Compact excavators
Kubota introduces two new small but mighty compact excavators.
Kubota Tractor Corporation adds two new models to its robust excavator lineup – the K008-5 conventional tail swing excavator and the all-new U10-5 minimal tail swing excavator.
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| Kubota announced the K008-5 conventional tail swing and the all-new U10-5 (pictured) minimal tail swing compact excavators willl be available at dealerships this spring. |
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These new construction product announcements lead the company’s 2022 product rollouts, and while the K008-5 will replace the -3 model with various upgrades, the U10-5 takes an all-new, in-demand spot in the U Series minimal tail-swing lineup. “Our new excavators are ideal for tight, confined spaces, and with the U10-5 being a minimal tail swing model and both excavators featuring retractable tracks, they are ready to work in even the narrowest spaces on the job site,” says Patrick Baker, Kubota construction equipment product manager. “With the new K008-5 and U10-5, we now have a broad offering of 13 compact excavator models across the 1- to -8-ton weight classes, and now feature more flexibility among the conventional and minimal tail swing lines. All of our -5 generation models are solidly engineered and outfitted with more customization to keep customers working efficiently and comfortably.”
Refined, never confined
The K008-5 and U10-5 offer easy, single-level maneuverability with hydraulic adjustable track widths that quickly contract to fit through tight spaces easily such as doorways, fence gates, inside buildings, hallways, elevators and more. On the K008-5, the tracks adjust down to 2 feet 4 inches and the U10-5 contracts to 2 feet 6 inches, then when the operator wants to widen the tracks, the tracks widen to 2 feet 10 inches and 3 feet 3 inches, respectively.
“The U10-5 is Kubota’s answer to the rental or professional customer, for example, who requires a compact excavator in the 1-ton and under range, but in a more compact frame with minimal tail swing to be more nimble and agile than ever before for both residential and commercial work,” Baker adds. “The U10-5 provides superior flexibility when working in tight spaces with very minimal overhang at 0.6 inch over the tracks, ensuring excellent balance, stability and fast operation. It truly is the ideal model for working in compact spaces.”
Lean, mean digging machine
Each new compact excavator features surprisingly wide working and digging ranges for their compact frames. The K008-5 has a working range that includes a digging depth of 5 feet 8 inches and a bucket breakout force of 2,205 pounds. The U10-5 extends to a 5 feet 11 inch digging depth with a bucket breakout force of 2,337 pounds.
What’s more, the U10-5’s hydraulic control system offers smooth operation and an increase in digging productivity. The U10-5 also offers the same side-lever joystick operational controls consistent with larger Kubota excavators. Both models offer clean, hose-free boom lines because the hydraulic hoses are uniquely hidden and protected inside the boom, leading to less excavator downtime.
Additional features on the new models include:
- Heavier frame for more solid positioning: Kubota has added weight to both new excavator models for more solid positioning in the operator station. The K008-5 sits at 2,315 pounds, while the U10-5 has a heavier frame at 2,646 pounds.
- Travel speed: The engine gross horsepower for the K008-5 and U10-5 comes in at 10.3 horsepower, offering travel speed at 2.5 miles per hour.
- Easy operation: Both new models are two-speed excavators. The two-speed travel pedal allows the operator to easily switch between high and low gear.
- Two pattern control: Both models feature both ISO & SAE operational patterns that are easily changeable to the operator’s preference.
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