Kubota U27-4 Compact Excavator

Introduction

The Kubota U27-4 is a 2.5-tonne tight-tail-swing compact excavator and one of Kubota’s top-selling models — a machine that gets the job done where larger excavators can’t maneuver. With 20.8 horsepower, a 9-foot-5-inch dig depth, and a strong 7,014 lb bucket breakout force, it pairs serious digging capability with the tight-tail-swing design that lets it travel through and turn smoothly in confined spaces. For prairie acreage owners, landscapers, and contractors who need real digging power in a maneuverable package, the U27-4 is a proven, popular choice from the world’s best-selling compact excavator brand.

On Aglist, the value is in understanding where the U27-4 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 in different soil, how the cab feels over a long day, and how it holds up. It competes directly with the Bobcat E26 and other 2.5-tonne machines.

The U27-4 uses a tight tail swing — Kubota’s term for a minimal-overhang design. We explain what that means below, since tail swing is the most important design feature on any compact excavator.

Configurations & Pricing Context

The U27-4 is part of Kubota’s U-series in the 2.5-tonne class, available with a canopy (ROPS) or enclosed cab. For Canadian year-round work, the enclosed cab is the sensible choice. It includes Kubota’s Two-Pattern Selection System (TPSS), two-speed travel with auto-shift on higher-spec models, and boom-swing operated via joystick.

The U27-4 runs buckets, augers, hydraulic breakers, and more, with an auxiliary diverter valve for quick attachment switching and proportional auxiliary control on high-spec versions. Its cab is noted as the largest and most comfortable in the 2.5-tonne class.

Pricing varies by configuration and dealer; used pricing typically runs in the mid-$40,000s depending on hours and condition. 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 U27-4
Machine class	Compact excavator
Operating weight	~5,690 lb (2,580 kg)
Weight class	2.5 tonne
Tail swing	Tight tail swing (minimal overhang)
Horsepower	20.8 hp
Engine	Kubota D1105 Tier 4 Final diesel
Maximum dig depth	~9 ft 5 in (2.87 m)
Maximum reach	~15 ft 4 in (4.68 m)
Bucket breakout force	~7,014 lb
Main pump flow	~7.6 gpm
Auxiliary flow	~12.7 gpm
Travel	Two-speed (auto-shift on high spec)
Boom protection	Cylinder hoses routed inside boom

Specifications are verified against Kubota specification data and independent spec databases. Confirm exact figures for the specific machine and year 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 U27-4 uses Kubota’s tight-tail-swing design.

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 U27-4 has a tight tail swing, meaning the rear overhang past the tracks is minimal — Kubota markets the U-series for tight-quarters work, and the U27-4 lets you travel through and turn smoothly in confined spaces where a conventional machine would have to reposition. The design delivers core stability without needing additional counterweights, which is part of why it’s praised for maneuverability in urban and tight-access work.

This is the U-series philosophy: built for confined spaces with minimal or zero tail swing, versus the KX-series, which uses conventional tail swing for open work with maximum lift stability. A useful comparison many buyers make is the U27-4 against a similar-size KX machine — the U27-4’s tight tail swing for working near structures, versus a KX’s conventional tail swing for maximum stability in open digging. If your work happens in tight, near-structure conditions, the U27-4’s tight tail swing is the right call.

Build & Engineering Detail

The U27-4 runs a proven 20.8-horsepower Kubota D1105 Tier 4 Final diesel — a Kubota-built engine matched to the hydraulic system for strong digging and lifting, with minimal noise and vibration. Two variable-displacement pumps enable simultaneous operation of the boom, arm, bucket, and swivel for continuous, high-performance digging and dozing — a real productivity advantage when multitasking functions.

The well-balanced arm and bucket design lets the U27-4 dig faster and deeper (9 feet 5 inches) and more efficiently even in tough conditions. Cylinder hoses for the arm and bucket are routed inside the boom for protection — a signature Kubota durability feature. The high-spec version offers two auxiliary circuits with proportional control and a third-line hydraulic return.

