Picture: U145
Kubota enters the 14 Tonne market
. Background and objectives
- Amid growing demand for housing due to global population growth, the expected increase in construction work as a result of infrastructure investment and urban development, and the rising labor shortage at construction sites, demand for construction machinery is expected to remain robust to improve work efficiency and achieve human power saving.
- Kubota manufactures and sells compact construction machinery designed for construction work in urban areas, and maintains the leading worldwide market share for its core product line of mini excavators*2 in the sub-6-ton class*3.
*2 Hydraulic excavators under 6 tons are referred to as mini excavators.
*3 Source: Off-Highway Research 2024
- Meanwhile, various sizes of construction machinery are in use at construction sites in line with the nature and scale of the In Europe in particular, there is growing demand—even among users of Kubota’s mini excavators—for machines larger than the 8-ton class, which is the largest model that Kubota currently manufactures and sells.
- To this end, Kubota has engaged in discussions and reached this agreement with Sumitomo Construction Machinery, which manufactures and sells hydraulic excavators larger than those in the Kubota lineup and is well-regarded in the market for their fuel efficiency and superior manoeuvrability, regarding the OEM supply of 14-ton short tail swing*4 hydraulic excavators.
Excavators with a compact body, ideal for use at construction sites with limited space
- With this expansion of the product lineup, Kubota aims to further solidify its standing as a comprehensive manufacturer of compact construction machinery in the European market. Sales are scheduled to begin in spring 2026.
- Kubota and Sumitomo Construction Machinery will continue exploring the specifics of supplying products on an OEM basis to further leverage each other’s strengths to better cater to customer
Specifications
Product Overview
| Model name | U145 |
| Chassis weight | 14,500 to 15,200 kg |
| Rated output | 76.4 kW (ISO9249） |
| Intended uses | Civil engineering work (residential land development and road
construction), urban infrastructure work, etc. |
Reference: Press release dated October 31, 2023
Kubota and Sumitomo Construction Machinery Initiate Talks on the Specifics of OEM Supply https://www.kubota.com/news/2023/20231031.html
About Kubota
Since its founding in 1890, the Kubota Group has been working to solve social issues through superior products, technologies, and services in the areas of food, water, and the environment. We operate in more than 120 countries around the world, providing solutions to enhance the productivity and safety of food, promote the circulation of water resources and waste, and improve urban and living environments. Under our brand statement, “For Earth, For Life,” we promise to continue supporting the prosperous life of humans while protecting the environment of this beautiful Earth. For more information on the Kubota group, please visit: https://www.kubota.com/ or https://kubota-group.eu/en/.
Our Mission
Our Brand Statement, “For Earth, For Life,” speaks to our commitment to the conservation of the environment while aiding the production of food and water supplies, which are vital to meet the needs of our society, as the world’s population continues to grow. This mission is accomplished every time a Kubota tractor harvests the land to produce food or when our construction equipment excavates to transport water or provide shelter. For more information on Kubota, please visit http://www.kubota-eu.com or http://www.kubota.com .
