Kubota KX057-5 Compact Excavator

Introduction

The Kubota KX057-5 is a 5.5-tonne conventional-tail-swing compact excavator built for tough digging jobs with precision control — a machine that helps you dig deeper and lift higher than the mid-size machines below it. With 47.6 horsepower, a 12-foot-9-inch dig depth, a strong 10,172 lb bucket breakout force, and Kubota’s load-sensing hydraulic system, the KX057-5 delivers serious capability for demanding drainage, foundation, and utility work. For prairie contractors, landscapers, and acreage owners who need real depth and power in a transportable machine, it’s a favourite from the world’s best-selling compact excavator brand.

On Aglist, the value is in understanding where the KX057-5 fits in the compact excavator market, with real owner and operator feedback beside the spec sheet. The numbers tell you what it digs; the reviews tell you how it performs on demanding jobs, how the load-sensing hydraulics and cab feel over a long day, and how it holds up. It competes with the largest Bobcat compact excavators and other 5-to-6-tonne machines.

The KX057-5 uses a conventional tail swing, the KX-series hallmark. We explain why that matters below, since tail swing is the most important design feature on any compact excavator.

Configurations & Pricing Context

The KX057-5 is part of Kubota’s KX-series in the 5.5-tonne class, a Dash 5 model with a Stage V / Tier 4 engine and modern technology. It replaced the KX057-4. It comes in canopy or enclosed cab models, with a 7-inch colour LCD, keyless start, rear-view camera, LED lights with turn-off delay, air-suspension seat option, and rubber, narrow-steel, or wide-steel track options. For Canadian year-round work, the enclosed cab is the sensible choice.

The KX057-5 runs buckets, augers, breakers, and more, with two auxiliary circuits (AUX1 and AUX2) adjustable from the digital panel, proportional AUX control, and an electronically controlled 3rd-line hydraulic return automatically activated from the cab. An optional hydraulic angle blade and multiple coupler options add versatility.

Pricing varies by configuration, attachments, and dealer. Because Dmytro has direct knowledge of Saskatchewan dealer and used pricing, we defer to local market figures over manufacturer-advertised numbers.

Key Specifications

Specification	Kubota KX057-5
Machine class	Compact excavator
Operating weight	~12,346 lb (canopy) / 12,577 lb (cab)
Weight class	5.5 tonne
Tail swing	Conventional
Horsepower	47.6 hp
Engine	Kubota V2607-CR-E5 (Stage V / Tier 4)
Maximum dig depth	~12 ft 9 in (3.88 m)
Maximum dumping height	~13 ft 8 in (4.16 m)
Maximum reach (ground level)	~20 ft 1 in (6.13 m)
Bucket breakout force	~10,172 lb (4,614 kgf)
Arm breakout force	~5,463 lb
Ground pressure (rubber)	~4.6 psi
Hydraulics	Load-sensing, AUX1 + AUX2, auto 3rd-line return
Display	7-in colour LCD

Specifications are verified against Kubota specification data and independent spec databases. Confirm exact figures for the specific machine, year, and option package with your dealer.

Understanding Tail Swing (Read This Before You Compare)

Tail swing is the most important design concept on any compact excavator, and the KX057-5 is a conventional-tail-swing machine in the 5-6 tonne class.

Tail swing describes how far the rear of the machine — the counterweight and engine housing — extends past the tracks when the upper structure rotates. The KX057-5 has a conventional tail swing: the counterweight extends well past the tracks, delivering the strong stability and lifting performance needed to dig deep and lift high at this size. The trade-off is watching the rear near walls and obstacles, since the back overhangs as it rotates.

This is the KX-series philosophy: conventional tail swing for maximum stability and power in open work, versus the U-series’ reduced/tight tail swing for confined-space access. The KX057-5’s natural U-series comparison is the U55-5 — same 5-tonne class and 47.6 horsepower, but the U55-5 has reduced tail swing for tight-quarters work while the KX057-5 has conventional tail swing for maximum open-work stability. If your demanding work happens in open or semi-open conditions and you want the most stability and capability, the KX057-5 is the right call; if you need to work flush against structures, the U55-5 fits better.

Build & Engineering Detail

The KX057-5 runs a 47.6-horsepower Kubota V2607-CR-E5 common-rail Stage V diesel, matched to a load-sensing hydraulic system that flows oil according to lever movement for smoother operation regardless of load size. That smoothness, combined with strong bucket digging force (10,172 lb) and excellent arm reach, means even tough digging is done faster and more efficiently.

