Since 1974, KUBOTA “B-Series Compact Tractors” have gained a high reputation all over the world mainly for their compact body sizes and versatile performances in mowing, transporting and landscaping.
Recently KUBOTA developed the new B-Series Tractors, which consists of five models with PTO power ranging from 9.3 to 16.4 kW (12.5 to 22 HP) as shown in Table 1. Recently, models equipped with hydrostatic transmissions (HST) account for the majority of the 9 to 16 kW (12 to 22 HP) range tractor sales, because of ease of operation and higher operating efficiency. Accordingly we have equipped all five models with HST, while making the manual transmission available on only one model.
We have increased the PTO horsepower to more than 14.9 kW (20 HP), while maintaining the compact body size. At the same time, we have added new features to enhance performance of the tractors' three major uses, front loader, mid mount mower, and rear implement operations.
This paper discusses the technologies incorporated in the development of the higher horsepower models, the B2710 and B2910, as well as new features added.