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Kubota tractors are known for their reliability, which is backed by a vast network of trained dealers across the country. They also have a well-planned parts distribution network that makes servicing and supporting the tractors easy and affordable.
This kind of support is essential for a brand to exceed expectations, and that is why Smith Power Equipment, the local distributor of Kubota, invests heavily in processes and procedures that benefit the brand’s loyal customers.
“Excellence is not an accident. It is a combination of the highest quality equipment that is ably supported throughout its entire lifecycle from the factory to the dealer floor and for all the years that the farmer owns it. It also means locating dealers close to producers wherever they may be and keeping the prices competitive to what is available in the marketplace to ensure producers don’t have to use alternative dealers or pirate parts,” says Smith Power Equipment’s Hennie Strydom, technical manager of the agricultural division.
Quality Kubota spares at the best possible prices
He added that Kubota tractors have longer warranty periods than usual and producers often choose service plans from their local dealers. This means careful planning to make sure the right parts and service packs are ready when the producers need them and to have well-trained staff to check and service the tractors.
“Dealers stay in regular contact with their customers in order to plan maintenance work. Even after service plans and warranties have expired, they will continue to do so in order to assist with preventative maintenance and keep the tractors in tip-top condition. With pressure from pirate parts suppliers, this communication also serve to discuss pricing and to assist producers to properly maintain their equipment using the correct Kubota spares at the best possible prices.
“That is how we keep spares at dealerships competitive and ensure that Kubota’s prices are as good or better than any competing spares of similar quality. We do not want to give producers any reason to use inferior products. If something is much cheaper than Kubota original parts, it is probably inferior and will likely affect the tractor’s performance. This strategy has paid off and it is very uncommon to see Kubota tractor owners buying pirate parts – it’s simply not worth any small saving they might enjoy at the tills.”
A robust supply chain makes the difference
Gerhard Taljaard, agricultural parts specialist for Smith Power Equipment, says a robust and intelligent supply chain is critical to supporting machines in the field. The system has double-checks put in place and helps to balance stock levels, since it relies on the sales data of equipment sent to each individual dealership to help build a picture of the number and types of spares, service packs and parts that may be required. It also uses sales information from each dealer and the combined figures allow the company to accurately forecast stock required per region and nationally.
“Dealers are usually able to supply any spares and parts immediately. However, if something is not in stock, we undertake getting the spares to them within no more than 48 hours. If it is a critical part, we will do everything in our power to get the producer’s tractor up and running within the shortest time and our dealers will communicate with them until the tractor is running again,” he says.
Read more about how the Kubota council of dealers links producers and manufacturers.
“Over and above this we are fortunate to have some of the world’s most reliable tractors under our banner and this does make it a little bit easier to forecast when unplanned events take place. This is a rare occurrence and the quality of our Kubota tractors makes the jobs of our dealers so much easier and means that producers remain productive throughout the year.”
