Kubota U17-5 Premium excavator 2025 Review

Kubota’s orange earthmoving machines have been topping the charts in the local construction industry, with its compact excavators being some of the most popular models on constructionsales.

Of particular note is the brand’s 1.7-tonne digger. One of Kubota’s best-selling models, it recently had a facelift – introducing the new 2025 Kubota U17-5 Premium.

This pint-sized powerhouse takes everything operators loved about the U17-3 and cranks it up a notch with smart design tweaks, better comfort, and more grunt under the hood.

Let’s dig a little deeper into what makes this new and improved model tick.

Kubota has applied some thoughtful design updates to the U17-5, building on the already popular U17-3. Visually, the machine sports a refreshed, modern look.

It retains its zero tail-swing trait, meaning the house remains within the digger’s track width regardless of how the cab is rotated—making it ideal for work in confined spaces and in tight urban job sites.

The track width can now extend to a maximum of 1300mm for added stability or retract to 990mm for navigating tight passages.

The U17-5 is now powered by a Euro Stage 4 compliant 16hp engine, bringing it in line with stricter emissions standards without sacrificing performance.

The engine also includes an auto-idle feature that reduces engine revs when not in use, saving on fuel and wear. Operators can easily bring the machine back to full power simply by moving a control lever.

Kubota has clearly focused on operator comfort and ergonomics in this latest model. Although the increase in legroom is modest (about 30mm), it’s a decent improvement for longer shifts.

The semi-suspension seat adds an extra layer of comfort, and new wrist rests on both sides reduce strain and fatigue.

Small but meaningful additions like a USB port and phone holder reflect a user-friendly approach. The meter panel has been repositioned to the front right corner of the cab, improving visibility and making it easier to check key metrics like fuel levels and hours of operation.

Operators can also select the operating control pattern they’re most familiar with – ISO or SAE – with the simple flick of a lever.

A fully compliant ROPS canopy provides protection from accidental rollovers and falling objects, giving operators peace of mind.

Standard LED lights on the canopy and boom offer ample lighting for work in darker areas or during the night.

A hydraulic safety lever prevents any hydraulic functions including movement of the boom and dozer when disengaged, further improving the safety of the operator and their colleagues on site.

An engine emergency stop button completes the safety package.

Hydraulics on the U17-5 are versatile and performance-oriented.

The machine now comes standard with two auxiliary hydraulic circuits plumbed from the factory, allowing it to support a wider variety of attachments – such as tilting buckets and grabs.

Operators benefit from precise control thanks to lever-based auxiliary controls, with proportional flow managed by a thumb switch and constant flow toggled via a forefinger switch.

Operating the U17-5 is smooth and intuitive. The controls are responsive but not overly sensitive, striking a great balance for new and seasoned operators alike. The bucket offers solid breakout force, cutting into soil and tougher materials with ease.

The U17-5 now features a new auto-shift travel function that intelligently switches between high and low gear depending on terrain, preventing any dangerous movements and making tasks like dozing or turning feel smooth and safe.

The extra legroom was a nice touch; I had no issues getting comfortable in the cab. A great thing was not having to bend and stretch to reach the levers to control the movement of the excavator.

The Kubota U17-5 Premium isn’t a radical overhaul, but rather a thoughtful evolution of an already proven platform.

With its zero-tail swing, track adjustability, upgraded hydraulics, improved safety and enhanced operator comfort, it’s well suited to a wide range of tasks – from landscaping to renovation.

These incremental yet impactful updates make the U17-5 a serious contender for anyone in the market for a reliable, compact excavator. And with Kubota continuing to offer the U17-3 alongside the new model, buyers have the flexibility to choose what best suits their needs and budget.