“The Kubota-Escort tractors are entry level 45- 90 horsepower which is designed for emerging farmers “, said Dieter Bergmann, Dealer Sales Manager at Smith Power during an interview with Farmers Review Africa yesterday.
The tractors came after a multi-faceted joint venture (JV), which saw Japan’s Kubota and Escorts of India jointly developing and manufacturing utility tractors. The joint venture seeks to utilise each other’s international market.
Products from the new joint venture will capitalize on Kubota platforms and technology to cater to Indian and overseas markets, with exports handled by Kubota through its distribution network to specific markets yet to be determined.
The JV will also enable both partners to optimise their current and future capabilities in the segment globally.
In South Africa, Smith Power has been distributing Kubota tractors since 2000, and the new range will ride on the existing Smith Power footprint and customer base to break into the market, and they will start selling these tractors in July.
“We endeavor to develop the SA market by increasing our product sharing, as well as provide training, support, and technical support” added Dieter.
Escorts Group is one of India’s largest agricultural, construction and railway equipment companies, producing 21-80 horsepower tractors, engines, and gensets. With over 1 million tractors in the fields of India, 16 000 construction and material handling equipment and 5 million auto- components manufactured till date, Escorts is leveraging its engineering expertise and positioning itself as a change agent in the agriculture, construction and automotive equipment sector.
At this year’s NAMPO Harvest Days, Smith Power Equipment marked its 19th exhibit at the premier agricultural show with a host of new solutions that speak directly to the needs of the farming community.
These include the Ford-designed tractors, new Zero turn mower, RTV-1140 double cab which utilises automatic hydrostatic systems, material handling equipment and generators.
The RTV-1140 is Kubota’s premium utility vehicle range, that offers the ultimate in power and versatility, designed for heavy-duty work in the toughest environments. Powered by Kubota’s 24.8HP engines and featuring Kubota’s unique variable hydro transmission, the RTV-1140 delivers best in class acceleration, optimum traction and unrivaled control on rugged terrain.
South African importer and distributor of specialist machinery, turf maintenance equipment, and off-road vehicles, Smith Power’s stand is a hive of activity with new brands in the stable making their debuts, complemented by a host of new products and solutions suited for the farming community.
