Kubota Focuses on Safety; On Ag Day, Kubota Urges Consumers to Install ROPS on Early-Model Equipment

TORRANCE, Calif.--March 17, 2004--Kubota Tractor Corporation, a leader in agricultural equipment design and safety, seeks the public's help in locating all early-model, non-ROPS (Roll-Over Protective Structure) equipped Kubota machines.

On National Ag Day, March 20, America's agricultural industry will join together to recognize and celebrate the contributions of agriculture in our everyday lives. With all eyes on the agricultural industry, Kubota selected Ag Day to heighten public awareness of the importance of ROPS and seatbelts on all tractors.

The majority of tractor accidents are overturns. They are usually caused by inappropriate speed or application, terrain, inattention, lack of proper ballast or a combination of these. The use of ROPS and a fastened seatbelt can save lives. Kubota has provided ROPS and seatbelts as standard non-delete equipment on new tractors since 1985 and actively encourages owners of older model Kubota tractors to contact their local dealer to install ROPS and a seatbelt on their machine.

"We have made it our policy to reach out to the owners of any Kubota machines not ROPS equipped -- and are seeking the public's help in this effort," said Terence Criss, manager of customer satisfaction. "Ag Day allows us to focus on our message and we're hopeful that we can motivate a significant consumer response."

Kubota's ROPS outreach program is largely education-based. Customers having purchased Kubota machines before ROPS became standard equipment have been targeted with tractor safety materials, and Kubota dealerships emphasize the importance of ROPS and a seatbelt to customers in their stores through personal interaction and visual displays.

"Education is the key element in Kubota's effort to locate and install ROPS on all early-model equipment," stated Criss. "Tractor operators need to think of tractor safety as they do automobile safety -- seatbelts were not always standard in automobiles, nor routinely used by drivers. Now we wear them everyday. ROPS and seatbelt equipped tractors are equally as important."

Kubota focuses outreach on the entire family, including the children of Kubota customers. Kubota offers a downloadable coloring book on their Web site that teaches tractor safety tips. "Tractor safety is a family affair. It is never too early to establish responsible safety habits in future ag workers and tractor operators," Criss said.

Kubota has made ROPS and a seatbelt available for all older tractor models at minimal cost and offers dealer-installation. ROPS purchase incentives are available at Kubota dealerships and on Kubota's Web site. If you own or use an older model Kubota tractor regardless of make or age, ask your tractor dealer about ROPS and a seatbelt and make sure your tractor has these important safety devices.

Kubota Tractor Corporation markets a complete line of tractors up to 99.5 PTO horsepower, along with a line of performance-matched implements, utility vehicles, construction equipment, consumer lawn and garden equipment and commercial turf products.

For product literature or dealer location information, contact Kubota Tractor Corporation at 3401 Del Amo Blvd., Torrance, Calif., 90503, 1-888-4KUBOTA ext. 900 (1-888-458-2682), or visit www.kubota.com.