GRAPEVINE – October 21, 2026 -- Kubota North America expects autonomous versions of its M5 Low Profile (M5L) diesel tractor to reach orchard and nut growers in early 2027, after expanding its pilot with agricultural autonomy software company Agtonomy.
Pilot moves from narrow-row M5N to low-profile M5L platform
The next phase integrates Agtonomy's software with the M5L to cover core specialty-crop workloads: spraying, mowing and underplant cultivation. Kubota says the M5L's low-profile design and added lift capacity open up a broader set of orchard applications, including sanitation mowing. The M5N, by contrast, is tailored to narrow-row applications.
The expansion follows grower engagement and continued feedback from specialty crop operations, according to the companies. Kubota will use that grower input to refine the autonomous capabilities.
Growers can add autonomy to existing diesel tractor operations
The companies are targeting growers who want to introduce autonomy without replacing their diesel fleets. Kubota dealers will help growers fit the technology into their existing workflows.
Labor availability drives Agtonomy's pitch
Agtonomy CEO and Co-Founder Tim Bucher, who says he is a specialty crop grower himself, described the M5L integration as a direct response to the need to get essential orchard work done with the skilled labor growers have available.
Don Lowe, Senior Director for Kubota Tractor Corporation, called the expanded autonomous platform another step toward commercializing Kubota products in the specialty agriculture segment.