ups of the KX Series and the U Series of mini<br />
excavators – renowned for Tight Tail Swing and Zero Tail<br />
Swing respectively – are significantly reinforced. In 2009,<br />
the KX057 is introduced in North America while the KX057-4<br />
is launched in Europe.<br />
Commemorative models<br />
celebrate tractor<br />
production exceeding<br />
3-million units.<br />
2006<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> Industrial Equipment Corporation (KIE) – tractor<br />
implement distributor – is established in the USA.<br />
Widespread introduction in global markets of the broad<br />
range of New M40-Series Tractors commences – in North<br />
America and Australia in 2006, in Thailand in 2007, and<br />
then in Europe in 2008.<br />
2010<br />
The KX057-4 and U55-4 mini excavators.<br />
SKT commences production of combine harvesters in Thailand.<br />
The <strong>Kubota</strong> Corporation<br />
celebrates its 120th<br />
Anniversary.<br />
The first Compact Track<br />
Loaders - Models SVL75 and<br />
SVL90 – are introduced in<br />
North America.<br />
The Model SVL75 Compact Track Loader.<br />
Model M6040<br />
Model M9540<br />
The NSPU-68C – the first ride-on<br />
type Rice Transplanter in such<br />
Asian countries as India and<br />
Malaysia – is introduced.<br />
Model NSPU-68C<br />
The Siam <strong>Kubota</strong> Industry Co., <strong>Ltd</strong>. (SKI) and Siam <strong>Kubota</strong> Tractor<br />
Co., <strong>Ltd</strong>. (SKT) unite to become SIAM KUBOTA Corporation Co., <strong>Ltd</strong>.<br />
(SKC) for the sales and production of <strong>Kubota</strong> Tractors and Combines<br />
in Thailand.
“Work Together,<br />
Grow Together”<br />
Enhance Recognition of the<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> Brand in the<br />
International Marketplace<br />
Comprehensive Development of<br />
Products, Technologies, and Services<br />
Mr. Tetsuji Tomita [TT]<br />
Representative Director and<br />
Senior Managing<br />
Executive Officer<br />
KT: What has been the main focus of <strong>Kubota</strong>’s business<br />
development throughout its history?<br />
TT: For 120 years, <strong>Kubota</strong> has focused on providing the<br />
quality products, innovative technologies, and the<br />
widespread range of services required by society and its<br />
individual members. In this way, <strong>Kubota</strong> makes positive<br />
contributions to the realization of ever greater prosperity<br />
wherever it makes its presence felt around the globe.<br />
With the attainment of nutritional sufficiency an eternal<br />
theme facing mankind, providing leading-edge<br />
agricultural equipment that enhances the production of<br />
better crops of ever greater volume is the fundamental<br />
mission – in fact, the very raison d’être – of <strong>Kubota</strong>’s<br />
Farm and Industrial Machinery Consolidated Division.<br />
That being the case, I am determined to lead this division<br />
to fulfill this role with ever greater efficiency in the future.<br />
KT: To continue <strong>Kubota</strong>’s contributions in the attainment<br />
of outstanding results in the field of agriculture, what do<br />
you think will be required in order to overcome the many<br />
harsh business realities facing the world today?<br />
TT: Due to the fact that the world’s population continues<br />
to grow while at the same time an increasing number of<br />
people are leaving rural areas behind in the hope of<br />
finding greater prosperity in urban areas, the need to<br />
secure a stable supply of foodstuffs will be further<br />
intensified in the future. In such a situation, <strong>Kubota</strong> will<br />
play an increasingly vital role with its “Three Core<br />
Businesses” – Agriculture, Water Environment, and<br />
Social Infrastructure. In today’s exceptionally<br />
competitive world, <strong>Kubota</strong> will continue to lead the field
y focusing on the comprehensive and systematic<br />
development of its core businesses both individually<br />
and in combination.<br />
Interactive Energetic Relationship<br />
Is Important<br />
KT: What movements or trends do you foresee in the<br />
international marketplace?<br />
TT: The world’s economies are constantly undergoing<br />
change and development – particularly among nations in<br />
Asia, Eastern Europe, Africa, and Latin America. Not only<br />
is it essential to take the emerging needs of those<br />
economies into consideration in the development of<br />
suitable agricultural equipment, but also to establish<br />
energetic interactive relationships between <strong>Kubota</strong> and<br />
those markets in order to make a positive contribution<br />
towards achieving a stable supply of foodstuffs.<br />
The <strong>Kubota</strong> Role<br />
in the Asian Market<br />
KT: What is the role of <strong>Kubota</strong> in helping to provide for the<br />
agricultural needs of emerging Asian economies?<br />
TT: Asia is currently home to approximately half of the<br />
world’s population, and that percentage is predicted to<br />
continue growing in the future. Asia produces nearly 90%<br />
of the world’s rice as well as nearly 50% of its wheat.<br />
However, farming in Asia is predominantly on a<br />
small-scale, labor intensive basis as opposed to the<br />
mechanized agricultural practices of Western nations. And<br />
yet, the times are changing so that there is an ever<br />
increasing need for agricultural mechanization to take the<br />
place of manual labor. Meeting that need are <strong>Kubota</strong><br />
products incorporating innovative technology and long<br />
years of accumulated experience. As a result, the <strong>Kubota</strong><br />
brand is steadily advancing in the Asian market. In fact, it is<br />
expected that our business in that part of the world will<br />
expand significantly over the next ten years so that it will<br />
become our largest market.<br />
KT: In product development, what are problems that need<br />
to be overcome?<br />
TT: First of all, it has to be realized that it will still take<br />
time for customers to recognize the <strong>Kubota</strong> brand and to<br />
fully understand that <strong>Kubota</strong> products offer outstanding<br />
quality at an exceptionally reasonable cost. In today’s very<br />
competitive market, earning greater market share requires<br />
establishing an appealing balance between price and<br />
quality. Although many manufacturers have chosen to<br />
squeeze costs and compromise product quality in order to<br />
bring down product price, <strong>Kubota</strong> has not! Rather, we rely<br />
on offering superior quality, reliability, and value compared<br />
to competitors’ models in the same price range.<br />
Earning Recognition as the Absolutely<br />
Superior Brand in its Field<br />
KT: What is the strategy for the <strong>Kubota</strong> Family around the<br />
world to overcome the current harsh market conditions<br />
while achieving ever greater results?<br />
TT: I consider the next ten years as vital to our growth<br />
strategy. During that time, we will focus efforts to spread<br />
brand recognition and thereby enhance sales. Assisting to<br />
achieve our goals are the following slogans for our<br />
individual areas of business:<br />
Tractors: Cultivate the World<br />
Farm Machinery: Plant and Harvest the World<br />
Engines: Driving Force for the World<br />
Construction Machinery: Constructively<br />
Excavate the World<br />
Related Products: From Japan to the Global Marketplace<br />
Parts: Connect to the World Part-by-Part<br />
I rely on the support and understanding of the entire <strong>Kubota</strong><br />
Family to help earn recognition of <strong>Kubota</strong> as the absolutely<br />
superior brand in its field. We can accomplish anything if<br />
only we “Work Together, Grow Together”.
