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A Closer Look At The Kubota KX030-4 Excavator
Kubota recently announced the latest edition of its KX030-4 compact excavator at the World of Concrete show held last month in Las Vegas, Nevada. The manufacturer is positioning the 24.7-horsepower (18.4-kilowatt) KX030-4 as the replacement for its KX71-3S excavator in the 2- to 3-ton (1.8- to 2.7-metric-ton) market segment. The 2023 model year KX030-4 should become available through dealerships in canopy and cab models in March.
“The new KX030-4 delivers increased breakout and lifting force while decreasing the overall weight of the machine, making for easier trailering and transport between jobsites,” says Bill Holton, Kubota product manager, construction equipment. “With more than 500 pounds (227 kilograms) of additional bucket breakout force than the KX71-3S and nearly 300 lbs (136 kg) more lifting force, the KX030-4 will be a great asset to the rental, landscape, and general construction and utility markets.”
Upgrades
At just 4.9 feet (1,500 millimeters) wide, the Kubota KX030-4 can fit into close quarters inaccessible to larger excavators. Updates for 2023 include a bigger cab, automatic downshifting with the two-speed drive (for situations like turning while dozing), a third-line hydraulic return, and improved access to the hydraulic auxiliary diverter valve. Mounted on the dipper arm, the diverter valve can power auxiliary attachments without the need to remove the thumb.
Boom
The KX030-4 is rated for a digging depth of 9.6 ft (2.9 meters) and a maximum dumping height of 10.3 ft (3.18 m). Its breakout force is 6,924 pounds-force (30.8 kilonewtons) at the bucket and 3,484 lbf (15.5 kN) at the arm. The excavator allows for simultaneous movement of the boom, arm, bucket, and swivel, and the operator can also activate hydraulic functions while digging.
The boom of the KX030-4 can swing 76 degrees to the left and 57 degrees to the right at a speed of 9.2 rpm. The machine’s minimum tail turning radius is 3.75 ft (1.1 m). The arm and bucket cylinder hoses are protected within the boom, which shields a work light mounted underneath it. Two additional work lights are located on the cab.
Hydraulics
The KX030-4 has a variable-displacement hydraulic pump with a straight-travel circuit and a pressure accumulator. Factory-installed mounting brackets and hydraulic relief valves make it easy to mount accessories such as a thumb. A proportional control on the right control lever allows for adjustment of the auxiliary hydraulic flow, which has a maximum of 8.3 gallons per minute (31.5 liters per min).
For one-way attachments such as a hydraulic breaker or a brush cutter, there is a standard third-line hydraulic return system which lets the oil return directly to the tank, bypassing the main control valves. This enhances efficiency and reduces unnecessary back-pressure and heat.
Drivetrain
The direct-injection, Tier 4 Final diesel engine in the KX030-4 is engineered for strong performance as well as high fuel economy and low noise and vibration levels. The excavator has 12.7 gal (48 L) of fuel capacity. Rear and side hatches supply easy access to the engine oil cooler, radiator, and other maintenance points.
Kubota says the KX030-4 can travel at up to 2.7 mph (4.3 km/h) on its rubber tracks. The tracks are 11.8 inches (300 mm) wide and exert 3.9 pounds per square inch (0.27 kilograms per square centimeter) of ground pressure. The digger’s minimum ground clearance is 11.6 in. (295 mm).
The KX030-4 can bring up to 7,330 lbf (32.6 kN) of tractive force to bear, such as for dozing with the 59-in. (1,500-mm)-wide dozer blade. Said blade has a float position that can leave a smooth finished surface behind without requiring the user to adjust the blade height.
Operator Station
The canopy and optional cabin for the KX030-4 are rollover protection system (ROPS)/Top Guard, Level 1 (OPG) rated for rollover and falling object protection. The cab comes with a heater. Kubota says it’s the largest cab in the excavator’s class with lots of flat floor space and leg room. The entrance is also enlarged to make it easy for operators to enter and exit.
The KX030-4 has a deluxe, high-back suspension seat with a retractable seat belt; a 3-in. (76-mm)-wide belt is available. A cup holder and a 12-volt power outlet come standard. The cab’s windshield can be unlatched and opened by sliding it upward with the help of a gas-assisted mechanism.
Kubota places an easy-to-read digital instrument panel in an optimal position at the lower-right corner of the user’s sight picture. The operator can switch between ISO pattern controls and SAE backhoe pattern controls while sitting in the seat. The KX030-4 supports KubotaNOW telematics.
Transport Considerations
The cab model of the KX030-4 weighs 6,097 lbs (2,766 kg), allowing it to be towed with a standard driver’s license on an appropriately sized trailer. The excavator has strategically located tie-down points, a travel lock (parking brake), and a swivel negative brake to lock the upper section in place during transit or when operating on a slope.
Kubota stands behind the KX030-4 with a two-year warranty.
Source: Kubota