The Kubota U145 mini excavator was developed to fill a long-standing gap in the Japanese manufacturer’s lineup: until now, Kubota had not offered a proprietary alternative in the over-eight-metric-ton class. The result of an OEM agreement with Sumitomo Construction Machinery, the U145 brings a distinctive feature to the 14–15-metric-ton class that had previously been limited to compact excavators – Zero Tail Swing – where it is much less common to find it.

The result is a machine that can work where a conventional excavator of the same size would struggle to maneuver: urban construction sites, areas with existing infrastructure in the immediate vicinity, and jobs near underground utilities. The digging power remains that of a 14-metric-ton machine; the overall dimensions do not.

Key Operational Features

Zero rear swing radius. The rear of the machine swings within the footprint of the tracks, allowing it to work in spaces that would normally require a smaller machine.

Dual travel speeds with automatic shifting. Automatic switching between low and high speeds depending on load and working conditions, without operator intervention.

Three selectable operating modes. Super Power for faster operations, Heavy for the most demanding jobs, and Automatic—with six configurable levels—for a balance between efficiency and productivity, useful for those transitioning from a compact mini-excavator to a machine of this size.

270° visibility with rear and side cameras. The system is connected to the onboard monitor and reduces blind spots—a critical issue on any large tracked machine operating in confined spaces or with ground personnel nearby.

Who It’s For

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