Landscape & Urban Design Issue 42 2020 | Page 39

TOOLS, PLANT & EQUIPMENT Studying feasibility for launch in the post-diesel European market; Aims of the development • Currently, one of Kubota’s mainstay product categories is agricultural machinery powered by diesel engines. In response to the global shift towards electric vehicles (EVs), however, Kubota has engaged in reseach and development of electrically powered equipment, such as motors, inverters, and battery packs, to prepare for future opportunities. • Meanwhile, the authorities of Paris city announced their plan to phase out the use of cars powered by diesel engines by 2024. Given the accelerated move toward banning the use of diesel engines in Europe and elsewhere, Kubota decided to make prototype models from its compact tractors to identify the needs of local users. • At the same time, Kubota has made a prototype of construction machinery that shares key electrical components with tractors, in preparation for the development of non-diesel-powered and ultralow-noise construction machinery. About the prototype models (1) Tractor Model name Battery- (electrically-) powered compact tractor Maximum output Equivalent to output of compact tractors with a diesel engine Batteries Lithium-ion batteries Dimensions 2,770 x 1,249 x 2,353 (mm) Target applications Weeding in parks, transportation, fertilizer application, etc. (2) Compact construction machinery Model name Battery- (electrically-) powered mini excavator Maximum output Equivalent to output of mini excavators with a diesel engine Batteries Lithium-ion batteries Dimensions 4,550 x 1,400 x 2,420 (mm) Target applications Construction work requiring emission control and extremely low noise output, in addition to general construction work Future plans • Kubota will start monitor tests of the tractor in France this year. • Kubota plans to launch the electrical tractors and electrical compact construction machinery sooner after conducting a series of experiments and evaluations for them. www.kubota.co.uk ZD1211 Zero-Turn Mower: Exceptional manoeuvrability, high productivity Engineered from the ground up to deliver outstanding cutting capability you can rely on. ■ Impressively powerful, reliable and economic 24.8HP Kubota diesel engine with high capacity, smooth HST transmission. ■ Extremely manoeuvrable with a 360 turning radius ■ Highly productive mowing featuring a shaft-driven, deep cutting deck with hydraulic lift mower deck ■ An ultra-comfortable operating area with responsive controls. Contact your local dealer or visit our website for more details. www.kubota.co.uk T: 01844 873190 *Conditions apply. See your Kubota dealer for details.