Kubota and Agtonomy launch autonomous M5L for orchard growers

Kubota North America and Agtonomy have introduced the autonomous Kubota M5L low-profile tractor, with North American growers able to pre-order the machine now for delivery in 2027. The launch took place at FIRA USA in Yakima, Washington State, the event both strategic partners chose as the launching ground for the third tractor model in line to be made autonomous by Agtonomy.

The M5L follows two earlier conversions by the California-based autonomy specialist: the Bobcat CT4045 compact tractor and the Kubota M5N low-profile tractor. The new model targets specialty crop growers, with orchard and nut operations singled out as the primary market.

What separates the M5L from the M5N?

The technology stack fitted to the new M5L is identical to that of the M5N, but the components sit in different places to match the two tractors' designs and geometries. Tim Bucher, CEO and co-founder of Agtonomy, told Future Farming that the operating experience carries over unchanged.

"The technology itself and way of operating it is the same, but you will find the components in different places to match the tractors' designs and geometries," Bucher said. "This can particularly be seen in the sensor suites on top of the M5N ROPS rollbar and underneath the M5L rollbar."

The distinction also appears in the stereo cameras fitted at the front of both tractor models. While the M5N is tailored to narrow-row applications in particular, Kubota positions the M5L as a low-profile platform with increased lift capacity suited to the distinct needs of orchard and nut operations.

At FIRA USA, the launch split across two locations. The companies presented the M5L on their indoor booth while demonstrating the M5N with a trailed sprayer on the outdoor demo grounds.

What can growers do with it?

Kubota says the M5L allows growers to address a broader set of orchard applications, including:

• Spraying
• Sanitation mowing
• Underplant cultivation

Customers can rely on Kubota dealer support to help integrate the technology into existing workflows, a point that matters for growers weighing autonomy against established machinery routines.

How do the specifications compare?

The M5N-112 on demo at FIRA USA carries a Kubota V3800 engine delivering 106 horsepower. Its transmission offers 12 forward and 12 rearward speeds, or 24 x 24 speeds with the optional high/low range. Lifting capacity stands at 1,500 kilograms, and the hydraulic system delivers up to 63 litres of oil per minute.

The M5L-111 also uses the Kubota V3800 engine, tuned to deliver 114 horsepower, eight more than its sibling. It offers 32 forward and 32 rearward speeds, or 48 x 48 speeds in combination with a creep option. Lifting capacity rises to 1,750 kilograms as standard, or 2,175 kilograms with an optional assist cylinder, an increase of roughly 45 percent over the M5N's standard figure. Maximum oil flow reaches 67 litres per minute.

For orchard and nut growers, that lift and oil-flow margin is what broadens the machine beyond the M5N's narrow-row remit into heavier sanitation mowing and cultivation work.

Growers interested in the autonomous M5L can pre-order now through Kubota dealers, with first deliveries scheduled for 2027.