Kubota Launches Next-Gen U17-5 Mini Excavator

CMEQ |Construction Equipment

Kubota unveiled the next-gen 1.7-metric-ton U17-5 mini excavator, featuring retractable tracks and zero tail swing.

Date: February 10, 2025

Kubota Launches Next-Gen U17-5 Mini Excavator

Las Vegas, Nevada - Kubota Corporation., an agricultural machinery manufacturer, has introduced the next-gen 1.7-metric-ton U17-5 mini excavator at World of Concrete 2025, an annual trade show for the commercial construction industry held at Las Vegas, featuring new standard features, retractable tracks, and zero tail swing.

The new compact excavator is built for rental markets, light construction, utilities, and landscaping. With zero tail swing and hydraulically adjustable tracks, it narrows to 39.4 inches for tight spaces and expands to 51.2 inches for stability with heavy-duty attachments. The dozer blade adjusts with the tracks, and the rear end is extended by 1.2 inches over the previous model.

The U17-5 is the latest addition to Kubota’s U Series, featuring Dash 5 improvements. Larger excavators in the KX Series have also received fifth-generation upgrades. Dash 5 machines are recognizable by their new two-tone orange and black color scheme.

The U17-5 features a larger cab with reduced noise and a semi-suspension seat. New standard exterior features include a pre-welded thumb mount for easy attachment of a hydraulic thumb, and "performance-matched" attachments designed for the excavator.

Mr. Bill Holton, Product Manager of Construction Equipment at Kubota, said, “Another thing standard from the factory is going to be this diverter valve that allows me to plumb in my thumb, but also attach other hydraulic attachments to the front end. So now I can easily swap between buckets and other attachments and not have to replumb stuff. The system diverts hydraulic-oil flow to the other attachments when needed, even while the thumb remains connected.”

Kubota repositioned the touchscreen monitor for better visibility when digging and added an auto-idle feature to save fuel. The U17-5 also includes LED boom lighting, a pre-wired USB port, a phone pocket, and KubotaNow telematics. It comes with a ROPS canopy, operator protector guards, and reflective red stripes on the back.

Kubota Mini Excavator Construction Equipment