Kubota press events usually entail new machinery and an opportunity to try them out for yourself. In this regard, the company certainly didn't disappoint earlier this week.

After a mercifully brief summary of the key features and benefits of its new equipment, it was off to a remote corner of the Oxfordshire Golf Club estate to have some hands-on experience.

First up, a few new models extending Kubota's 'RT' range of compact wheel loaders. Following the recent introduction of two battery-powered machines, Kubota has now added a further ten diesel-powered machines.

The newly extended portfolio includes high-lift and heavy lift units, with tipping loads ranging from 550kg to 1,600kg. Lift heights extend from 2.17m to 2.96m, while operating weights are from 1,100kg to 2,900kg. Depending on the model, cab or canopy options are also available with ROPS and FOPS protection.

The Stage V RT models have power outputs from 15-36kW, the two most powerful models featuring a DPF/DOC emissions control module along with a 6,000-hour service interval.

Miniscule dimensions are also a feature of the new RT machines, with the entry-level RT100-2 measuring 920mm wide. The RT105T-2, meanwhile, features a telescopic boom, increasing its working envelope. The widest model is the range-topping RT280-2, at 1.4m, with 31x15.5-15 tyres. Overall height is up to 2.34m, reducing to below 2m when using the folding canopy.

Drive is hydrostatic throughout the range, with the smallest four models using Poclain wheel motors. From the RT210-2 upwards, Bosch Rexroth hydrostatic transmissions are used to drive mechanical axles, and this enables limited slip or 100% mechanical diff locks to be used to boost traction. Travel speed is up to 30kph, depending on model. 

Up to two auxiliary hydraulic circuits are available, with one offering proportional control through the multifunction joystick. Flow rates vary from 28-51LPM and a boom float is part of the standard specification, as is a Eurohitch headstock.

Models equipped with a fully-glazed cab include a heater and radio, plus road lighting kit and rear-view mirrors. Engine service intervals are every 500 hours, and all models are offered with a two-year, 2,000-hour warranty.

Next up, and attracting much attention, the KTH4815-2 compact telehandler with a width of 1.6m and sub 2m height.

The KTH4815-2 has a maximum lift height of 4.8m and a lift capacity of 1.5 tonnes, depending on the variant. Hose burst check-valves and a load-moment sensor with forward over-turn protection meeting EN15000 certification, is also part of the standard specification.

Hydraulic performance extends to 81 litres/min, with 51 litres available through an auxiliary circuit for powered attachments carried on the Eurohitch headstock. In addition to a hydraulically locking headstock, the telehandler features a proportional joystick, with adjustable flow rate and memory function.

A Stage V Kubota D1803 three-cylinder engine powers the range, with a peak output of 37kW. Mounted on the right-hand side of the machine between the front and rear wheels, the transverse engine position enables easy access to all filters, the battery isolator and the handler’s cooling pack.

The driveline is hydrostatic, with a Bosch Rexroth hydrostatic transmission delivering two speed ranges of 0-7 and 0-25kph. The powertrain includes multidisc brakes and, with permanent four-wheel drive, there is a  an option for front axle differential lock to further boost traction.

Four versions of the KTH4815-2 telehandler are available - two canopy-equipped models with a curved front screen, and two with fully glazed cabs with a two-piece door. The entry-level KTH4815-2 is supplied without a 170kg rear counterweight and has 10/75x15.3 narrow tyres. A wider, 31/15.5-15 skid steer tyre option is also available.

The highest spec KTH4815-2 also includes three-mode steering, including two-wheel and crab steering options, as well as the standard four-wheel steering function. Using four-wheel steering, a turning radius of 1.2m inner 2.7m outer can be achieved.

Engine service intervals are every 500 hours, and all four variants are offered with a two-year, 2,000-hour warranty.

https://www.kubota-eu.com/