5 hours ago
Kubota’s Rise in the Compact Excavator Market
Kubota Corporation, founded in Osaka in 1890, began as a cast iron pipe manufacturer before expanding into agricultural and construction machinery. By the 1990s, Kubota had become a global leader in compact equipment, especially mini excavators. Their KX and U-series machines are widely used in urban construction, landscaping, and utility work. The KX080, one of their flagship models in the 8-ton class, combines power, precision, and compact dimensions, making it ideal for confined job sites.
Kubota’s compact excavators are known for their reliability, ergonomic controls, and efficient hydraulic systems. In Europe and Asia, Kubota has consistently ranked among the top three mini excavator brands by sales volume, with tens of thousands of units sold annually.
What Is a Variable Angle Boom
A Variable Angle (VA) boom, also called a two-piece boom, allows the operator to adjust the boom’s angle independently of the stick. This design offers enhanced flexibility in digging, lifting, and positioning tasks. Unlike traditional mono booms, VA booms can articulate closer to the machine or extend outward with greater reach.
Key advantages include:
While Kubota does not officially list the VA boom as a standard option on their North American website, sightings of KX080 units equipped with VA booms have been confirmed in Germany, the UK, and even at trade shows like World of Concrete in Las Vegas. These machines are likely custom orders or regional variants, possibly assembled with third-party boom systems approved by Kubota or its European distributors.
The KX080 with VA boom offers:
VA booms shine in utility installation, urban demolition, and pipeline work. One operator observed a KX080 with VA boom installing welded gas lines with the boom extended vertically and the stick angled downward—an orientation impossible with a mono boom. This configuration allowed precise placement without repositioning the machine, saving time and reducing ground disturbance.
In Europe, VA booms are common on brands like Hitachi, Wacker Neuson, and Kobelco, especially in the 4.5 to 8-ton range. These machines are often used for rock drilling, sorting, and selective demolition. The added articulation improves tool control and reduces operator fatigue.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite their advantages, VA booms introduce complexity:
Custom Builds and Dealer Limitations
Some machines with VA booms are custom-built or modified by third-party specialists. In demolition, companies often retrofit standard excavators with bespoke front ends, including VA booms, long-reach arms, and reinforced dippers. However, sourcing these components can be difficult. One contractor in New Jersey tried to order a VA boom-equipped mini excavator for a rock drill application but received little support from local dealers.
In contrast, European markets offer more flexibility. Machines like the Galmac CMW-70, though discontinued, featured factory VA booms and were popular among owner-operators. A rare example with under 100 hours was recently offered for sale, highlighting the niche demand for such configurations.
Operator Anecdotes and Regional Variants
In the UK, a contractor near the JCB factory acquired a prototype midi excavator fitted with a full JCB 3CX backhoe boom and telescopic dipper. Though never released commercially, the machine demonstrated the potential of hybrid designs. Its reach and versatility were unmatched for its size, making it ideal for drainage and utility work.
In Australia, Kobelco offers VA boom options on 5-ton and 8-ton models, tailored for urban excavation and sorting tasks. These machines are often seen with rotating grapples and zero tail swing configurations, maximizing efficiency in confined spaces.
Recommendations for Buyers and Operators
For those considering a VA boom excavator:
Kubota’s KX080 with a Variable Angle boom represents a fusion of compact power and advanced articulation. Though not widely available in all markets, its presence in Europe and at trade shows signals growing interest in flexible boom configurations. For operators working in tight quarters or specialized applications, the VA boom offers a distinct advantage—one that transforms a standard mini excavator into a precision tool for modern job sites.
Kubota Corporation, founded in Osaka in 1890, began as a cast iron pipe manufacturer before expanding into agricultural and construction machinery. By the 1990s, Kubota had become a global leader in compact equipment, especially mini excavators. Their KX and U-series machines are widely used in urban construction, landscaping, and utility work. The KX080, one of their flagship models in the 8-ton class, combines power, precision, and compact dimensions, making it ideal for confined job sites.
Kubota’s compact excavators are known for their reliability, ergonomic controls, and efficient hydraulic systems. In Europe and Asia, Kubota has consistently ranked among the top three mini excavator brands by sales volume, with tens of thousands of units sold annually.
