Evaluating a Used Kubota KX080 Excavator for Long-Term Reliability

[MikePhua]

Kubota’s Compact Excavator Legacy
Kubota, founded in Osaka in 1890, has grown into a global leader in compact construction equipment. Known for their diesel engines and precision manufacturing, Kubota’s excavator line has become a staple in urban development, landscaping, and utility trenching. The KX series, particularly the KX080, represents the upper end of Kubota’s compact excavator range, offering power and reach without sacrificing maneuverability.
The KX080 was introduced to meet the demand for a mid-sized excavator that could handle heavier tasks while remaining transportable and fuel-efficient. With thousands of units sold across North America, Europe, and Asia, it has earned a reputation for reliability, smooth hydraulics, and operator comfort.
Terminology Annotation

• Zero Tail Swing: A design where the rear of the excavator stays within the track width during rotation, minimizing collision risk in tight spaces.
  
• Auxiliary Hydraulics: Additional hydraulic circuits used to power attachments like thumbs, breakers, or augers.
  
• Boom Swing: A feature allowing the boom to pivot independently of the house, useful for trenching along walls or obstacles.
  
• Canopy vs Cab: Open operator station versus enclosed cab with HVAC and sound insulation.
  

Core Specifications and Performance
The Kubota KX080-3 and KX080-4 variants share similar dimensions and capabilities:

• Operating weight: ~8,000 kg (17,600 lbs)
  
• Engine: Kubota V3307-CR-TE4 diesel, ~65–70 hp
  
• Digging depth: ~15 feet
  
• Bucket breakout force: ~14,000 lbf
  
• Travel speed: ~2.8–4.6 km/h
  
• Hydraulic flow: ~20–25 gpm (main pump)
  

The KX080’s strength lies in its balance—powerful enough for foundation work and septic installation, yet nimble enough for urban utility trenching. In one Toronto sewer upgrade, a KX080 maneuvered between parked cars and fencing to dig 12-foot trenches without damaging infrastructure.
Used Machine Evaluation Strategy
When inspecting a used KX080, prioritize the following:

• Hour meter reading: Units under 3,000 hours are ideal, but condition matters more than age.
  
• Hydraulic response: Check for smooth boom, arm, and bucket movement without hesitation or noise.
  
• Track wear: Inspect sprockets, rollers, and tensioners for uneven wear or slack.
  
• Engine behavior: Cold start should be clean, with minimal smoke and steady idle.
  
• Attachment compatibility: Verify auxiliary hydraulic function and coupler type.
  

Common wear points:

• Boom pivot bushings
  
• Swing motor seals
  
• Hydraulic hose abrasion near the stick
  
• Cab door latches and HVAC blower motors
  

In one case in Brisbane, a contractor purchased a KX080 with 2,800 hours. After replacing two hydraulic hoses and resealing the swing motor, the machine ran daily for over a year without incident.
Ownership Costs and Maintenance Planning
Typical ownership costs for a used KX080:

• Purchase price: $45,000–$65,000 depending on year and condition
  
• Annual maintenance: $2,000–$4,000 including fluids, filters, and minor repairs
  
• Fuel consumption: ~3–4 gallons per hour under moderate load
  
• Resale value: Retains ~60% of original value after 5 years if well maintained
  

Recommended service intervals:

• Engine oil and filter: Every 250 hours
  
• Hydraulic fluid and filters: Every 500 hours
  
• Track tension and undercarriage inspection: Monthly
  
• Valve lash adjustment: Every 1,000 hours
  

In one municipal fleet in Oregon, implementing a 250-hour service checklist extended average uptime by 18% and reduced emergency repairs by half.
Attachment Versatility and Jobsite Adaptability
The KX080 supports a wide range of attachments:

• Hydraulic thumb for demolition and material handling
  
• Tilt grading bucket for slope work
  
• Auger for fence and post installation
  
• Breaker for concrete and rock removal
  

Its auxiliary hydraulic flow and programmable control settings allow operators to fine-tune attachment behavior. In one vineyard development in California, a KX080 equipped with a tilt bucket shaped drainage swales with minimal soil disturbance.
Final Thoughts
A used Kubota KX080 offers a compelling mix of power, precision, and reliability. With proper inspection and maintenance, it can serve as a cornerstone machine for contractors, municipalities, and land developers. Whether carving trenches, lifting pipe, or grading pads, the KX080 proves that compact doesn’t mean compromised.
In excavation, control is confidence. And when the boom swings smooth and the hydraulics respond true, the job moves forward.