Kubota KX161 Excavator User Review: Pros and Cons

[MikePhua]

The Kubota KX161 is a 6-ton compact excavator introduced by Kubota in the Chinese market. The machine is fully imported and comes with a 47-horsepower engine, weighing 5.7 tons, and equipped with a 0.22 cubic meter bucket. It also features standard attachments such as a breaker pipe, bulldozer blade, and anti-theft key (note: the STD models from 2008 onward do not come with the breaker pipe). The KX161 has achieved solid market performance in China due to the strength of Kubota’s brand. Here's a detailed review from a user who owns two KX161 excavators, sharing their experience with the machine’s pros and cons.
1. Purchase Details

• Purchase Time: March 2007, with approximately 5000 hours of use so far.
  
• Price: ¥200,000 upfront payment + ¥200,000 financing lease + ¥5,000 transportation fee (from Shanghai to Changsha) + ¥5,000 GPS fee, totaling ¥410,000.
  
• Warranty: 2000 hours or one year, whichever comes first, excluding the fuel pump and fuel injectors.
  

2. Why the Kubota KX161?
The primary reason for selecting this machine was the high demand for small, flexible, powerful, and mobile excavators in rural mountain road construction, hillside development, and foundation excavation. At least 2,500 hours of work per year were expected. The local Kubota dealer in Hunan, Hunan Honglong, also played a significant role in securing the purchase. The Kubota trial machine and its operator were critical to the decision-making process, while the dealer’s general manager contributed significantly to market expansion in Hunan.
3. User Experience and Issues
3.1 GPS System
While the user paid ¥5,000 for the GPS system, it failed to provide the expected functions. For the first year, it didn’t display any useful information like location, work hours, or fuel consumption. After the second year, the GPS service provider demanded an annual fee of over ¥1,000, which the user refused. Eventually, the GPS system was removed due to water damage. This left the user frustrated with the system's lack of value and support.
3.2 Engine and Fuel Consumption

• Engine Noise: The Kubota engine is relatively quiet during operation. The engine also has an external fuel cooler, which is an unusual design.
  
• Fuel Consumption: At 1,900 RPM, the fuel consumption is around 4.7 liters per hour for loading tasks, which is considered average.
  

3.3 Hydraulic System and Maintenance

• Hydraulic Pump and Cylinders: The hydraulic system has been stable, though there have been occasional oil leaks. The main cause of these issues is high temperatures during operation, causing some components to leak.
  
• Fuel System: There was an issue with the water separator not being emptied on time, leading to the fuel pump running dry, which resulted in the engine stalling and emitting black smoke. The issue was resolved by replacing the fuel pump at a cost of ¥4,300.
  

3.4 Structural Components and Tracks

• Boom and Arm: The arm broke within 3,000 hours of use due to improper operation with a breaker hammer. The dealer replaced the arm for free, but the user noted that the arms on Kubota’s 6-ton excavators appeared too thin compared to competitors like Komatsu’s PC60 series.
  
• Tracks: The standard 550mm tracks work well in mountainous regions, providing good traction. However, the track roller sagged before 700 hours, requiring multiple replacements. Eventually, the user modified the machine to add extra support to fix the issue.
  

3.5 Cabin and Comfort

• Cabin Design: The cabin lacks adequate sealing, and the space is cramped. This results in operator fatigue during long hours of operation. In comparison to other machines like Doosan DH55, the Kubota KX161 offers superior digging power and speed, but the cabin lacks luxury and comfort, which affects operator productivity.
  

3.6 Parts and Maintenance

• Parts Cost: Parts are expensive, with one instance where the cost to replace a broken glass panel reached ¥500. The user found this pricing unreasonable, especially for small items like the glass.
  
• Grease Gun Design: The design of the grease gun storage is inconvenient, as it requires opening both the rear and side covers to access the grease gun. This is a cumbersome process that most operators are not willing to perform regularly.
  

4. Overall Evaluation
Pros:

• Flexibility: The Kubota KX161 excels in tight spaces and rough terrain, making it perfect for use in mountain areas or narrow job sites.
  
• Engine Performance: The Kubota engine provides smooth operation with low noise, enhancing user comfort.
  
• Tracks: The 550mm tracks are ideal for working in hilly or uneven terrain, offering excellent traction.
  

Cons:

• Boom Design: The arms are relatively thin and can break under heavy-duty use, especially when using attachments like a breaker hammer.
  
• High Parts Costs: Replacement parts are significantly expensive, which can lead to high maintenance costs over time.
  
• Cabin Comfort: The cabin’s poor sealing and cramped space lead to operator discomfort, especially on long working days.
  
• GPS System Issues: The GPS system provided with the machine was ineffective, with poor support from the service provider and no useful data for machine management.
  

5. Conclusion
The Kubota KX161 is a solid choice for small, flexible, and powerful excavator needs, particularly in rugged environments. Its performance in terms of digging power and speed is impressive, but it does have notable shortcomings in terms of cabin comfort, parts cost, and some design issues. Proper machine management and regular maintenance are crucial to keeping this machine running smoothly.