Grey Market Kubota machines (New & Used), originally sold in other countries around the world, are being imported into this country. These “grey market” units were not designed for sale in New Zealand. They were designed and manufactured for other markets and imported into New Zealand and by individuals or entities independent of Kubota and without Kubota’s authorisation.
These “grey market” units are different in several important aspects from the machines that Kubota makes for New Zealand, and which Kubota sells in New Zealand. These machines are not ordinarily equipped with important safety equipment such as ROPS, seat belts, safety decals or operators manual.
No Support – Neither Kubota New Zealand nor its affiliated company Kubota Corporation, Japan provides parts, service, technical data or any warranty support for Kubota “grey market” units in New Zealand.
There is no responsibility whatsoever either by Kubota or its authorised dealers for these “grey market” units.
Kubota warns customers of the consequences of purchasing “grey market” (used, unused or low hour machines). Customers should only buy Kubota products from authorised dealers listed on this web site.
“Remanufactured Japanese Kubota” – Warning
Be aware of the phrase “remanufactured Japanese Kubota” this statement does not refer to unit’s remanufactured by Kubota Corporation. It refers to second hand domestic Japanese Kubota models refurbished by parties other than Kubota Corporation.
How Kubota tractors made for export vary from those made for the Japanese domestic market
Kubota Corporation in Japan manufactures tractors for the specific requirements and applications of the destination country.
A compact tractor built for export to New Zealand will incorporate heavy duty parts and components. On the other hand, tractors made for the Japanese domestic market may have a component build list suited to light duty applications such as rice paddy cultivation. The market requirements for tractors in Japan can be vastly different from those in other countries with most Japanese domestic models only used for 50 to 100 hours.”
To an experienced eye the differences between Japanese domestic and export models are clear. The most recognizable features of Japanese domestic models include rice tyres with paddle like high lugs, two wheel drive front axles, basic gear drive transmissions, single bearing rear axle housings, 3 or 4 speed rear PTO, steel seat, Japanese (not international) standard three point hitch, non-English decals and an overall dated appearance.
A major source of frustration with owners of domestic models has been their inability to source selected parts. Customers unable to source parts from a reseller may contact Kubota only to be told that those particular parts are unavailable. Because Japanese domestic tractor models were originally manufactured for sale in Japan only, overseas Kubota outlets do not carry parts for models not for sale in that country. While there may be compatibility with some engine parts, this will not extend to transmission and other component parts. The situation is compounded by the fact that the age of some models means a particular part may no longer be produced.
While warranty on second hand Japanese domestic models may be offered by resellers, neither Kubota Corporation, Japan or Kubota New Zealand cover any warranties on these units.
On the other hand, Kubota export models have guaranteed parts availability, factory warranty, full dealer technical service support and assistance.
In addition, all export models sold in New Zealand comply with New Zealandn Standards and OH&S requirements and have passed stringent R&D testing in New Zealandn conditions. Tractor Rollover Protection Structures (ROPS) comply with AS1636 for the protection of operators in the event of a roll over. Customers can therefore be confident of the durability, reliability and safety of export models.
This article is published to inform the public of the differences between Japanese domestic and export Kubota tractor models.