Browse the latest from the Kubota Let's Talk magazine - Groundcare Edition Issue 2
GROUNDCARE EDITION ISSUE 5
REPLAY MAINTENANCE EXPANDS UK OPERATIONS WITH FC3-221E FLEET. p8 ‘TRAVEL’S A BREEZE WITH KUBOTA RTVS’ AT BLAIRGOWRIE GOLF CLUB. p6 KUBOTA POWERS GUARDS POLO CLUB WITH RELIABLE TRACTORS AND RTVS. p10
THE SHOW GOES ON WITH KUBOTA FLEET AT THE NEC KEEPING WASTE AND FACILITIES SERVICES ON TRACK. p4
www.kubota.co.uk |
ONLINE PARTS ORDERING WITH TERRAKO
WELCOME TO THE LATEST GROUNDCARE EDITION OF LET’S TALK A s the year draws to a close, we reflect on both the challenges and opportunities presented throughout 2025. The extremes of temperature, prolonged droughts and the impact of hosepipe bans has seen turf managers forced to adapt to shifting environmental realities. The global supply chain has faced fresh uncertainty amid US tariff disruption demanding resilience and innovation from manufacturers and dealers alike. In response, Kubota has continued to strengthen its product offering. This year has seen the expansion of both our popular zero-turn and FC mower ranges, to deliver performance and versatility across amenity applications. In this edition, you’ll find a range of compelling case studies spanning golf, holiday parks, contracting and premier equestrian and events venues – demonstrating the outstanding breadth and capability of the Kubota range. Beyond machinery, Kubota has also extended its ESG programme. You can read about some of the local projects and activities we’ve completed (See page 3). Looking ahead, the innovation pipeline is looking incredibly exciting as we showcase our vision for a cleaner, sustainable future. Unveiling our 3.8L hydrogen engine at Bauma and a concept hydrogen fuel cell tractor at World Expo 2025 are two of many highlights. Please come and say hello at events over the next few months and, in the meantime, enjoy the read. Tim Yates Sales manager. Agricultural & Groundcare Division
ORDER KUBOTA PARTS ANYTIME, ANYWHERE WITH TERRAKO. Getting the right parts for your Kubota equipment just got easier. Introducing Terrako, Kubota’s new online parts marketplace that makes it simple to find and order genuine Kubota parts, whenever and wherever you need them. Through the easy-to-use website uk.terrako.com, you can browse and order directly from participating Kubota dealers, with access to live stock levels 24/7. Even if you don’t know your local dealer, Terrako automatically connects you to the nearest one. Once you’ve signed up for a free account, you can: • Search for genuine Kubota parts by model or part number • Check stock at nearby dealers • Order online and pay securely by credit card • Choose collection or delivery from your local Kubota dealer You’ll receive an instant email confirmation once your order is placed — saving time, reducing downtime, and giving you peace of mind that you’re getting the right parts, straight from Kubota’s trusted dealer network.
K ubota has introduced a digital marketplace for customers, simplifying the ordering of original parts. It is called Terrako, and enables Kubota parts to be ordered through an online portal uk.terrako.com that provides access to dealer stock. As a digital marketplace, Terrako makes it easy for customers to order parts for their Kubota equipment 24-7, even if they don’t know their local Kubota dealer. It is a process that saves time, reduces downtime, and ensures the right parts are ordered, and are ready for collection or delivery from their nearest Kubota dealer. Access to Terrako requires customers to sign- up, creating an online account which highlights their nearest Kubota dealers. Doing so gives the customer direct access to dealer stock levels when searching for parts. Payment is made at the time of ordering by credit card, and customers then receive an email confirmation of their order. “Terrako makes it easy and convenient to order genuine parts – even if you don’t know who your local Kubota dealer is. It’s especially useful for those working away from base. It saves time and helps reduce costly equipment downtime.” Simon Chadbone, Parts Division Manager
2 | Let’s talk Kubota
KUBOTA GROUNDCARE DEALER TNS CELEBRATES 150 YEARS L ong-established Kubota groundcare dealer Thurlow Nunn Standen (TNS) has been proudly celebrating its 150th anniversary throughout 2025. The key to its success according to chairman James Thurlow is diversification, alongside long-standing relationships with its suppliers, of which Kubota is one. “We’re proud to have notched up 46 years supplying the groundcare sector throughout East Anglia with Kubota’s compact tractors, mowers, implements and utility vehicles from three depots” said TNS chairman and CEO James Thurlow. “Kubota shares the same core values that we do, namely professionalism, care, quality, respect and trust. Our partnership is significant, and we value the commitment from Kubota to continue to support us and our customers throughout the region, across the groundcare sector.” To commemorate the 150-year milestone, TNS has been running a number of fundraising events throughout the year, with the goal of raising £150,000 for Dementia UK, a cause close the family’s heart following the recent death of James’ father, John Thurlow, from dementia. “Kubota would like to congratulate TNS on all its achievements,” said Henry Bredin, general manager of Kubota (UK)’s agricultural and groundcare machinery business. “We look forward to many more years supporting TNS, as the business continues to grow with Kubota groundcare customers old and new.”
