My understanding was that Bobcat used Kubota engines for their SS. When they were bought this last time, the new owners decided, for whatever reason, to ditch the Kubota engine in favor of another brand here in the US.
This, in turn led to the decision by Kubota to offer a SS in the US. They have been offering SS in the European market for several years. The European model is made by ... a quote will explain it better than I could ...
"The new Thomas built skid steer loaders will be marketed by Kubota, and will be available by 2005 in select European markets," rather than "The new Thomas built skid steer loaders will be branded and marketed by Kubota, and will be available by 2005 in select European markets," (
/ CORRECTION - Thomas Equipment to Produce Skid Steer Loaders for Kubota in Select European Markets | Market Wire | Find Articles at BNET)
From what I was told, the new Kubota SS for the US are actually built be Kubota. The new Kubota SS are starting to show up at local dealers.
As far as replacing the tractor, it should be noted that there are already some tractor half-tracks. (Kubota even sells them) They have tracks on the back and wheels in the front. However, word has it that, though they may be good for some types of tractor work, they do not to well for jobs like plowing or other intensive ground work. Has something to do with the amount of traction needed to pull implements through the ground.
Seems the tracks are great for "carrying" heavy loads across soft ground and maneuvering, but when it come to "pulling" they do not dig in and tend to slip on the surface. Thus plowing, followed by disking and rowing just doesn't work too well for the SS.
I have no first hand experience with this, but there are very large potato and cabbage farms in our area and that is what those farmers report.
I did see the Kubota 75 at our local dealer the other day. But alas, I did not have the time to take a good look.
