Kubota Unveils Innovative New Machines in the UK

In May 2023 Kubota UK held a Press Day to launch a number of machines showcasing some innovative features. David Chuck was invited and reports on the event.

Kubota is renowned for being innovative. The manufacturer is rapidly approaching 50 years production of construction equipment, and once again demonstrated why it is such a successful brand in the industry during a recent event for the UK media. Kubota had certainly chosen the ideal venue for its press event; the impressive Oxfordshire Golf & Spa Hotel not far from Kubota’s UK headquarters at Thame in Oxfordshire.

Rob White, who is Construction Division Manager for Kubota UK, was our main host for the day; backed-up by a very friendly and knowledgeable team who were on hand to answer all our questions whilst the ‘stars of the show’ were being operated.

The main focus was on two innovative new machines that were launched and demonstrated on the day. Taking the spotlight in front of the gaze of the UK construction media, was the Kubota next generation 8.5 tonne mini-excavator, alongside two variants of next generation fully electric RT compact loaders.

Next generation KX085-5 mini-excavator

Powered by a high power, low emission advanced Kubota built engine, the KX085-5 mini-excavator boasts a robust hydraulic system, giving operators the reliability and operability needed to complete a wide range of jobs quickly and efficiently.

The new mini-excavator can be equipped with a two-piece boom for expanded working range, impressive dumping range, and efficiency in narrow spaces. The innovative hydraulic mechanism enables operators to easily run the arm, boom, bucket, and swivel simultaneously, boosting work efficiency and increasing productivity.

The KX085-5 also boasts innovative high-performance features, including two auxiliary circuits with adjustable maximum oil flow, load sensing hydraulic system for smoother operation regardless of load size, float function for easy ground finishing, as well as an auto-shift system that offers intuitive control when dozing and turning.

Designed to ensure operators can save energy and running costs, as well as reduce noise and exhaust emissions, the new mini-excavator utilises an auto-idling system that will automatically reduce the engine RPM to idling speed when the control levers are left in neutral for longer than four seconds. To support this further, an Engine Auto Stop system comes as standard that will automatically turn off the engine when an adjustable idling time has passed.

The KX085-5 features a newly designed luxurious and spacious cabin, offering a wider entrance, generous legroom and a deluxe double adjustable air suspension seat for greater levels of comfort and operability. In addition, a new full-colour, high resolution 7” LCD digital display screen ensures users can view all relevant operational information at a quick glance. Other features include LED working lights and a rear-view camera for improved visibility.

In addition to performance and comfort, the KX085-5 also features a triple opening bonnet and optimum arrangement of internal parts to keep routine service and maintenance quick and simple. The KX085-5 is designed with a shorter rear overhang, ensuring workability in restricted space, increased versatility and better stability. The rear overhang also features cast-iron protectors, which significantly reduce damage to the machine in space restricted work sites.

Available on all Kubota three, five and eight tonne mini-excavators, the KX0855 utilises Kubota’s innovative tracking system technology, giving operators access to real-time data that can help increase machine efficiency and security.

The intuitive and user-friendly portal can enhance productivity thanks to the constant review and analysis of real-time parameters of parts such as machine work rate, operating times, actual operation, occupancy rate (as a percentage), idling time, DPF regeneration history, water and oil temperatures, and fuel consumption. In addition, the portal provides alerts which show a machine’s faults enabling a fast response and resolution, thus minimising any downtime.

Enhanced security is also achievable as machine owners can view locations via GPS tracking to oversee the movement of the KX085-5.

Furthermore, geofencing is available, which allows users to designate specific areas of use, with the portal notifying operators should that machine leave the area. Other security features include Kubota’s industry leading Anti-Theft System, which ensures only programmed keys can start the engine.

So, to recap the key highlights of the KX085-5 are:

• Ultimate Comfort – New ultra quiet spacious cab, full colour 7-inch LCD screen and jog-dial consort for effortless control.

• Enhanced Efficiency – Work smarter with engine auto-stop load sensing hydraulics and Kubota Tracking System.

• Proven Productivity – Class leading 4.6 metre dig-depth, 7.8 metre reach and massive 65.2kN of groundbreaking power.

• Superior Safety – Benefit from builtin safety technologies including an integrated rear-view camera and LED work lights.

Kubota’s mini-excavator wasn’t the only innovative new machine being unveiled. With a focus on eco-friendly solutions, the Press Day also saw Kubota launch two new fully electric compact loaders.

Introducing the all-electric RT210-2e and the RT220-2e

The RT210-2e and RT220-2e have been designed to provide high productivity, outstanding user comfort and control with zero emission performance, giving operators the same level of excellence, they’ve come to expect from Kubota machines – without the carbon output.

Both machines feature an extremely powerful, high torque electric motor that can be recharged within 90 minutes when using the optional supercharger, making them a reliable choice for a wide range of projects and tasks. Powered by a 48V system with modular 260Ah lithium-ion batteries as standard, the machines regenerate energy when the machine decelerates or travels downhill, further enhancing their reliability.

Boasting enhanced loading versatility, the RT210-2e’s long loader arm has a reach of up to 2,852mm, while the RT2202e shorter loader arm has an increased lift capacity of up to 1,140kg.

Compact and agile, both the RT210-2e and RT220-2e are highly manoeuvrable with all-wheel steering on each axle, with a pivot steer of 44 degrees, making them perfect for work in restricted spaces. Further versatility is added by a hydraulic quick hitch which is compatible with a host of attachment options.

The machines have been manufactured with user-comfort front of mind, with an ergonomic design that minimises noise pollution and vibrations for fatigue-free operation. Operator safety is prioritised via a unique overheating function and through both ROPS (Roll Over Protective Structure) and FOPS (Falling-Over Protective Structure).

Both the RT210-2e and RT220-2e also have electric/ hydraulic integration that delivers complete multifunctionality for operators, particularly for lifting and the top cylinder. The machines also have optional boom suspension to provide even better retention of load inside the shovel, even at higher speeds.

One of the great features of both these machines is the fact that a Type 2 Car Charger is fitted as standard so the machine can easily be plugged into an electric car charging point. This, in my opinion, is a must for mobile electric powered construction machinery.

Tracked dumpers in operation

Also on operated display was the Kubota KC70 VHD-4 tracked dumper which has a high dump feature enabling it to empty its load up to 1.43 metres high. In addition, it has a dumping reach of nearly 0.5 metre allowing the machine to load towards the centre of a skip and far enough away from the truck edge.

The other fully electric machine on operated display was another tracked compact dumper – the model KC70H-4e which is powered by a large lithium battery pack - 48-volt 120Ah for 4.4 kwh. The battery delivers enough capacity to provide a full day’s work. The machine can be fully charged in three hours and reach 80% charge in 1.5 hours. A UBC (Universal Fast External Battery Charger) is sold with the machine, charging at 3kw from 80 volt to 240-volt power supplies.

The tracks are completely electric motor powered, requiring less energy consumption over hydraulic powered tracks. One of the great safety features of this machine is its conductive capacitance movement controller. The moment the operator removes their hand from this device, the machine stops.

To conclude, Kubota has once again certainly pulled out all the stops in demonstrating innovation in the industry, as it introduces new machines to customers in the UK. The media event was certainly a great day, and one was left with the definite feeling that Kubota is determined to stay “No 1 in Mini Excavators.”

To conclude, Kubota has once again certainly pulled out all the stops in demonstrating innovation in the industry, as it introduces new machines to customers in the UK.

The media event was certainly a great day, and one was left with the definite feeling that Kubota is determined to stay “No 1 in Mini Excavators”.