Kubota SVL Lineup Compared: SVL65-2 vs SVL75-3 vs SVL97-3 vs SVL110-3 (2026 Buyer’s Guide for Canada)

Updated: April 2026 | Aglist Editorial Team

Choosing the right Kubota compact track loader (CTL) is rarely about horsepower alone. Across the SVL family, the difference between a 68-HP SVL65-2 and a 112-HP SVL110-3 changes how the machine eats into a hard-packed Saskatchewan winter pile, how much it costs to run per hour, what attachments it can actually swing, and whether it fits on your trailer. This guide compares all four current Kubota compact track loaders side-by-side, with the specs that matter, the real-world strengths of each, and clear recommendations for Canadian operators across construction, landscaping, agriculture, and snow removal.

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Quick Answer: Which Kubota SVL Should You Buy?

If you only need a 30-second answer, here it is:

• Kubota SVL65-2 — best for landscapers, small contractors, and farmers who haul a CTL between sites and need a nimble, affordable machine.
• Kubota SVL75-3 — the best-selling all-rounder. Strongest balance of capacity, hydraulic flow, and total cost of ownership for 80% of Canadian buyers.
• Kubota SVL97-3 — for contractors running heavy attachments and pushing thousands of yards of snow, mulch, or dirt per season.
• Kubota SVL110-3 — built for high-flow forestry mulchers, cold planers, and demanding land-clearing work where stalling kills your day.

The full comparison below explains why.

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Side-by-Side Specs: All Four Kubota SVL Compact Track Loaders

Spec	SVL65-2	SVL75-3	SVL97-3	SVL110-3
Engine	Kubota V2607-CR-TE4	Kubota V3307-TE5A	Kubota V3800-TIEF4	Kubota V3800-TE5
Gross Horsepower	68.3 HP	74.3 HP	96.4 HP	112.7 HP
Rated Operating Capacity (35%)	2,100 lb	2,490 lb	~3,500 lb	3,700 lb
Rated Operating Capacity (50%)	3,000 lb	3,557 lb	~4,990 lb	~5,290 lb
Tipping Load	6,000 lb	7,112 lb	~9,990 lb	10,571 lb
Operating Weight (closed cab)	8,465 lb	9,420 lb	11,676 lb	12,322 lb
Hinge Pin Height	118.5 in	122.7 in	128.5 in	128.5 in
Bucket Breakout Force	4,614 lbf	6,191 lbf	~7,961 lbf	~8,400 lbf
Aux. Hydraulic Flow (Std / High)	17.4 / 27.0 gpm	21 / 29.8 gpm	23 / 40 gpm	23 / 45 gpm
Aux. Hydraulic Pressure	3,263 psi	3,185 psi	3,553 psi	3,553 psi
Travel Speed (Low / High)	4.9 / 7.1 mph	5.6 / 8.6 mph	5.5 / 8.4 mph	5.5 / 8.4 mph
Lift Path	Vertical	Vertical	Vertical	Vertical
Cab Type	Open / Closed	Sealed one-piece	Sealed one-piece	Sealed one-piece
Notable Tech	AMV hydraulics	7″ touchscreen, keyless start, auto downshift	Swing-out radiator, KSR Shockless Ride	APS anti-stall, Creep Mode, heat management
Approx. New Price (CAD, base)	~$78,000	~$110,500	~$130,000	~$144,000

Note on specs: Numbers are pulled from current Kubota Canada and Kubota USA published spec sheets. Tipping load and ROC at 50% can vary slightly between dealer documents and Kubota’s own brochures — always confirm the exact configuration with your dealer before ordering.

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How the Four Models Are Actually Different

Specs in a table don’t tell the whole story. Here’s what each machine feels like on a real Canadian jobsite.

Kubota SVL65-2 — The Compact Workhorse

The SVL65-2 is the smallest member of the current SVL family and Kubota’s entry into the mid-frame CTL segment. With a 68-HP V2607 engine and a 2,100-lb ROC at 35% tipping load, it’s designed for operators who don’t need to lift heavy pallets but still want the all-day comfort of a Kubota cab.

Where it shines:

• Fits on a standard tandem trailer (8,465 lb closed cab) without needing a CDL upgrade.
• Lower operating weight means less ground disturbance on finished lawns and pavers.
• AMV (Advanced Multi-Function Valve) lets you run bucket, arm, and aux hydraulics simultaneously without bogging.
• Lowest fuel burn in the lineup — appealing for landscapers with predictable, repeated daily routes.

Where it falls short:

• Hinge pin height of 118.5 in is the lowest in the lineup. Loading high-sided dump trucks gets awkward.
• High-flow tops out at 27 gpm, which is enough for a stump grinder or auger but borderline for a serious mulcher.
• Open-cab versions still ship, but the closed cab here is older-generation than the dash-3 sealed cab found on the SVL75/97/110.

