2005-2015: Reimagining the CTL with the revolutionary SVL Series

Engineering excellence and innovation are two hallmarks of our 50-year legacy in Canada, and both were proudly on display in 2010 when Kubota Canada introduced a revolutionary new category of compact track loaders – the SVL Series. 

While our competitors focused on repurposing their skid steer designs for CTLs, we created a purpose-built machine. Rather than offering a mix of radial and vertical lift like its competitors, the SVL introduced a new vertical lift design and was the first in its class without an exposed hose on its under carriage. 

The SVL also featured a larger, more comfortable cab for operators and a first-of-its-kind roll-up front door, instead of the traditional swing-up door, helping improve safety and efficiency in tight work areas.

While some Kubota innovations over the past half century have taken their time gaining popularity with customers, the SVL immediately took the market by storm. At a time when our competitors were offering electric over hydraulic controls, we designed our newest machinery with oil pilot controls, allowing for fast and smooth operator response. With operators loving the feel of oil pilot controls and the convenience of the roll-up front door, hard-working Canadians were fast to adopt the SVL for their digging, loading, hauling and pushing tasks.  

In the 15 years since its arrival in Canada, the SVL is increasingly being used for snow removal in the winter. This has made multi-bar tracks a necessity for operators who want the best all-around traction in mud, snow, ice and dirt. Thanks to their maneuverability and wide range of attachments, compact track loaders like the SVL are also replacing large dozers and graders in many working environments where space comes at a premium.  

Still evolving to meet the changing needs and climates of Canadians across various industries and jobsites, our SVL Series Compact Track Loaders are poised to continue to rise in popularity for years to come as more operators choose performance, reliability and comfort.