OUR COMMITMENT TO SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY Kubota continues to embed Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) values into its operations, with a major focus on supporting the local community.
U nder the principles of the Kubota e-Project – which aims to safeguard the environment and support a sustainable society – the company is committed to being an active and responsible corporate citizen. Recognising the importance of contributing locally, Kubota introduced its ‘Share and Support’ policy, enabling employees at the UK headquarters in Thame and those further afield working remotely to volunteer their time for causes close to the community. With volunteering commencing in June,
more than 100 Kubota employees gave over 72.5 days of service across 22 activities and supported 12 separate charities and organisations throughout just seven months in 2024! Activities included playground and facilities maintenance at a local school for children with disabilities, the ‘Roll With Us’ wheelchair relay which raised over £1,000 for Stoke Mandeville Maulers rugby team, and a series of Shako fundraising events that generated over £1,400 for Macmillan Cancer Support and other causes. Momentum continued into 2025, with a total of 78 people clocking up 77.5 volunteering days on 98 events to date. Activities have ranged from litter picking to tree planting in a local park and helping Thomley Hall – which provides support and activities for people of all abilities and disabilities – prepare for their Accessival Festival. In addition, Kubota representatives have also volunteered at schools local to them to help year 10 students prepare for the world of work by conducting practice interviews. Kubota is also pleased to have extended longstanding partnerships with local sports clubs such as Chinnor Rugby and Thame FC which includes the supply of equipment and support with maintenance and improvements. Fundraising efforts have also thrived this year, with raffles raising hundreds of pounds for the Thame Red Kite Centre and ongoing sponsorship of the Tour de Vale charity bike ride. Through these initiatives, Kubota is not only strengthening its ESG commitments but also demonstrating how collective action can create positive and lasting impact across communities.
www.kubota.co.uk | 3
Let’s talk... Grounds Maintenance
THE SHOW
The delivery from Hunts Engineering to The NEC
explains Darren. “We really put the machine through its paces, determined to find the limits of its capability and quite quickly discovered it could deliver everything our previous machines could with the added benefit of fantastic support from Richard and the team.” With a couple of additional bespoke features – such as the fitting of amber safety beacons - to ensure the G261’s were fully fit for purpose, the first delivery of 20 units was made in March 2025, later joined by an additional 10 in July. “Their main task is to tow 1280 litre bins to various points, collecting litter and other waste during event build ups and breakdowns. As the old saying goes ‘the show must go on’ whether we’ve got machines to collect the litter or not so reliability is critical for us. So far, the Kubota’s haven’t missed a beat.” The reliability of the fleet of G261’s reaffirms the sentiments of the NEC Estates department, who have benefitted from the trusty power and performance of a Kubota M5-092 for the last 18 months. “It was the positive feedback from the Estates Department that really spurred me on to look
Birmingham in March 2025 was well received by Darren Hawkins, Head of Soft Services, and a large team of OCS Group operatives who are now benefitting from Kubota comfort, convenience and reliability across the NEC, Vox Conference Centre and BP Pulse Arena. OCS Group has been responsible for cleaning, waste, cloakrooms, portering and the wider estates at the NEC Group’s venues since 2012. Encompassing five venues in total, the need arose to replace the vehicles which are pivotal to the maintenance operation at three of the campus’s busiest sites. “We narrowed our search down to two brands before speaking to Richard Lucas from Hunts Engineering who brought us a Kubota G261 on demonstration”
GOES ON WITH THE KUBOTA FLEET AT THE NEC
4 | Let’s talk Kubota
It was the positive feedback from the Estates Department that really spurred me on to look at smaller machines in the Kubota range.” Darren Hawkins
A fleet of thirty G261 units from Kubota’s G-Series are helping to keep waste and facilities services on track at one of the country’s leading exhibition centres.
