Choosing the wrong excavator size isn’t just a minor mistake. It’s a fast track to blown budgets and stalled projects. Picture that you rent or buy a machine for a tight job site, only to realize its tail swing is too wide to turn or its digging depth falls just inches short of your trench. To guarantee the perfect fit, you must match your job site to the right weight class and series: Kubota mini excavators span from ultra-compact 0-ton models up to heavy-duty 8+ ton machines, divided into the zero-tail-swing U Series (engineered for tight, restricted spaces) and the high-power KX Series (designed for open, heavy-load sites). One wrong spec can lead to costly downtime.
So, how do you pin down the exact model that fits your project’s power, depth, and budget requirements? Below is the ultimate Kubota Mini Excavator Size Chart and selection guide to help you make the absolute perfect choice before signing the contract.
Kubota Mini Excavator Size Chart by Weight Class
Kubota mini excavators fall into the range from 0 to 8+ tons and come in the K series and U series models. In this part, we categorize Kubota excavators by weight class with a detailed specs comparison for you.
0–2 Ton Mini Excavators
| Model | Net Power | Digging Radius | Operating Weight | Dig Depth | Width | Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| K008-5 | 10.3 HP | 10’11” | 2,315 lb | 5’8” | 2’10” | 7’4” |
| U10-5 | 10.3 HP | 11’1” | 2,646 lb | 5’11” | 3’3” | 7’5” |
| U17 | 16.1 HP | 13’9” | 3,693 lb | 5’11” | 3’3” | 7’8” |
| KX018-4 | 15.5 HP | 12’10.3” | 3,737 lb | 7’9.7” | 4’3.2” | 7’7.7” |
The 0-to-2-ton excavators are the smallest Kubota mini excavators. These ultra-compact machines are ideal for shallow trenching, digging, grading, and demolition of small structures. For example, the Kubota U17 is known for its zero tail swing and high-performance precision work in constrained spaces.
2–4 Ton Mini Excavators
| Model | Net Power | Digging Radius | Operating Weight | Dig Depth | Width | Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U27-4 | 20 HP | 15’9” | 5,688 lb | 9’5” | 4’11” | 7’11” |
| KX030-4 | 23.7 HP | 16’3” | 6,272 lb | 9’7” | 5’1” | 8’1” |
| KX030-4 Angle Blade (rubber canopy) | 23.2 HP | N/A | 7,781 lb | N/A | 5’1” | 8’1” |
| KX033-4 | 23.2 HP | 17’2” | 7,420 lb | 10’6” | 5’1” | 8’1” |
| KX033-4 Angle Blade (rubber) | 23.2 HP | N/A | 7,781 lb | N/A | 5’1” | 8’1” |
| U35-4 (rubber) | 23.9 HP | 17’3.6” | 8,488 lb | 9’8.9” | 5’6.9” | 8’1.2” |
| U35-4 Angle Blade (rubber) | 23.9 HP | N/A | 8,836 lb | N/A | 5’6.9” | 8’1.2” |
Another Kubota mini excavator size falls into the 2- to 4-ton range. These machines are perfect for trenching, grading, demolishing small structures, digging foundations, worksite prep, and material handling. KX030-4 compact excavator and its previous model, the KX71-3S, provide excellent bucket breakout force and lifting force. Click here for more specs and replacement parts for the Kubota U35-4 excavator.
