Review: The Kubota U35 Excavator

Review: The Kubota U35 Excavator

At the beginning of 2013, Kubota, a renowned brand in the construction market released yet another impressive excavator to add to their mini excavator series, it was the U35 4 Kubota mini excavator. This particular compact sized excavator impressed operators at first glance with its cab which offered operators the same space to work in as larger 5-tonne excavators provided.

Drawing from the experiences and feedback on their previous models, the U35’s design focus was strapped to the comfort of the operator, the performance and maintenance. Unlike its predecessors, the counterweight of the Kubota U35 excavator protrudes by only 50mm rendering the machine with a zero tail swing and making it the perfect mini excavator to work on confined, tight spaces or mini construction projects.

Classified as an intermediate excavator and weighing 3690Kg, the U35 is accepted as a robust mini excavator that owns more agility than other even smaller zero-tail swing compact excavators, but still offers up a cab space of its larger 5-tonne cousins. With more than enough power packed into its frame and yet quiet and reliable engine is without doubt the primary drivers behind this particular machine’s popularity.

The extra space that is offered up by the Kubota U35 or coyly regarded as the ‘deluxe interior’ is not just mere ‘empty space’ with a wider entrances and added foot space as the space is also strapped with a deluxe suspension seat, a two speed travel switch and air conditioning. Other standard aspects of this compact excavator include the expected ISO patterned control panel that allows operators to change modes with a flick of a switch and a gas-assisted mechanism front slide window (cab).

With regards to performance and capability, the U35-4 mini excavator could easily be given the title of being an ‘efficient little monster’ as it performs above expectations when it comes to tasks that involve digging, trenching, demolishing, clearing and more. The Kubota has certainly put its competitors on edge with its performance which is largely attributed to its specially designed 24.8 HP direct injection engine that delivers just the right amount of power on demand.

The 3rd-line hydraulic return keeps oil contamination issues at minimum, lower levels of back pressure and an enhanced level of oil flow efficiency. Last, but not the least, the Kubota U35-4 also feature an auto idling system that saves on operational costs significantly in the long run.

For larger construction companies that have projects lined up, owning a Kubota U35-4 excavator would definitely be a strategic cost saving advantage, whereas for smaller or independent construction units should opt for obtaining the excavator for hire.

Getting excavators for hire on an ad-hoc or on a ‘when needed’ basis would allow smaller construction companies to enhance their ROIs (Return on Investments) and ROAs (Return on Assets) positively and increase the value of their business.

In conclusion, the Kubota U35-4 mini excavator is recommended for construction projects of all sizes due to its exceptional range of abilities, admirable power and enhanced robustness.