Best buyer: Landscapers, hobby farmers, light-duty residential contractors, and operators upgrading from a wheeled skid steer for the first time.

Kubota SVL75-3 — The Best-Selling All-Rounder

There’s a reason the SVL75-2 was the #1-selling compact track loader in the United States for several years and the SVL75-3 has carried that momentum forward. It hits a sweet spot of capability, price, and serviceability that’s hard to beat.

The dash-3 update brought meaningful changes: the fuel tank moved to the rear door (easier filling, more room in the engine bay), the radiator moved on top of the engine for easier service, and the cab became a one-piece sealed design that drops interior noise to about 78 dBa.

Where it shines:

• 2,490-lb ROC handles most pallet, gravel, and material-handling jobs without complaint.
• 6,191 lbf of bucket breakout force gives you enough muscle to dig hard ground.
• One-piece sealed cab — Kubota’s biggest comfort upgrade in years.
• Auto downshift (borrowed from the excavator line) automatically drops to low range when you enter a turn under load.
• Three track-response settings: mild (tight quarters), normal, quick (experienced operators).
• Excellent resale value — the SVL75 family historically holds value better than most CTLs.

Where it falls short:

• High-flow caps at 29.8 gpm. If you plan to run a 60-inch mulcher or a cold planer regularly, you’ll want the SVL97-3 or SVL110-3.
• The 9,420-lb operating weight starts to push the limit of single-axle trailers loaded with attachments.

Best buyer: General contractors, snow-removal operators, mid-size farms, dirt and grading work — anyone who wants one machine to do almost everything competently.

Kubota SVL97-3 — The Heavy Hauler

When Kubota replaced the SVL97-2 with the dash-3 generation in 2025, they boosted ROC by about 8% (to roughly 3,500 lb), bumped travel speed by 1.1 mph, and increased hydraulic cycle times by about 20%. The result: a legitimately heavy-duty machine that competes head-to-head with the John Deere 333G and Cat 299D3 — at a price that’s typically $10,000–$15,000 lower.

Where it shines:

• 96.4 HP and 40 gpm of high-flow hydraulics — finally enough for serious mulchers, large brush cutters, and full-size cold planers.
• 11,676-lb operating weight gives noticeably better stability when lifting pallets to height.
• Swing-out radiator (90°) — straight-shot access to filters, battery, and engine for service.
• Standard automatic downshift now extends to entering a pile of material, not just turning, keeping max torque available where it matters.
• Same one-piece sealed cab as the SVL75-3, with a 40% increase in HVAC airflow.

Where it falls short:

• Heavier weight means trailer and transport planning matters. A 7,000-lb trailer isn’t enough.
• More expensive maintenance per service interval than the SVL75-3.
• Not a “first CTL” machine — overkill for most landscaping or hobby farm use.

Best buyer: Excavation contractors, road builders, heavy snow-removal contracts, brush-clearing crews, and operators running high-flow attachments daily.

Kubota SVL110-3 — The High-Flow Specialist

Officially launched at ConExpo 2026, the SVL110-3 is the newest and largest member of the SVL family. It uses the same chassis footprint as the SVL97-3 but adds a tuned ECU, 112.7 HP, and — most importantly — 45 gpm of auxiliary hydraulic flow, the highest in any Kubota CTL ever made.

The headline feature is the APS (Auxiliary Performance System) — a software-driven anti-stall design that works opposite to traditional systems. Instead of dropping rpm under load, it holds engine speed at 2,300 rpm and dynamically shifts hydraulic power between travel and the attachment. For anyone who’s ever bogged a mulcher or trencher mid-cut, this is genuinely a productivity upgrade, not a marketing line.

Where it shines:

• 45 gpm flow handles forestry mulchers, cold planers, large skid cutters, and rock saws that simply won’t run at full speed on smaller machines.
• Creep Mode — first ever on a Kubota CTL — lets you maintain a constant ground speed while adjusting attachment rpm independently. Critical for cold planing and finish-grading work.
• Heat Management System redesigned specifically for sustained high-flow use without external roof coolers.
• 112.7 HP / 279.8 lb-ft torque — class-leading power density.

Where it falls short:

• 12,322-lb operating weight — you need a heavy-duty trailer and a properly rated truck.
• Premium pricing means it pays back only on attachment-intensive jobs. If you’re not running high-flow tools regularly, the SVL97-3 is the smarter spend.
• Brand-new platform — long-term reliability data simply doesn’t exist yet (April 2026).

Best buyer: Land-clearing companies, forestry mulching operators, asphalt milling contractors, and large municipal fleets running cold planers and heavy attachments daily.

