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+--- Thread: Kubota KX161 Excavator User Experience Report (/thread-5553.html)
Kubota KX161 Excavator User Experience Report - root - 06-26-2025
Kubota is a globally recognized manufacturer of small excavators, holding a leading market share for several years. In the Chinese market, Kubota has introduced several models such as the U15, KX135, KX155, KX161, and KX185. In this report, we will focus on the Kubota KX161, a popular 6-ton model that is widely used by excavator owners. We will share the experience of a Kubota KX161 owner, "Weiwei," who has been using this machine for several years.
Purchase Information
Weiwei purchased his Kubota KX161 in March 2008 from Kubota's Hubei distributor, Wuhan Hongji. The total cost at the time was 440,000 RMB, with a 100,000 RMB down payment, and the remaining balance was paid over three years. As of now, the machine has been in use for over 3,400 hours.
Work Environment
The Kubota KX161 is primarily used in construction sites, river dredging, and agricultural land improvement projects. Weiwei frequently uses the machine for riverbed cleaning and other water-related tasks, requiring the equipment to perform in diverse and sometimes challenging conditions.
Operator Experience
Weiwei operates the KX161 himself. He learned how to operate excavators under the guidance of a mentor, acquiring skills in tasks such as earthmoving, dredging, and leveling. After just two months of learning, he began working independently on dredging tasks, quickly becoming a skilled operator. He now trains his own apprentices.
Fuel Consumption
Weiwei finds the fuel efficiency of the KX161 impressive. On average, a 70-liter tank allows the machine to run for 10 hours, giving a fuel consumption rate of 7 liters per hour. He considers this rate to be quite economical compared to other excavators in similar working conditions.
Work Efficiency
The KX161 performs efficiently, with stable operation and good working speed. However, Weiwei feels that the machine’s digging force is average, and while it handles most tasks well, its speed could be improved in certain applications.
Performance and Issues Encountered
Engine:
Since purchasing the machine, the engine has shown no signs of failure, operating flawlessly with zero issues.
Hydraulic System:
There have been no significant problems with the hydraulic system, but one of the hydraulic hoses showed slight oil seepage. After an inspection, the after-sales team assured Weiwei that it did not affect performance, and he opted not to fix it. Since then, the issue has not worsened.
Chassis:
At 2,000 hours and 3,100 hours, the machine’s support rollers and track chain rollers suffered damage. The distributor replaced these components at a 10% discount, and the issue was resolved. No further chassis problems have occurred since then.
Overall, the KX161 has a very low failure rate, especially when compared to other machines in similar working conditions.
Advantages and Drawbacks
1. Zero Tail Swing:
One of the standout features of the Kubota KX161 is its zero tail swing, which is especially useful in narrow spaces. Unlike conventional excavators that risk damaging the tail section when turning, the KX161 operates with ease in confined areas, allowing for more flexibility on the job site.
2. 600mm Wide Tracks:
Unlike typical 6-ton excavators that come with 450mm-wide tracks, the KX161 is equipped with 600mm tracks, which are typically found on 20-ton machines. This design significantly improves stability, especially when working on soft or wet ground, such as riverbeds. Weiwei further enhanced the stability by installing custom-made iron plates beneath the tracks to prevent the machine from sinking.
3. Anti-Theft Key:
Each KX161 is equipped with a unique key embedded with a chip. This makes it impossible to start the machine with any other key. Additionally, if an unauthorized attempt is made, the machine will sound an alarm. This feature provides significant security against theft.
4. Boom Swing:
While the KX161 is equipped with boom swing functionality, Weiwei finds it unnecessary for his tasks. He believes using the boom swing causes the arm to shift and lose alignment over time, so he rarely uses this feature.
5. Compact Cab Space:
Due to its zero tail swing design, the KX161's cab is relatively compact. For Weiwei, who is 1.8 meters tall, the space feels cramped and uncomfortable. This is a common issue with zero tail swing machines across all brands, where operators often feel the cabin is too tight. Additionally, the machine's audio system lacks deep bass, which was a disappointment for Weiwei, who enjoys listening to music while working. To address this, he later installed a subwoofer to improve the audio quality.
After-Sales Service
Weiwei generally has a positive view of Kubota's after-sales service, particularly during the warranty period when service was timely and efficient. However, after the warranty expired, he noticed slower response times for service requests. Sometimes, it takes a few days to get a response, which is less efficient than when the machine was under warranty.
Spare Parts
Spare parts are typically supplied by the after-sales service team or shipped from the distributor’s service center. Since the service center is relatively close to Weiwei's location, procuring parts and servicing the machine is convenient. Weiwei finds the pricing for spare parts to be reasonable.
Conclusion
The Kubota KX161 continues to be a reliable and popular choice for small excavator users, particularly due to its zero tail swing, wide tracks, and advanced anti-theft features. With minimal breakdowns and a low failure rate, it is clear why Kubota remains a top choice for excavator operators. However, as the machine becomes more widely used, it would be beneficial for distributors to enhance after-sales service, particularly after the warranty period, to maintain high levels of customer satisfaction.