<strong>Kubota</strong> Essence<br />
Setting the Standard for Professionals<br />
Model DC-95GM Combine<br />
T<br />
he DC-Series of <strong>Kubota</strong> Combines has<br />
earned renown among a broad range of<br />
customers – primarily in Asia – for their exceptional<br />
operational performance. Taking its place at<br />
the high end of this series is the DC-95GM that<br />
incorporates leading-edge technology along with a<br />
long list of features made possible by over forty<br />
years of experience in the development of combines.<br />
In fact, this model delivers a remarkable<br />
level of power and maneuverability that specifically<br />
fulfills the stringent requirements of large-scale<br />
professional users – particularly those undertaking<br />
operations in wet rice paddy conditions.<br />
To learn more about the <strong>Kubota</strong> Model DC-95GM<br />
Combine, the <strong>Kubota</strong> Times interviewed five<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> engineers who played an important role in<br />
its development.<br />
Adding a New Dimension to<br />
the DC-Series<br />
KT: Where is the Model DC-95GM Combine positioned within<br />
the DC-Series?<br />
KY: The Model DC-60 Combine featuring Grain Hopper<br />
specifications was introduced in 2007. Next, the Model DC-68G<br />
Combine featuring Grain Tank specifications entered the market<br />
in 2009. And now, the Model DC-95GM Combine with its<br />
enhanced Grain Tank specifications joins the DC-Series in the<br />
top position.<br />
Production of the DC-95GM commenced in Thailand in March<br />
2010. In fact, it is still only available in that country. However, it<br />
will eventually be exported to such other nations as ASEAN<br />
members and India.<br />
KT: Who are the target customers?<br />
KY: Models DC-60 and DC-68G have earned a level of acceptance<br />
that has translated into steadily increasing sales figures primarily<br />
in northeastern Thailand. In other areas – such as in the central and<br />
northern regions where very wet paddies abound – large-scale<br />
contract harvesters have expressed the need for an enhanced<br />
wet-field performance together with a large-capacity Grain Tank.<br />
Responding positively, <strong>Kubota</strong> developed Model DC-95GM.
Mr. Koji Yamagata (KY)<br />
Project Leader<br />
Mr. Takashi Arimoto (TA)<br />
Performance Evaluation<br />
Testing<br />
Mr. Tamaki Naka (TN)<br />
Development of<br />
Electric Components<br />
Mr. Takafumi Mitsui (TM)<br />
Threshing Unit Design<br />
and Development<br />
Mr. Junta Kuwae (JK)<br />
Overall Design<br />
KT: How does the DC-95GM differ from the DC-68G?<br />
KY: The operational performance of the Model DC-95GM is<br />
nearly 1.5 times greater than that of the DC-68G while its price is<br />
only about 1.4 times higher. This combination translates into a<br />
clearly superior cost performance.<br />
As for the specifications, the force of the <strong>Kubota</strong> Engine is up<br />
42% to 95 hp, the Cutting Width is up 25% to 2.5 m [98.4 in.],<br />
Grain Tank Capacity has been boosted 133% to 1400 kg [2350 L],<br />
and the Threshing Cylinder at 1790 mm [70.5 in.] is 8.5% longer.<br />
The Wide-Diameter, Long Threshing<br />
Cylinder with Axial Flow Significantly<br />
Enhances Operational Performance<br />
KT: What was the basic development concept for the DC-95GM?<br />
KY: The aim was to develop an easy-to-maintain <strong>Kubota</strong><br />
Combine featuring exceptional maneuverability contributing to a<br />
noteworthy operational performance – especially in wet-paddy<br />
applications – at an extremely reasonable cost. Regarding<br />
operational performance, the development team paid particular<br />
attention to finding ways to ensure superior threshing and grain<br />
selection capabilities.<br />
TM: As with the other models in the DC-Series models, the<br />
DC-95GM employs the Wide-Diameter, Long Threshing Cylinder<br />
with Axial Flow. With a diameter of 620 mm [24.4 in.] and a<br />
length of 1790 mm [70.5 in.], it continually and steadily carries out<br />
threshing operations with minimal damage to grain. In fact, it is<br />
designed to minimize loss even when crop volume is quite large.<br />
KT: Did the enhanced length of the Threshing Cylinder require<br />
any other adjustments to maximize results?<br />
TM: Yes. Adjustments were made to optimize the Threshing<br />
Cylinder Top Cover, the size of the Concave Mesh, and the pitch<br />
of Threshing Teeth to ensure the best possible threshing performance.<br />
In fact, repeated testing was undertaken until the ideal<br />
combination was realized.<br />
As for the Selection Unit, the adjusting-type Chaffer Sleeve is<br />
employed rather than the fixed type utilized by the two previous<br />
models. This improves the precision of the selection process due<br />
to the fact that adjustments take place depending upon the<br />
identified size of the individual grains as they pass.<br />
TA: Another major factor that significantly enhances operational<br />
performance is the 2350 L / 1400 kg capacity of the Grain Tank.<br />
This contributes to being able to undertake operations even in<br />
large fields with fewer halts being required for discharge.<br />
KY: Discharge is quick and efficient due to the fact that the<br />
contents of the Grain Tank are delivered directly via the 3.6 m<br />
[142 in.] long Unloading Auger that can be rotated up to 235<br />
degrees. Further contributing to exceptionally efficient<br />
discharge operations even when working along a canal or over<br />
an elevated bank is the fact that Discharge Height can be finely<br />
adjusted between 1.93 m [76 in.] to 4.81 m [189 in.] according to<br />
ambient conditions.<br />
The Large Capacity Grain Tank.<br />
1790mm<br />
Threshing<br />
Teeth<br />
Cone-Shaped<br />
Entrance<br />
The Wide-Diameter, Long Threshing Cylinder with Axial Flow.<br />
620mm<br />
Concave<br />
The position<br />
of the<br />
Unloading<br />
Auger is easily<br />
adjusted for<br />
maximum<br />
discharge<br />
efficiency.
