Kubota U35-4 Compact Excavator

Introduction

The Kubota U35-4 is a 3.5-tonne zero-tail-swing compact excavator that combines real digging capability with the ability to work flush against walls — a class-leading machine offering more room and refinement than ever before. With a 24.8-horsepower Kubota engine, a 9-foot-9-inch dig depth, and zero tail swing, the U35-4 handles drainage, utility, foundation, and landscaping work while remaining maneuverable in confined spaces. For prairie acreage owners and contractors who need a capable mid-size excavator that can also work in tight quarters, it’s a strong, popular choice from the world’s best-selling compact excavator brand.

On Aglist, the value is in understanding where the U35-4 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 frost-hardened spring ground, how the deluxe cab feels over a long day, and how it holds up over seasons. It competes directly with the Bobcat E35 and other 3.5-tonne machines.

The U35-4’s defining feature is its zero tail swing in a genuinely capable mid-size package. We explain why that matters below, since tail swing is the most important design feature on any compact excavator.

Configurations & Pricing Context

The U35-4 is part of Kubota’s U-series in the 3.5-tonne class, available with a canopy (ROPS) or enclosed cab with air conditioning. For Canadian year-round work, the enclosed cab with heat and A/C is the sensible choice. It includes Kubota’s Two-Pattern Selection System (TPSS), two-speed travel, an optional hydraulic angle blade, and a new digital panel for monitoring critical functions.

The U35-4 runs buckets, augers, hydraulic breakers, compactors, and more, with precise auxiliary oil-flow control. Its operator station offers a deluxe suspension seat, wrist rests, and air conditioning.

Pricing varies by configuration 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 U35-4
Machine class	Compact excavator
Operating weight	~7,500 lb (3,400 kg) class
Weight class	3.5 tonne
Tail swing	Zero tail swing
Horsepower	24.8 hp
Engine	Kubota D1703M-DI-E4 Tier 4 diesel
Maximum dig depth	~9 ft 8.9 in (2.97 m)
Configurations	Canopy or enclosed cab with A/C
Blade	Optional hydraulic angle blade
Display	Digital monitoring panel
Travel	Two-speed
Controls	TPSS (ISO/SAE)

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 U35-4 delivers true zero tail swing in a capable mid-size machine.

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 U35-4 is a zero-tail-swing machine: the rear stays within the track width through rotation, so you can dig flush against a wall, fence, or building without the tail striking anything. Achieving this in a 3.5-tonne machine with real dig depth — without sacrificing digging performance — is the U35-4’s central appeal.

This is the U-series philosophy at its most useful: zero tail swing combined with genuine capability, versus the KX-series’ conventional tail swing for maximum open-work stability. A common comparison is the U35-4 against the similar-size KX033-4 — owners weigh the U35-4’s zero tail swing (working flush against walls) against the KX033-4’s conventional tail swing (more stability in open digging). If your work mixes tight-quarters and capable digging, the U35-4’s zero tail swing is the deciding advantage.

Build & Engineering Detail

The U35-4 runs a 24.8-horsepower Kubota D1703M-DI-E4 direct-injection Tier 4 diesel — a Kubota-built engine engineered for strong digging and lifting with minimized noise, vibration, and fuel consumption. The machine pairs this with a more powerful arm breakout force and precise auxiliary oil-flow control, making attachment work smooth and productive.

Kubota’s attention to serviceability shows in the engine layout: primary components are consolidated on one side, and full-opening rear and right-side bonnets give easy access to the engine, control valves, and components for quick inspection and repair. Sliding steel panels protect and provide access to key functions.

The operator station is a strong point — a deluxe suspension seat, wrist rests, air conditioning, and a new digital panel for heightened awareness of the machine’s critical functions. The optional hydraulic angle blade shifts soil left or right as you move forward, a real efficiency gain for grading and backfill work.

Best Applications

The U35-4 is a strong fit for:

• Drainage and utility work in tight quarters — the zero tail swing and 9.8-foot dig depth handle confined trenching, drainage, and pipe work.
• Foundation and footing work — capable depth and digging force for footings on smaller builds.
• Landscaping and grading — the optional angle blade makes backfill and grading efficient.
• Work flush against structures — zero tail swing allows digging beside foundations, walls, and buildings.

For deeper or heavier work, step up to a KX-series machine like the KX040-5 or larger. The U35-4’s balance of zero-tail-swing access and real mid-size capability makes it one of Kubota’s most versatile compact excavators.

How the U35-4 Fits the Kubota Lineup

The U35-4 sits at the top of Kubota’s smaller U-series machines, above the U27-4 and below the larger U48-5 and U55-5. As a zero-tail-swing machine in the capable 3.5-tonne class, it’s the U-series choice for buyers who need real digging depth without sacrificing the ability to work flush against obstacles. Its closest KX-series comparison is the KX033-4 — the same size class, but with conventional tail swing.

Kubota U35-4 Reviews & Ratings

On Aglist, open the Reviews & Ratings section on this page to see how the U35-4 performs where it matters: dig depth and force in different soils including frost-hardened spring ground, zero-tail-swing capability near walls, attachment performance, the deluxe cab comfort, reliability, and serviceability. If you own a U35-4, your review helps the next prairie buyer judge this capable machine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the operating weight of the Kubota U35-4? It’s in the 3.5-tonne class (roughly 7,500 lb depending on configuration). It’s transportable behind a suitable truck and trailer while offering real digging capability.

Does the Kubota U35-4 have zero tail swing? Yes — it’s a true zero-tail-swing machine. The rear stays within the track width through rotation, so you can dig flush against walls and obstacles without the tail striking anything, all while delivering real mid-size digging capability.

How deep can the Kubota U35-4 dig? Maximum dig depth is about 9 feet 8.9 inches (2.97 m), capable for drainage, utility trenching, and footings in its size class.

How much horsepower does the Kubota U35-4 have? 24.8 horsepower from a Kubota-built D1703M-DI-E4 direct-injection Tier 4 diesel, engineered for strong digging with low noise and fuel consumption.

What’s the difference between the U35-4 and the KX033-4? Both are roughly 3.5-tonne machines, but the U35-4 has zero tail swing (working flush against walls) while the KX033-4 has conventional tail swing (more stability in open digging). It’s a common Kubota comparison — choose based on whether tight-quarters access or open-work stability matters more.

Does the Kubota U35-4 have air conditioning? The enclosed cab version offers air conditioning, along with a deluxe suspension seat and wrist rests. For year-round prairie work, the enclosed cab with heat and A/C is the sensible choice.

What is the angle blade option on the Kubota U35-4? An optional hydraulic blade that shifts left or right to move soil out of the way as you drive forward — a real efficiency gain for grading and backfill work, controlled from the dozer lever.

How does the U35-4 compare to the Bobcat E35? Both are 3.5-tonne zero-tail-swing machines and direct competitors. The decision often comes down to dealer support, cab preference, attachment options, and price. See the Bobcat E35 page for its full spec sheet and comparison.

Related Models

• Compact & Mini Excavators — browse and compare excavators across all brands on Aglist.
• Kubota U27-4 — the next size down, a top-selling tight-tail-swing machine.
• Bobcat E35 — a comparable 3.5-tonne zero-tail-swing machine from Bobcat, for cross-shopping.