The Kubota tractor has its roots on the Japanese farm. Although Japanese farms are traditionally smaller than those in America, the need for high performance and powerful maneuverability is the same. Kubota Corporation introduced its first tractor to the United States in 1969. Filling a product void in the American marketplace, the Kubota 21 horsepower L200 was an overnight success. As a result, Kubota Tractor Corporation (KTC) was formed in 1972 and the company introduced its first 12 h.p. four-wheel drive tractor in 1974. Although four-wheel drive was common among larger American tractors, it was unheard of in the compact sector and became a benchmark for the industry.