Escorts Kubota Rolls Out Next-Generation KA6 and KA8 Ride-On Rice Transplanters Across India!

Escorts Kubota Limited (EKL) has introduced its third-generation KA6 and KA8 ride-on rice transplanters under the Kubota brand, marking a significant push toward advanced mechanisation in India’s paddy farming sector. Engineered in Japan and tailored for Indian field conditions, the new models are being launched across seven key agricultural states—Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Telangana—where demand for efficient, labour-saving paddy machinery continues to rise.

Designed to deliver precision planting, improved operator control and higher field productivity, the KA6 and KA8 transplanters come equipped with Kubota’s fuel-efficient engines rated at 21 hp and 24 hp respectively. These next-generation machines feature a smart turning system for smoother manoeuvrability, an automatic lift function for effortless cornering, and an intuitive multifunction control lever that simplifies machine handling even for new operators. A horizontal control mechanism ensures consistent planting depth, while redesigned planting claws help minimise missed planting and improve uniformity across the field. The enhanced seedling-picking guide further boosts precision, supporting healthier and more consistent crop growth.

Operator comfort and long-hour usability have also been core design priorities. Both transplanters feature an ergonomically arranged operating platform with wider space for movement, reducing fatigue during extended field operations. LED lighting provides improved visibility for work that stretches into the evening, while the lighter planting section and extended wheelbase deliver better stability and balance in deep, wet and uneven fields—common conditions in rice cultivation. These enhancements are intended to give farmers greater confidence, safety and efficiency while working across challenging terrain.

Speaking about the launch, Bharat Madan, Chief Financial Officer and Wholetime Director at EKL, emphasised the company’s commitment to accelerating India’s farm mechanisation journey. He explained that the new KA series is built to simplify one of the most labour-intensive tasks in paddy farming by combining precision engineering with ease of use. Rajan Chugh, Chief Officer for the Agri Solutions Business Division, added that every feature of the KA6 and KA8 has been designed to address real challenges faced by farmers, including rising labour shortages and the need for higher productivity within shorter working windows.

The introduction of these new ride-on rice transplanters reinforces Escorts Kubota’s focus on providing farmer-centric, globally engineered solutions tailored for Indian agricultural needs. By aligning Japanese technology with local requirements, EKL aims to deliver machines that enhance planting accuracy, reduce manual effort, and contribute to stronger crop outcomes—ultimately supporting the broader goal of transforming India’s paddy cultivation through advanced mechanisation.