<strong>Kubota</strong>’s Unique Automatic Body<br />
Horizontal Control Mechanism<br />
KT: It is significant that wet-paddy performance has been enhanced.<br />
KY: Yes, it is. To accomplish this, the microcomputer-controlled<br />
Automatic Body Horizontal Mechanism is a special feature on the<br />
Model DC-95GM Combine. The Crawlers are automatically<br />
controlled to ensure that the body is constantly maintained in the<br />
horizontal position. When either side of the body is threatened with<br />
tilting in wet paddies during operations, such stability contributes to<br />
an outstanding travel performance.<br />
TA: This mechanism is adapted for the first time to the DC-Series.<br />
Combines in this class from other manufactures are liable to tilting<br />
with the result that the Cutting Unit could drag in the mud and<br />
thereby possibly cause grain damage. The stability of the DC-95GM,<br />
however, means that the harvested grain is clean and of the highest<br />
possible quality.<br />
TN: The unique Automatic Body Horizontal Mechanism mounted<br />
on the DC-95GM is comprised of the Rolling Sensors that detect<br />
tilting either to the right or to the left, the Left- and Right Independent<br />
Hydraulic Cylinders that regulate Body Height, and the Stroke<br />
Sensor that monitors the Hydraulic Cylinders.<br />
While the basic structure adheres to that of various field-tested<br />
domestic models, durability has been significantly enhanced to<br />
contend with such challenging conditions in Thailand as high<br />
temperatures, extreme humidity, and muddy paddy fields. This<br />
required a special attention to the layout design of the Rolling<br />
Sensors and the Wiring Harness to minimize the effects of high<br />
temperature, mud, and dust.<br />
One of the primary sales points of the DC-95GM is the largecapacity<br />
Grain Tank. As it fills, the change in weight of up to a ton or<br />
more gradually acts upon the Piston Movement Speed of the<br />
Hydraulic Cylinders to affect operational performance. In consideration<br />
of this, it was necessary to check many different combinations<br />
of Hydraulic Cylinder and Orifice in order to realize an optimal<br />
control performance.<br />
Long, Wide Rubber Crawlers Ideal for<br />
Muddy Paddy Fields<br />
TA: The length, width, and shape of the Crawlers are vital<br />
considerations in achieving the optimal travel performance in<br />
muddy paddy fields that is so essential in the target regions.<br />
Therefore, repeated testing was undertaken until arriving at the<br />
optimum configuration of these factors.<br />
KT: How does the DC-95GM compare to other manufacturers’<br />
models for weight and size?<br />
The Automatic Body Horizontal Mechanism.<br />
TA: The weight of the compact body is less than half of that of<br />
comparative models available from other manufacturers in<br />
Thailand. The lighter weight translates into significantly less<br />
Ground Contact Pressure along with a reduction of the possibility<br />
that the Crawlers will sink so that potential damage to ground<br />
surfaces is minimized. On the other hand, the long, wide Crawlers<br />
have a notably powerful traction force that is a significant factor in<br />
delivering an outstanding wet-paddy performance.<br />
KT: What was the basic design concept for the DC-95GM?<br />
JK: Befitting <strong>Kubota</strong>’s position as the leader in its field, the basic<br />
design concept was to bring forth a distinguished design complementing<br />
a simple, powerful, and smooth operational performance.<br />
Looking to the future, there will be further evolvements as business<br />
needs and opportunities unfold in the global market.<br />
KT: Enhanced strength and durability also seem to be recurring themes.<br />
TA: Yes, they are. The strength and durability of the Frame, for<br />
example, have been enhanced as an outcome of applying the<br />
information gathered by computer analyses and then – through the<br />
use of GPS – undertaking unmanned travel endurance testing to<br />
ensure the best results.<br />
KY: Regarding the effects of abrasion on the parts of the Crawlers<br />
that come into contact with the Rollers, the incorporation of<br />
wear-resistant materials of increased thickness has successfully<br />
enhanced durability.<br />
Outstanding Maneuverability Not Offered<br />
by Competitors’ Models<br />
KT: What about maneuverability?<br />
KY: Not available on the models available from other manufacturers<br />
is the multifunctional Maneuvering Lever. Only simple<br />
movements of this single lever with the right hand are required to<br />
easily and securely make turns as well as to adjust Cutting Height.<br />
Regardless of crop or ground conditions, selecting the most suitable
Average Ground Pressure:<br />
1765mm<br />
550mm<br />
The DC-95GM travels smoothly without<br />
difficulty even through wet or deep paddies<br />
to deliver superb operational efficiency.<br />
The Long, Wide Rubber Crawlers.<br />
operational or travel speed requires only the simple, stepless<br />
movement of the HST (Hydro Static Transmission) Lever with<br />
the left hand. In addition, switching the direction of movement<br />
between Forward and Reverse is easily accomplished without the<br />
use of a clutch so that operations continue smoothly in total ease<br />
without interruption.<br />
KT: How has such low cost for such high quality been achieved?<br />
KY: A contributing factor is that the <strong>Kubota</strong> Model DC-95GM<br />
Combine is produced in Thailand by the SIAM KUBOTA<br />
Corporation Co., <strong>Ltd</strong> [SKC]. In addition, the finest available parts<br />
are procured from such counties as Thailand, Japan, and China.<br />
Already Earning Customer Appreciation<br />
KT: How have customers evaluated the DC-95GM since its introduction?<br />
TA: Those customers have predominantly been professionals<br />
whose main concern is how to quickly and efficiently complete<br />
contracted operations and thereby enhance profits. The<br />
outstanding operational efficiency of the DC-95GM – particularly<br />
in very wet paddies – along with the larger capacity of its<br />
Grain Tank have already<br />
contributed to an extremely<br />
favorable acceptance.<br />
KT: Have there been any<br />
customer requests regarding<br />
future development?<br />
KY: In a part of the world<br />
where the temperatures can<br />
get quite high and where dust<br />
can be a problem, there have<br />
been enquiries about the<br />
possibility of an airconditioned<br />
cabin.<br />
Towards the Global Market<br />
KT: This appears to be yet another example of how <strong>Kubota</strong> – as a<br />
result of incorporating experience and innovation – remains on<br />
the leading-edge of its field in the international marketplace.<br />
KY: In the same manner as the <strong>Kubota</strong> Model DC-95GM<br />
Combine was developed, continual efforts are being made to offer<br />
ever better products able to enhance farming practices through<br />
mechanization in those countries in which manual farming<br />
methods are still practiced. The result is that the scale of such<br />
business is expanding throughout Asia. And yet, consideration is<br />
also being paid to attaining positive results in other global markets.<br />
One of the ways this is being done is by adapting the basic overall<br />
design concept of the DC-Series – the highest possible quality at a<br />
reasonable price in a lightweight, compact body– into the development<br />
of <strong>Kubota</strong> Combines for other crops than rice.<br />
TA: Market research in such countries as India, Indonesia, and<br />
the Philippines where agricultural mechanization is making<br />
headway will help in the development of high-quality consumer<br />
products ideally suited to the varied requirements of each<br />
specific market.<br />
TM: It should be noted that such innovative low-cost, highquality<br />
agricultural equipment is being developed not only for the<br />
global market, but also for Japan’s domestic market.<br />
JK: An important factor in an overall design concept is that the<br />
resulting product should have widespread application and<br />
appeal in the international marketplace. One way to help ensure<br />
maximum operational simplicity and effectiveness would be the<br />
use of universally understood icons for all displays and maneuvering<br />
operations.<br />
KT: Thank you for the insights you have provided today.<br />
Fine Directional<br />
Adjustment<br />
Switches<br />
Left Turn<br />
Cutting Height Down<br />
Cutting Height Up<br />
Reel Height<br />
Adjustment<br />
Switches<br />
Right Turn<br />
The multifunctional Maneuvering Lever enables the operator to maneuver<br />
the DC-95GM with greater security and ease.<br />
The Multifunctional Maneuvering Lever.
