Kubota U45 Mini-Excavator Questions

[dsl4me]

Only had time to unload the -040 today but initial feeling is it's noticeably smaller than my U45 (it is almost 2k lbs lighter). Engine definitely isn't as smooth and I knew right away that it was a 3cyl vs the 4cyl in the U45. Pretty sure the buckets are smaller for the same width but that makes sense because the U45 has a larger QA.

Might set up a little obstacle course with some big weights and see how they compare side/side.

 

[hayden]

The 040 has a 3 cylinder engine? I had assumed it was the same as the 121-3 with 4 cylinders.

 

[dsl4me]

The 040 has a 3 cylinder engine? I had assumed it was the same as the 121-3 with 4 cylinders.

Haven't looked under the hood yet but shows the kx040 has turbo I3 vs the N/A I4 of the U45.

https://www.ritchiespecs.com/model/kubota-kx040-4-mini-excavator

 

[walker450]

I've also noticed the 040 engine isn't all that smooth in mid RPM ranges. Near idle and 80%-full throttle is smooth though.

 

[dsl4me]

So had time to run the kx040 today.
It's lower weight definitely shows compared to the U45. On a flat surface, concrete slab, it does decent compared to U45 but doesn't have the lift power. Where its smaller size really shows is on uneven, hilly terrain. On steep slopes that the U45 feels stable the kx040 felt like it might go over. Lifting at capacity the U45 was also more stable, the longer and wider tracks make a difference. The '040 seems to track faster and is easier on the lawn but some of that could be the style tracks...and lower weight.