What Is a Variable Angle Boom
A Variable Angle (VA) boom, also called a two-piece boom, allows the operator to adjust the boom’s angle independently of the stick. This design offers enhanced flexibility in digging, lifting, and positioning tasks. Unlike traditional mono booms, VA booms can articulate closer to the machine or extend outward with greater reach.
Key advantages include:
- Improved close-in lifting capacity
- Enhanced visibility to the bucket
- Reduced need for machine repositioning
- Better maneuverability in tight spaces
- Increased reach and height for specialized tasks
- VA Boom (Variable Angle Boom): A boom with an additional pivot point allowing angular adjustment.
- Mono Boom: A single-piece boom with fixed geometry.
- Offset Boom: A boom that can swing laterally, often confused with VA booms.
- Rubber Duck: A nickname for wheeled excavators, often used in Europe.
While Kubota does not officially list the VA boom as a standard option on their North American website, sightings of KX080 units equipped with VA booms have been confirmed in Germany, the UK, and even at trade shows like World of Concrete in Las Vegas. These machines are likely custom orders or regional variants, possibly assembled with third-party boom systems approved by Kubota or its European distributors.
The KX080 with VA boom offers:
- Operating weight around 8,300 kg
- Digging depth of approximately 4.6 meters
- Reach up to 7.3 meters with VA articulation
- Hydraulic flow of 74.5 L/min for auxiliary functions
- Compatibility with tilt rotators and sorting grapples
VA booms shine in utility installation, urban demolition, and pipeline work. One operator observed a KX080 with VA boom installing welded gas lines with the boom extended vertically and the stick angled downward—an orientation impossible with a mono boom. This configuration allowed precise placement without repositioning the machine, saving time and reducing ground disturbance.
In Europe, VA booms are common on brands like Hitachi, Wacker Neuson, and Kobelco, especially in the 4.5 to 8-ton range. These machines are often used for rock drilling, sorting, and selective demolition. The added articulation improves tool control and reduces operator fatigue.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite their advantages, VA booms introduce complexity:
- Increased weight reduces lifting capacity
- Additional pivot points require more maintenance
- Not ideal for high-impact tools like hydraulic breakers
- Coupler and thumb installation may be limited by boom geometry
Custom Builds and Dealer Limitations
Some machines with VA booms are custom-built or modified by third-party specialists. In demolition, companies often retrofit standard excavators with bespoke front ends, including VA booms, long-reach arms, and reinforced dippers. However, sourcing these components can be difficult. One contractor in New Jersey tried to order a VA boom-equipped mini excavator for a rock drill application but received little support from local dealers.
In contrast, European markets offer more flexibility. Machines like the Galmac CMW-70, though discontinued, featured factory VA booms and were popular among owner-operators. A rare example with under 100 hours was recently offered for sale, highlighting the niche demand for such configurations.
Operator Anecdotes and Regional Variants
In the UK, a contractor near the JCB factory acquired a prototype midi excavator fitted with a full JCB 3CX backhoe boom and telescopic dipper. Though never released commercially, the machine demonstrated the potential of hybrid designs. Its reach and versatility were unmatched for its size, making it ideal for drainage and utility work.
In Australia, Kobelco offers VA boom options on 5-ton and 8-ton models, tailored for urban excavation and sorting tasks. These machines are often seen with rotating grapples and zero tail swing configurations, maximizing efficiency in confined spaces.
Recommendations for Buyers and Operators
For those considering a VA boom excavator:
- Evaluate job site constraints and lifting needs
- Confirm compatibility with attachments like thumbs and tilt rotators
- Request hydraulic flow specs for auxiliary tools
- Inspect pivot joints and boom welds regularly
- Consider European imports or custom builds if local options are limited
Kubota’s KX080 with a Variable Angle boom represents a fusion of compact power and advanced articulation. Though not widely available in all markets, its presence in Europe and at trade shows signals growing interest in flexible boom configurations. For operators working in tight quarters or specialized applications, the VA boom offers a distinct advantage—one that transforms a standard mini excavator into a precision tool for modern job sites.
