Kubota highlights innovation with new compact tractor and CTL update at Kubota Connect

When Kubota Tractor Corporation U.S. revealed its newest compact tractor, it wasn't just another product launch. The reveal also marked 50 years of innovation and customer-driven design for Kubota Canada. The two-day event, held in Texas September 29-30, blended hands-on experience, product immersion, and direct access to Kubota's leadership and engineering teams.

Under the banner "Beyond Expectations," the company unveiled the Grand L70 Series, the latest generation of its flagship compact tractors. The announcement at this year's Kubota Connect annual dealer event brought together Kubota team members from across North America and Japan, including engineers and product specialists involved in the tractor's development, alongside Canadian and U.S. dealers and contractors for a hands-on demonstration in the Texas heat.

"The Grand L70 Series is more than just a new tractor," said Justin Parrott, product manager, compact utility tractors. "It's an innovative leap forward in elevating the operator experience through seamlessly integrated technology."

A new chapter in a 30-year lineage

For decades, the Grand L name has represented Kubota's premium compact tractor platform. The lineup has been refined and relaunched over multiple generations as customer needs and technology have advanced. According to Bobby Cummings, product marketing director for Kubota compact utility tractors, this newest iteration marks the most comprehensive redesign to date.

"The grand series was introduced in 1994 with the 00 series. Since then, we've introduced the 10 series, the 20 series, the 30 series, the 40 series, and the 60 series back in 2013," said Cummings. "It's time for a change."

"The Grand 60 Series has been a great lineup for us. It still holds a very premium place in the market," said Matt Walker, senior product operations manager, TLB, company and utility tractors, during the on-site announcement. "But ... we're always looking to push the technology. The research we've done to develop this tractor is very much based on customer focus. [We are] looking at how they operate the machine so we can maximize what we're delivering."

"We spent countless hours in research and customer interviews to really identify what pain points the customers are experiencing," said former product marketing director Chris Box. "When the customer first gets in this machine, they'll realize that their voice really had an impact on what was developed."

Inside the Grand L70

The Grand L70 Series offers two configurations, Deluxe and Premium, with power options ranging from 37 to 60 horsepower. The tractors feature Kubota's new Intelligent Hydrostatic Transmission (iHST), an electronically controlled system offering three ranges and six total speed selections. Operators can fine-tune performance using customizable drive modes, including loader, snow, road, and cutter, along with adjustable pedal sensitivity, hydro dual speed, and stall guard to maintain engine RPM under load.

The K-Command Display, a vibrant digital screen, integrates Bluetooth connectivity, hands-free calling, and personalized machine settings. It also supports the Sightline camera system, optional front and rear cameras, a first for Kubota's compact tractor class.

"We looked at how easy we can make navigating the display, changing the settings, and setting up the machine to really give the customer the best opportunity to get the most out of this machine," explained Walker. "We're bringing some of those big-tractor technologies and putting them into this model."

A newly designed multi-function loader joystick puts many of the tractor's performance adjustments right in one hand. With up to nine pre-programmed functions, operators can control cruise speed, throttle advance, and drive modes, while also managing loader functions and third-function attachments all within easy reach.

"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 [for] them to do that," said Walker.

The ProCab equals comfort redefined

Premium models give users a choice between the open-air roll-over protective structure (ROPS) and the new four-post ProCab. Replacing Kubota's previous six-post design, the updated structure improves sightlines and adds rounded glass for a brighter, more open feel.

"By changing the cab design, we've increased the area of glass by four square feet," said Walker. "That's a pretty significant improvement."

The ProCab introduces a recirculation valve that boosts airflow by 36 percent while maintaining temperature balance, a practical feature in both Texas heat and Canadian winters. Additional updates include a heated air-ride seat, expanded storage, a dedicated phone holder, and an optional remote start.

Built for Canadian winters

For operators in colder climates, Kubota announced the Nordik Edition. Designed with input from northern dealers, it comes from the factory equipped for sub-zero conditions: heated rear glass, a rear wiper, rear LED lights, a 130-amp alternator ready to power accessories, heavy-duty 3-point hitch upgrades, and Nokian snow tires.

"Our [dealers] up in the great white north are excited about this package," said Cummings.

A dealer-friendly approach

The Grand L70 isn't just easier to operate; it's easier to sell and service. For the first time in the series, the company will deliver units fully assembled from the factory. The change reduces dealer setup time and ensures consistent build quality across Kubota's network, a system the company describes as "roll-on/roll-off."

"This has been a big ask from dealers for years," said Cummings.

 "They can now pre-select the machines," added Walker. "They can make sure they have the tractor on the floor and ready to go."

The change allows dealers to tailor builds for their markets with configurable kits while saving time and resources.

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.