Titan secures fitment deal with Kubota

QUINCY, Ill.—Titan International Inc. has gained an exclusive fitment deal with Kubota Tractor Corp. for its Goodyear R14 "crossover" tires on select Kubota compact tractor models.

Titan and Kubota disclosed the exclusive agreement in a joint statement. Titan said it further strengthens its long-standing relationship with Kubota in compact tractors. The deal includes Kubota Canada Ltd. as well.

According to Titan, Kubota conducted significant testing on the Goodyear R14 tire prior to entering into the agreement. The testing showed the R14 was an "ideal fit" between an R-1 and R-4 in terms of slip and vibration.

The R14 features a hybrid tread design combining elements of an ag tread (R-1), turf tread (R-3) and industrial tread (R-4). The tire is designed to fitment on compact tractors with up to 150 horsepower.

"The vast majority of compact tractors on the market are being sold with R-4 tires," said Jacob Sherman, Kubota product manager, compact tractors, "but there's a drawback when it comes to traction. If you go with an R-1, then you have more traction, but more vibration on hard surfaces. Up to this point, there hasn't been a tire as versatile as the compact tractors they're going on.

"After testing the R14, we knew it could perform equally as well in the variety of snow, field, yard, loader and pasture applications our customers expect from our machines, …" he added. "We believe the Goodyear R14 is a game-changer for our dealers and customers — it's one more factor that sets Kubota apart from the competition."

While the BX-Series and B-Series Kubota models included in the agreement will still offer many of the same R-1, R-3 and R-4 tires as options, Mr. Sherman said he expects the majority of Kubota customers will migrate to the R14.

The BX-Series tractors use a variety of sizes — 16×7.5–8 and 18×8.5–10 on the front and 24×12–12 and 26×12–12 on the rear—depending on scope of accessories.

Grapevine, Texas-Kubota, a subsidiary of India's Kubota Corp., produces tractors at a plant in Gainesville, Ga., and also imports equipment from India.

At the same time, Titan said it has expanded the R-14's size range to 18 sizes, including both standard and Low Sidewall Technology options, from four previously.