10 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Kubota

May 29, 2014

We all know Kubota makes the best compact and sub compact tractors in the market. Their diesel engines are among the best and most reliable you can buy. However there are a few things about Kubota that you probably didn’t know. We’ve been a Kubota dealership since the mid 70s and we didn’t even know everything that our research turned up. So take a look at the 10 things you probably didn’t know about Kubota.

Kubota logo: Silver

1) They’re older than you think

With roots dating back to 1890. They aren’t exactly the new guy on the block.

 

2) They didn’t start out making tractors.

Kubota was actually first established as a foundry for the production of castings for heavy equipment.

 

3) They’ve been making engines since before it was cool.

They started producing Agro-industrial oil based engines in 1922.

Black vintage stationary engine with flywheel on wooden base.

One of the first Kubota Engines

4) They were revolutionary in Japan.

Kubota developed and commercialized Japan’s first farm tractor.


5) They produced vending machines.

In the early 60s Kubota actually produced vending machines. When are they going to make the first tractor with a built in vending machine?

Blue vending machine with multiple selection buttons, dials, and a coin slot.

A Kubota Vending Machine from 1963

6) They came to America in the late 60s.

Kubota’s first import was in 1969 with the 21 horsepower L200. It’s success lead to the creation of Kubota Tractor Corporation in California.

Orange and blue Kubota tractor on a grassy field.

The Kubota L200 Courtesy of www.everythingattachments.com

7) They put a lot of people to work.

As of 2008 Kubota corporation employed around 24,000 people worldwide.

 

8) Many Kubota products are made in the USA.

Kubota opened a factory in Gainsville GA that builds a lot of their products, including their ZD diesel zero turns and their line of Kubota RTV recreational vehicles.

Kubota corporate building exterior, two-story white structure with blue logo, large windows, and manicured landscaping.

The Kubota Manufacturing Headquarters in Gainsville, GA

9) They sponsor a professional sports team.

The Kubota Spears are a professional rugby team in Japan sponsored by Kubota.

Rugby players in orange and navy uniforms celebrate on a field; one raises a fist.

The Kubota Spears Pro Rugby Team Photo Courtesy of japanrugby.net

10) They’ve helped build an ark.

As part of their dedication to improved sustainability, Kubota played a big role in creating Japan’s Solar Ark. A museum and leader in solar energy.

A large, dark-colored stadium with antennas in a grassy field under a pale blue sky.

Do you have some other things we might not know about Kubota or questions about anything you’ve read? Leave a comment or contact us today, and don’t forget to check out our full line of Kubota tractorsKubota Lawn Mowers and Kubota RTVs!