Yanmar America, a supplier of compact utility tractors, compact construction equipment and diesel engines, and MTD, a manufacturer of outdoor power equipment and the holding company of the Cub Cadet brand, this week announced that the two companies are modifying their business partnership. Since 2006, Yanmar and MTD have been jointly marketing Yanmar’s compact utility tractors under the Cub Cadet Yanmar brand.

Effective Sept. 1, Yanmar will begin distributing its compact utility tractors directly to dealers. The Cub Cadet Yanmar-branded tractor models currently in the market will continue to be manufactured by Yanmar but will display only the Yanmar brand. Yanmar also will take over product support within the current distribution channel.

“The compact tractor market in North America is beginning to rebound from the economic downturn, and we believe that now is the perfect time for Yanmar to take on full responsibility for sales, marketing and customer service of our compact tractors,” said Katsumi Deguchi, executive vice president of Yanmar America. “By doing this, Yanmar will be able to focus more directly and efficiently on the specific needs of our compact tractor dealers and their customers. The transition to all of our customers will be seamless.”

All Yanmar tractors will continue to be assembled at its U.S. headquarters in Adairsville, Ga. The facility will handle all duties related to the marketing, sales, service and support of its compact tractor business. This will allow Yanmar to provide sales and service training directly from the manufacturer and to provide direct support for service and parts requirements.

Yanmar America Corp. designs and manufactures diesel engines and diesel-powered equipment for a multitude of market segments including marine and industrial engines, compact tractors and compact construction equipment. For more information, visit www.yanmar.com.