Which Kubota U Series Excavator Should I Buy
8/28/2025
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Perfect Kubota U Series Excavator
Knowing what excavator to purchase goes beyond horsepower; you’ll want to think about what type of work you’ll be doing most often, how often you’ll use it, and what attachments you plan on using. For some, that means maneuvering around backyard fences and garden beds. For others, it’s trenching, grading, or lifting on construction sites. The Kubota U Series offers zero-tail swing excavators that deliver strength and precision in tight spaces without sacrificing durability. At Glenn B. Dorning Inc., we’ve made a buyer's guide on which Kubota U Series Excavator you should buy! Let’s look at our options to help you decide which is right for you.
Mini U Series Excavators: U10, U17, and U17-5
Kubota's mini excavators are ideal for navigating tight gates, residential yards, or small landscaping jobs. These models are the golden choice for anyone handling residential projects or smaller commercial tasks. They have plenty of power in a super convenient size, making them a favorite for homeowners, contractors, and landscapers.
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U10-5: With a 10.3-horsepower engine, it’s the smallest in the U Series, perfect for projects with limited access. Think of slipping through narrow pathways or working close to buildings without worrying about damaging structures or accessing tight work spaces.
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U17: This model features a retractable track frame that is narrow enough for gates and wide enough for stability on the job.
- U17-5: With the same horsepower of 16.1 as the U17, the U17-5 has an upgraded generation design for comfort and hydraulic precision. It delivers deeper digs at seven feet and inches while keeping operators productive.
Compact U Series Excavators: U27-4, U35-4, U48-5, and U55-5
These models are ideal for contractors expanding their fleet or professionals needing equipment that can handle large-scale commercial work while maintaining a compact size. These excavators maintain the zero-tail swing advantage so that you can work close to walls or confined lots. These models bring more digging depth, lifting capacity, and hydraulic performance.
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U27-4: Compact enough for urban projects and strong enough for utility work with a 20.8-horsepower engine. The U27-4l is a reliable middle ground.
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U35-4: Popular with contractors, the U35-4 (23.3-horsepower) offers more power and features like an optional hydraulic angle blade to speed up grading jobs.
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U48-5: With 40.4 horsepower under the hood, this model has added comfort features and precision hydraulics. So, working in this cab model is an exceptional option for projects where precision is a big deal.
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U55-5: The largest in the U Series has a 47.6-horsepower Kubota-built engine. It has outstanding digging depth and bucket force, perfect for heavy-duty projects with tight-tail maneuverability.
Built for Durability & Features That Make a Difference
Every model in the U Series carries Kubota’s trusted reputation for reliability. Reinforced undercarriages, heavy-duty steel construction, and fuel-efficient diesel engines give these excavators the strength to handle different workloads.
A U Series model is made to adapt, especially when adding a performance-matched attachment. These additions make your excavator highly versatile, which grows with your workload. It’s the practicality and convenience of the U Series that keep operators front and center:
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Zero-tail swing for smooth operation in tight spaces
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LED work lights for extended visibility after sunset
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Front blade for easy grading and backfilling
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Keyless start system for added security and convenience
Attachment compatibility for digging, trenching, drilling, and more
No matter which model you need, Glenn B. Dorning, Inc. is here to guide you through the buying process. With expert staff, genuine Kubota support, and decades of experience, we’ll help you match the perfect excavator to your needs. Give us a call, fill out our Get a Quote form below, or visit us in Ontario, CA to explore our Kubota U Series in real life. The right excavator is waiting for you, and we’re here to help!