Kubota Compact Track Loaders Enter the Market with Refined Power and Operator Comfort

[MikePhua]

Kubota’s Expansion into the CTL Segment
Kubota, long known for its compact tractors and utility equipment, entered the compact track loader (CTL) market with a bold move in the early 2010s. The company’s first CTL models, including the SVL75 and SVL90, were designed from the ground up—not adapted from skid steer platforms. This decision allowed Kubota to engineer machines with optimal weight distribution, robust undercarriages, and spacious operator environments.
Founded in Osaka in 1890, Kubota has built a reputation for reliability and innovation in compact equipment. By the time the SVL series launched, Kubota had already captured significant market share in compact excavators and utility tractors. The CTL segment was a natural progression, targeting contractors in landscaping, grading, and demolition who needed traction, lifting power, and comfort in tight spaces.
Terminology Clarification

• CTL (Compact Track Loader): A tracked machine with a front loader bucket, designed for digging, lifting, and grading in soft or uneven terrain.
  
• Vertical lift path: A loader arm design that keeps the bucket closer to the machine during lifting, improving stability and reach at full height.
  
• Undercarriage: The track system and supporting frame that provides traction and stability.
  
• Pilot controls: Hydraulic or electronic joystick systems that allow precise control of loader functions.
  

Design Features and Performance Highlights
Kubota’s SVL series introduced several features that set it apart from competitors:

• Powerful Kubota-built diesel engines ranging from 74 to 92 horsepower
  
• Vertical lift design for better truck loading and pallet handling
  
• One-piece sealed cab with pressurization for dust and noise control
  
• Pilot-operated joystick controls with low-effort response
  
• High-flow hydraulic options for demanding attachments like mulchers and cold planers
  
• Steel-embedded rubber tracks for durability and smoother ride
  

A contractor in North Carolina used the SVL90 to clear brush and grade a 10-acre site. He noted that the machine’s lift capacity and cab comfort rivaled larger skid steers, while the track system allowed operation in wet clay without bogging down.
Operator Comfort and Cab Ergonomics
Kubota placed significant emphasis on operator experience. The SVL cab features:

• Wide entry door with low step-in height
  
• Adjustable suspension seat with lumbar support
  
• Climate control with defrost and recirculation modes
  
• Excellent visibility through curved glass and low-profile loader arms
  
• Easy-to-read digital display with fuel, temperature, and hydraulic status
  

Operators report reduced fatigue during long grading sessions, especially when using attachments like box blades or trenchers. A fleet manager in Texas retrofitted his SVL units with Bluetooth radios and LED lighting, improving morale and nighttime productivity.
Hydraulic System and Attachment Versatility
The SVL series supports a wide range of attachments thanks to its robust hydraulic system:

• Standard flow: ~20–23 GPM
  
• High flow: ~30–35 GPM depending on model
  
• Quick couplers with flat-face design for easy changeover
  
• Optional case drain for high-pressure return lines
  
• Electronic detent and float functions for grading and backdragging
  

Recommended attachments:

• Grapple bucket for demolition and debris
  
• Auger for fence and post installation
  
• Brush cutter for land clearing
  
• Snow blower for winter operations
  
• Pallet forks for material handling
  

A crew in Alberta used SVL75 units with high-flow snow blowers during a record snowfall season. The machines operated continuously for 12-hour shifts with minimal downtime, outperforming wheeled loaders in icy conditions.
Maintenance and Reliability Considerations
Kubota designed the SVL series for easy service:

• Tilt-up cab for access to hydraulic components
  
• Rear engine compartment with wide-opening hood
  
• Centralized grease points for loader arms and pivot pins
  
• Removable belly pans for undercarriage cleaning
  
• Diagnostic port for engine and hydraulic troubleshooting
  

Preventive maintenance tips:

• Grease all pivot points daily under heavy use
  
• Replace hydraulic filters every 500 hours
  
• Inspect track tension weekly and adjust as needed
  
• Clean radiator and oil cooler fins monthly
  
• Monitor fuel quality and drain water separator regularly
  

A technician in Georgia added magnetic drain plugs to his SVL fleet and tracked metal particle levels over time. This allowed predictive maintenance and reduced unexpected failures.
Conclusion
Kubota’s entry into the compact track loader market with the SVL series marked a turning point in the brand’s evolution. By designing machines from scratch and focusing on operator comfort, hydraulic power, and serviceability, Kubota delivered a product that competes head-to-head with established CTL manufacturers. Whether grading a pad, clearing brush, or loading trucks, the SVL series proves that compact doesn’t mean compromised. For contractors seeking reliability, comfort, and versatility, Kubota’s CTLs offer a compelling solution built for real-world demands.