Kubota launches new U17-5 excavator

Kubota Australia’s finishing 2024 in a model flurry, revealing new additions to its construction range including the U17-5 excavator.

Making its debut at Kubota’s dealer summit at the Barossa Valley in late November 2024, the zero-tail swing U17-5 features an updated exterior and a number of comfort and productivity upgrades for an enhanced operating experience.

“We're proud to release the U17-5 Premium excavator into the Australian market, which is an upgraded version of our current U17-3,” said Kubota Australia Construction and Power Equipment National Product Manager, Scott Johnstone.

“It gives us some more premium features that we wanted to include in our excavators for operator comfort and a bit of fuel saving as well.”

Kubota has increased the operator foot space by 30mm compared to the current U17-3, as well as added a new semi suspension seat and wrist rests by the joysticks for better comfort.

Other in-cab features include USB ports and phone holders.

“We've moved the monitor up onto the ROPS so it's nice and easy for the operator to see flow control of their auxiliary options as well as all gauges and any warnings that come through,” Johnstone said.

The U17-5 is now powered by a Euro Stage 5 compliant Kubota engine offering 16hp.

An auto-idle feature reduces engine speed automatically when high output isn’t required, hence reducing fuel emissions and operating costs. The engine is also fitted with an emergency stop switch.

A new auto-shift system automatically varies depending on traction and terrain.

Two auxiliary circuits – AUX1 and AUX2 – come standard, allowing operators to take on more jobs. They are now hand controlled with thumb-operated proportional switches, eliminating foot control.

Improved safety features include LED boom and work lights for challenging night-time jobs, as well as a hydraulic safety lever that disallow hydraulic functions unless the lever is engaged.

“We've also extended the maximum width of the U17-5's tracks and that puts it in a true zero turn category, because there is no overhang of the actual body past the tracks. That's another one thing that operators like - the zero tail-swing,” Johnstone added.

Stock of the U17-5 is expected to arrive in Australia from January 2025, however Kubota will continue to offer the U17-3 concurrently, providing operators with more choice.

“The U17 is one of our number one selling construction products in Australia and worldwide, and the introduction of the new U17-5 premium will help us continue to be a market leader with this size product in the market,” Johnstone said.