<strong>Kubota</strong> Essence<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> Mini Excavators<br />
Models KX057-4, U55(-4), and U48-4<br />
Providing the Power to Meet<br />
– and Exceed – Market Demand<br />
Teruo Kunizawa (TK)<br />
Project Leader<br />
Takatoshi Sugimoto (TS)<br />
Design<br />
T<br />
he sincere evaluation of users who appreciate<br />
outstanding basic performance has<br />
contributed to <strong>Kubota</strong> achieving its position as the<br />
world leader in the field of mini excavators rated at<br />
6 tons or less.<br />
Responding to increasing market demand in the 4-6<br />
ton class of construction machinery, <strong>Kubota</strong> now<br />
offers three newly developed mini excavator basic<br />
models in this weight category - KX057-4, U55(-4)<br />
and U48-4*. Incorporating <strong>Kubota</strong>’s innovative<br />
strength in hydraulic and electronic technology,<br />
these outstanding <strong>Kubota</strong> products feature optimal<br />
maneuverability and versatility to deliver a powerful<br />
performance exceeding that of all its competitors.<br />
Two engineers who played a key role in the<br />
development of these three mini excavators were<br />
recently interviewed by the <strong>Kubota</strong> Times (KT).<br />
*[Model KX057-4 is configured for North America, Europe and Australia.<br />
Model U55 is configured for North America and Australia while models U55-4 and U48-4<br />
are configured for Europe.]<br />
Response to User Demand in an<br />
Intensely Competitive Market<br />
KT: What is the development background for these three models?<br />
TK: In recent times there has been a steep rise in the demand for<br />
construction equipment in the 4-6 ton class – particularly in the<br />
over 5-ton category. Judging from current global market trends,<br />
demand will remain strong in the foreseeable future.<br />
Prior to the introduction of these new mini excavators, the<br />
KX161-3 – which is classified as being in the 5-ton or less class –<br />
was the most powerful model available from <strong>Kubota</strong>. Though it<br />
remains highly appreciated for its outstanding operational<br />
performance, there have been requests for more powerful models<br />
better able to compete with those currently available from<br />
competitors. In such an intensely competitive market, however, it<br />
was considered that simply being equal would not be enough!<br />
Rather, it was felt necessary to develop high quality products with<br />
the superior capabilities that would make them leaders in the field.<br />
KT: What are the target markets for these new <strong>Kubota</strong> products?<br />
TK: Weighing in at over 5-tons, the KX057-4 and the U55 are<br />
already available in North America and Australia while the<br />
KX057-4 and the U55-4 are offered in Europe. The KX057-4 and<br />
the U55 are, however, soon to be introduced into China.<br />
In Europe where the U-Series experiences steady demand, the<br />
4.7-ton Model U48-4 succeeds Model U45-3.<br />
KT: When were these models launched?<br />
TK: In October 2009, the KX057-4 was introduced in North America<br />
and Europe. Also in October 2009, the U55 was introduced into the<br />
North American market. In March 2010, the U55-4 and the U48-4 then<br />
made their respective debuts in Europe.<br />
KT: What is the main difference between the KX-Series and<br />
the U-Series?
TK: The main feature of the U-Series is the fact that the<br />
counterweight has a minimal amount of edge protruding beyond<br />
the crawlers when making a 90-degree swing. This means that<br />
the operator is able to continue operations totally freed from<br />
having to worry about clearance to the rear. The resulting<br />
operational performance is remarkably superior even when<br />
working in confined spaces or alongside walls.<br />
When working in relative wide open spaces like those at<br />
constructions sites in Germany and North America, models in<br />
the KX-Series prove advantageous because of their larger size<br />
and because they are able to maintain optimal stability even<br />
when fitted with a wide variety of attachments.<br />
KT: How about applications for models in the U-Series?<br />
TK: Common applications include landscaping, demolition,<br />
operations to lay pipes and<br />
cables, civil engineering<br />
works in general, and<br />
operations around<br />
residences. Actual usage<br />
tends to vary significantly<br />
from nation to nation. In<br />
Europe’s main markets of<br />
Germany and Italy, for<br />
instance, individual users<br />
are dominant while in the<br />
U.K. and France rental<br />
usage is high. In North<br />
America, operations are<br />
undertaken by individual<br />
users mainly.<br />
The broad range of hydraulic attachments<br />
enhances versatility.<br />
The Tight Tail Swing model proves to be highly versatile in confined space.<br />
Strategic Models Incorporating <strong>Kubota</strong>’s<br />
Latest Technology<br />
KT: What were the key points of development?<br />
TK: Previously available models have less power, less weight,<br />
and smaller bodies than those offered by other manufacturers.<br />
This caused users to request more competitive models featuring<br />
enhanced performance characteristics be made available.<br />
Responding positively, three goals were established and<br />
development began. Increasing overall weight and boosting<br />
engine output accomplished the first goal of providing a superior<br />
lifting performance. To meet the goal of providing greater<br />
operator comfort, the larger cabin features a deluxe seat and a<br />
wider door that makes entering and exiting much easier.<br />
Optionally available, the second auxiliary circuit contributes to
the achievement of the third goal of improving versatility by<br />
making it possible to use a broad range of hydraulic attachments.<br />
At every step along the way full consideration was given to safety<br />
and environmental-friendliness.<br />
In addition to the above mentioned points, such advantageous<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> standard features as exceptional operational performance,<br />
noteworthy maneuverability, remarkable durability, and<br />
outstanding ease of performing inspection and maintenance have<br />
been enhanced on all three models.<br />
KT: Were there any other special factors to consider?<br />
TK: Yes, there were. Along with the integral development of<br />
these three models to challenge the varying ambient conditions of<br />
Europe, North America, Australia, and Japan, consideration was<br />
simultaneously being given to the upgrading of models<br />
previously introduced into those markets. Success was the result<br />
of the Engineering, Production, Sales, and Customer Support<br />
Departments coming together and coordinating their efforts.<br />
3 Pump Load Sensing System Realizes<br />
Outstanding Operational Performance<br />
KT: Did weight increases require any specific adjustments to<br />
optimize performance?<br />
TK: Yes. To deliver strong, smooth movement even with the<br />
weight increases, the 3 Pump Load Sensing System has been<br />
adapted to the KX057-4, the U55, and the U55-4. As a result,<br />
not only is maneuverability exceptionally smooth during<br />
operations, but there is also a superior travel performance due<br />
to the fact that 2 of the 3 pumps are engaged on a priority basis<br />
to supply hydraulic oil.<br />
Spacious and comfortable Cabin.<br />
Pilot Lever<br />
KT: What can you tell our readers about the cabin which is,<br />
in fact, larger?<br />
TS: The production technology for a car body has been applied<br />
for the first time. Thin iron plates are arranged in multiple layers<br />
while ribs are attached to all parts requiring added strength. The<br />
result is the light-weight, but exceptionally tough cabin.<br />
KT: Were any special considerations given to<br />
enhance maneuverability?<br />
TS: To make the operating levers easier to manipulate, their sizes<br />
and shapes were optimized so as to better fit the hands of any and<br />
all operators. In addition, all switches are in a convenient location<br />
within reach of the fingers for simple manipulation by the operator.<br />
As for the Wrist Rest, its design was finalized only after a series of<br />
trials and errors verified the best combination of position, tilt angle,<br />
form, and component materials.<br />
TK: The large New<br />
Digital Panel placed to<br />
the front-right of the<br />
operator makes it<br />
possible to check<br />
machine conditions at a<br />
glance. The maximum<br />
oil flow setting of the<br />
auxiliary circuit is<br />
New Digital Panel<br />
conveniently adjustable<br />
from the digital panel. From there, it is even possible to program<br />
up to five oil flow rates – corresponding to the specific<br />
attachments most commonly used – into memory so that the<br />
programmed setting can quickly be retrieved for the next job to<br />
be undertaken.<br />
Since it is possible to easily regulate the maximum flow rate of<br />
the optionally available second auxiliary circuit mentioned earlier<br />
to make a wide range of attachments far easier to use, operational<br />
efficiency is significantly improved.<br />
KT: It was mentioned earlier that safety and environmentalfriendliness<br />
were given full consideration at every step along the<br />
way. Could you please give more details about this?<br />
TK: Regarding safety, these models fully comply with European EN<br />
Standards. Further, they are fitted – as standard features – with the<br />
ROPS/FOPS type cabin to comfortably protect the operator, with the<br />
safety lever which locks all actuators to prevent accidental<br />
manipulation, and with <strong>Kubota</strong>’s original Anti-Theft System.<br />
The high output, direct-injection <strong>Kubota</strong> Diesel Engines –<br />
domestically manufactured at reliable <strong>Kubota</strong> plants in Japan and<br />
featuring low levels of emissions, noise, and vibration – deliver all<br />
the power necessary to continue stable operations without sacrificing<br />
efficiency even when working under high-load conditions.