The operator station is a strong point: the largest, most comfortable cab in the 2.5-tonne class, with wide entry, excellent front and rear visibility, a gas-assisted opening front window, a suspension seat, and wrist rests. A front LCD panel with Kubota’s Intelligent Control System keeps operators aware of machine status. Safety features include a swivel negative brake, travel and hydraulic lock systems, and Kubota’s anti-theft system with programmed keys.

Best Applications

The U27-4 is a strong fit for:

• Tight-access digging with real power — the tight tail swing and 9.5-foot dig depth handle confined drainage, utility, and trenching work.
• Landscaping and acreage projects — grading, trenching, planting, and material handling with strong maneuverability.
• Urban and near-structure work — the tight tail swing suits sites with space restrictions and obstacles.
• Attachment-focused work — auxiliary circuits and a diverter valve make it versatile with thumbs, augers, and breakers.

For deeper or heavier work, step up to a U35-4 or KX-series machine. The U27-4 hits a strong balance of digging power and tight-quarters maneuverability that makes it a perennial top seller.

How the U27-4 Fits the Kubota Lineup

The U27-4 sits in the middle of Kubota’s U-series, above the U17-5 and below the U35-4. As a tight-tail-swing machine in the popular 2.5-tonne class, it’s one of Kubota’s best-selling models — proof of the U-series formula of real digging power with confined-space maneuverability. Buyers comparing it to a similar-size KX machine are choosing between the U27-4’s tight tail swing (near-structure work) and a KX’s conventional tail swing (open-work stability).

Kubota U27-4 Reviews & Ratings

On Aglist, open the Reviews & Ratings section on this page to see how the U27-4 performs where it matters: digging power and depth in different soils, tight-tail-swing maneuverability, hydraulic multitasking, the class-leading cab comfort, reliability, and serviceability. If you own a U27-4, your review helps the next prairie buyer judge this top-selling machine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the operating weight of the Kubota U27-4? About 5,690 lb (2,580 kg), placing it in the 2.5-tonne class. It can be towed on a standard trailer within typical towing limits.

Does the Kubota U27-4 have zero tail swing? It has a tight tail swing — a minimal-overhang design (Kubota markets the U-series broadly as zero-tail-swing). The rear overhang past the tracks is small enough to travel through and turn in confined spaces where a conventional machine would need to reposition, with stability that doesn’t require added counterweights.

How deep can the Kubota U27-4 dig? Maximum dig depth is about 9 feet 5 inches (2.87 m), with a reach around 15 feet 4 inches and a strong 7,014 lb bucket breakout force — capable figures for a 2.5-tonne machine.

How much horsepower does the Kubota U27-4 have? 20.8 horsepower from a Kubota-built D1105 Tier 4 Final diesel, matched to two variable pumps for simultaneous boom, arm, bucket, and swivel operation.

Why is the Kubota U27-4 so popular? It balances real digging power (9.5-foot depth, 7,014 lb breakout) with tight-tail-swing maneuverability and the largest, most comfortable cab in its class — all from the world’s best-selling compact excavator brand. That combination makes it a perennial top seller.

What’s the difference between the U27-4 and a KX-series machine? The U27-4 (U-series) has a tight tail swing for working in confined spaces near structures; KX-series machines use conventional tail swing for maximum stability in open work. Choose the U27-4 for tight-access work, a KX for open digging where stability matters most.

Is the Kubota U27-4 good for cold-weather work? With the enclosed cab option, yes — it’s well suited to year-round prairie work. For winter use, the enclosed cab is worth specifying over the canopy.

How does the U27-4 compare to the Bobcat E26? Both are roughly 2.5-tonne machines built for tight-quarters work. The decision often comes down to dealer support, cab preference, and price. See the Bobcat E26 page for its full spec sheet and comparison.

Related Models

• Compact & Mini Excavators — browse and compare excavators across all brands on Aglist.
• Kubota U35-4 — the next size up, a zero-tail-swing machine with more dig depth.
• Bobcat E26 — a comparable 2.6-tonne compact excavator from Bobcat, for cross-shopping.