Kubota engine production hits century mark

Kubota is celebrating a remarkable 100 years of engine production in 2022, with its storied history beginning after a sudden spread in water pumps during a devastating Japanese drought increased the demand for engines.

The company, founded 32 years earlier by enterprising 19-year-old Osaka resident, Gonshiro Kubota, reacted quickly, and in 1923 a 3hp kerosene engine was released as a power source for irrigation pumps and rice hullers.

Building on this success, Kubota expanded its product line-up and developed an engine for fishing boats in 1927 followed by a diesel engine, establishing itself as a central player in the industry, despite a late entry into the market.

Kubota National Sales Manager for Construction and Power Equipment, James Tibos, said the 100-year milestone is a testament to Kubota’s commitment to making engines that deliver for customers.

“We are thrilled to be celebrating 100 years of engine production and the journey to becoming Kubota we know and love today,” Tibos said.

“It’s extraordinary to see what challenges Kubota has overcome and it’s important we channel our history of innovation into our contemporary product mix.”

Following the huge inroads made by Kubota in the 1920s, in the late 1930s – after the Japanese economy began showing signs of recovery after the ravages of the Great depression – demand for engines increased and Kubota established a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant to respond to the shift.

Once the plant was up and running in 1938, it had multiplied production capacity and produced 55 per cent of the engines in the domestic market.

In the 1950s, Kubota started adding portable and lightweight engines to its portfolio, and in the 1980s a direct-injection, water-cooled diesel engine achieved high fuel efficiency and drew the public’s attention.

The company's “Super Mini” Series, which it claims were the smallest, cleanest and quietest engines among its line-up, became the industry standard for small diesel engines.

In 1985, Kubota inaugurated the Sakai Rinkai plant in Osaka, producing up to 500,000 engines a year and achieving its goal of becoming an international manufacturer of compact, all-purpose engines.

While rapid global economic growth took off, so did the expectation for environmental responsibility. As manufacturers responded to strict regulations, Kubota proactively worked towards developing low-emission engines.

“Kubota has continued to strive toward reducing its environmental impact while delivering efficient solutions for the agriculture and construction industry. We look forward to the next 100 years of Kubota, delivering growth and leading machinery to keep you powering on,” Tibos said.

To find out more about Kubota engines and products, visit the Kubota website.