Full-opening Hoods rear and right side.<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong>’s Unique<br />
Direct Injection<br />
Diesel Engine.<br />
KT: Isn’t the external appearance a bit different than for<br />
previous models?<br />
TS: Yes, though <strong>Kubota</strong> Orange remains the basic color, black is also<br />
used for the cabin, the side hood, the arm cylinders, the counterweight,<br />
the bucket, and the crawlers to add the feeling of massiveness and<br />
strength. In addition, the design of the Side Hood has been totally<br />
renewed through the inclusion of a distinctive slant curve.<br />
Mentioning the side hood, it should be noted that both it and the<br />
rear hood fully open to enhance the ease of performing<br />
inspections and maintenance. Rather than being shaped from<br />
resin as in previously available models, the rear hood is made of<br />
sheet iron to make repair easier when it becomes necessary.<br />
Considering the width of the side hood, it was decided to<br />
combine sheet iron with resin to reduce its weight.<br />
Overwhelming Presence on Market<br />
KT: What has been the reaction to these models so far?<br />
TK: he reaction has been quite positive. These models are, in<br />
fact, receiving strong evaluation for the feeling of quality they<br />
exude, their larger size, their superior operator comfort, and the<br />
fact that they accept the optionally available second auxiliary<br />
circuit that makes it possible to use a broad range of hydraulic<br />
attachments. As a result of such acceptance, the strong sales trend<br />
is destined to leave competitors’ models in the dust.<br />
Towards Global Launch<br />
KT: Are there any predictions for the future of mini excavators<br />
developed by <strong>Kubota</strong>?<br />
TK: To further spread awareness of the <strong>Kubota</strong> brand throughout<br />
the global market, it is important to expand market share by not<br />
only offering superior products capable of increasing sales in<br />
existing markets, but also by focusing on the emerging<br />
requirements of emerging economies. From the development<br />
point of view, this means it is vital to clearly identify target<br />
market segments and the types of models to be developed. Other<br />
important factors include cost rationalization and the timing of<br />
new product introductions to the various markets.<br />
Due to the fact that competitors operating in newly emerging<br />
economies have recently been improving their competitive edge<br />
from the aspects of quality and cost, <strong>Kubota</strong> must differentiate<br />
itself by relying on its distinctive strengths that include<br />
hydraulics and electronics. In addition, it is necessary to<br />
reinforce brand recognition emphasizing the quality, durability,<br />
and reliable power of <strong>Kubota</strong> products.<br />
TS: To maintain its position as the global leader in the mini<br />
excavator market, it is essential that <strong>Kubota</strong> continually strives to<br />
be on the leading edge of innovation to offer the best possible<br />
performance. Not to be neglected, of course, is making sure that<br />
external appearance and interior features are also up-to-date.<br />
KT: Thank you very much for your input on this subject today.
Name:<br />
Dealership:<br />
Established:<br />
Main Product Lines:<br />
China<br />
Mr. Ding Zai, President<br />
Jiuhui International Construction<br />
Machinery, <strong>Ltd</strong>. [JICM]<br />
Xian, Shan Xi Province, China<br />
2007<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> Construction Machinery<br />
Mr. Ding founded his <strong>Kubota</strong> Construction Machinery firm in 2007<br />
and became president.<br />
This motivated organization had only five employees at the beginning.<br />
Business has, however, successfully expanded throughout<br />
Shan Xi Province so that today there are as many as 75 employees.<br />
In 2009, its turnover reached 90,000,000.00 China Yuan Renminbi<br />
(US$13,222,000).<br />
Mr. Ding Zai<br />
The View of Mini Excavators Bearing<br />
the <strong>Kubota</strong> Brand<br />
For Mr. Ding, the main strong points of the <strong>Kubota</strong><br />
brand of mini excavators include their compactness,<br />
agility, and exceptional ease of operation while delivering<br />
an extraordinary performance. Among customers these<br />
outstanding mini excavators have earned respect and<br />
popularity for their leading-edge functions, superb<br />
mobility even in confined spaces, minimal downtime,<br />
and low fuel consumption. Also highly evaluated are the<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> support and servicing policies.<br />
For individual investors, these <strong>Kubota</strong> products have a<br />
strong appeal due to the fact that they provide a solid<br />
return on their investment in a timely manner with low<br />
risk. In this way, the <strong>Kubota</strong> products offered by JICM of<br />
Shan Xi Province inspire great confidence.<br />
Accurately Discerning and Responding<br />
to the Needs of Customers<br />
Shan Xi Province is a region in China that is expected<br />
to experience a further expanding market in the future.<br />
Currently, there are still many potential users who lack<br />
experience with <strong>Kubota</strong> Construction Machinery.<br />
It is not enough to simply assume what products to sell.<br />
Under Mr. Ding’s able leadership, JICM boosts sales<br />
volume and wins greater customer satisfaction by first<br />
accurately discerning specific, individual needs and then<br />
sincerely responding to them.<br />
For example, detailed and useful information provided<br />
to prospective customers during product presentation<br />
sessions includes a company outline, product<br />
descriptions, conditions of payment, and a list of<br />
after-sales services. Thereafter, frequent contacts keep<br />
the information up to date.<br />
Mr. Ding constantly urges employees to remain vigilant<br />
of the fact that they share the responsibility and the<br />
obligation to maintain smooth and effective customer<br />
relations. To accomplish this while reinforcing the<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> brand and boosting sales, they:<br />
Prepare and regularly update the “Customer<br />
Satisfaction Manual” used for assisting prospective<br />
customers,<br />
Prepare and regularly update the “Telephone<br />
Enquiry Manual”,<br />
Send out campaign information related to sales<br />
campaigns via cell phone text message,<br />
Provide free inspection services and offer advice of how<br />
to take care of any problem that may be arise,<br />
Organize the ’’Customer Appreciation Party’’,<br />
Organize training sessions for owners and operators.
<strong>Kubota</strong> mini excavators on parade.<br />
JICM staff captured by the camera.<br />
Innovative Sales<br />
There are several examples of how JICM has been<br />
able to supply the right equipment to effectively and<br />
efficiently handle new applications never previously<br />
undertaken. One such is that the KX135-3S is now<br />
being used in a coal mine tunnel excavation site in Shan<br />
Xi Province. This satisfies a need previously unnoticed<br />
until the JICM Sales Team proposed this ingenious<br />
solution. In fact, as many as 12 units are now being<br />
utilized in this way.<br />
Another example is the U15-3S undertaking earth refill<br />
operations in the basement of a high-rise building. In<br />
this case too, such an application had gone totally<br />
unnoticed until a member of the JICM Sales Team<br />
proposed – during routine sales rounds – using this mini<br />
Keeping up-to-date at a training session.<br />
excavator to get the job done smoothly and efficiently.<br />
These innovative sales are the result of JICM Sales<br />
Team personnel devoting at least six days a month to<br />
check for new marketing possibilities. To help with this,<br />
they conduct a Market Survey during a visit to a<br />
customer to accurately grasp any emerging or<br />
previously unfulfilled need.<br />
The Future of <strong>Kubota</strong> in China<br />
The economy of China continues to expand at an<br />
amazingly fast pace. To keep up, JICM suggests that<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> consider further deepening its understanding of<br />
Chinese culture and Chinese ways of thinking. In<br />
addition, it is expected that <strong>Kubota</strong> will shortly start the<br />
local production of products specifically designed to<br />
ideally match the market needs of China.<br />
The President’s Message<br />
Mr. Ding states that, “Together with <strong>Kubota</strong>, I wish to<br />
continue making further contributions to the development<br />
of Shan Xi Province. I will try to do my best by believing<br />
that when I look back 20 years from now, our business<br />
will have securely expanded and realized a long list of<br />
significant achievements”.