at smaller machines in the Kubota range”, Darren adds. Depending on the event calendar, it’s not unusual for 20 or more of the G261’s to be out working on any given day. “The team has all received training on their operation which has made the transition relatively seamless, and hopefully means we’ll be able to better protect our investment.” Moving forwards, a combination of in-house monitoring and routine maintenance and servicing by Hunts will ensure the venue can continue to depend on the performance of the G261’s for years to come. Steve Cartmell, NEC Group FM Contract Support Manager added, “The teams’ choice of working with Hunts to provide Kubota machinery has ensured that the services OCS provide across our site can continue with improved reliability, fuel efficiency and user safety features, making the operation from event to event seamless.”
www.kubota.co.uk | 5
Let’s talk... Course Maintenance
‘TRAVEL’S A BREEZE WITH KUBOTA RTVs’ SAYS BLAIRGOWRIE GOLF CLUB
W ell, if you’re the greenkeeping team working across the 45-holes at Blairgowrie Golf Club, with a fleet of five Kubota RTV’s - that’s how! Delivering more than four years of rugged and reliable transportation, the RTV-X1110’s working alongside six Kubota compact tractors have been credited with keeping the whole maintenance operation on-course. Since its formation in 1889, Perthshire’s Blairgowrie Golf Club has grown from an initial layout of nine holes that now forms the ‘wee course’, with the addition of two
How do you quickly and easily navigate over 300 acres of Championship golf course, ensuring that people and materials are always exactly where you need them?
further 18-hole courses. Over the years, the Rosemount and Lansdowne Courses have played host to many national championships for Scottish Golf, European Golf Association, DP World Tour and the Royal and Ancient and consistently feature in Scotland’s Top 100 rankings. These accolades contribute to the high expectations of the 1800 members, putting pressure on the greenkeeping team to retain the highest of standards all year-round. “Our Kubota equipment is incredibly important to the operations at Blairgowrie Golf Club” comments Managing Secretary
6 | Let’s talk Kubota
WATCH THE WHOLE INTERVIEW
Stuart Wilson. “The six compact tractors ranging from the smallest B2261 up to the biggest, 74hp, M7060 are used daily for all elements of the maintenance programme. Whether it’s towing implements such as mowers or seeders or assisting with winter construction projects, they are a reliable source of power and performance.” Equally versatile and popular are the five RTV-X1110’s, installed and maintained by the team at HRN Tractors. “The Kubota RTV’s are robust vehicles that are perfectly suited to the terrain of our courses and, ultimately, mean
that we can traverse our sizeable site in good time” Stuart explains. “The hydrostatic transmission and outstanding build quality means they can handle our undulating fairways with ease, providing the perfect combination of power, practicality and comfort. The high payload allows us to move tools and materials around quickly and efficiently, significantly improving our productivity. In addition, the hydraulic tip feature on the RTV’s is a favourite with a number of the team, meaning heavier or awkward loads can be dropped off both quickly and safely.” From a maintenance perspective, the RTV- X1110’s tick even more boxes! “Compared to other utility vehicles, our mechanic finds the RTV’s incredibly easy to work on. Having said that, other than the routine service checks, there’s been very little he’s had to do with them as we’ve had no major issues to report in the four years we’ve had them!” Should a question or issue arise, Stuart adds that the team are in safe hands with the back-up support available via HRN. “We have an excellent working relationship with HRN Tractors who are located only a short distance from the club. They have a very knowledgeable after sales team that can assist at short notice when required.” He concludes, “The RTV’s and Kubota equipment in general has been an invaluable asset to our business” says Stuart Wilson.
