Zero tail swing, an operating capacity of up to 14.6 metric tons, and dimensions designed for tight job sites. The U145 is Kubota’s answer for those who need a more powerful machine without sacrificing compactness - and it’s already available for rent from Franco Clò.
A machine that fills a real gap
Kubota U145: The new 14-metric-ton excavator has joined Franco Clò’s rental fleet! Those who work with Kubota mini-excavators are well aware of the limitations of the compact range: for years, there was no Kubota-branded alternative above 8 metric tons. Anyone who needed more power – for deeper excavation, to handle larger volumes, or for an infrastructure project – had to switch suppliers or switch brands.
With the U145, Kubota closes this gap. It is a 14-15-metric-ton excavator, the result of an OEM agreement with Sumitomo Construction Machinery, designed specifically for European job sites where space is the critical factor: urban areas, existing infrastructure, and work near other underground utilities.
What Sets It Apart
The U145 retains the hallmark feature of the entire Kubota lineup – Zero Tail Swing – even at this size, where it is much less common to find it. This is what allows it to work in spaces where a conventional 14-metric-ton excavator would not fit.
The following data are taken from the official Kubota EU product sheet:
- Operating weight: 14,640 kg with dozer blade / 14,500 kg without blade / 15,621 kg in two-piece boom configuration
- Maximum digging depth: 5,510 mm (single-section boom) / 5,310 mm (two-section boom)
- Maximum reach: 9,340 mm (single-section) / 9,470 mm (two-section)
- Digging force (boom/bucket): 62 / 90 kN
- Travel speed: 3.4 km/h (low) / 5.6 km/h (high), two-speed with automatic transmission
- Engine: Isuzu VD-4JJ1X, 4-cylinder turbocharged common-rail, 2,990 cc, water-cooled, Stage V compliant
For decision-makers: Why rent it instead of buying it
Capital flexibility.
An excavator of this size is a significant investment. If your workload doesn’t justify continuous use of a 14-metric-ton machine – perhaps you only need it for a specific phase of a construction project – renting prevents you from tying up capital in a machine that would be underutilized the rest of the year.
No need to manage unforeseen issues.
Unplanned maintenance, machine downtime, off-season storage: with renting, these costs stay off your operating budget and remain our responsibility.
A practical way to evaluate a purchase.
For more established companies considering adding a machine of this size to their fleet, renting the U145 first is the most sensible way to test it on your specific type of job site before making a decision.
For operators: a cab designed for long workdays
The U145 offers three selectable operating modes – Super Power for faster operations, Heavy for the most demanding jobs, and Automatic (with six configurable levels) for the best balance between efficiency and productivity – designed to help operators accustomed to compact mini-excavators transition smoothly to a more powerful machine.
In terms of comfort, it features an adjustable, heated pneumatic seat, automatic climate control, a pressurized cab, a 178 mm color monitor, and ample leg and footroom. For visibility, it includes 270° rear and side cameras connected to the onboard monitor, plus a complete set of LED work lights.
Where It Performs Best
The Triveneto region offers exactly the conditions for which the U145 was designed: urban job sites with space constrained by existing buildings, infrastructure projects near underground utilities, and job sites where a traditional 14-metric-ton excavator would struggle to maneuver safely.
Typical applications: foundation excavation in dense urban areas, infrastructure and roadwork with limited maneuvering space, and job sites where the power of a 14-metric-ton machine is needed but not the space it normally requires.
How to Rent It
The U145 is already available in Franco Clò’s rental fleet. To check availability for the dates you need or to receive a quote, contact the team in Belluno at Via del Boscon 9.
We’ve been in the Triveneto region for over sixty years. We know the construction sites in this are – and we know the machines that work there.
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