Kubota 20 - Luyckx

The Kubota Europe Newsletter
New Kubota
machines
for 2010!
Edito
Thank you very much
for your hard work
and efforts to promote
Kubota business
under harsh economic
conditions.
info
Life”.
In this month of April, we
are celebrating the 120 th
anniversary of Kubota
Corporation, founded in
1890. For this occasion, a
new slogan has been devised: “For Earth, For
From the beginning, Kubota Corporation has
sought to work on a variety of products throughout
the world under the corporate principle
of “contributing to social development and
global environment conservation through products,
technology and services that support
comfortable life styles and the very foundation
of our societies” in an aim to help relieve global
water and food shortage.
In these difficult times, we are, of course, pursuing
our dynamic sales strategy by launching
new outstanding machines and optimizing our
sales materials and services.
In line with this approach, the Tractor Division
has just launched two new machines:
the M130X and the L4100 HST.
In the Construction Machinery Division, two
zero-tail swing mini-excavators are now available:
the U48-4 and the U55-4.
As always, we are continuously seeking to
improve the quality of our sales materials
and to enrich our services by organizing more
product training and providing ever more
efficient after-sales services. Moreover, we are
optimizing our supply chain management in
order to meet our delivery dates.
This year, as ever, our new products and services,
together with your commitment and
energy, will be our best guarantee to ride out
this complex period. I thank you all for your
perseverance and your confidence.
And as we move into spring, I would like to wish
you all many happy sales!
Kazunori Kawakami
President
No.20 - April 2010

Kubota Info
Very satisfactory results
We would like to thank the many
dealers and distributors who
took the time to answer our
satisfaction survey carried out last
November concerning our newsletter,
Kubota Info.
The results were very encouraging since
98 per cent of the replies show you
appreciate this communication medium.
The survey also revealed that the topics
you are most interested in include the
new products and information about the
various communication tools proposed by
Kubota.
As only 15 per cent of you expressed
the desire to receive the document by
email, we will continue to send you our
newsletter in print format. And lastly,
some of you would like more information
dealing with technology, the Kubota group
and small landscaping equipment.
We will do our utmost to enrich the
content of our newsletter, the main
objective of this survey being to better
respond to your expectations.
CS
Kubota Groupe
Together for Haiti
Kubota Tractor Corporation (United
States) and Kubota Canada Ltd
donated Kubota generators to Haiti
for a total value of $50,000.
Our mother company in Japan, with
the support of its Asian, Australian and
European subsidiaries, also donated
$100,000 to the Red Cross. In addition,
Kubota Europe made a contribution to the
NGO “Action against hunger”.
CS
Promotional merchandise
Transferred to Spare Parts
Since the beginning of the year,
Kubota promotional merchandise
such as toy tractors, workwear,
signs, etc., has been integrated into the
Spare Parts department. Jeanine Ea, who
was in charge of these products within
the communication department, has now
joined Spare Parts. We welcome her to
the team and invite you to contact her for
any information concerning merchandise
items.
RB
Austria
22 BX2350 delivered to Vienna
End 2009, Esch-Technik, our
distributor for Austria and
Slovenia, delivered an order of
22 BX2350 tractors to the city of Vienna.
These tractors are mainly used for
winter operations such as snow clearing
and salting. This delivery completes
a fleet of BX2350 sold since 2007,
A gratifying coincidence
Messrs Masumoto and Tomita’s
visit to Europe coincided with
the sale of the 1000 th excavator
by Ets Bouchard Manutention in
Mormant (77), south east of Paris. So
they were welcomed with a great deal
of enthusiasm by Messrs Bernard and
Jeanneau, respectively corporate CEO and
General Manager of the dealer company.
2
bringing the total to 60 machines.
The call for tenders was keenly contested!
Our victory is the outcome of joint efforts
between Kubota Europe and Esch-
Technik, whom we thank wholeheartedly.
1000 th excavator sold by Bouchard Manutention!
GB
After an indoor presentation of the
Bouchard Group’s activities and a
question-and-answer session on issues
that make up every dealer’s daily routine,
our directors ended the visit with a tour
of the company’s premises. This is an
encounter Bouchard is unlikely to forget!
Many thanks to all for their warm welcome
and assistance.
OV