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Decision Matrix: Match Your Job to the Right SVL

Application	Best SVL Choice	Why
Residential landscaping & hardscaping	SVL65-2	Lighter footprint, lower cost, easier transport
Snow removal (small-to-medium contracts)	SVL75-3	Best balance of speed, push power, and fuel efficiency
Snow removal (large commercial lots)	SVL97-3	Higher push capacity, runs large pushers and snow blowers
Pallet handling on uneven sites	SVL75-3 or SVL97-3	Higher hinge pin height + better stability
Farm/ag general use	SVL75-3	Versatile, runs most ag attachments, holds resale
Site prep & excavation	SVL97-3	Breakout force and weight for hard digging
Forestry mulching & brush clearing	SVL110-3	Only model with 45 gpm flow + APS for sustained mulching
Cold planing / asphalt milling	SVL110-3	Creep Mode + 45 gpm = right tool for the job
Demolition cleanup	SVL97-3	Heavy enough for stability, not so big it can’t maneuver
First-time CTL buyer	SVL75-3	Easiest learning curve, strongest dealer support

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Hydraulic Flow Explained (And Why It Matters More Than HP)

If you’re going to remember one number from this article, make it gpm of hydraulic flow — not horsepower.

Most of the work a CTL does isn’t actually pushing dirt with the bucket. It’s powering attachments. And every powered attachment has a minimum flow requirement to actually work at rated performance:

• Augers, light grapples, brooms: 17–22 gpm — any SVL works.
• Trenchers, stump grinders, snow blowers: 22–30 gpm — SVL75-3 high-flow or larger.
• 48-inch mulchers, mid-size brush cutters: 30–35 gpm — SVL97-3 high-flow.
• 60-inch mulchers, cold planers, rock saws: 35–45 gpm — SVL110-3 territory.

A common mistake Canadian buyers make: choosing a CTL based on HP rating, then realizing the high-flow option they need to pair with their mulcher is only available on the next size up. Always match the machine to the highest-flow attachment you plan to run, not the machine you think looks “big enough.”

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Cab and Operator Comfort: What Actually Changed Across Generations

This is one of the genuinely meaningful differences in the lineup. The SVL65-2 still uses Kubota’s previous-generation cab. The SVL75-3, SVL97-3, and SVL110-3 all use the new dash-3 sealed one-piece cab, which delivers:

• Sealed and pressurized to keep dust, dirt, and fumes out (especially valuable for mulching and land-clearing work).
• Interior noise dropped to ~78–79 dBa — meaningful over a 10-hour shift.
• Wider 36-inch entrance, high-back air-suspension seat (standard on SVL110-3, optional on others).
• 7-inch full-color LCD touchscreen with backup camera.
• Keyless start with up to 51 saved operator passcodes — useful for fleet owners.
• Bluetooth radio and hands-free calling on the SVL97-3 and SVL110-3.

If you spend more than a few hours per day in the cab, the dash-3 platforms (SVL75-3 and up) are a notable step up. If you only run the machine for short stints, the SVL65-2 cab is still perfectly serviceable.

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Cost of Ownership: What You’ll Actually Pay Over 5 Years

A Canadian CTL in commercial use typically logs 800–1,500 hours per year. Over a 5-year ownership window, here’s roughly how the four models compare on total cost of ownership (TCO):

Cost Factor	SVL65-2	SVL75-3	SVL97-3	SVL110-3
Approx. base price (CAD, new)	~$78,000	~$110,500	~$130,000	~$144,000
Estimated fuel use (per hour)	~2.0 gph	~2.5 gph	~3.4 gph	~3.8 gph
Track replacement (every ~1,500 hrs)	$$	$$	$$$	$$$
Service interval complexity	Simple	Easier than -2 generation	Swing-out radiator simplifies	Tool-less radiator access
Resale strength after 3 years	Strong	Strongest	Strong	Too new to know

The takeaway: the SVL75-3 typically delivers the lowest cost-per-hour over 5 years for Canadian commercial users. The SVL65-2 is cheaper to buy but costs more per cubic yard moved if you’re working it hard. The SVL97-3 and SVL110-3 only earn their premium back if you’re running attachments that actually use their extra hydraulic capacity.

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Operating in Canadian Winter: What Matters for the SVL Family

Most Kubota SVL marketing comes out of Texas. Here’s what Canadian buyers actually need to know:

• Cold-start performance: All four models include glow-plug preheat with automatic timing based on engine temperature. In our experience, all SVLs start reliably down to about –30°C with a properly maintained battery and 5W-40 synthetic oil.
• Track buildup in snow and slush: Kubota’s lug pattern is designed to shed accumulated material, but heavy wet snow will still pack into the undercarriage. Plan for end-of-day cleanout, especially before parking outdoors overnight where buildup can freeze around the rollers.
• Reversing fan: Optional on the SVL75-3 and standard on the SVL97-3 and SVL110-3. In Canadian agricultural and dusty winter conditions, this is a feature worth paying for — it dramatically reduces radiator cleaning intervals.
• Heated cab: Standard with closed-cab models on all dash-3 SVLs. The SVL110-3 comes with a heated air-suspension seat as standard equipment.
• Block heater: Available as a dealer-installed option. For Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Manitoba buyers, this is essentially mandatory.

