Kubota KX161 Excavator User Review

[MikePhua]

Kubota is a globally recognized manufacturer of mini excavators, with a market share consistently ranking first in the world. In China, Kubota offers several models, including the U15, KX135, KX155, KX161, and KX185. This review focuses on the KX161, a 6-ton model that has gained popularity among excavator operators. The user featured in this review is "Wei Wei," an experienced excavator owner and operator, who shares his experience with the KX161 after years of use.
Purchasing Information
Wei Wei purchased his Kubota KX161 excavator in March 2008 from Kubota’s Hubei agent, Wuhan Hongji. The total price at the time was 440,000 RMB, with a down payment of 100,000 RMB and the remainder to be paid over three years. After more than 3,400 operating hours, Wei Wei continues to use the excavator effectively.
Operational Conditions
Wei Wei uses the KX161 mainly on construction sites and agricultural land improvements. The excavator is often used for river dredging and other related tasks, which require its versatility and durability.
Operator Experience
Wei Wei operates the KX161 himself. He learned various excavator skills, including digging, dredging, and grading, under the guidance of a more experienced operator. Within two months of starting, he was already dredging rivers, gaining proficiency quickly. Now, he even mentors apprentices, passing on his knowledge to the next generation.
Fuel Consumption
Wei Wei reports that with a full 70-liter tank, the excavator can operate for approximately 10 hours, resulting in a fuel consumption rate of about 7 liters per hour. He considers this fuel consumption to be quite efficient compared to other machines he works with.
Work Efficiency
The KX161 is known for its quick and stable work performance. Although the digging power is average, Wei Wei finds that the machine works efficiently for most tasks. Its speed and stability are crucial for completing various jobs quickly.
Machine Performance and Issues
The KX161 has proven to be highly reliable, with few issues reported during its operation. Below are some key performance notes:

1. Engine: The engine has been trouble-free since purchase, with zero issues.
   
2. Hydraulic System: No major problems have occurred in the hydraulic system, though there was a minor oil leak in one of the hydraulic pipes. After an inspection by the dealer, it was determined that the issue didn’t affect performance, so no repairs were made.
   
3. Undercarriage: At 2,000 and 3,100 hours, the two counterweight rollers and track rollers were replaced at a 10% discount by the dealer. Since then, no further issues have been reported.
   

Key Advantages and Disadvantages
Wei Wei highlights several features of the KX161 that contribute to its effectiveness in various tasks, especially in conditions where other machines might struggle:

1. Zero Tail Swing: The KX161’s zero tail swing feature makes it ideal for working in tight spaces. Unlike machines with tails, the KX161 can operate without the risk of damaging surrounding structures or obstacles.
   
2. Wide 600mm Tracks: Unlike many 6-ton excavators that use 450mm tracks, the KX161 features 600mm tracks, a design typically found in 20-ton excavators. This gives Wei Wei better stability, particularly for tasks like riverbed dredging and pond excavation, where narrow tracks could easily get stuck. Wei Wei also added custom "pads" under the tracks to prevent the machine from sinking.
   
3. Anti-theft Key System: The KX161 is equipped with a unique anti-theft key system. Each key is coded with a chip that matches the excavator, making it impossible to start the machine with any other key. If someone tries, the machine will alarm, making theft much more difficult.
   
4. Boom Swing Feature: Although the KX161 includes a boom swing feature, Wei Wei rarely uses it. He feels it’s unnecessary for most tasks and that it can lead to wear on the boom over time.
   
5. Cab Space and Audio System: The cab is a bit cramped for someone of Wei Wei’s height (1.8 meters). He notes that the limited space can be uncomfortable during long working hours. Additionally, the sound system lacks deep bass, which is something Wei Wei enjoys while working. To address this, he installed a subwoofer to enhance his listening experience.
   

After-Sales Service
Wei Wei is generally satisfied with the after-sales service from Kubota’s Hubei agent, Wuhan Hongji, especially during the warranty period. However, after the warranty expired, he noticed a slower response time when issues arose. “It sometimes takes a few days for them to come, which is a bit disappointing compared to before,” he remarked.
Parts and Maintenance
Parts are typically sourced from the agent’s service team or ordered from nearby service centers. Wei Wei finds the availability of parts convenient due to the proximity of the service center. He also mentions that the prices for parts are reasonable.
Conclusion
As one of the best-selling mini excavators globally, Kubota’s KX161 has earned a solid reputation for reliability and performance. Wei Wei’s experience supports this, highlighting the machine’s excellent fuel efficiency, innovative features like zero tail swing, and sturdy design. While the machine has had a few minor issues, these have been promptly addressed by the dealer. Wei Wei is satisfied with his KX161 and continues to rely on it for various excavation tasks. However, he hopes that after-sales service could improve post-warranty to maintain high levels of customer satisfaction.