Adairsville, Ga. — Yanmar America, a major supplier of compact utility tractors, compact construction equipment and diesel engines, and MTD, a worldwide leader in the manufacture of outdoor power equipment and holding company of the Cub Cadet brand, today 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. We have appreciated the great marketing, sales and service our MTD partners have provided."

"MTD has enjoyed the success of our partnership with Yanmar, and we wish the Yanmar team well," said David Outcalt, vice president and general manager of specialty retail with MTD. "We are confident that Cub Cadet Yanmar customers will be well served under this new plan and will continue to receive the same great products and services they have become accustomed to over the last six years."

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

Yanmar is one of the few compact tractor companies that designs and manufactures all of its own components and parts.