Kubota Engine America Unveils Expanded Solutions for Ground Support Equipment Market

Lincolnshire, Illinois – Kubota Engine America Corp., the world’s leading manufacturer of compact, industrial-based diesel and gasoline engines, is expanding its reach in the ground support equipment industry. Kubota is now offering options for airline carriers and manufacturers with the introduction of the only full lineup of spark ignited gaseous engines in the world, the WG series. The complete line was on display at the International Airport GSE Expo in Las Vegas.

“Kubota is well known for its dependability and durability in the industrial, agricultural, construction and generator markets, but now we recognize a growing need for reliable, fuel efficient options in the ground support equipment industry,” says Kubota Engine America Strategic Business Development Manager, Rob Shailes. “Kubota has been underrepresented here for several years, but is now excited to introduce products ahead of their time in terms of production and innovation.”

Kubota is currently the world’s only industrial engine manufacturer already in production of a full range of complimentary compression ignited and spark ignited engines below 100 HP. Kubota’s compression ignited diesel engines are available for ground support equipment in 1.8L to 3.8L models with outputs ranging from 49.6 to 74.3 HP. These engines feature heavy-duty gear trains and robust construction to withstand heavy loads and harsh weather, and are available with Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) after treatment devices to meet Tier IV Final regulations in the United States.

Kubota spark ignited engines are available in five models, 0.74L to 3.8L, and offer outputs from 23.5 to 97.9 HP. “With increasing emissions standards for industrial diesel engines and Tier V legislation on the horizon, the spark ignited WG series already serves as an accepted solution ahead of the anticipated market shift,” says Shailes. “Most gaseous engines for ground support equipment are currently automotive-based, but the WG series is mirrored after Kubota’s own industrial-based diesel engine. Therefore, the line inherits the proven strength and has similar levels of power and torque, but with lower acquisition costs.”

These gasoline options can be used wherever their diesel equivalents are used currently without significantly re-engineering the installation envelope, and maintain all major interface and service points to ease installation and familiarity for technicians. All engines utilize heavy-duty drive gears, superior to the rubber drive belts used by automotive-based competitors.

“At Kubota, we always strive to provide the most diverse lineup of options for our customers, without sacrificing quality or reliability,” Shailes says. “In addition to our diesel and gas engines now available for ground support equipment, several Kubota distributors have developed repower packages for baggage tractors to simplify the repower process for older machines. We plan to have one of these packages on display at the show as well.”

For more information, visit: http://www.kubotaengine.com/.

ABOUT Kubota Engine America:

Kubota Engine America (KEA) started as an engine division of Kubota Tractor Corporation in 1982. The Engine Division was dedicated to the sales and reinforcement of technical support of the expanding industrial diesel engine market in the United States. Kubota Corporation and KEA pioneered the compact, high-density diesel market as an alternative to small gasoline engines. In response to the continued rise in diesel engine demand in the US market, KEA was formed as an independent company and a subsidiary of Kubota Corporation and is headquartered in Lincolnshire, Illinois. Kubota is the world’s leading manufacturer of both compact diesel and gasoline engines, for industrial, agricultural, construction and generator applications. The company has built an extensive engine and generator distribution network with more than 800 dealers in North America, South America and the Caribbean to support its customer base. Kubota prides itself on its track record for reliability and engineering that fulfills its “For Earth, For Life” philosophy.