In the mini-excavator line
The U48-4 and the U55-4: ever more power,
comfort, and versatility
For those of you who aren’t able to
discover these new machines at the
Bauma Trade Fair in Munich, here is
a description of their main features.
At the users’ request, Kubota has further
improved the power, comfort and flexibility of
its two new zero-tail swing mini-excavators:
the 4-tonne U48-4 and the 5-tonne U55-4.
The new versions offer more powerful
bucket digging force and boast the
In the tractor line
Enhancements in CM and tractors
Two new compact tractors: the B2420 and the
L4100HST and a new agricultural tractor: the M130X
End 2009, Kubota unveiled the largest
model of the B series, the B2420, which
comes with rear- or mid-mounted
ROPS. This compact tractor melds
power, manoeuvrability and operator
comfort to match the needs of farmers
and horticulturists. Its high-performance
24hp E-TVCS engine and impressive lifting
capacity make it ideal for handling heavy
attachments. With nine forward and three
reverse gears and a maximum speed of
19.4 km/h, the B2420 enables the operator
to choose the optimum operating speed for
greater precision. Power steering and a
vibration dampening mechanism minimize
operator fatigue whilst maximizing comfort.
In addition, with an overall width just under
one metre, the B2420 is ideal for arborists
and nurserymen, and for all those who work
in confined spaces.
One year after the launch of the Kubota
gear-drive transmission L4100, the
L4100 HST extends the comprehensive
line-up of tractors. Our Hydrostatic
Transmission optimizes tractor performance
and operator comfort by enabling seamless
shifting and reducing sound levels and,
consequently, driver fatigue. This variant
meets the requirements of users seeking
versatility and accuracy. And to complete
the picture, the L4100 HST is equipped with
a speed regulator as standard.
unrivalled Kubota load-sensing hydraulic
system, which ensures smoother handling,
regardless of load size. The Kubota direct
injection engine delivers greater power
while minimizing noise and vibration
levels.
The spacious cabin and interactive
digital panel combine to provide operator
comfort, ease of access and user-friendly
operation.
Since the beginning of the month, the brand
new agricultural tractor, M130X has been
available. The worthy successor of the
M128X, it delivers a host of new features. Not
only is the tractor fitted with a more powerful
engine, but it also hosts a state-of-the-art
electronic management system which,
when activated, makes it easy to set engine
speed and ensure constant power take off,
allowing the user to adjust the Kubota M130X
3
The two new mini-excavators are fitted
with one auxiliary circuit for the standard
versions, and two auxiliary circuits for the
premium versions, plus an oil flow control
system for greater precision.
Finally, rear and side covers make for
easy maintenance access to the engine,
distributor and other components.
according to his needs. This model can also
be fitted with a Kubota front loader with
shock absorber, as well as an optional 3 rd
function valve. The M130X tractor used with
its dedicated loader is perfect for cereal and
livestock farmers looking for truly superior
productivity.
CS, FXL

Technical and sales training
Discovering new products
Several training sessions were held
this winter, reaching a good number
of participants. These programmes
covered the M128X tractors for the
agricultural part, and the G23/26 ride-on
mowers and the GCD 900F collector for the
landscaping section. Over a period of three
or four days, the machines’ main features
were explained to promote optimal use.
Comparing the M Series with our competitors’ models
Last January, the Tractor Division
organized a sales training workshop
devoted to the M series held at the
Chesnoy Agricultural High School in
Montargis, 120 km from Paris.
The first part of the training program was
dedicated to the 145 French salesmen,
after which a specific session was
organized for the Export distributors from
27 to 28 February. The Export workshop
brought together the sales teams
from Kubota Europe Italy, Matermaco
(Belgium), AD Bachmann (Switzerland),
Esch-Technik (Austria) and De Vor
(Netherlands).
The aim of this training session was to
confront the M series tractors with those
of our rivals, and then to highlight the
competitive advantages of the Kubota
products by observing and comparing
the machines and carrying out hands-on
tests.
New partnership
Kubota is listed in the UGAP directory
Kubota Europe was selected by the
UGAP (a French public procurement
body) to supply tractors (STV, L
and M series) within the framework of
a three-year call for tender renewable
for one year.
Several attachment suppliers will work in
conjunction with Kubota Europe. A meeting
was held at the Kubota head-office on 24
February to present Kubota Europe to the
partners who didn’t yet know us and to
determine a joint operation procedure.
This new partnership will enable Kubota
Europe and its network of distributors to
strengthen their image and their market
share with local authorities.
ASM
FV
The participants left with detailed
technical/sales literature, which will
help the Export distributors train their
dealers.
Despite harsh weather, the training
program and organization were much
appreciated.
After this session dedicated to farming
and livestock, the next workshop will
concentrate on the specialized tractors
(vineyards and orchards) of the M40 line
and their competitors.
4
In addition, an ‘M’ Sales meeting was
organized with the participation of Mr
Kawakami and the Tractor Division
managers. Each distributor presented his
home market and its characteristics to
promote stronger ties with Kubota Europe,
who took the opportunity to confirm its
ambitious objectives for the M series.
SA (France), GB (Export)