The RTVs and Kubota equipment in general has been an invaluable asset to our business.” Stuart Wilson
www.kubota.co.uk | 7
“Kubota really listened to our feedback to make sure the FC3-221e ticked every box for us.” Nick Harris
REPLAY MAINTENANCE EXPANDS UK OPERATIONS WITH KUBOTA FC3-221E FLEET One of the UK’s leading synthetic surface maintenance specialists has strengthened its operation with the addition of five Kubota FC3-221e units, equipped with an out-front artificial brush.
E merging from the pandemic with rapid growth and new investment, Replay Maintenance is now well placed to service the needs of close to 1,000 facilities nationwide – with the functionality and efficiency of a new Kubota fleet continuing a legacy of more than two decades of reliable service from their Gianni Ferrari units. With customers ranging from schools and universities, MOD bases, leisure centres and private sports venues, Replay has doubled its workforce since 2020 as the
acquisition and subtle evolution of the product line – with the five Kubota FC3-221e machines working as part of a total fleet of 16. Working closely alongside Kubota’s product development team, the FC3-221e’s have been adapted to fully meet the needs of the artificial market, ensuring Replay keeps operational consistency across the fleet, avoiding retraining of staff and ensuring a seamless transition for customers. “Kubota really listened to our feedback to make sure the FC3-221e’s ticked every box
company continues to secure major contracts throughout the UK. “Over the years we’ve learned exactly what we need from our equipment, to keep the growing operation working effectively” explains Managing Director Nick Harris. “Our machines need to be powerful enough to perform, but light and portable enough to transport easily and simple to operate enabling our field teams to work independently.” Replay found a perfect match with Gianni Ferrari units but welcomed Kubota’s
8 | Let’s talk Kubota
WATCH VIDEO
KUBOTA EXPANDS FC RANGE WITH NEW FC4-441
for us. They’re reliable, efficient and robust enough for the daily cleaning, decompacting, brushing and infill-redistribution on sand- filled, sand-dressed, and 3G pitches” Nick says. “The new units retain all the same important performance characteristics, with the added bonus of some adaptations to make for a more comfortable ride and visually more attractive machine.” With demand high, the plan is to renew more machines over the coming years, with the Kubota FC3’s central to the growth of Replay’s new localised, regional hub strategy. In addition to their core maintenance offering, new services such as their ‘Lift and Recycle’ programme are leading the industry in a sustainable, ‘cradle to grave’ approach. “With innovation, investment and Kubota technology, we’re in a fantastic position to continue setting the benchmark for synthetic surface management in the UK.”
Kubota has broadened its out-front, centre collect range with the addition of the FC4-441 – a 44hp multipurpose machine designed to deliver year-round productivity and professional cut quality. Its launch takes the range up to five models, giving turf professionals the ability to perfectly match mower specification with the unique requirements of their facility. The FC4-441 fits neatly between the FC3-261 and larger FC4-501, featuring a powerful Kubota engine and large 1300-litre collection capacity. Offering either a 59" rotary or 61" flail out-front deck, the FC4-441 is built for versatility – fully compatible with a full suite of attachments and seasonal tools, making it a cost-effective, multi-purpose investment. Ideal for parks, schools, holiday parks and sports facilities, the ergonomic controls and clear view provide a precise cut around trees, flower beds and pathways, while the floating deck ensures consistent results, without scalping, even on undulating ground. Heavy duty in build, easy to maintain and highly productive in the field, the FC4-441 further strengthens Kubota’s range and reputation for delivering durable, professional solutions to keep commercial grass cutting operations on course.
WATCH THE WALKAROUND
www.kubota.co.uk | 9
Let’s talk... Turf Management
KUBOTA POWERS GUARDS POLO CLUB WITH RELIABLE TRACTOR & RTV FLEET
B ased in Windsor Great Park, Guards Polo Club hosted more than 750 games in its 2025 season which was only possible thanks to a monumental team effort and the Kubota equipment which is at the heart of every element of polo field preparation. Guards Polo is comprised of three sites and 10 full-size polo fields, playing host to some of the highest levels of polo including frequent high goal tournaments. Regularly welcoming distinguished and royal players, the packed calendar from mid-April to mid- September places immense pressure on both the equipment and team of 10. Leading that team since March 2025, is Grounds Manager Paul Brown (middle). “Our Kubota tractors are the heartbeat of our operations”, Paul explains. “Whether we’re mowing, verti-draining or moving
One of the world’s most prestigious polo venues has revealed how it relies on a versatile fleet of M4, M5 and M6 tractors, alongside four RTV-X1110 utility vehicles from Kubota.
