Cab Noise Issues in the Kubota SVL75-2 Compact Track Loader

[MikePhua]

The SVL75-2 and Its Market Position
The Kubota SVL75-2 is a compact track loader designed for grading, excavation, and material handling in confined spaces. With a 74.3-horsepower engine and a rated operating capacity of 2,300 lbs, it competes directly with machines like the Bobcat T650 and Cat 259D. Kubota entered the compact track loader market later than its competitors, building on its success in compact tractors and mini excavators. The SVL series quickly gained traction due to its robust undercarriage, vertical lift path, and integrated cab design.
Despite its mechanical strengths, operators have consistently reported elevated cab noise levels, particularly in the SVL75-2. This issue has drawn attention across job sites, especially among users transitioning from quieter machines like the Cat 257B or ASV-suspended platforms.
Sources of Noise and Operator Feedback
Operators describe the SVL75-2 cab as significantly louder than comparable models. Key observations include:

• Hydraulic whine from the drive motors transmitting through the rigid frame
  
• Rattling from roll-up doors, especially when partially open
  
• Buzzing from the hydrostatic pump at mid-RPM ranges
  
• Inability to hear the radio or communicate without shouting
  
• Increased fatigue during long operating hours due to acoustic discomfort
  

Some users note that the engine itself is relatively quiet, but the hydraulic system and cab structure amplify operational noise. The lack of suspension in the undercarriage contributes to vibration transfer, which further intensifies sound levels inside the cab.
Design Factors Contributing to Noise
Several design elements influence the acoustic profile of the SVL75-2:

• Rigid frame construction
  Unlike ASV-style suspended undercarriages, Kubota’s rigid design transmits more vibration into the cab.
  
• Cab insulation limitations
  Factory-installed foam and sound deadening are minimal, especially on the floor and rear panels.
  
• Hydraulic pump placement
  The proximity of the hydrostatic pump to the operator’s seat allows direct transmission of whine and buzz.
  
• Roll-up door mechanics
  The sliding door mechanism can rattle during operation, especially if rubber stops are misaligned or worn.
  
• Window seal gaps
  Opening side windows or rear vents can dramatically increase noise levels due to airflow turbulence.
  

Solutions and Modifications
Operators seeking relief have explored several strategies:

• Add aftermarket sound deadening
  Applying butyl rubber mats or closed-cell foam to the underside of floor panels and rear cab wall can reduce resonance. Focus on areas not covered by factory insulation.
  
• Adjust door stops and seals
  Tightening rubber blocks and adding foam strips around the roll-up door frame can minimize rattling.
  
• Install acoustic panels
  Lightweight composite panels can be mounted behind the seat or under the roof liner to absorb high-frequency noise.
  
• Use hearing protection
  Earmuffs rated at 25–30 dB reduction allow operators to work comfortably while still hearing machine feedback.
  
• Upgrade cab mounts
  Some users have experimented with isolator bushings or dampers between the cab and frame to reduce vibration transfer.
  

A contractor in Missouri retrofitted his SVL75-2 with marine-grade sound insulation and reported a 30% reduction in perceived noise, allowing him to use the radio during operation for the first time.
Comparative Observations Across Models
Operators comparing the SVL75-2 to other machines note:

• The Cat 257B and 259D are quieter due to ASV-style suspension and better cab sealing
  
• The SVL95-2s shows improvement in noise control, though roll-up door rattle remains an issue
  
• First-generation SVL90s with swing doors tend to be quieter than newer roll-up designs
  
• Machines like the Gehl CTL70 or Takeuchi TL140 benefit from thicker factory insulation
  

These comparisons suggest that while Kubota excels in mechanical reliability, its acoustic engineering lags behind competitors in operator comfort.
A Story from the Field
In 2020, a landscaping crew in North Carolina replaced their Cat 257D with a new SVL75-2. Within weeks, operators complained of headaches and fatigue due to cab noise. The crew leader installed sound-deadening mats and adjusted the door stops, which helped marginally. Eventually, they added earmuffs to their PPE and began rotating operators more frequently to reduce exposure. The machine itself performed flawlessly, but the noise remained a persistent challenge.
Conclusion
The Kubota SVL75-2 offers durability, power, and versatility—but its cab acoustics fall short of modern expectations. For operators spending long hours in the seat, noise is more than a nuisance—it’s a health and productivity concern. With targeted modifications and awareness, the issue can be mitigated, but it remains a design gap in an otherwise capable machine. In compact equipment, comfort is not a luxury—it’s part of the job. When the cab is quiet, the work gets done with focus, endurance, and less fatigue.