Escorts Kubota Ltd (EKL) has expanded its agricultural machinery portfolio with the introduction of its latest third-generation Ride-On Rice Transplanters—KA6 and KA8—engineered under the Kubota brand and developed in Japan. The new lineup is now available across Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Telangana, aligning with rising demand for mechanised paddy farming in these regions.
Designed to deliver higher productivity and dependable field performance, the KA6 and KA8 come equipped with Kubota’s fuel-efficient 21 hp and 24 hp engines, respectively. The models incorporate several upgrades aimed at strengthening planting precision and ease of operation. Key features include a smart turning mechanism for smoother manoeuvring, an automatic lift function to simplify corner turns, and a multifunction control lever for seamless handling. The horizontal control system helps maintain consistent planting depth, while redesigned planting claws and an improved seedling-picking guide enhance uniformity and reduce missed placements.
Operator comfort also receives significant attention in the new series. A wider standing platform enables easier movement, and an ergonomically arranged control panel helps reduce strain during extended working hours. LED lighting supports operations beyond daylight, and a lighter planting assembly paired with a longer wheelbase enhances the machine’s stability—particularly useful for navigating deeper or uneven wet-field terrain.
With these enhancements, EKL aims to address long-standing field challenges such as labour shortages and rising productivity requirements in paddy cultivation. The company’s approach blends global technological expertise with a strong understanding of local agricultural needs, positioning the KA6 and KA8 as efficient, durable and farmer-focused solutions for modern rice transplanting.