Capital Equipment News April 2017

Key specs

Model

KX080-3S

Engine

Kubota V3307 DI-T

Power

70 hp (52,2 kW)

Operating weight

8 280 kg (rubber) / 8 330 kg (steel)

Max digging height

7 300 mm 5 250 mm

Max dumping height

The new 8 t Kubota KX080-3S mini excavator offers high power performance to execute jobs that normally call for larger conventional machines.

width, the Kubota KX080-3S is said to be a lot narrower than competitive machines in the same size class. Idling time is one of the biggest wastes of fuel when it comes to construction equipment. Operators rev machines when they shouldn’t and let them idle when they could be shut off. With Kubota’s Auto Idling System, this is now a non- issue. When control levers are in neutral for more than four seconds, the engine automatically switches to idling mode. When the operator moves any control lever, engine rpm automatically returns. While this feature translates into reduced noise and emissions, especially in sensitive urban sites, a fuel saving of up to 10% is achievable, according to Bloom. Versatility is another key benefit of this machine. While a range of attachments

flow directly back to the tank without running through the control valves. This translates into reduced oil contamination, less back pressure and increased oil flow efficiency,” says Bloom. With serviceability in mind, the KX080-3S’s triple opening bonnet with ac- cess panels that can open at once, allows for easy inspection and viewing of all the crucial service components, ranging from hydraulic components, oil filter to battery, under the same hood. Competitive edge A key competitive edge for SPE with its range of compact excavators is the fact that Kubota is the sole manufacturer of the whole machine, including all key components such as the engine and hydraulics. This is considering that most

that can be fitted on this machine is very wide, it also comes with a high-capacity dozer blade, which removes the need for separate machines for a range of applica- tions such as site preparation, digging and finish work. With uptime in mind, the KX080-3S comes with a standard electric refuelling pump that includes a hose long enough to refuel from a fuel tank. Add to that is the fact that this feature can fill the machine’s tank in about three minutes at the push of a button. When the tank fills to capacity, an auto-stop feature ends fuelling to eliminate any potential wastage through spillage. The machine also comes with a third-line hydraulic return function. “When working with one-way hydraulic attachments, such as a breaker or brush cutter, the standard third-line hydraulic system allows oil to

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