New!
Our new landscape range leaflets have arrived
This year, Kubota is offering two
new leaflets highlighting our
landscaping range: a 4-panel leaflet
for ride-on mowers and another one for
compact tractors.
They clearly illustrate all the models for
each line and include the products’ main
technical features.
Welcome Kits
Service is one of the keys to success
For more than
two years, M
series tractor
sales have increased
considerably so
that we now have a
network of almost
one hundred dealers.
After-sales service
being one of the
keys to success for a
The Netherlands
Open Days at Meerman
Sometimes,
a choice has
to be made
concerning the
sales strategy we
need to implement
if we are to reach
our customers,
especially in these
hard times. Netherlands-based Meerman
opted for an Open Days initiative to seduce
its clientele and introduce the new Kubota
KX057-4 mini-excavator.
Matériel & Paysage
These two series fold-outs are to replace
the Landscaping catalogue. Lighter, they
will be easier to distribute at open-day
events, counters, trade fairs and exhibits
or to mail them.
5
LT
distributor of agricultural equipment, Kubota
Europe’s Spare Parts Division decided to help
its network members build up their own initial
inventories so they can respond quickly and
efficiently to customer needs.
This stock came in the form of Welcome Kits
containing the items which correspond to the
list of recommended parts for each M series
machine (M128X, M108S, M40 standard
cabin, M40 narrow cabin, M40 series).
Thanks to these products, the dealers were
On 6 and 7 November 2009, customers and
potential buyers were sent a text message,
email or print invitation to the company’s
impressive premises in Vlaardingen, near
Rotterdam. Our entire range of mini-excavators
was displayed, but the star of the show was the
first of the dash 4 series, the KX057.
On a nearby demonstration area, visitors
could try out some of the models in real
working conditions.
The staff, all present for the special
occasion, welcomed at least 500 visitors.
On the agenda were a barbecue, activities
for the children and, most important of all,
mini-excavator sales!
A Kubota ZD21 for the most beautiful roundabout in France
On 26 November 2009, Matériel & Paysage,
a landscaping and equipment trade
magazine, revealed the winners of the
most beautiful French roundabout competition.
The lucky winner of the first prize was the
city of Evian on the east shore of Lake Geneva
for its entertaining creation representing a
hedgehog composed entirely of recycled
and recyclable materials.
The first prize – a Kubota ZD21 mower –
was awarded at the Green Expo trade show
in the presence of Evian’s Mayor and its
head gardener, of Kubota dealer William
Vaudaux, along with Anne-Sophie Marlot
and Alain Deporte from Kubota Europe.
CS
able to set up their stock supply at very
attractive rates.
From now on, the Welcome Kits will only be
offered to the new dealers selling the M and
M40 series.
RB
To spice up the event, each visitor had to
answer the following question: how many
Kubota machines has Meerman sold since
it began working with Kubota in 1980?
The right answer was 7,091 units. The
happy winner walked off with a wonderful
flat-screen TV!
CP

Sival Expo 2010
M40 series, RTV and B2420 DN
Sival expo, a trade fair for specialty
crops, took place in Angers from 12
to 14 January 2010.
Italy
Fieragricola agricultural show
Fieragricola, the international
agricultural show for machines,
services and products, was held in
Verona from 4 to 7 February.
It was a wonderful opportunity for Kubota
Italy to present the various M series models
on a large stand proudly bearing Kubota’s
corporate colours.
Several dealers and end-users showed a
keen interest in the Kubota agricultural
For several years now, Kubota Europe
has taken part in this specialized exhibit
through its local distributors including Agri
Services Chanteloup, Hamon, Modema and
Soreau Mounier.
This year, Kubota presented the narrow
and standard versions of its M40 series
tractors as well as the RTV utility vehicle.
Visitors also discovered the B2420 DN: a
narrow, 24hp tractor for wine growers,
horticulturists and market gardeners.
tractors, which are gradually gaining
market shares.
And what better occasion to spread the word
about the Kubota road shows organized in
March all across Italy! This event clearly
demonstrates Kubota’s determination to
be close to its customers.
6
CB
LR
Belgium
Agribex trade show
The 66 th Agribex, an international
agricultural, breeding and
landscaping exhibit, took place from
1 to 6 December 2009 in a harsh economic
climate, which explains the slight drop in the
number of visitors compared to the previous
show.
This said, the participants were nonetheless
satisfied with the results because all the
agriculture companies, who attended,
expressed their intention to go on
investing.
With this in mind, our dealer Matermaco
increased the size of the stand to intensify
the promotion of both the M series tractors
and the compact machines. The new models,
the B2420 and the L4100HST, were revealed
for the first time in Belgium.
Jonathan Vandersteen, the new sales
representative for the Flemish region,
officially took up his duties. We wish him
great success!
Finally, for the contest which consisted
in customizing a ride-on mower based on
the “racing” theme, Matermaco donated a
Kubota T1880 to the winner, the St-Quentin
agricultural and horticultural technical
school in Ciney. The students certainly
achieved this objective – the T1880 is
completely transformed!
GB
Contributors:
Stéphane Andreu, Rémy Barbet, Cyrille
Beaune, Guillaume Bernard, François-
Xavier Labille, Sylvie Maillet, Anne-Sophie
Marlot, Carola Philipp, Luca Romagnoli,
Candice Stoffels, Lila Thammavong, Olivier
Vanneufville, Florent Voiry.
Coordinators: Candice Stoffels and Katy Bechet
KUBOTA EUROPE SAS - 19/25 rue Jules
Vercruysse - BP 50088 - 95101 Argenteuil
cedex - France
www.kubota.fr
Didier Jambut - Kubota Europe