For Earth, For LifeKubota Tractor Corporation
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LAS VEGAS (January 21, 2025) – Kubota Tractor Corporation today announced the launch of the U17-5 zero-tail swing compact excavator from the showroom floor at World of Concrete. Featuring improved stability, enhanced operator comfort and efficiency, the new U17-5 replaces the U17VR1 in Kubota's robust excavator lineup and is among the set of new power-packed construction equipment launched at this year’s show. The new U17-5 will be available at authorized Kubota dealers in the first quarter of this year.
“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,” Bill Holton, Kubota product manager, construction equipment. “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.”
Demanding Tasks Call for Kubota Performance
Equipped with a 16.1-horsepower* Kubota diesel engine, the U17-5 features a working range that includes a digging depth of 7 feet, 6.2 inches, a dumping height of 8 feet, 1.2 inches and a bucket breakout force of 3,547 pounds. The U17-5 also comes equipped with a factory-installed thumb bracket welded directly onto the dipper to mount an optional hydraulic thumb. An auxiliary control system integrated into the joystick allows operators to control proportional flow with a convenient thumb-operated switch and 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.
Weighing in at 3,902 pounds, the U17-5 features a rear-end that has been extended by 1.2 inches and a track gauge that can be expanded to a maximum of 4 feet, 3.2 inches, an increase of 2.4 inches over the previous model, to optimize stability when using heavy attachments, and can be retracted to 3 feet, 3 inches for easier movement through narrow passageways and to allow for working in tight spaces.
Additional standard features include an auto-idling system that reduces engine RPM when high engine speed isn’t needed; a two-pattern selection system allowing the operator to select the most familiar operating control pattern, either ISO or SAE; and KubotaNOW telematics, providing access to critical metrics like hours, location, and diagnostics.
Comfort and Features to Dig Into
The U17-5 operators’ station has been enhanced for comfort and efficiency to make digging into the day's work effortless. The semi-suspension seat sits on more foot space than the previous model to optimize comfort and maneuverability. All controls are ergonomically placed for faster and more efficient operation, including the front meter panel which is positioned to the front-right corner of the operator for better visibility, and features one-touch button operation to view the time, hour meter, tachometer, and other important information. A redesigned control panel to the right of the seat houses the key switch, throttle control, and a mobile phone holder and USB port to keep a charge during long days on the job site.
Features to support smooth operation include an engine emergency stop the operator can activate with the flip of a single switch, a swivel parking brake and unload lever for easy transportation, LED boom work lights that come standard, and the ROPS and OPG canopy help to provide rollover protection for safety and security on the job.
The new U17-5 zero-tail swing compact excavator will be available at Kubota dealerships in the first quarter of this year. For more information or to find an authorized Kubota dealer near you, visit www.KubotaUSA.com.
*SAE J1995 gross
About Kubota Tractor Corporation
Kubota Tractor Corporation, Grapevine, Texas, is the U.S. marketer and distributor of Kubota-engineered and manufactured machinery and equipment, including a complete line of tractors of up to 200* Gross hp performance-matched implements, compact construction equipment, consumer lawn and garden equipment, hay tools, commercial turf products and utility vehicles. For product literature or dealer locations, contact: Kubota Tractor Corporation, 1000 Kubota Drive, Grapevine, TX 76051, (888) 4-KUBOTA [(888) 458-2682], Ext. 900, or visit KubotaUSA.com. *factory estimated rating