Kubota is a brand within the construction equipment industry, and they are well-known for their compact excavators. They make a wide range of models, from small mini-excavators to much larger equipment, all designed for high performance, reliability, and durability. These excavators are very popular among contractors, landscapers, and construction professionals due to their impressive fuel efficiency, ease of use, and versatility.
In this article, I want to talk about the most popular Kubota excavator models and their unique feature sets that keep them at the top of the heap for construction, landscaping, and even agricultural applications.

1. Kubota KX Series – Mini Excavators for Tight Spaces
The Kubota KX Series is one of the most popular in the Kubota line, and it is well-regarded for its powerful engines and compact size. These mini-excavators are great for projects in tight spaces, such as residential landscaping, utility installation, and small-scale construction jobs.
Notable Models in the KX Series:
- KX033-4:
- Potencia del motor: 24.8 HP
- Peso operativo: 3,580 kg (7,891 lbs)
- Profundidad máxima de excavación: 3,200 mm (10.5 feet)
- Features: The KX033-4 is designed with a larger operator’s station, roomy cab, excellent stability, and a deluxe interior. It has advanced hydraulics and boasts a smooth operation and the ability to dig precisely, all of which make it perfect for digging in confined spaces.
- KX040-4:
- Potencia del motor: 39.3 HP
- Peso operativo: 4,050 kg (8,930 lbs)
- Profundidad máxima de excavación: 3,450 mm (11.3 feet)
- Features: The KX040-4 has a longer reach, smooth hydraulics, and a comfortable cab. It is not as confined to one task as the smaller machines, but has the ability to do a multitude of jobs, from digging footings to utility work, grading, or landscaping.

2. Kubota U Series – Ultra-Compact Excavators for Confined Spaces
The Kubota U Series is definitely the ultra-compact excavator line. They are the top choice for working in extremely tight or narrow spaces. These excavators provide excellent maneuverability without sacrificing power. The urban development, landscaping, and maintenance uses are boundless.
Notable Models in the U Series:
- U17-3:
- Potencia del motor: 16.1 HP
- Peso operativo: 1,720 kg (3,792 lbs)
- Profundidad máxima de excavación: 2,240 mm (7.4 feet)
- Features: The U17-3 has excellent fuel economy and very little tail swing. It is perfect for getting in and out of narrow alleyways or being up next to a wall. Its compact size makes it top dog for small residential work and being in congested urban areas.
- U27-4:
- Potencia del motor: 24.8 HP
- Peso operativo: 2,720 kg (5,998 lbs)
- Profundidad máxima de excavación: 2,540 mm (8.3 feet)
- Features: The U27-4 brings high performance to a compact excavator. It is a great, tight little machine. It has a hydraulic quick coupler making changing attachments easy. The cabin is well laid out for comfort.

3. Kubota RX Series – Robust Performance for Heavy-Duty Tasks
The RX Series is a little bit more of an industrial machine. These machines have a lot more power for lifting and digging. They are a completely different animal than the smaller machines. They are used for large commercial construction, deep utilities work, or deep trenching.
Notable Models in the RX Series:
- RX-101-2:
- Potencia del motor: 75.3 HP
- Peso operativo: 10,500 kg (23,150 lbs)
- Profundidad máxima de excavación: 5,800 mm (19 feet)
- Features: The RX-101-2 has tremendous digging force, excellent stability, and a big, comfortable cabin. It is for those big construction jobs. It handles medium-to-heavy excavation with ease.
- RX-205-2:
- Potencia del motor: 90 HP
- Peso operativo: 14,200 kg (31,300 lbs)
- Profundidad máxima de excavación: 6,000 mm (19.7 feet)
- Features: The RX-205-2 has great hydraulic power, it has great stability and it is a very easy machine to operate. Everything is done with joysticks. It’s for heavy lifting and heavy digging.

4. Kubota K Series – Powerful Machines for Professional Use
The K series is the heavier line. These are big machines that have more power for lifting and digging. They are a whole different animal than the smaller machines. They are for big commercial construction, or deep utilities, or
deep trenching.
Notable Models in the K Series:
- KX080-4:
- Potencia del motor: 55.4 HP
- Peso operativo: 8,000 kg (17,637 lbs)
- Profundidad máxima de excavación: 4,730 mm (15.5 feet)
- Features: The KX080-4 is in the 8-ton class. It is the largest excavator Kubota makes. This machine has superior hydraulic power, one of the best in the industry, and has tremendous lifting capability. The hydraulic system in this machine is very smooth, and everything can be controlled with a button. It is for digging, lifting, and material handling, and it will handle the tough conditions.
Comparison Table: Kubota Excavator Models
Modelo | Potencia del motor | Peso operativo | Profundidad máxima de excavación | Ideal Applications | Características clave |
---|
KX033-4 | 24.8 HP | 3,580 kg (7,891 lbs) | 3,200 mm (10.5 feet) | Landscaping, utility work, small-scale construction | Spacious cabin, excellent stability, smooth operation |
KX040-4 | 39.3 HP | 4,050 kg (8,930 lbs) | 3,450 mm (11.3 feet) | General excavation, utility installation | Extended reach, smooth hydraulics, comfortable cabin |
U17-3 | 16.1 HP | 1,720 kg (3,792 lbs) | 2,240 mm (7.4 feet) | Tight spaces, urban development, small-scale jobs | Ultra-compact, minimal tail swing, fuel-efficient |
U27-4 | 24.8 HP | 2,720 kg (5,998 lbs) | 2,540 mm (8.3 feet) | Landscaping, confined spaces, residential projects | Hydraulic quick coupler, operator comfort |
RX-101-2 | 75.3 HP | 10,500 kg (23,150 lbs) | 5,800 mm (19 feet) | Commercial construction, medium-to-heavy excavation | Enhanced digging force, high stability, spacious cabin |
RX-205-2 | 90 HP | 14,200 kg (31,300 lbs) | 6,000 mm (19.7 feet) | Heavy construction, large-scale excavation | High hydraulic power, easy joystick control |
KX080-4 | 55.4 HP | 8,000 kg (17,637 lbs) | 4,730 mm (15.5 feet) | Construction, material handling, digging | High hydraulic performance, impressive lifting capacity |

Conclusión
It all depends on the job you are trying to do. You have to look at the work you are doing, the space you have, and what you are trying to do. Kubota has a whole line of machines that can fit any needs you might have. They have a machine for city work that is perfect for tight spaces. They have a big machine for the heavy work, and they have everything in between. All of them will give you high performance, they all use very little fuel, and they all are extremely reliable.
It all depends on what you are trying to do. You have to look at the work you are doing, and the space you have, and your needs. Kubota has a whole line of machines that can fit any needs you might have. They have a machine for city work that is perfect for tight spaces. They have a big machine for the heavy work, and they have verything in between. Look at the specs and get the machine that is right for you.