In September Kubota took to the road as it embarked on a series of its Kubota Live 2008 events.

Attracting around 2500 visitors from a wide variety of industries, including amenity and course maintenance, the events are being hailed as a resounding success by the Japanese manufacturer.

Held at eight venues up and down the country Kubota Live was held in response to requests for more ‘hands on’ experienceopportunities. The events gave customers the chance to view the entire Kubota range, get on the machines and experience firsthand how they perform.

“Kubota Live is about reaching customers on a local level and providing them with an opportunity to experience our machines for themselves,” commented Dave Roberts, Kubota UK’s Tractor and Groundcare Sales and Marketing Manager.

“The events have been very well attended and we’re delighted with the feedback received.”

Relaxed and informal, the events combined working demonstrations with the opportunity for customers to put the machines through their paces in realistic, working environments – something rarely possible at the usual trade show, reckon Kubota.

Showcasing its full range, the manufacturer had over 70 machines on display from ride on mowers and compact tractors, to its mini excavators and higher horsepower tractors including the new M40 Series. The RTV900 all terrain utility vehicle completed the line up.

The venues incorporated extensive demonstration areas and a purpose-built off road course for the RTV900 4 x 4 Driving Challenge, with plenty of Kubota personnel and local dealer representatives on hand to provide customers with help and advice.

Visitor comments seem to bear out the events’ success.

“I had a most enjoyable day at Knowsley Park, Liverpool,” said visitor Steve Tiffin.

“The machinery on display was a credit to Kubota and the people on site were so helpful and friendly. It was just a great day out.”

And from Mark Pettitt, Site Manager for Meden Comprehensive School: “The day I had at Welbeck Estate was far beyond any other groundcare show I have ever visited.”