Name:<br />
Dealership:<br />
Established:<br />
Main Product Lines:<br />
Thailand<br />
Mrs. Siriporn Leenawatthana, President<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> Kamphaeng Phet<br />
(Hua Heng Lee) Co., <strong>Ltd</strong>.<br />
Kamphaeng Phet, 627/4 Charoensuk rd.,<br />
Nai Muang,<br />
Muang Kampaeng Phet,<br />
Kamphaeng Phet 62000, Thailand<br />
1978<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> Agricultural equipment<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> Kamphaeng Phet (Hua Heng Lee) was established in<br />
Kamphaeng Phet on 16 November 1978 by Mr. Prasit Leenawatthana<br />
and Mrs. Siriporn Leenawatthana to sell agricultural equipment. In<br />
1991, it became an authorized <strong>Kubota</strong> Genuine Parts and Service<br />
Center, and four years later it experienced an impressive growth of<br />
sales as the result of starting to sell <strong>Kubota</strong> Tractors. At present, it is<br />
the authorized <strong>Kubota</strong> dealer in three provinces – Kamphaeng Phet,<br />
Nakhon Sawan, and Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya – with a staff of over<br />
300 employees. It is, in fact, one of the top sales and service performers<br />
among <strong>Kubota</strong> dealers across the country.<br />
Mrs. Siriporn Leenawatthana<br />
Trust and Confidence in<br />
the <strong>Kubota</strong> Brand<br />
Throughout Thailand, a broad spectrum of <strong>Kubota</strong><br />
agricultural equipment – such as tractors, rice<br />
transplanters, and combines – is enabling Thai farmers to<br />
develop modern agriculture practices and as a result enjoy<br />
ever higher income. In fact, it can be said that many Thai<br />
farmers have grown up with <strong>Kubota</strong>.<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> products have earned the complete trust and<br />
confidence of <strong>Kubota</strong> Kamphaeng Phet (Hua Heng Lee)<br />
customers for the advantages they offer over other<br />
manufacturers such as compactness, innovative design,<br />
ease of operation, exceptional durability, noteworthy<br />
versatility, and ease of maintenance. Other advantages<br />
over rivals include prompt delivery and reliable after-sales<br />
service that skillfully attends to customer’s needs.<br />
In fact, customers are pleased by the attention they are<br />
given following the purchase of their quality <strong>Kubota</strong><br />
products – particularly the suggestions they are offered<br />
regarding maintenance to ensure a long service life. In<br />
the case of M-Series Tractors, for example, users are<br />
especially impressed by such features as excellent fuel<br />
efficiency, reliable quality, and superb maneuverability<br />
that together contribute to an outstanding performance.<br />
The Key to Success<br />
At this company it is felt that the staff – its quality,<br />
training, and experience – is the key to ensuring the<br />
customer satisfaction. Therefore, the recruitment of<br />
highly capable people and the importance of developing<br />
the potential of existing employees are stressed.<br />
Currently, more than 300 employees are encouraged to<br />
share ideas, to assume full responsibility for providing<br />
customer care at every step along the way, and to<br />
constantly seek more ways to achieve ever better results.<br />
One measure of how successfully the needs and<br />
expectations of customers are being met is the<br />
company’s steadily increasing rate of sales.<br />
It is also dedicated to the ideal of being a “White<br />
Company” that adheres to the company ethics and<br />
virtues that are in line with its policy of “To sell<br />
ethically and to provide excellent quality service<br />
to customers”.
<strong>Kubota</strong> Nakhon Sawan (Hua Heng Lee) Co., <strong>Ltd</strong>., the 2nd authorized <strong>Kubota</strong> dealer in Hua Heng Lee Group.<br />
Focusing on the Customer<br />
This dedicated dealership has a customer-driven<br />
approach to business that inspires it to constantly strive<br />
to develop ever more ways to fulfill the evolving needs<br />
of customers. Whenever a new challenge is encountered,<br />
the company’s executives and concerned staff pull<br />
together to focus on coming up with a positive solution<br />
that is satisfactory to everyone involved.<br />
Using every available means, the staff keeps in close<br />
contact with customers in order to build and maintain<br />
good relationships. Information is provided by phone,<br />
mail and e-mail, birthday cards are sent, and such<br />
activities as “<strong>Kubota</strong> Day” and the “Customer Thank<br />
You Concert” are organized.<br />
President’s Message<br />
Mrs. Siriporn Leenawatthana, the President of <strong>Kubota</strong><br />
Kamphaeng Phet (Hua Heng Lee) states “I hope to see<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> continue to offer an ever wider range of quality<br />
products so that Thai farmers experience higher yields<br />
that contribute to increasing their income”.<br />
Mrs. Siriporn Leenawatthana and her family.
Name:<br />
Dealership:<br />
Established:<br />
Main Product Lines:<br />
Wales<br />
Mr. Vaughan Davies, Managing Director<br />
J. Davies & Son<br />
Gwastod Abbot<br />
New Inn, Pencader<br />
Carmarthenshire, Wales SA39 9AZ<br />
URL: www.jdaviespencader.co.uk<br />
1946<br />
Agricultural Machinery including<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> tractors and mini excavators<br />
The son of the founder of J. Davies & Son, Vaughan Davies has been<br />
married to Barbara for 40 years. The couple’s son, Gary, is a partner in<br />
the family firm while their daughter, Gaynor, follows a career in media.<br />
In addition to these two offspring, the couple has five grandchildren.<br />
In his spare time, Vaughan enjoys rugby and shooting.<br />
Mr. Vaughan Davies<br />
From Then to Now<br />
An agricultural contractor at the time, John Davies<br />
founded J. Davies & Son in 1946. In the years that<br />
followed, the firm expanded its business first to the sales<br />
of hay and straw, and then to selling and repairing<br />
agricultural machinery.<br />
Vaughan Davies took over the company in 1967. In 1987,<br />
Vaughan’s son, Gary, joined the firm and in 1992<br />
became a partner. Becoming a <strong>Kubota</strong> Dealership in<br />
2005, J. Davies & Son today caters not only to<br />
agricultural needs but also to those of the construction,<br />
ground care, and municipal industries. In addition, it has<br />
sub-dealers located all over West Wales.<br />
The <strong>Kubota</strong> Connection<br />
Customer evaluation of the <strong>Kubota</strong> products on offer is<br />
quite positive. In fact, there is a feeling that “if it is<br />
Japanese it must be good”. When compared to<br />
competitors’ products, the advantages of the <strong>Kubota</strong> brand<br />
are considered to be exceptional product quality,<br />
reliability, and comprehensive design. In addition,<br />
customers are pleased with the excellence of maintenance<br />
and service provided by this family oriented firm.<br />
At J. Davies & Son it is stated that “The keys to success<br />
are customer satisfaction and providing the best After<br />
Sales Service possible”. Contributing to making this<br />
happen is the fact that <strong>Kubota</strong> innovation and<br />
The main entrance of<br />
the J. Davies & Son<br />
dealership<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> tractors<br />
on display at<br />
J. Davies & Son<br />
resourcefulness keeps it well ahead of its competitors. In<br />
addition, the dealer support provided by <strong>Kubota</strong><br />
contributes to remaining on the leading-edge of sales.<br />
The large volume of positive customer feedback received<br />
highlights the fact that <strong>Kubota</strong> has a clear and deep<br />
understanding of the marketplace.<br />
In the realization that all customers are different and<br />
through the development of a realistic understanding of<br />
their needs, J. Davies & Sons has been able to build and<br />
maintain good relationships with them. According to<br />
Vaughan Davies, “We are able to grasp the immediate<br />
and emerging needs of our customers as a result of<br />
keeping a close eye on the industry and by developing an<br />
acute awareness of the type of applications in our area.”
