Kubota launches LPG excavator and electric dumper

Kubota has launched a new low emission mini excavator powered by a LPG gas engine and a fully electric tracked dumper into the European construction equipment market.

Kubota KX019-4SI low emission mini excavator

The compact machines are the first of the new Kubota Smart Energy Solutions product range. 

The KX019-4SI is a 1.7 tonne excavator with a maximum digging depth of 2.5m, an overall width of 2.3m and a transport height of 3.8m.

It uses Kubota’s Stage V WG972 -L-E4 spark ignition engine, which is powered by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

Kubota said the unit offers the same performance as comparable diesel and petrol engines, but emits 95% less nitrous oxide and hydrocarbon emissions, and with “almost zero particulate matter”.

Described as “clean and quiet”, Kubota said the LPG engine of the KX019-4SI mini excavator means the model can be used on sites in low emission zones and its variable track width makes it suitable for jobs with restricted access.

Kubota KC70-4e tracked dumper

Kubota KC70H-4e tracked dumper

Kubota’s fully electric site dumper is fitted with a low noise 48V lithium battery engine that can be charged up to 80% in just 1.5 hours, with a single 3-hour charge providing a full day’s work. 

An electric version of the Kubota KC70, the zero emission KC70H-4e weighs 590kg and has a 700kg load capacity.

Glen Hampson, Construction Division Manager at Kubota, said, “Both new machines offer the same power and capabilities our customers expect, alongside new enhancements set to reduce Kubota’s impact on the planet and deliver on our mission: For Earth, For Life.”

Both the mini-excavator and tracked dumper have also been designed to offer reduced maintenance costs. 

The engine of the KX019-4SI mini excavator has no DPF filter, giving owners nothing to clean or replace, and the motor, battery and inverter of the KC70H-4e dumper require no maintenance at all.

Hampson said, “We believe our customers shouldn’t have to compromise on productivity or power when it comes to the tools that help them get the job done.

“That’s why when we introduce a new technology, such as the KX019-4 SI HGL (LPG) Spark Ignition engine or the KC70H-4e’s lithium battery, we do so in a way that ensures our customers can rely on the machine’s quality and reliability just as much as before.”

“Both new machines offer the same power and capabilities our customers expect, alongside new enhancements set to reduce Kubota’s impact on the planet and deliver on our mission: For Earth, For Life.”