Kubota: A Short History

Kubota Australia has done such a good job of detailing the origins of the company, I can't do it justice by rewriting it. Instead I will quote directly from Kubota themselves as there's no one better to tell use about their rich history. You can see more at Kubota Australia's website here.

The Kubota story began in 1890 when an ambitious 19 year old man by the name of Gonshiro Kubota established a metal casting business in Osaka, Japan. Even from a young age, his vision was clear. He was determined to create quality products that improved the lives of his customers, their communities and were environmentally-friendly. These values have guided Kubota to where we are today and represent what we stand for.

In 1922, Kubota began producing its own oil-based engines for agriculture and industrial applications. Kubota were ahead of their time, pioneering technologies that promoted energy saving, improved fuel efficiency and increased the durability and longevity of their products. To this day, Kubota are the world leading manufacturers of compact engines, dedicated to the research of advanced technologies that set the benchmark for the industry.

Kubota first entered the equipment market in 1953, introducing its first construction equipment range that initially included power shovels and marine deck machinery. It would soon extend its range to include excavators, track and wheel loaders.

Best known for their agriculture equipment, Kubota developed and launched Japan’s first farm tractor in 1960. Kubota were also the first business to distribute overseas, with their first order to a humanitarian project in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Within two years of launching their first farm tractor, Kubota became one of the world’s most in demand manufacturers of paddy field tractors. A wide range of tractors, mowers, garden care and utility vehicles would soon follow.

Word quickly spread about Kubota’s high quality and high performance equipment and distribution centres were opened in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Korea, Phillipines, Thailand, The UK and USA. Kubota also acquired several manufacturing plants worldwide, including its newest facility in France, where the new M7 Series tractors are being produced.

Today, Kubota Corporation is a highly successful multi-national company employing over 35,000 people worldwide. Based in Osaka, Japan, Kubota’s equipment range extends to agriculture, construction and power equipment and is distributed to over 31 countries.