It's Snow Joke Thanks To Kubota Tractor And Groundcare

s the weather worsens, the versatility of Kubota's RTV900, tractors and ride-on mowers can be enhanced with the addition of a snow blade or salt spreader.

Kubota Tractor and Groundcare offers SB1 and SB2 snow blades for the RTV900 all-terrain utility vehicle, the B Series compact tractors and F Series professional outfront mower, whilst aftermarket blades are available for smaller ride-on mowers such as the GR2120. In addition, the B Series compact tractors can also be fitted with KG80 and MT80 salt spreaders.

Last winter saw much of the country grind to a halt as temperatures fell to -19C and some parts of the UK experienced up to 30 inches of snow. To help keep the roads open this winter, the Government has asked local authorities to grit the main arterial routes while appealing to farmers to use their tractors to keep rural roads open.

As a result, HM Revenues and Customs has confirmed that farmers can use red diesel in their tractors whilst helping to clear public roads.

When removing snow, farmers using agricultural tractors such as the Kubota M Series traditionally use their loaders; however, those with smaller machines such as the B Series compact tractors generally find that specialist snow blades are more effective.

Of course, snow clearance needn't be confined to those who run tractors; the RTV900 can also be fitted with a snow blade. Featuring a 22hp Kubota E-TVCS three cylinder water-cooled diesel engine and variable HST that delivers torque exactly when it's needed, the RTV900 is designed to provide optimum performance in even the toughest of conditions - and you can't really get much tougher than several feet of snow.

Furthermore, a unique transmission system, advanced automotive type suspension, power steering and amongst the highest ground clearance in its class ensures this four-wheel drive vehicle is comfortable across even the most difficult terrain.

Ride-on mowers such as the F Series can also be adapted with the addition of a snow plough to keep driveways and footpaths clear of snow during the winter months.

Kubota offers two snow blades, the SB1 and SB2, which can be used in conjunction with for the RTV900 all-terrain utility vehicle, the B Series compact tractors and F Series professional outfront mower. Each blade features a working width of 1,350mm, hydraulic lift with mechanical or optional hydraulic angling to quickly and efficiently clear roads and pathways.

These are complemented by the large capacity KG80 and MT80 salt spreaders, which are suitable for the B Series compact tractors. Featuring an 800mm working width, three point linkage and 210 litres and 220 litres hopper capacity respectively, they are ideal for spreading salt over large areas to help prevent the formation of ice.

One person who has recognised the benefit of increasing the versatility of his Kubota F2880 ride-on mower is Dave Faulkner, owner of contractors Lawns2Mow. He explained that after seeing how many of his school customers were forced to close because of snow and ice last winter he is now considering purchasing a snow plough attachment, which would allow the company to clear paths and playgrounds quickly and efficiently so that schools could remain open.

"Obviously for a contractor, turf maintenance is a seasonal business, so investing in a snow plough will increase our versatility and allow us to offer an additional service to our customers," explained Dave.

David Blackwood, Kubota Tractor and Groundcare's Sales and Marketing Manager added: "Increasingly we're seeing that customers want to get more out of their machines. When specifying a machine such as the RTV900 not only are customers looking at how well it performs its main function, but also whether it can take on other roles out of season. Put simply, doing one job alone is no longer enough; equipment needs to be versatile to justify the expenditure.
"In addition, what we're saying to our existing customers is that there's no need to put your Kubota RTV900, ride-on mower or tractor away until spring; simply fit a snow blade or salt spreader to make it a machine for all seasons."

Kubota is a world leading manufacturer that has been at the forefront of innovation for commercial tractors, groundcare equipment and ride-on mowers since first entering the UK market more than 30 years ago. The company's Tractor and Groundcare product portfolio now encompasses 24 tractor models between 12 and 130hp, 13 ride-on mower models, which cater for domestic and professional users alike and five variants of the class-leading RTV900 all-terrain utility vehicle.

Kubota machines have a legendary reputation for quality, performance, reliability and ease of operation. This is backed-up by a national network of specialist dealers who provide the highest standards of advice and aftersales service.

For more information about Kubota Tractor and Groundcare's agricultural tractors, as well as its compact tractors, ride-on mowers and all-terrain utility vehicles, or to find your nearest dealer call + 44 (0)1844 268000, e-mail sales@kubota.co.uk or visit www.kubota.co.uk.