Kubota Tractor Corporation kicked off 2025 with three new additions to its compact construction lineup with the launch of two new excavators and a new compact track loader from the showroom floor at World of Concrete in Las Vegas. The U17-5 and KX040-5 join Kubota’s excavator lineup, while the SVL97-3 adds to Kubota‘s compact track loader lineup.
“These three new models represent the next generation over their predecessors and Kubota’s commitment to listening to customer feedback and bringing to market new equipment with the same reliability, durability and high-end performance that our customers have come to expect,” said Tim Boulds, Kubota product marketing director for construction equipment.
The U17-5, KX040-5 and SVL97-3 will arrive at authorized Kubota dealer showrooms in the first quarter of 2025.
Kubota Introduces Newly Enhanced Compact Track Loader: SVL97-3
The SVL97-3, Kubota’s newest addition to the company’s line of compact track loaders, is a third-generation model replacing the SVL97-2 with upgraded performance, comfort and serviceability features. The SVL97-3 has a rated operating capacity of 3,459 pounds and a new one-piece sealed cab. It comes standard with KubotaNOW Telematics and a swing-out radiator for ease of service and will be available in spring 2025 at authorized Kubota dealers.
“The SVL97-3 is a more refined construction machine, pure and simple. It excels at moving dirt and utilizing a wide range of high flow attachments to get work done quickly,” said Jerry Corder, Kubota product manager. “The further development of the SVL97-3 includes many of the engineering updates of the SVL75-3 launched in 2023, and overall, we have received overwhelmingly positive feedback. For example, the swing-out radiator in the engine compartment is a small thing that will pay big dividends on the service and maintenance side for our customers.”
Equipped with 96.4 horsepower Kubota engine, common rail system and diesel particulate filter muffler, the SVL97-3 increased its top speed to 8.4 mph and has a rated operating capacity of 3,459 pounds at 35 percent tipping load, over 250 pounds more than the capacity of the previous model. An optional 300 pounds of counterweight can be added for an additional 200 pounds of operating capacity.
Multifunctionality is improved as cycle times of the loader arms are faster than previous models. An auto-downshift system brings the unit from high-range to low-range automatically when the machine enters a turn or goes into a pile of material. This allows the operator to keep the machine in high range, allowing the system to downshif twhen needed, keeping the engine at higher RPM for more power when needed.
This new model is equipped with a heated, air-ride seat on closed cab models. The reconfiguration of the HVAC vent count and locations creates a comfortable climate control system in the cab, according to the company. A 7-inch LCD touchscreen allows for a passcode-enabled keyless start and includes a rearview camera function. The operator station also includes backlit switches for the operator to see the controls in low-light conditions and delayed shut-down LED exterior lights to keep providing illumination when the machine is powered down. Kubota Shockless Ride (KSR) is included and standard on closed cab models and buffers the loader arms over uneven terrain to keep material in the bucket.
The radiator on the SVL97-3 swings 90 degrees, opening the engine compartment for full access to the battery, filters, and the engine for routine maintenance. Also, the single-piece cab can be tilted up and out of the way for clear access to the hydraulic pumps, lines and tank for cleanout and maintenance. Additional cleanout panels have been added to aid in removal of dirt and debris as it builds up.
Kubota Updates Compact Excavator Lineup with Next-Generation KX040-5
The KX040-5’s updates include a redesigned hydraulic system, a spacious and quiet cab and tech features on standard models.
“We continue to listen to our customers and learn about their challenges and how our equipment can offer them more solutions, and the next-generation KX040-5 is the latest iteration in that innovation process,” said Bill Holton, Kubota product manager, construction equipment. “The KX040-5 was developed to meet the needs of rental, construction, landscaping and utility customers in the 4- to 5-ton segment, and a growing category of action sports athletes across the country who use our equipment to clear trails and build ramps and jumps.”
The machine is powered by a 40.3-horsepower Kubota diesel engine, has a digging depth of 11 feet, 2.3 inches and has a bucket breakout force of 9,397 pounds. The improved hydraulic system utilizes engine horsepower allowing flow rate to be increased for optimal performance while using a hydraulic attachment and operating other functions of the KX040-5 simultaneously.
With three dozer blade options available, straight, angle and 6-in-1—in either ROPS or cab configurations, the KX040-5 was designed to provide versatility. The KX040-5 is available with a standard AUX1 and optional AUX2 auxiliary circuits, with a thumb-operated switch on the joystick allowing for proportional flow control of the auxiliary circuit, while a forefinger-operated on/off switch enables simple operation of applications requiring a constant flow of oil.
The KX040-5 comes with a keyless start, featuring up to 10 unique operator passwords for security purposes. KubotaNOW telematics is pre-installed, allowing operators to monitor important metrics such as accumulated hours, fuel level, and location directly from the KubotaNOW app. The third line hydraulic return is electronically controlled and automatically activated when the operator selects one-way flow mode on the digital panel. For safety, the KX040-5 is equipped with LED work lights that include a turn-off delay, enabling operators to leave the job site under illumination. An optional rearview camera is also available to provide greater visibility.
Kubota Introduces Zero-Tail Swing Compact Excavator to Its Lineup
The new U17-5, featuring improved stability, enhanced operator comfort and efficiency, replaces the U17VR1 in the company’s excavator lineup and is among the set of new 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,” Holton said. “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.”
Equipped with a 16.1-horsepower Kubota diesel engine, the U17-5 features a working range including 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 comes with a factory-installed thumb bracket welded onto the dipper to mount an optional hydraulic thumb. An auxiliary control system integrated into the joystick helps operators control proportional flow with a convenient thumb-operated switch. Plus, oil flow can be controlled with a forefinger-operated on/off switch. To reduce transition times between attachments, 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.
The U17-5, weighing in at 3,902 pounds, 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 more than the previous model, to optimize stability with heavy attachments, and can be retracted to 3 feet, 3 inches.
Additional standard features include an auto-idling system reducing 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 hours, location and diagnostics.
The semi-suspension seat sits on more foot space than the previous model, optimizing comfort and maneuverability. A redesigned control panel to the right of the seat houses the key switch, throttle control and a mobile phone holder and USB port for long days on the job site.
Additional features include an engine emergency stop the operator can activate with the flip of a 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.
