Kubota-U17-5_8

 

Kubota U17-5 Excavator

Compact Power. Built for UK Sites.

 

The Kubota U17-5 is a high-performance, zero-tail swing mini excavator that’s built to deliver on tight UK job sites. Whether you're working in urban areas, landscaping, or on general construction jobs, this machine is compact, powerful, and ready for anything.

 

Compact but Stable

  • Variable track width means you can expand the tracks for extra stability or retract them to fit through narrow spaces like garden gates or tight site access.

  • Zero-tail swing design makes it ideal for working close to walls or in tight spaces without risking collision.

Hydraulics You Can Trust

  • Smooth and powerful digging thanks to Kubota’s advanced hydraulic system.

  • Travel-independent operation lets you use the arm, boom, and attachments while moving — no slow-downs.

  • Auto-shift automatically adjusts travel speed for better traction and smoother control on slopes and soft ground.

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U17 and U18 kubotA EXCAVATOR SEAT, LEAVERS AND ARM

Operator Comfort & Safety

  • Spacious legroom with improved ergonomics for long hours on site.

  • Easy-to-use front meter panel with clear displays for fuel, engine status, and alerts.

  • USB charger and mobile phone holder to keep you connected.

Site Safety First

  • Orange seatbelt with alert system and green beacon-ready wiring help meet UK site safety requirements.

  • Swivel parking brake for secure transport and loading.

  • Engine emergency stop switch and Kubota’s anti-theft system as standard.

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Auto Idling

Reduces fuel use, noise, and emissions by dropping revs after 4 seconds of inactivity — then returns instantly when you move a control.

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LED Lights

Standard feature for safer, clearer visibility on early starts or late finishes.

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Easy Maintenance

Reduce your downtime with simple maintenance. Quick access to the engine oil dipstick, radiator, battery, water separator and so much more. 

Key Information

Machine weight (kg) 1705
Max Dig Depth (mm) 2310
Arm Length (mm) 950
Power (PS) 16.0
Variable Track Width (mm) 990 - 1300
Engine Make Kubota
Engine Model D902-E4
Engine Type EU Stage V
Aux Circuit 1 flow rate (l/min) 27.7
Aux Circuit 2 flow rate (l/min) 10.4

For more information, download the technical data sheet below.

Download Brochure

Speak with a product specialist

Find out more about the Kubota range today, get in touch with our product specialists.

Related Machines

Not quite what you are looking for? Here are some other machines to take a look at. 

Kubota KX016-4 working product image

Kubota KX016-4 Excavator

Conventional swing 1.6 ton Kubota digger is one of our most popular models. Comes as a canopy or cab option. 

Kubota KX016-4
Kubota U18-5 working product image

Kubota U18-5 Excavator

A new Kubota model, the U18-5 replaces the U17-3a long arm. With an arm length of 1,100mm it is the go to model if you need just that bit of extra reach. 

Kubota U18-5
Kubota KHT4815-2 related product module

Kubota KTH4815-2 Telehandler

Kubota's latest innovative machine, with a 4.8 meter lift height and 1.5 ton max lift capacity this is the perfect compact telehandler.

Kubota KTH4815-2

#faqs

Frequently Asked Questions

Have a Question? We are here to help

What type of jobs is the Kubota U17-5 best suited for?

The U17-5 is perfect for groundwork, landscaping, utilities, and small construction sites—especially where space is limited. Its zero-tail swing design makes it ideal for working near walls, fences, or in urban environments.

Can the U17-5 fit through narrow access points?

Yes. The U17-5 features a variable track gauge that can be retracted to just 990 mm, allowing it to pass through standard garden gates or tight site access.

Does the U17-5 support hydraulic attachments like breakers or augers?

Absolutely. It has AUX1 and AUX2 hydraulic circuits with adjustable oil flow, making it compatible with a wide range of attachments. You can pre-set up to five flow rates for different tools.

Is the U17-5 Stage V compliant for use in low-emission zones?

Yes. It runs on a Stage V-compliant Kubota engine and is approved for use with HVO fuel, helping you meet environmental regulations across the UK.

How easy is it to maintain the U17-5?

Maintenance is quick and simple. The machine features tool-free access panels, a steel bonnet for durability, and protected hydraulic hoses to minimise wear and tear.

What safety features come as standard?

The U17-5 comes equipped with a seatbelt alert system, green beacon-ready wiring, an emergency engine stop, and anti-theft technology—all designed to meet UK site safety standards.

Why choose BTE?

As one of the largest, independent and family-run plant suppliers in the UK, we pride ourselves on our levels of expertise. We have been in the construction industry for over 33 years and have developed a wealth of knowledge across all departments including sales, parts, and service. 
We work with premium construction machinery brands that are all leaders in their sectors and utilise cutting-edge technologies for their innovative products. Whether you are looking for new machinery, quality used equipment or parts and servicing, we can cater for all you plant requirements.

What’s more, we have extensive experience working with plant and tool hire, house builders, groundworkers, civil engineers, landscapers, utilities and so many other sectors of the construction industry. We understand your pain points and can help offer solutions.

Don’t just take our word for it though – have a look what our customers have to say. 

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BTE Plant Sales have been a long-term trusted supplier of Bullimore Plant Hire, delivering an exceptional service year on year.

Chris Bullimore | Bullimore Plant Hire
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BTE offer a great range of machinery and we have always been more than happy with their customer service. I have dealt with Dean for around 10 years and have a great working relationship with him.

Daryl Turner | Daniel Charles
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Dean has helped our business grow by assisting with our new machine purchases over the years, he has always made sure he tailors our deals to suite our business. He has always been very proactive and efficient with all of our enquiries and orders.

James Chambers | Plant-Fit
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BTE’s unparalleled understanding of the construction plant market and specifically our requirements, has made them our trusted partner for almost 30 years. Their expertise, flexibility and attention to detail ensure they consistently deliver on their promise of delivering outstanding results.  We look forward to continuing our relationship with BTE and are confident that they will support us with innovation, supply and maintenance of our fleet going forward.

Paul Smith | Vp plc, Brandon Hire Station
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Since buying my first new excavator from Joe, I have purchased numerous Kubota’s and Thwaites off of BTE.

The Kubota is unbeatable in the hire industry due to its reliability and simplicity for the user, backed up with Joe and BTE's excellent service there is no reason to look elsewhere.

Joe has helped me to grow the fleet with expert knowledge of the machinery and at competitive prices which is why I have stuck with BTE. The company as a whole is well organised and can’t do enough to help even when there have been issues, we have worked together with the staff at Leyland and they have been rectified easily and quickly.

Sam Major | I & S Major lt

Parts/ Service

Both teams have been invaluable over the years, the knowledge and help they have given has helped our service team get our machines back up and running as quickly as possible. Help with wiring diagrams, updates on breakdowns, offers and help with parts cost have also been a massive part in great customer service.

James Chambers | Plant-Fit Ltd