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.
Ken Wilson started out on the family farm, but a love of machinery drew him to contracting, initially with a bulldozer on the slopes above Colyton, Manawatu.
In the late 1970's he bought his first wheeled tractor, a Kubota 7500, which over the years led to a number of the Japanese brand entering the business.
Wilson's latest acquisition from the marque is a M135GX which has earned its keep with implements such as a semi-mounted five-furrow plough and a 3m power harrow; it has racked up around 700 hours in five months.
Asked what he thought of his latest charge, Wilson said "the four cylinder engine just keeps hanging on and shows plenty of punch; the cab is roomy and quiet, has great visibility and the layout of the controls is well thought out."
He was also complimentary about the unique front suspension that irons out the bumps, and the Bi-Speed steering system that allows tight turns on headlands during row crop work.
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