From <strong>Kubota</strong> Engine America Corporation (KEA)<br />
in the USA<br />
KEA Assists with Haiti Relief Effort<br />
KEA Staff with the generators prior to being shipped.<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> and <strong>Kubota</strong> affiliated firms in the United States<br />
and <strong>Canada</strong> – including <strong>Kubota</strong> Tractor Corporation<br />
(KTC); <strong>Kubota</strong> Credit Corporation (KCC); <strong>Kubota</strong><br />
Manufacturing of America Corporation (KMA);<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> Industrial Equipment Corporation (KIE);<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> Engine America Corporation (KEA); and<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> <strong>Canada</strong>, <strong>Ltd</strong>. (KCL) –donated cash, equipment,<br />
and supplies to the Haiti relief effort.<br />
In addition to its financial involvement, KEA donated<br />
some computers and was responsible for preparing the<br />
12 generators donated by <strong>Kubota</strong> to make sure that they<br />
would operate immediately and flawlessly as soon as<br />
the key was turned. In fact, those generators have been<br />
in use twenty-four hours a day since they were received.<br />
KEA’s Green Initiative<br />
The KEA head office<br />
Taking <strong>Kubota</strong>’s Global Slogan – “For Earth, For Life”<br />
– quite seriously, KEA is acting positively to protect and<br />
sustain the environment. To cut down the use of electricity,<br />
for example, it has replaced all of the light switches<br />
at its head office in Lincolnshire, Illinois, with<br />
automatic sensors that shut off the lights if there is no<br />
occupancy in that area after a regulated amount of time.<br />
In addition, all of the light bulbs in the warehouse have<br />
been replaced by ones that are more energy efficient<br />
while yet providing all the brightness necessary for the<br />
job-at-hand. To reduce the amount of waste, KEA has<br />
started a company-wide recycling program for paper,<br />
aluminum cans, and metal scrap – items collected on a<br />
weekly basis.<br />
The most noticeable change, however, resulted from<br />
planting more flowers, shrubs, and trees to beautify<br />
the grounds and providing bird feeders that attract an<br />
enhanced variety of feathered friends. It should be<br />
noted that the addition of over 50 trees has contributed<br />
to cleaner air and reduced ozone levels in the<br />
surrounding area.
The <strong>Kubota</strong> presence in advertising media around the world<br />
Country: USA<br />
Company: <strong>Kubota</strong> Engine America<br />
Corporation (KEA)<br />
Media: Trade Magazines<br />
The <strong>Kubota</strong> Engine America Corporation (KEA)<br />
has released two ads celebrating <strong>Kubota</strong>’s 120th<br />
anniversary. The main focus of these eye-catching<br />
ads is to convey the fact that <strong>Kubota</strong> has –<br />
throughout its history – continually been striving to<br />
provide quality products that are both user- and<br />
environmentally-friendly. As the world becomes<br />
ever more aware of the need to actively protect the<br />
environment, <strong>Kubota</strong> continues making such a<br />
consideration one of its ongoing top priorities.
KUBOTA GLOBAL UPDATES<br />
BAUMA 2010<br />
In Munich from the 19th through the 25th of April,<br />
BAUMA 2010 – the International Trade Fair for Construction<br />
Machinery, Building Material Machines, Construction<br />
Vehicles and Equipment – welcomed 3150 exhibitors from 53<br />
countries along with well over 415,000 visitors from around<br />
the world.<br />
Construction machinery on display by <strong>Kubota</strong><br />
Baumaschinen GmbH (KBM) consisted of fifteen mini<br />
excavator models – including the new KX057-4 which was<br />
released in the autumn of 2009 – along with two new<br />
additions to the U-Series – Models U55-4 and U48-4. These<br />
outstanding <strong>Kubota</strong> products especially appealed to visitors<br />
for their exceptional versatility is made possible in part by the<br />
ability to attach a variety of attachments. As the positive<br />
trend toward economic recovery arises, <strong>Kubota</strong> is continuing<br />
its sales expansion activities for these new mini excavators to<br />
further contribute to customer satisfaction.<br />
The display of <strong>Kubota</strong> Diesel Engines by the Engine Division<br />
of <strong>Kubota</strong> (Deutschland) GmbH (KDG) focused on “Solid<br />
Quality” as well as “Common Rail Technology”.<br />
From Germany<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> on display.<br />
The 36th FIMA 2010<br />
Taking place biannually, Feria Internacional de la<br />
Maquinaria Agricola (FIMA) is the largest and most<br />
prestigious agricultural machinery show held in Spain. In<br />
2010, the 36th FIMA was held in Zaragoza from the 9th<br />
through the 13th of February.<br />
Exhibiting an extensive lineup of <strong>Kubota</strong> products – including<br />
the M130X tractor which was introduced in Europe earlier this<br />
year – was <strong>Kubota</strong> España, S.A. (KES).<br />
The Sales Managers of <strong>Kubota</strong>’s four major distributors in<br />
Europe also visited the show and held a meeting to discuss<br />
sales plans for M-Series Tractors in Europe.<br />
From Spain<br />
Visitors crowd the <strong>Kubota</strong> booth to view the outstanding products on display.