irrigation from field to field, we depend on these tractors.” Paul was pleased to see a new suite of tractors, installed and supported by local dealers Lister Wilder on his arrival at Guards – put straight to work on one of the busiest seasons in the club’s history. “The two M4- 073’s and two M5-112’s are the perfect blend of power and manoeuvrability, while our M6- 142 picks up where the others finish, handling the heavier implements and largest-scale tasks across the farm and polo grounds.” “They’ve stood up to every test, providing comfort and simplicity of operation for the team which is crucial given the intensity of our schedule” he adds. With three separate sites and distances of several miles between them, the road- registered RTV-X1110s have also become
10 | Let’s talk Kubota
For us, Kubota strikes the
perfect balance of dependability, performance and cost-effectiveness.” Paul Brown (middle)
indispensable – relied upon daily for transport, movement of tools and materials and general ground support. “The safety, speed and versatility of these four RTV’s is invaluable.” Kubota’s reputation for reliability and durability was central to the club’s decision to renew its fleet earlier this year. Paul says, “Many of the machines these replaced had clocked up more than 15 years and thousands of hours of service. For us, Kubota strikes the perfect balance of dependability, performance and cost-effectiveness.”
www.kubota.co.uk | 11
KUBOTA ZERO-TURN TICKS EVERY
BOX FOR WINDSOR HOLIDAY PARK
We’ve cut our mowing time by 50%.” Gareth Hagan
Gareth Hagan, Owner of Windsor
Holiday Park, knows the importance of creating a strong first impression for his guests.
That’s why, when it comes to the maintenance of the lawned areas of the site – nestled just outside of Newcastle, County Down - nothing less than a bowling green finish is acceptable. Delivering that, alongside significant efficiency and safety benefits and so much more is a ZD1211 from Kubota. Windsor Holiday Park is proudly a five-star, AA Gold-rated resort, family owned and operated by Gareth, his wife and two children. The commitment to quality extends well beyond hospitality – it’s evident in every blade of grass across their seven-acre site. “The presentation of the grounds is what creates either the right or wrong first impression of someone’s holiday which is why we put so much emphasis on this being perfect” he explains. “I’ve grown up in the industry and was familiar with Kubota, so turned to Laird Grass Machinery when we needed to replace our previous mower. The team at Laird is absolutely first-class. They knew exactly what we needed and, while we knew the specification of the ZD1211 was going to be spot on, its performance has truly exceeded
all expectations.” “We’ve cut our mowing time by 50%.” Gareth expands, “The productivity of this machine is outstanding, and we can navigate between the statics and glamping pods with such ease that the whole job can be done in just half a day in good weather.” The manoeuvrability of the ZD1211 has also made the day-to-day work much safer and simpler. “Before, we had to reverse in and out of pitches, which isn’t ideal with guests and children moving around. Now, we can turn on the spot, so we’re always forward facing with full line of sight.” From Kubota’s recently expanded Zero- Turn mower range, the ZD1211 prioritises efficiency with a 60” cutting width and hydraulic-lift deck. Its suspension seat means greater comfort and less operator fatigue – something Gareth and his team of wardens appreciate. “Gone are the days of sore backs… The seat is like nothing else on the market, you could literally have it in your living room!” To reduce the transportation of clippings around the site, Gareth opted to equip the
ZD1211 with Kubota’s mulching kit. “We don’t have capacity to lift grass so this keeps both the site clean and the guests happy.” He concludes, “We’ve now used the ZD1211 for two seasons and the machine continues to impress. The presentation is consistently where we need it to be, the comments we’ve had from guests are incredibly positive and the back up support we’ve had from Laird is second to none – it just ticks every box.”
Issue No.5 November 2025
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT KUBOTA GROUNDCARE VISIT WWW.KUBOTA.CO.UK
To find your local dealer: www.kubotadealers.co.uk
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