Kubota revealed new machines at Bauma 2019

By MEq July 29, 2019 12:22

Kubota, a leading manufacturer of construction machinery, revealed the KC70-4e as the latest in its range of mini crawler dumpers, in April at Bauma. This new machine is capable of the same high performance of those that run on diesel or petrol but allows users to work where gas emissions or noise levels may restrict the use of machinery in certain environments. At the same time, the company revealed the KX019-4 LPG (Liquid Petrol Gas) mini excavator prototype. This model can run on LPG and is powered by a next-generation Kubota Spark Ignition series engine.

The KC70-4e electric mini crawler dumper
The KC70-4e is equipped with a state-of-the-art lithium battery (48V – 100Ah) and has a payload capacity of 700kg. With a width of 750mm, the electric mini dumper is able to enter buildings, has a robust and consolidated lower frame which make the machine easy to operate and maneuver. The transmission in this machine has been changed from hydraulic to electric, with two electric CTE2010 motors present in the lower frame which run at 48V. These features all allow the KC70-4e to considerably increase its working autonomy with maximum operational ease across a range of jobs and settings.

Keigo Watanabe, Vice President Sales and Marketing Business Unit, CE Kubota Holdings Europe B.V commented: “We are delighted to be revealing Kubota’s latest electric mini crawler dumper, the KC70-4e, at Bauma this year. Thanks to our wealth of experience in the field of mini crawler dumpers, we have been able to create an electric model which performs at the same level as those with a diesel and petrol engine. Therefore, we’ve been able to respond to the demand we are seeing from the market for machines with lower emissions and noise levels and bring this new option to our customers, whilst maintaining the level of reliability and quality that they have come to know and trust from us.”

The KX019-4 LPG mini excavator prototype
The new KX019-4 LPG makes it possible for users to work in emission restricted access areas such as cities applying diesel-bans, and also generates fewer noise emissions. Using the industrial standard gas bottles available everywhere, the machine is easily and quickly refueled by replacing the bottle. The machine is equipped with a reserve tank (gas accumulator) so that the operator can notice before the gas bottle becomes empty.

The performance characteristics of KX019-4 LPG is exactly the same as the diesel-powered KX019. The excavator’s undercarriage is variable, which allows operators to enter into areas with less than a meter of access. This machine does not compromise on the level of stability and security required due to an enlarged lower frame. Furthermore, the working range of KX019-4 LPG provides an operational amplitude and guarantees a maximum digging depth of over two and a half meters which is sufficient for urban applications.

“We are delighted to be unveiling Kubota’s latest solution for urban site managers and workers who are required to respond to the recent anti-diesel restrictions, in form of the KX019-4 LPG at Bauma. The development of this model is the answer from Kubota to the current anti-diesel trend, in which economy, practicality and environmental issues are all integrated. This machine, powered by the Kubota SI engine, will bring the most productive solution to urban work sites without having a considerable impact on the investment, or loss of productivity due to the refueling time while delivering high performance and quality of Kubota”, added Keigo Watanabe.