Updates across Kubota’s excavator line, as well as a brand-new model were unveiled to dealers during Kubota Connect. The company announced the U48-5, Kubota’s response to the growing four-to-six ton excavator market. The reduced tail swing U48-5 compact excavator will complement the U Series and bridge a size gap between Kubota’s KX040-4 and its U55-4. In addition, Kubota will be updating several other excavators from -4 to a “next generation” of -5 models. Kubota’s next generation of excavators will include various engineering refinements with a continued focus on technology and precision control, enhanced operator comfort, and consistent high performance.
R640
Photo: Kubota
Wheel Loaders
Kubota updated its R Series wheel loader line and previewed new features for 2021 with dealers. The popular R30 Series will be updated to an R40 Series with improved visibility, enhanced comfort, and increased stability and loader lift performance. Two new models will be added to the line, replacing two prior models, and both will be available at dealerships in the first quarter of 2021.
SVL97-2
Photo: Kubota
Compact Track Loader
During Kubota Connect, Kubota previewed the new SVL97-2. The SVL97-2 will replace Kubota’s popular SVL95-2 and features improved durability, reliability by updating the DEF system and adding in-cab technology, and enhanced operator comfort. The new track loader will have an operating weight of 11,600 pounds and have a rated operating capacity of 3,200 pounds. More specs and details will be announced upon availably in Q1 of 2021.
KX057-5
Photo: Kubota
New Construction Attachments
Kubota, together with its sister company Land Pride, unveiled a variety of new attachments and implements across the construction lineup, all new for 2021. Dealers previewed new vibratory rollers, pallet forks, buckets, and a breaker for the SCL1000, hydraulic coupler for the KX and U Series excavator lines, as well as highly anticipated SC6072 skid cutter, equipped to cut grass, weeds, and brush, far exceeding the capabilities of its smaller predecessor.
Hendrickson Truck Commercial Vehicle Systems now offers the AIRTEK NXT front air suspension and dual steer axle system and the ROADMAAX high capacity rear air suspension systems
The 2023 Super Duty gets a new standard 6.8L V-8 gas engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission as well as a 5G modem, adaptive cruise control, and a new upfit integration system.
The Continental HSR+ regional steer/all-position and HDR+ regional on/off-road drive tires are available in Load Range H for extra load-carrying capacity per tire.
The UBL Bumper features a lightweight aluminum shell with a heavy-duty steel super-structure to accommodate both TR12 and TR15 Planetary Recovery Winches.
The Optima HR55 Overcenter aerial device and TL48 articulating telescopic aerial device each featured innovations that aid operators or solve challenges for utility fleets owners.