The KX080-3S’s triple-opening bonnet offers greater ease of serviceability.
Smith Power Equipment (SPE), the authorised distributor of Kubota tractors and construction equipment in South Africa, has announced the arrival of the Kubota KX080-3S Super Series 8 t excavator, said to be an ideal solution for jobs requiring extra power and performance in confined spaces.
“The KX080-3S can do almost anything that larger, more conventional machines can do but it can achieve this level of industrial performance on small, space-restricted construction sites. This makes the KX080-3S a unique proposition for local contractors needing real power in the congested urban environment,” says Tom Bloom, GM of SPE’s Construction Equipment division.
In its more than 36 years’ involvement in the compact-excavator industry Kubota has continuously set the standard with technological innovations that rocked the industry. Initially, the integration of the zero boom and tail swing in the mini-excavators and now the ‘tight tail swing’ of the bigger KX080-3S are examples of such innovations. Other innovations, which also helped create the future of compact construction machinery, included the pioneering, advanced features of Auto Idle and Kubota’s revolutionary “3-pump” hydraulic system, both of which also feature in the KX080-3S.
Due to the contoured tight tail design and shorter rear overhang, the KX080-3S is said to be more stable, can handle a wider range of loads and can work in significantly more restricted space than traditional tail swing excavators.
Auto Idle helps save up to 10% fuel. When the control levers are in neutral for more than four seconds, the engine idles automatically. Move any control lever and the engine immediately engages. This innovative feature reduces noise, exhaust emissions and running costs.
The Three-Pump Hydraulic System is a load-sensing hydraulic system which uses three independent pumps for boom, arm and swivel for more efficient bucket operation. The system’s high capacity control valve and hydraulic variable pumps enable high performance shovelling and loading.
There are also several other unique features which differentiate the Kubota KX080-3S excavator from its competitors. These include the Oil Flow Control, a function which enables the operator to control the oil flow according to requirements at the time of operation including the requirements of the specific attachments in use, as well as the Electric Fuel Refilling Pump which comes standard with the KX080-3S and includes a hose long enough to refuel in three minutes from a fuel tank at the push of a button.
The KX080-3S’s is powered by a 70 hp (52,2 kW) Kubota diesel engine. Its 3331-cc turbo direct-injection facility contributes to easy starting on cold mornings, low sound levels and energy-saving fuel economy. The engine complies with Tier IV emissions regulations without the loss of power or reduction in the ease of operation.
Bloom says that serviceability is a crucial aspect of any great machine and the KX080-3S’s triple-opening bonnet is one of its strongest features. “Maintaining this machine could not be easier,” he says. “All three of its access panels can open simultaneously. This enables easy inspection and access to the hydraulic components under the centre hood or the battery, oil filter and tool box under the right hood.”
