Founded in 1890, Kubota is a renowned name in the off-road machinery field. And it’s natural to ask: Where are Kubota models made? Are they the same? Knowing this can help you know more about the legendary brand.
In short, the answer is that Kubota’s footprint is globally wide, spreading from Japan, the US, to Asia and Europe, each specializing in specific product lines to serve its regional needs.
The Kubota Story: Key Milestones
19th Century: Laying the Foundation
- 1890: A determined 19-year-old founder, Gonshiro Kubota, establishes a metal casting business in Osaka, Japan. His initial mission is to improve society by producing high-quality iron pipes for water systems, laying the foundation for Kubota’s future.
20th Century: Innovation and Expansion
- 1922: The company begins manufacturing its famous oil-based engines for agro-industrial use, marking its official entry into the power equipment sector.
- 1960: Kubota develops and manufactures its first Japanese-made farm tractor. Indeed, this is a pivotal turning point that defines the company’s future direction in the agricultural machinery industry.
- 1969: Company officially stepped into the United States market, under the name of Kubota Tractor Corporation, thus beginning one big chapter of the global expansion story.
- 1990: At the hundredth anniversary, the company made an official change of name into Kubota Corporation, and at the same time, set up a new corporate identity.
21st Century: Global Footprint
- 2009: Kubota establishes a major tractor production plant in Thailand, serving as a core hub for the Southeast Asian market.
- 2014: The manufacturing footprint expands to France with the establishment of Kubota Farm Machinery Europe, further strengthening its position in the European market.
Japan: The Engineering Heart
First and foremost, Japan remains the heart of Kubota’s research, development, and premium manufacturing. The core designs and the world-famous Kubota engines originate here, setting the standard for the entire company.
What is made here?
- Diesel Engines (The foundation of Kubota’s global reputation).
- Compact Tractors (e.g., BX- and B-series).
- Mini and Compact Excavators.
- Specialized agricultural machinery, like rice transplanters and harvesters.
- Kubota ships larger tractors for reassembly in other markets.
What’s Special?
Japanese-built Kubota machines are the benchmark for precision engineering and durability. The Sakai Plant in Osaka, established in 1937, is a historic and vital hub for engine production.
Operating Hours
Kubota keeps factory production schedules internal. General business hours are typically 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday (Japan Standard Time).
United States: Powering North America
Kubota has invested heavily in the U.S. to serve its largest market, with major operations centered in Georgia. This move, which began in the 1980s, allows Kubota to build machines closer to its American customers.
Key Locations: Gainesville and Jefferson, Georgia.
What is made here?
- Kubota Manufacturing of America (KMA) in Gainesville: Focuses on lawn tractors (T, G, GR series), subcompact tractors (BX series), zero-turn mowers (ZD series), and RTV utility vehicles. KMA has the capacity to produce over 75,000 units annually.
- Kubota Industrial Equipment (KIE) in Jefferson: Assembles larger agricultural and construction equipment, including the L, MX, and select M-series tractors, often using core components from Japan. It also produces a wide range of attachments like front loaders and backhoes.
What’s Special?
The U.S. plants are crucial for tailoring products to North American needs and ensuring rapid parts and service availability. They also export products to Canada, Australia, Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Operating Hours
Kubota keeps factory production schedules internal. General business hours are typically 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday (Eastern Standard Time).
Europe: Tailored for Regional Demands
To better serve European customers and meet strict EU regulations, Kubota operates major facilities in Germany and France.
Germany (Zweibrücken):
- What is made here? This plant specializes in construction machinery, producing the compact excavators (U-series and KX-series) that are popular across Europe.
- What’s Special? Focuses on the high demands of the European construction market.
France (Bierne):
- What is made here? The Kubota Farm Machinery Europe plant produces larger agricultural tractors, including some M-series models.
- What’s Special? These tractors are specifically designed for the scale and requirements of European farming.
Operating Hours
Factory production schedules are internal. General business hours are typically 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday (Central European Time).
Asia: Hubs for Regional Growth
Kubota operates several state-of-the-art plants across Asia to design and build machinery tailored to the specific agricultural needs of these dynamic markets.
Thailand (Pathumthani & Chachoengsao):
- What is made here? A major production hub for agricultural tractors, diesel engines, and implements.
- What’s Special? Serves as a critical base for exporting throughout Southeast Asia, meeting the high demand for versatile and durable farm equipment.
China (Suzhou, Jiangsu):
- What is made here? Produces engines and agricultural machinery, often through strategic joint ventures.
- What’s Special? Kubota specifically develops the models to be affordable and effective for local Indian farming communities.
India (Haryana):
- What is made here? Primarily manufactures smaller agricultural tractors and implements.
- What’s Special? The models are specifically developed to be affordable and effective for local Indian farming communities.
Indonesia (Semarang) & Vietnam (Binh Duong Province):
- What is made here? These plants produce tractors and equipment for their respective local markets.
- What’s Special? They focus on machinery that Kubota has optimized for regional agricultural practices, such as rice cultivation.
Operating Hours
Factory production schedules are internal. General business hours are standard for each country (e.g., Monday-Friday, within ICT, CST, IST time zones).
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Models the Same Across All Locations?
Not exactly. While core engineering and design principles come from Japan, local factories adapt models to meet regional market demands, safety rules, and emissions regulations. A tractor sold in the U.S. may have different features than a similar model in Europe or Asia.
Do Products Differ in Quality?
No. Kubota enforces a very strict global quality management standard in all factory factories. No matter tractor is made in Japan, the U.S., or France, all machines pass through the same serious testing and inspection procedure. Customers are always saying no big difference in reliability or durability. Therefore, the main difference is only in features and local rule compliance, not in quality.
In Conclusion: Global Production, Local Solutions
Where are Kubota models made? Now you know the answer. Kubota’s global manufacturing gets you the right machine for your job, more specifically and fast. Similarly, FridayParts is doing the same thing for your repairs.
When a repair is needed, we provide high-quality aftermarket Kubota parts with fast, worldwide shipping to get you back to work quickly and affordably. Don’t let a broken part sideline your project.
For reliable Kubota parts at the best price, visit FridayParts.com immediately and find what you need today.
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