Kubota to start field testing robotic tractor
Kubota has announced plans to start field testing the autonomous hydrogen powered fuel cell tractor it recently unveiled at Expo 25 in Osaka Japan.
Whether it will replace or complement the popular M8540 or M9540 tractors is not known, but the 95hp M5091 and 113hp M5111 machines are sure to attract a lot of interest.
Rural News is told that a 4-cylinder, common rail V3800 series engine will meet stage 4 emission regulations with a combination of SCR, EGR, DPF and DOC technologies all neatly hidden under the hood.
For the European market, the machines have 36 forward and 36 reverse speeds, six synchronised speeds on the main lever, three ranges and a high/low splitter. Clutchless forward/reverse shifting is by an electro-hydraulic shuttle.
The large cab has a glass panel with shade to offer improved upwards visibility, a new loader with easy removal, and the maker’s new KSR (Kubota shockless ride) shock absorbing system to improve the ride on rough ground and reduce wear and tear over the machine’s life.
Three point linkage is said to lift 4.1 tonnes, hydraulic output is 80L/min and the selectable PTO offers 540 or 540E speeds.
Deliveries are expected late in 2017.
Global ambitions
Over the last four years Kubota Corporation has shown it aspires to being a global player in farm tractors and machinery, seen in its move into higher powered tractors, its French factory, the M7 tractor series and its buy-up of implement maker Kverneland.
The company says it has spent €1 billion in agriculture in that time, €50m of this swallowed up in the M7001 series, and a similar amount in the factory, which can make about 3000 tractors annually.
In 2015, Kubota’s European operation generated €1.5bn versus €0.5bn in 2014, contributing to total group turnover of €11.5bn.
