Kubota to start field testing robotic tractor
Kubota has announced plans to start field testing the autonomous hydrogen powered fuel cell tractor it recently unveiled at Expo 25 in Osaka Japan.
Nearly 85% (¥1,864.8b/US$16.1b) was generated by tractors, farm equipment brands including Kverneland and Great Plains, which alongside engines was up 23.6% on 2020.
Revenue at home in Japan increased by 1.3% from the previous year to ¥602.8b (US$5.2b), while ag and construction machinery export revenue increased 27.8% to ¥1,554.3b (US$13.4b).
Export sales were driven by the strong demand for tractors and construction machinery in North America, Europe and Australia, while farm equipment sales were strong in India.
While the domestic farm and construction machinery market is expected to remain static during 2022, exports are forecast to increase with continued solid demand in North America and Europe, likely to drive a further increase in consolidated revenue for 2022 to ¥2,450.0b (around US$21b).
In other Kubota news, the manufacturer plans to launch the world’s first hydrogen-powered fuel cell tractor in 2025, initially for the European and American markets. Reports suggest that progress is well advanced in developing tractors ranging from 50 to 100 horsepower, with a prototype ready by 2023. Prices are expected to be around 40% higher than current diesel-powered alternatives.