Kubota built in real operator conveniences: an electronically controlled 3rd-line hydraulic return activated from the cab panel (no more climbing down to open it manually), two panel-adjustable auxiliary circuits, and a proportional AUX switch for hydraulic thumbs, augers, and breakers. The side-hood layout places the radiator, oil cooler, and A/C condenser together with a tilting condenser for easy cooling-system cleaning — protecting against overheating.

The Dash 5 cab is a focus: expanded glass for visibility, a double-adjustable seat with independently adjustable joystick consoles, a 7-inch LCD, keyless start, a rear-view camera, and world-class noise reduction for a low-stress environment. Track options (rubber, narrow steel, wide steel) let buyers match the machine to their ground.

Best Applications

The KX057-5 is a strong fit for:

• Deep drainage and foundation work — nearly 13 feet of dig depth for deep trenching, footings, and excavation.
• Demanding utility work — strong digging and reach for conduit, pipe, and infrastructure in open conditions.
• Pool, home builder, and general contracting — capable depth and lift for a wide range of demanding jobs.
• Attachment-heavy work — load-sensing hydraulics and dual auxiliary circuits run a variety of attachments smoothly.

For working flush against structures, the reduced-tail-swing U55-5 fits better; for maximum capability, the flagship KX080-5 steps up. The KX057-5’s strength is deep, powerful, stable digging in a transportable 5.5-tonne machine.

How the KX057-5 Fits the Kubota Lineup

The KX057-5 sits near the top of Kubota’s KX-series, above the KX040-5 and below the flagship KX080-5. As a conventional-tail-swing machine in the capable 5.5-tonne class, it’s built for deep, demanding work with maximum stability. Its U-series counterpart is the U55-5 — same class and horsepower, but with reduced tail swing for confined-space work. The KX057-5 is the conventional choice for open-work capability and value.

Kubota KX057-5 Reviews & Ratings

On Aglist, open the Reviews & Ratings section on this page to see how the KX057-5 performs where it matters: deep digging power and force, lifting stability, load-sensing hydraulic smoothness, attachment performance, the upgraded cab comfort, reliability, and serviceability. If you own a KX057-5, your review helps the next prairie buyer judge this deep-digging machine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the operating weight of the Kubota KX057-5? About 12,346 lb (canopy) to 12,577 lb (cab), placing it in the 5.5-tonne class. Plan transport for the weight.

Does the Kubota KX057-5 have zero tail swing? No — the KX057-5 has a conventional tail swing, where the counterweight extends well past the tracks for maximum stability and lifting. For reduced tail swing in the same class, look at the U55-5. The KX-series is built for open-work capability.

How deep can the Kubota KX057-5 dig? Maximum dig depth is about 12 feet 9 inches (3.88 m), with a dumping height around 13 feet 8 inches and a strong 10,172 lb bucket breakout force — deep capability for a compact machine.

What engine does the Kubota KX057-5 use? A Kubota V2607-CR-E5 common-rail Stage V / Tier 4 diesel rated at 47.6 horsepower, paired with a load-sensing hydraulic system for smooth operation under varying loads.

What’s the difference between the KX057-5 and the U55-5? Both are roughly 5-tonne machines with 47.6 horsepower, but the KX057-5 has conventional tail swing (maximum open-work stability) while the U55-5 has reduced tail swing (confined-space access). Choose based on whether open-work stability or tight-quarters access matters more.

What is the load-sensing hydraulic system on the KX057-5? A system that flows hydraulic oil according to the operator’s lever movement, ensuring smoother operation regardless of load size — improving control and efficiency, especially when running attachments.

Is the Kubota KX057-5 good for cold-weather work? With the enclosed cab option, yes — the Dash 5 cab is comfortable and quiet, well suited to year-round prairie work. For winter, the enclosed cab is worth specifying.

How does the KX057-5 compare to Bobcat’s large compact excavators? The KX057-5 is a conventional-tail-swing 5.5-tonne machine, competing with Bobcat’s larger compact excavators in the 5-6 tonne range. The decision often comes down to dealer support, hydraulic and cab features, and price.

Related Models

• Compact & Mini Excavators — browse and compare excavators across all brands on Aglist.
• Kubota KX080-5 — the flagship, one size up, Kubota’s largest compact excavator.
• Kubota U55-5 — the reduced-tail-swing U-series counterpart in the same class.