Kubota releasing 2 tracked skid steers

[Tags]

I went to the Massachusetts construction show last week and talked to a Kubota dealer about the rumors of Kubota coming out with a skid steer. He confirmed that they will be unveiling them at their dealer meetings in October of 08' and should be available for purchase in late winter,early sping 09'. He also said they will be designed by Kubota from the ground up, including the track system. There will be two models to start, a 60HP model and a 80HP model. Sounds pretty interesting to me, Kubota puts out a nice, well thought out product.

[EquipmentJunkie]

That is interesting news. I knew that it was going to happen but I didn't know when.

I hope that Kubota did their market research and have realistic market share goals because the North American skid steer market has been historically difficult to penetrate. JCB, Komatsu, John Deere, and Toyota can attest to that.

[curtisfarmer]

I am sure Kubota's quality will more than outshine some of the existing manufactures. I say go for it!!!!

[MessickFarmEqu]

Kubota has a really good track record with bringing out new products. I can't recall the last time a new model has fallen short of our expectations, and ordering volumes.

[Cat_Driver]

First year track system, no thanks.

Talk to me after three or four generation, like ASV, and CAT have gone through.

I don't want to be a beta tester for a new track system.
Granted Kubota is first rate, but there is a learning curve, just not on my dime.

Heck even Deere had a huge problem with their units and when they changed design mid stream, to improve them, the early adopters were told, sorry, when they wanted their units retrofitted with the redesigned better doors etc.

[Gamma]

Originally Posted by Cat_Driver

First year track system, no thanks.

Talk to me after three or four generation, like ASV, and CAT have gone through.

I don't want to be a beta tester for a new track system.
Granted Kubota is first rate, but there is a learning curve, just not on my dime.

Heck even Deere had a huge problem with their units and when they changed design mid stream, to improve them, the early adopters were told, sorry, when they wanted their units retrofitted with the redesigned better doors etc.

I have to agree with you, I'd never buy the first year model of anything. A car, truck, diesel engine or whatever... I'll wait for it to be out a year or two and then consider purchasing it after doing research about it on the internet in such forums as this one.

[curtisfarmer]

I'll second that motion. I'm sure that after a short time they will be competitive to CAT and Bobcat ...ASV.

[MessickFarmEqu]

Originally Posted by Cat_Driver

First year track system, no thanks.

You'd think that, fact is Kubota's done a heck of a lot of track systems. In Japan, most of their fields are rice patties. They have had a full line of tractors from 20-125Hp all with factory designed tracks. The M8540 Power Krawler is the first of those to make it to the USA. While a skid steer is different and tracks are a real art, I've got no doubt they'll get that right.... they may have trouble in some other areas, but not tracks.

[Terra Firma Scott]

Sure they make a great tractor but i agree waiting - track system guinea pig i wish not on anyone....

[undercutter]

Surely they've learned something from their line of excavators.... ???