Kubota Releases Three New Machines at World of Concrete
We’re at World of Concrete this week and are excited to share all the new products we see. We’re kicking off our coverage with three new releases from Kubota Tractor Corp. The company unveiled two new excavators — the U17-5 and KX040-5 — and its SVL97-3 compact track loader from the showroom floor. These three machines will start arriving at authorized Kubota dealer showrooms in the first quarter of this year.
From the press release:
“These three new models represent the next generation over their predecessors and Kubota’s commitment to listening to customer feedback and bringing to market new equipment with the same reliability, durability and high-end performance that our customers have come to expect,” said Tim Boulds, Kubota product marketing director for construction equipment.
Let’s get a closer look at the new machines…
Kubota’s KX040-5 Compact Excavator
Kubota new KX040-5 compact excavator continues the company’s legacy of delivering reliable, performance-driven construction equipment for the North America market. Kubota kept productivity and comfort in mind with updates like a redesigned hydraulic system, a spacious and quiet cab and tech features that now come on standard models.
“We continue to listen to our customers and learn about their challenges and how our equipment can offer them more solutions, and the next-generation KX040-5 is the latest iteration in that innovation process,” said Bill Holton, Kubota product manager, construction equipment. “The KX040-5 was developed to meet the needs of rental, construction, landscaping and utility customers in the 4- to 5-ton segment, and a growing category of action sports athletes across the country who use our equipment to clear trails and build ramps and jumps.”
The KX040-5 is powered by a 40.3-hp Kubota diesel engine and boasts a digging depth of 11 ft, 2.3 in. Add in a bucket breakout force of 9,397 lbs and the new mini ex can tackle the toughest tasks on the jobsite. The machine’s improved hydraulic system utilizes engine horsepower to its fullest extent and allows flow rate to be increased for optimal performance while using a hydraulic attachment and operating other functions of the KX040-5 simultaneously.
There are three dozer blade options available on the KX040-5 — straight, angle and 6-in-1 — in either ROPS or cab configurations. According to Kubota, the KX040-5 is available with a standard AUX1 and optional AUX2 auxiliary circuits, with a convenient thumb-operated switch on the joystick. This allows for easy proportional flow control of the auxiliary circuit, while a forefinger-operated on/off switch enables simple operation of applications that require a constant flow of oil.
Other features include:
- a spacious and comfortable cab with an expanded glass area for better visibility
- removed roof window slash bars for clear visibility of the bucket during loading and dumping
- expanded head and foot space over the previous model
- a repositioned 7-in. LCD monitor
- a redesigned backlit keypad for improved usability
- an optional air suspension seat for added comfort during extended workdays
- keyless start, featuring up to 10 unique operator passwords for added security
- pre-installed KubotaNOW telematics
- LED work lights that include a turn-off delay
The SVL97-3 Compact Track Loader
Kubota’s SVL97-3 is a third-generation model that replaces the SVL97-2 with refined and upgraded performance, comfort and serviceability features. The new compact track loader boasts a rated operating capacity of 3,459 lbs and a new one-piece sealed cab for a clean, quiet work environment. Available in Spring 2025, the SVL97-3 comes standard with KubotaNOW telematics and a swing-out radiator for ease of service.
“The SVL97-3 is a more refined construction machine, pure and simple. It excels at moving dirt and utilizing a wide range of high flow attachments to get work done quickly,” said Jerry Corder, Kubota product manager. “The further development of the SVL97-3 includes many of the engineering updates of the SVL75-3 launched in 2023, and overall, we have received overwhelmingly positive feedback. For example, the swing-out radiator in the engine compartment is a small thing that will pay big dividends on the service and maintenance side for our customers.”
The SVL97-3 is equipped with a powerful 96.4-hp Kubota engine, common rail system and diesel particulate filter muffler. It has a top speed to 8.4 mph and a rated operating capacity of 3,459 lbs at 35 percent tipping load. An optional 300 lbs of counterweight can be added for an additional 200 lbs of operating capacity.
From the press release:
Multifunctionality is improved as cycle times of the loader arms are quicker than previous models. Plus, an auto-downshift system brings the unit from high-range to low-range automatically when the machine enters a turn or goes into a pile of material. This allows the operator to keep the machine in high range, allowing the system to downshift automatically when needed, keeping the engine at higher RPM for more power when you need it.
The SVL97-3’s single-piece cab houses a variety of new comfort features that are now standard on the machine. For example, the SVL97-3 comes standard equipped with a heated, air-ride seat on closed cab models. The company also reconfigured the machine’s HVAC vent count and locations to create an efficient and comfortable climate control system in the cab. Other features include: a 7-in. LCD touchscreen monitor; passcode-enabled keyless start; and delayed shut-down LED exterior lights to keep providing illumination after the machine is powered down. The Kubota Shockless Ride was designed to buffer the loader arms over uneven terrain to keep material in the bucket. It comes standard on closed cab models.
The SVL97-3’s swing-out radiator gives operators full access to the battery, filters and the engine for routine maintenance. The machine’s single-piece cab can be tilted up for clear access to the hydraulic pumps, lines and tank for cleanout and maintenance. Kubota also included additional cleanout panels to aid in the removal of dirt and debris.
Kubota’s U17-5 Compact Excavator
Kubota’s new U17-5 replaces the U17VR1 in the company’s robust excavator lineup. The new U17-5 is equipped with a 16.1-hp Kubota diesel engine and features a digging depth of 7 ft, 6.2 in., a dumping height of 8 ft, 1.2 in. and a bucket breakout force of 3,547 lbs.
“The U17-5 is the latest evolution of Kubota’s U Series of compact excavators coming in line with our -5 updates and featuring the same reliability customers have come to expect with Kubota equipment,” says Holton. “As a ROPS-only model, the U17-5 is a light-weight model, making it a great option for the rental market, as well as for light construction, landscape and utility applications.”
Kubota built the U17-5 with a factory-installed thumb bracket welded directly onto the dipper to mount an optional hydraulic thumb. The U17-5’s auxiliary control system is integrated into the joystick, allowing operators to control proportional flow with a convenient thumb-operated switch. Oil flow can be controlled with a forefinger-operated on/off switch. To reduce transition times between attachments and improve productivity, an auxiliary diverter valve comes standard on the U17-5 allowing the hydraulic thumb attachment to remain connected while diverting oil flow to other attachments when needed.
From the press release:
Weighing in at 3,902 lbs, the U17-5 features a rear-end that has been extended by 1.2 in. and a track gauge that can be expanded to a maximum of 4 ft, 3.2 in., an increase of 2.4 in. over the previous model, to optimize stability when using heavy attachments, and can be retracted to 3 ft, 3 in. for easier movement through narrow passageways and to allow for working in tight spaces.
Other features include:
- an auto-idling system that reduces engine RPM when high engine speed isn’t needed
- a two-pattern selection system that allows the operator to select either ISO or SAE
- KubotaNOW telematics, providing access to critical metrics like hours, location and diagnostics
- a semi-suspension seat that sits on more foot space than the previous model
- ergonomically placed controls for faster and more efficient operation
- a redesigned control panel that houses the key switch, throttle control and a mobile phone holder and USB port
Kubota’s U17-5 also features an engine emergency stop; a swivel parking brake and unload lever for easy transportation; LED boom work lights that come standard; and ROPS and OPG canopies that help provide rollover protection for safety and security on the job.
Pam Kleineke is managing editor of Compact Equipment.