Kubota has launched its new Grand L70 Series, an evolution of its flagship compact tractor line.
As part of the new series, Kubota is introducing the Grand L70 Nordik Edition, which was created to tackle the unique challenges faced in Canada.
Engineered for residential and commercial operators, the Grand L70 Series includes two model options (premium and deluxe) and delivers advanced technology in the operator seat with a multifunction loader joystick and Intelligent Hydrostatic Transmission (iHST).
The new Grand L70 Series includes the deluxe 3770 (37 hp) and 4270 (42 hp), while the premium models include the 3970 (39 hp), 4470 (44 hp), 5070 (50 hp) and 6070 (60 hp).
“We’re really proud of this lineup. This is a great advancement for us,” said Matt Walker, Senior Product Operations Manager at Kubota.
Nordik Edition
All Kubota cab models in Canada include a cold climate package with additional features such as heated front glass, front and rear wipers, 130-amp alternator and larger battery.
The Nordik Edition is a customized version of the Grand L70 compact tractors created for Canadian operators. Built to tackle Canadian winters, the Nordik Edition is equipped for long hours, heavy snow and sub-zero temperatures.
More news from Kubota:
The Nordik Edition includes Nokian brand snow tires, heavy-duty three-point hitch upgrades, heated mirrors, additional guarding and a swivel air suspension seat.
“These tractors are very big in the snow market. So, in Canada, we’ve created a dedicated kit for commercial snow removal,” said Justin Parrott, Product Manager, Compact Utility Tractors at Kubota Canada.
“It includes a bunch of add on features to make the machine a little bit more robust for those very specific applications and a little bit more user friendly.”
The Nordik Edition is available in essentials and pro versions. The Nordik pro version adds extended rear fenders and swivel front fenders.
“It keeps some of that salt and road slush off the tractor to try to prevent as much corrosion as possible. We know how rough salt is on equipment,” Parrott said.
Grand L legacy
Kubota’s current Grand L60 tractor series was introduced in 2013. The new L70 series is the result of years of customer-focused research, engineering and testing across Kubota’s global team.
“It was ahead of its time when it was introduced, but like anything, customers are demanding more,” said Bobby Cummings, Kubota’s Product Marketing Director for Compact and Utility Tractors.
“We found more solutions to provide them through multiple surveys and challenged our engineering team from Japan to Georgia to Texas and globally to come up with those solutions.”
Kubota Canada played an important role in development. Alongside Canadian customer research, Kubota’s cold weather testing facility in Timmins, Ontario was used to test the tractor’s abilities in extreme cold weather conditions.
“We had engineers from Japan come to our facility for almost three years to test it in real world conditions,” Parrott said.
Intelligent tractor tech
The Grand L70 is packed with advanced technology, featuring Kubota’s new iHST transmission and a vibrant digital display. The advanced three range iHST offers tailored performance with adjustable pedal sensitivity, auto throttle advance and hydro dual speed, allowing operators to switch between six total speed ranges and customizable drive modes, including road, snow, loader and cutter. The colour K-Command display provides Bluetooth connectivity, hands-free calling and personalized tractor settings.
“The K-Command display is really a huge step forward for us,” Walker said.
Incorporating a colour display in the cab allowed Kubota to also add front and rear cameras to improve operator visibility.
“The (front) camera is mounted on the grill guard, which puts the camera in a perfect position to see what you’re doing, whether you’re changing out implements or just using a set of pallet tines,” Walker said.
Kubota also equipped its new compact tractors with stall guard to help maintain engine rpm during heavy workloads and a multifunction loader joystick with up to nine preprogrammed functions, putting everything from cruise control, drive mode selection and iHST settings at the operator’s fingertips.
“Customers want to do more with this machine. They want to get involved with the technology, so we’re making it as easy as we can to allow them to do that,” Walker said.
The Grand L70 runs on Kubota diesel engines and offers horsepower options ranging from 37 to 60 hp, empowering operators to tackle a wide variety of jobs with power and efficiency.
The Grand L70 utilizes Kubota’s Common Rail System (CRS) with electronically controlled fuel injection for smooth, efficient operation. Available in 3-or-4-cylinder configurations; the deluxe model features a naturally aspirated engine, while the premium models are turbocharged.
New ProCab
The L70 premium models give operators the choice between an open-air Roll-over Protective Structure (ROPS) or the new factory installed Kubota ProCab, while the deluxe models in Canada are fitted exclusively with a cab.
The redesigned four-post ProCab features rounded glass for clear operator sightlines, while keeping the operator climate controlled and productive with heated glass, rear wiper, rear and side defrosters and optional remote start.
“By moving to this new cab style, we increase the square footage of glass in this cab by 4 square feet. So that’s a pretty significant improvement,” Walker said.
While inside, operators can enjoy a quiet workspace with increased airflow and heated swivel seat options, ensuring productivity and comfort. Kubota has also incorporated a recirculation valve into the HVAC system to improve temperature control and air quality.
“When you have more glass, that usually creates more heat in the cab. However, with this recirculation valve, we’ve also increased our air circulation by 36 per cent inside the cab,” Cummings said.
The Grand L70 delivers advanced comfort and customization for loader work and land management. The new multifunction loader joystick allows operators to set cruise control, switch drive modes and fine-tune transmission settings, all while tackling tasks like moving brush or stacking hay bales.
An optional mechanical self-levelling loader boosts productivity for material handling and stacking, while performance-matched implements, like the BH92A backhoe and three loader options, offer up to 1,374-kg of lift and more than 2.75 metres of digging depth.
“Mechanical self levelling has been around for a while, but not so much in our compact lineup. So, this is the first time we’ve introduced the mechanical self levelling in this series,” Cummings said.
Read the full article here
