Kubota extends range to 8t

As the market leader in compact excavators in the up to 6t range for the past 15 years, Kubota Australia expects the addition of its new 8t KX-080 excavator will further enhance its dominant position.

Its release followed months of extensive R&D testing. Hamish Ross of Ross Earthmoving Pty Ltd, Sydney, assisted Kubota engineers by trialling the sample KX080 in some extremely tough conditions. Ross reported, “The KX080 really surprised me. It managed to dig through very hard ground with minimum resistance; not what I expected from an 8t machine. Breakout force was impressive and operators said it was the most comfortable 8t machine they had operated.”

When designing the KX-080, Kubota engineers paid close attention to the areas of performance, operator comfort, running costs, productivity and safety.

Powered by a Kubota V3800 4 cylinder 3.8 litre diesel engine producing 65 hp @ 2000rpm, the KX 080 has ample power to drive the three hydraulic pumps, which produce 210.6 litres per minute hydraulic oil flow. The engine exceeds EPA Tier II emission requirements, and its four valve centre injection design, helps create exceptional fuel economy.

Kubota's load sensing system delivers a constant flow of oil to each hydraulic cylinder, allowing the KX 080 to continue digging in various ground conditions without suffering a drop in speed or power.

Bucket breakout force is 6650kgf allowing the KX080 to tackle jobs normally reserved for larger machines. It achieves fast cycle times to increase productivity and profitability.

Activated upon ignition, Kubota's auto idle feature will automatically return engine rpm to idle, once the control lever is placed in neutral for more than four seconds. Auto idle can be used to advantage when the operator is waiting for a truck to back into position for loading. Once the control levers are back in use it adjusts engine rpm to full capacity for resumption of normal operations. Kubota estimates auto idle fuel cost savings to be in the vicinity of 10%.

The KX 080 has two hydraulic auxiliary circuits: circuit 1 and circuit 2. Selecting circuit 1 allows the operator to control oil flow according to the attachment requirements. Selecting circuit 2 makes it possible to operate another attachment without having to remove an attachment fitted to auxiliary circuit 1.

In other words this system allows operators to simultaneously run two attachments that require different oil flows. For example, a power head and compactor attached to the dipper arm can be used in conjunction.

For easy maintenance the KX 080 design incorporates three opening bonnets allowing complete access to the engine bay and hydraulic control valves simultaneously.

With rigorous OH&S requirements in place in Australia, Kubota has made operator safety a priority. State of the art hydraulics are standard on the KX 080 and include anti drop valves enabling the hydraulic rams to remain fixed in position so that the boom cannot fall should a cylinder hose be damaged.

Safety is further enhanced by the well balanced design of the KX 080 which ensures a superior level of stability.

A newly-designed air-conditioned cabin is equipped with three mirrors positioned in vital areas for better visibility, work lights, a retractable seat belt and arm rests. The ROPS/FOPS cabin and generous door height make for safer operations too.

The introduction of a larger operator's platform, user friendly controls, a deluxe high back suspension seat, rubber cab mounts and a low noise level of 78dBA at maximum engine rpm, make long hours of operation much more comfortable.

The design of the KX 080 also enhances visibility to the rear as there is only 360mm of overhang on both sides, making it well suited to work in confined spaces.

More information: www.kubota.com.au , 1800-334-653.