4–6 Ton Mini Excavators
| Model | Net Power | Digging Radius | Operating Weight | Dig Depth | Width | Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KX040-4 | 38.9 HP | 18’2.1” | 9,195 lb | 7’4.8” | 5’6.9” | 8’1.8” |
| KX040-4 Angle Blade | 38.9 HP | N/A | 9,545 lb | N/A | 5’6.9” | 8’1.8” |
| KX040-4 6-in-1 Blade | 38.9 HP | N/A | 9,900 lb | N/A | 5’10.9” | 8’1.8” |
| U48-5 | 38.9 HP | 18’10” | 10,848 lb | 10’8” | 6’5” | 8’4” |
| U48-5 Angle Blade | 38.9 HP | N/A | 11,322 lb | N/A | 6’5” | 8’4” |
| KX057-5 | 46.4 HP | 20’7” | 12,346 lb | 12’9” | 6’5” | 8’4” |
| KX057-5 Angle Blade | 46.4 HP | N/A | 12,820 lb | N/A | 6’5” | 8’4” |
| U55-5 | 46.4 HP | 20’0” | 12,247 lb | 11’11” | 6’5” | 8’4” |
Next up are the 4- to 6-ton mini excavators. This equipment is best for trenching, grading, digging foundations, worksite prep, and material handling. One of the most popular models in this class is the Kubota KX040-4, which features access to a quick coupler and auxiliary hydraulics for more power.
8+ Ton Mini Excavators
| Model | Net Power | Digging Radius | Operating Weight | Dig Depth | Width | Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KX080-4S2 | 62.3 HP | 24’0.6” | 18,596 lb | 15’1.1” | 7’2.6” | 8’4” |
| KX080-4S2 Angle Blade | 62.3 HP | N/A | 19,456 lb | N/A | 7’2.6” | 8’4” |
Finally, the largest size class of Kubota mini excavators comes in 8 tons or more. These machines are ideal for trenching, grading, backfilling, digging foundations, worksite prep, material handling, and demolition.
How to Choose the Right Kubota Mini Excavator Size?
When selecting the right excavator for your project, you should consider the specifications, such as dig depth, power, weight and height. Besides, here are several key factors to consider when making your choice:
- Terrain: What type of ground are you working on? Is it flat and stable or muddy and uneven? These environmental conditions can affect the size and type of excavator you need.
- Project type: The type of work also matters. If you buy it for small landscaping, a 0-2 ton model may suffice. But if you use it for heavy-duty work, it’s better to choose 8+ tons.
- Work Area: If you work in tight spaces, just go for the U series. For open sites, the KX series is a wiser choice.
- Fuel capacity: Some excavators have greater fuel capacities than others, so the machine you rent should be capable of the longevity you need.
- Budget: Mini excavator prices vary based on size and features.
Selecting the ideal excavator hinges entirely on your specific project requirements, as each weight class is engineered for distinct applications. For instance, ultra-compact 0-to-2-ton mini excavators excel at shallow trenching and precise digging tasks where 4-to-6-ton models might be oversized. Conversely, for deep-utility or long-distance excavation, a long-reach excavator delivers the necessary extension that smaller units simply cannot match. To maximize efficiency, always match your equipment choice to the precise power, operating weight, digging depth, and physical dimensions your job site demands.
Kubota U Series vs KX Series
Kubota mini excavators come in two main series: U series and KX series. Here we’d like to show the key differences to help you make your final decision:
| Kubota Mini Excavator Series | Ideal for | Popular Models |
|---|---|---|
| U Series | Urban projects, landscaping and indoor applications in restricted spaces | U10-5, U17, U25, U35-4, U48-5, U55-5 |
| KX Series | Larger excavation jobs and heavy construction in open areas | KX008-3, KX018-4, KX033-4, KX040-4, KX057-5, KX080-5 |
Kubota Mini vs Standard Excavators
The main functions of mini excavators are the same as standard excavators. Mini excavators are the smallest excavators you can get for smaller outdoor spaces or indoor work projects. Conversely, standard excavators are generally more useful in commercial construction projects. Their larger size means more power and higher performance capabilities and greater max digging depths than mini excavators.
Conclusion
Kubota mini excavators usually come in two main series, the U series and the KX series and in the size range of 0 ton to over 8 tons. Each size of mini excavator has its own advantages and suitable applications. You should choose the right Kubota mini excavator size based on your projects and working conditions, budgets and other factors. Once you’ve owned a Kubota mini excavator, it’s essential to perform regular maintenance to ensure the reliability of your Kubota mini excavator. At FridayParts, we offer a vast range of quality replacement parts for your Kubota mini excavators. Explore our extensive catalog now and enjoy your new rigs.