AgriPan Celebrates<br />
Affiliation with <strong>Kubota</strong> From Greece<br />
On the 25th of June 2010, AgriPan – the <strong>Kubota</strong> Distributor in<br />
Greece – celebrated the 30th anniversary of its affiliation with<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong>. Special guests attending the ceremony marking this<br />
auspicious occasion were Mr. Makoto Itoh, Deputy Counselor<br />
of the Japanese Embassy in Athens, as well as<br />
representatives of the <strong>Kubota</strong> Corporation – Mr. Tetsuji<br />
Tomita, Representative Director and Senior Managing<br />
Executive Officer, and Mr. Hiromi Nakanishi, General<br />
Manager of the Tractor Export Department. Other important<br />
guests included local Greek dealers who expressed<br />
satisfaction with the remarkable growth <strong>Kubota</strong> has achieved<br />
to make it the leader in the country’s tractor market.<br />
In his remarks, Mr. Tomita told those gathered that “The<br />
unique landscape of Greece provides various places to test<br />
tractors. In fact, we at <strong>Kubota</strong> believe that tractors approved<br />
in this country will be successful all over Europe. Examples<br />
include the M-Series that did not initially fulfill European<br />
requirements. However, testing in Greece while being<br />
advised by AgriPan’s President, Mr. Panteleimonitis, made it<br />
possible to overcome that problem. <strong>Kubota</strong> Tractors have<br />
earned the acceptance of professional farmers so that now<br />
more than 3,000 M-Series tractors are sold in Europe,<br />
whereas 10 years ago total sales were less than 100. I am<br />
very proud of Agripan and its dealers for leading the tractor<br />
market in Greece by making it possible for <strong>Kubota</strong> to earn the<br />
No.1 market share.<br />
Guests at the 30th Anniversary celebration.<br />
Mr. Tomita presents this golden Japanese<br />
folding screen to AgriPan.<br />
Moto Mart S.A. 30th<br />
Anniversary Celebration<br />
From Colombia<br />
In 2010, Moto Mart S.A. observes its 30th anniversary as the<br />
exclusive <strong>Kubota</strong> distributor in Colombia where <strong>Kubota</strong><br />
Tractors lead the market. In commemoration, a cocktail party<br />
was held on the 22nd of July at the International Business,<br />
Fairs and Exhibition Centre in the city of Bogota.<br />
In his greetings to those attending the party, Mr. Jaime<br />
Echeverri – Moto Mart’s General Manager – expressively<br />
stated that “Without <strong>Kubota</strong>’s loyalty, support, and exemplary<br />
dedication to business, it would not have been possible to<br />
achieve first place in tractors sales in Colombia”.<br />
At the 30th anniversary celebration.
SKC Established<br />
On the 2nd of August 2010, The Siam <strong>Kubota</strong> Industry Co.,<br />
<strong>Ltd</strong>. (SKI) and Siam <strong>Kubota</strong> Tractor Co., <strong>Ltd</strong>. (SKT) united to<br />
become a whole new organization – SIAM KUBOTA<br />
Corporation Co., <strong>Ltd</strong>. (SKC).<br />
The ceremony commemorating the birth of SKC took place<br />
in Bangkok on the 16th of August. Top executives in<br />
attendance from the <strong>Kubota</strong> Corporation were Mr. Yasuo<br />
Masumoto, President, and Mr. Tetsuji Tomita who is<br />
Representative Director and Senior Managing Executive<br />
Officer. Other VIP guests included Mr. Kan Trakulhoon,<br />
President and CEO of SCG (Siam Cement Group), and Mr.<br />
Damri Tunshevavong, President of SCG Investment.<br />
In his greetings, SKC President Mr. Masatoshi Kimata<br />
stated that “SKC undertakes the responsibility for sales that<br />
were previously handled by SKI as well as for the<br />
production of <strong>Kubota</strong> Tractors and Combines that was<br />
formerly the task of SKT. Looking to the future, efforts will<br />
be made to develop SKC into a core firm not only for the<br />
Thailand market, but also for <strong>Kubota</strong>’s agricultural business<br />
in the Asian market”.<br />
From Thailand<br />
Mr. Kimata greets attendees of<br />
the commemorative ceremony.<br />
Training Session for<br />
MX-Series Tractors<br />
Prior to the introduction of MX-Series tractors to the<br />
Australian market in September 2010, a training session<br />
related to Models M100X, M110X, M126X and M135X took<br />
place from the 5th through the 9th of July this year at the<br />
Sakai Plant Training Center. The participants were Mr. Ross<br />
Torrisi and Mr. Adam Mason –representatives from <strong>Kubota</strong><br />
Tractor Australia Pty <strong>Ltd</strong>. (KTA) – and Mr. Daniel Magill<br />
representing C.B. Norwood – the <strong>Kubota</strong> distributor in New<br />
Zealand. The agenda also included the Common Rail<br />
Engine newly introduced into their market.<br />
From Japan<br />
(From R) Mr. Torrisi, Mr. Mason,<br />
and Mr. Magill at the training session.
SKMT “First Pouring”<br />
Ceremony<br />
Siam <strong>Kubota</strong> Metal Technology Co., <strong>Ltd</strong>. (SKMT) – a<br />
subsidiary of SIAM KUBOTA Corporation Co., <strong>Ltd</strong>. (SKC)<br />
which is itself a joint venture between the <strong>Kubota</strong><br />
Corporation and SCG (Siam Cement Group) was<br />
established on 25 December 2008. Its role in the<br />
promotion of the agriculture business in Thailand which is<br />
experiencing increased mechanization is to cast such<br />
parts as engine blocks and transmission cases for<br />
mounting on locally produced <strong>Kubota</strong> Products. Of<br />
interest is the fact that the <strong>Kubota</strong> Corporation originally<br />
began 120 years ago as a foundry manufacturing<br />
castings<br />
On 17 August 2010, SKMT held its “First Pouring”<br />
ceremony witnessed by a large number of guests<br />
including Mr. Yasuo Masumoto, President of the <strong>Kubota</strong><br />
Corporation, and top executives from SCG (Siam<br />
Cement Group) including Mr. Kan Trakulhoon who is<br />
President and CEO.<br />
Looking to the future, SKMT is now making the<br />
necessary preparations to commence mass-production<br />
by the end of 2010 at its plant located in Phanom<br />
Sarakham in the east of Chachoengsao Province in<br />
central Thailand. Its ambitious goal is to apply the energy<br />
and wisdom of its employees towards becoming the<br />
foremost foundry first in Thailand, then throughout Asia,<br />
and eventually in the whole world.<br />
From Thailand<br />
Participants of the SKMT “First Pouring” ceremony.<br />
IN THE NEXT EDITION<br />
In issue #94 of the <strong>Kubota</strong> Times to be published<br />
at the end of March 2011, articles for “<strong>Kubota</strong><br />
Global Updates” will include:<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> <strong>Canada</strong> <strong>Ltd</strong>. (KCL) Celebrates its 35th Anniversary<br />
The 3rd International Rice Congress (IRC)<br />
For the first time ever, <strong>Kubota</strong> will participate in the IRC which...<br />
and others submitted by members of the <strong>Kubota</strong> Global Family.<br />
KUBOTA TIMES<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> In-Company Staff<br />
Kazuya Takehisa / Akiko Uchida / Jun Akimoto:<br />
Farm & Industrial Machinery International Planning & Control Department<br />
Sahori Kamiya / Akiko Sasayama / Maki Yanagi:<br />
Tractor Export Department.<br />
Kae Nishimura: Engine Global Marketing Department<br />
Yuta Motegi: Construction Machinery Dvision<br />
Mai Tanaka: Farm Machinery Dvision<br />
Mitsuhiro Mitsuhashi:<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> Farm & Industrial Machinery Service <strong>Ltd</strong>.<br />
Tsukasa Wada:<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> Machinery Trading Co., <strong>Ltd</strong>.<br />
Creative Staff: Sunrise Proper Co., <strong>Ltd</strong>.<br />
Editor: Tatsuo Miyoshi<br />
Writer: Paul Faust<br />
Design: Kazuko Iwamoto<br />
<strong>Kubota</strong> Times<br />
FIM International Planning & Control Department<br />
KUBOTA Corporation<br />
2-47, Shikitsu-higashi 1-chome, Naniwa-ku, Osaka,<br />
Japan 556-8601<br />
Fax: 81/6/6648-3521 E-Mail: k-takehi@nk.kubota.co.jp
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