Attendees were invited to test drive the new Grand L70 at the specially designed Ride & Drive event course.
Courtesy of Meghan Barton
Hands-on in the Texas heat
At the Ride & Drive portion of the event, under temperatures exceeding 32 degrees Celsius, attendees rotated through several Grand L70 stations to experience the machines firsthand.
The layout simulated real-world working conditions, including load stacking, ground engagement, and manoeuvring in tight spaces to demonstrate the new transmission, joystick, and visibility improvements. The Ride & Drive event underscored Kubota’s commitment to customer feedback: every button, lever, and seat adjustment reflected hours of user testing and iterative refinement.
The construction outlook: steady with room to grow
While the event focused primarily on compact tractors for agricultural applications, I took the opportunity to discuss the broader construction market with the Kubota team. Tim Boulds, director of product marketing for construction equipment, offered a candid snapshot of conditions and upcoming innovations.
“We forecasted the industry to be flat to slightly down, and that’s kind of how it started the year,” said Boulds. “But mid-year, we’ve seen an uptick in the market.”
He credited tax incentives like the U.S. Section 179 deduction, which now allows up to $2.5 million in equipment expensing, as a key driver for small and mid-sized contractors, Kubota’s primary customer base.
Kubota updates CTL lineup with refinements and range expansion
Boulds also shared updates on Kubota’s compact track loader lineup. At Kubota Connect, the company introduced the SVL65-2S. This model is a minor update to the SVL65-2 introduced earlier this year. New features include a 7-inch LCD, keyless start, in-dash rear camera, Bluetooth radio, and a high-back seat with optional heat and air-ride.
“We wanted to improve the operator’s comfort and performance,” he said. “Our customers are often out early or stay out late, so we backlit the switches and upgraded the seat. Those are small things that make a big difference.”
An auto-downshift feature, borrowed from the SVL75-3 and SVL97-3, automatically shifts to first gear in turns, saving time and improving efficiency.
When asked what’s next for Kubota’s construction lineup, Boulds described a near-term focus on expanding and refining the company’s compact track loader range.
“In construction for us over the next few years, we’re going to be updating some models, but we’re also going to be introducing some new models in addition to what we’ve just introduced,” Boulds said. “We’re focusing on expanding product lines and incorporating some technology in there as well that I can’t talk about just yet.”
He confirmed a larger-horsepower model will debut at CONEXPO 2026, promising improved hydraulic flow and smart power management for demanding attachments like asphalt grinders and brush cutters.
Beyond that, Boulds said Kubota aims to “fill some gaps” in its lineup with additional mid-range and lighter-duty machines, extending the brand’s reach into new segments of the compact equipment market.
Beyond expectations
From the stage to the test field, the Grand L70 launch emphasized Kubota’s commitment to combining proven engineering with user-driven refinement. Between the heat, dust, and enthusiasm of the team, Kubota is a company confident in its direction.
“I couldn’t be more proud,” said Cummings. “I think we made a bold leap forward in this new introduction of the next generation of the L Series. But don’t take my word for it. Go drive one yourself.”
As Kubota looks ahead to its next chapter, the Grand L70 sets the tone for smarter, more comfortable machines built for the people who run them.
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