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Common Buyer Questions (FAQ)

Is the Kubota SVL75-3 better than the SVL97-3?

For most Canadian operators, yes — the SVL75-3 offers the best balance of price, fuel efficiency, and capability for general work. The SVL97-3 is “better” only when your work specifically requires its extra ROC, hydraulic flow, or stability — for example, running 40+ gpm attachments or lifting 3,000+ lb pallets to truck height regularly.

What’s the real difference between the SVL97-3 and the new SVL110-3?

Same chassis, same cab, same dimensions. The SVL110-3 adds about 16 HP, jumps from 40 gpm to 45 gpm of high-flow hydraulics, includes the APS anti-stall system, and adds Creep Mode. If you don’t run high-flow attachments daily, the SVL97-3 is the smarter buy. If you live behind a forestry mulcher or cold planer, the SVL110-3 pays for itself.

Are Kubota SVLs reliable in cold Canadian winters?

Generally yes. Kubota engines are well-regarded for cold-weather durability, and the dash-3 generation improved cooling and electrical systems over the dash-2. The biggest cold-weather issue across all CTL brands — not just Kubota — is steel track-roller binding when ice and frozen mud accumulate in the undercarriage. Daily cleanout matters.

Can I run the same attachments across all four SVLs?

Mostly yes, but with important limits. Standard-flow attachments (most buckets, simple grapples, brooms) work across the lineup. High-flow attachments need to be matched to the machine’s actual gpm output — running a 40-gpm mulcher on an SVL75-3 high-flow (29.8 gpm) means you’ll never hit rated cutting performance and you risk overheating the attachment.

Which SVL holds its resale value best?

Historically, the SVL75 family (SVL75-2 and now SVL75-3) holds value strongest, partly because it’s the most popular size on the used market. SVL97 models also resell well. The SVL65-2 is solid but tends to compete with smaller-frame used skid steers, which compresses resale a bit.

What’s the warranty on a new Kubota SVL?

Kubota Canada currently offers 24 months / 2,000 hours basic and powertrain warranty, plus 36 months / 3,000 hours emissions warranty across the dash-3 SVL lineup. Always confirm specifics with your dealer at the time of purchase.

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How to Choose: A Final Framework

Forget the brochure language for a second. Here’s the honest framework we’d use:

1. Start with your largest planned attachment. Pick a machine that meets its gpm requirement — not the other way around.
2. Check your trailer rating. An SVL97-3 with attachments and fuel can push 14,000+ lb. If your trailer and truck can’t handle that, the SVL75-3 is your real ceiling.
3. Match operating weight to your typical site. Heavier means more stable on slopes but more disruptive on finished surfaces. The SVL65-2’s lighter footprint matters on sod and pavers.
4. Consider how many hours you’ll log. Under 600 hrs/year? The SVL65-2’s lower entry cost wins. Over 1,000 hrs/year? The SVL75-3’s reliability and resale make it the smart pick.
5. Plan for cold weather. Closed cab, reversing fan, block heater — these aren’t options in most of Canada. They’re requirements.

If you’re still on the fence, the SVL75-3 is the model that will disappoint the fewest buyers. It’s the most-sold compact track loader in North America for a reason — it’s specced and priced for the largest single segment of buyers.

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See Each SVL in Detail

Browse the full specs, photos, and pricing for each model on Aglist:

• Kubota SVL65-2 — 68 HP, 2,100-lb ROC, ideal for landscapers and small contractors.
• Kubota SVL65-2S — Side-entry variant of the SVL65-2 platform.
• Kubota SVL75-3 — 74 HP, 2,490-lb ROC, the all-rounder for Canadian contractors.
• Kubota SVL97-3 — 96.4 HP, ~3,500-lb ROC, heavy-duty hauler with 40 gpm hydraulics.
• Kubota SVL110-3 — 112.7 HP, 3,700-lb ROC, the new flagship with APS and 45 gpm high-flow.

Looking at other brands too? Compare the Kubota lineup against the John Deere skid steer family on Aglist, or read our broader guide to skid steers and compact track loaders in Canada.

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All specifications in this article are sourced from current Kubota Canada and Kubota USA published spec sheets as of April 2026. Specifications, pricing, and availability are subject to change without notice. Always confirm exact specs and pricing with your local Kubota dealer before purchase.

Reviews and ratings on Aglist come from real owners and operators across Canada. We moderate for spam and abuse but do not edit content for opinion. Use reviews as guidance, not as guarantees.