Kubota U55-5 Compact Excavator

Introduction

The Kubota U55-5 is a 5-tonne reduced-tail-swing compact excavator — the most powerful machine in Kubota’s U-series, built to work wonders in narrow spaces while delivering the dig depth, reach, and lifting power of a much larger machine. With 47.6 horsepower, an 11-foot-11-inch dig depth, and advanced hydraulics, the U55-5 handles serious drainage, foundation, and utility work without sacrificing the confined-space capability the U-series is known for. For prairie contractors and acreage owners who need maximum compact-excavator power that can still maneuver in tight quarters, the U55-5 is the top of the U-series from the world’s best-selling compact excavator brand.

On Aglist, the value is in understanding where the U55-5 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 upgraded cab feels over a long day, and how it holds up. It competes directly with the largest Bobcat compact excavators and other 5-tonne machines.

The U55-5 uses a reduced tail swing — Kubota’s term for a near-minimal overhang in a powerful machine. We explain why that matters below, since tail swing is the most important design feature on any compact excavator.

Configurations & Pricing Context

The U55-5 is the largest model in Kubota’s U-series, in the 5-tonne class, an upgrade over the now-retired U55-4. It comes in canopy or enclosed cab models, with a 7-inch LCD screen, rear-view camera, keyless start, and an optional 25-degree hydraulic angle blade (U55-5 Angle Blade variant). For Canadian year-round work, the enclosed cab is the sensible choice.

The U55-5 runs buckets, augers, breakers, and more, with advanced hydraulics and the new hydraulic quick coupler available for fast in-cab bucket changes. Its cab is quieter and more comfortable than the previous generation, with a double-adjustable seat and more head and foot space.

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 U55-5
Machine class	Compact excavator
Operating weight	~12,247–13,007 lb (5,556–5,900 kg) by config
Weight class	5 tonne
Tail swing	Reduced tail swing
Horsepower	47.6 hp
Engine	Kubota Tier 4 diesel
Maximum dig depth	~11 ft 11 in (3.63 m)
Maximum dump height	~13 ft 2 in (4.01 m)
Dimensions	~17 ft 12 in L × 8 ft 4 in H × 6 ft 5 in W
Display	7-in LCD, rear-view camera
Blade	Optional 25° hydraulic angle blade
Replaces	U55-4

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 U55-5 achieves a reduced tail swing in a powerful 5-tonne 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 U55-5 has a reduced tail swing: the rear overhang is minimal, kept close to the track width, so the machine can work in tight spaces near walls and obstacles despite being one of the larger compact excavators. Achieving this in a 47.6-horsepower, 5-tonne machine with nearly 12 feet of dig depth is the U55-5’s central appeal — serious power and reach without the wide rear swing of a conventional machine.

This reflects the U-series philosophy at the top of the range: maximum capability with minimal/reduced tail swing for confined-space work, versus the KX-series’ conventional tail swing for open work with maximum stability. The U55-5 lets you take on large jobs in spaces where a conventional 5-tonne machine couldn’t safely rotate. If your demanding work happens near structures or in tight conditions, the U55-5’s reduced tail swing is the deciding advantage at this size.

Build & Engineering Detail

The U55-5 runs a 47.6-horsepower Kubota Tier 4 diesel — the most powerful engine in the U-series — paired with advanced hydraulics for outstanding dig and dump capability. With nearly 12 feet of dig depth and over 13 feet of dump height, it reaches deeper and dumps higher than any other U-series machine, letting operators get more done per day on demanding jobs.

The upgraded cab is a focus: quieter and more comfortable than the U55-4, with a double-adjustable seat, more head and foot space, a 7-inch LCD screen, and a rear-view camera for awareness. Keyless start (four-digit code) adds convenience and anti-theft security. The optional 25-degree hydraulic angle blade on the U55-5 Angle Blade variant angles to push soil efficiently in tight spaces.

The new hydraulic quick coupler for the 3-4 ton class — also compatible here — lets the operator change buckets from inside the cab in seconds, with a spring-applied hydraulic release locking mechanism for security. Routine maintenance access and Kubota’s signature protected hydraulic routing round out a machine built for demanding, sustained work.

Best Applications

The U55-5 is a strong fit for:

• Large drainage and foundation work in tight spaces — the 5-tonne power and nearly 12-foot dig depth handle deep, demanding work near structures.
• Demanding utility work — strong digging and reach for conduit, pipe, and infrastructure in confined conditions.
• Lifting and material handling — advanced hydraulics and reach for setting materials.
• Operators needing maximum U-series capability — the top of the reduced-tail-swing range.

For maximum open-work stability, a conventional KX-series machine of similar size is the alternative; for lighter or tighter work, smaller U-series machines fit. The U55-5’s strength is serious power and reach with reduced tail swing.

How the U55-5 Fits the Kubota Lineup

The U55-5 sits at the top of Kubota’s U-series, above the U48-5, as the most powerful reduced-tail-swing compact excavator Kubota offers. It’s the choice for buyers who need maximum U-series digging capability — real depth, reach, and power — while retaining the confined-space access that defines the series. Beyond it, Kubota’s larger machines move toward conventional tail swing and higher tonnage. Its KX-series counterparts (like the KX057-5) offer similar size with conventional tail swing for open work.

Kubota U55-5 Reviews & Ratings

On Aglist, open the Reviews & Ratings section on this page to see how the U55-5 performs where it matters: digging power and depth on demanding jobs, reduced-tail-swing capability near structures, dig and dump reach, the upgraded cab comfort, reliability, and serviceability. If you own a U55-5, your review helps the next prairie buyer judge this top-of-U-series machine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the operating weight of the Kubota U55-5? Between about 12,247 and 13,007 lb depending on configuration, placing it in the 5-tonne class — the largest U-series machine. Plan transport accordingly.

Does the Kubota U55-5 have zero tail swing? It has a reduced tail swing — the rear overhang is minimal, kept close to the track width. This lets a powerful 5-tonne machine work in tight spaces near walls where a conventional machine couldn’t safely rotate, which is the U55-5’s key advantage at this size.

How deep can the Kubota U55-5 dig? Maximum dig depth is about 11 feet 11 inches (3.63 m), with a dump height around 13 feet 2 inches — the deepest and highest in the U-series, suited to demanding drainage and foundation work.

How much horsepower does the Kubota U55-5 have? 47.6 horsepower from a Kubota Tier 4 diesel — the most powerful engine in the U-series, paired with advanced hydraulics for outstanding dig and dump capability.

What did the U55-5 improve over the U55-4? The U55-5 brought a quieter, more comfortable cab with a double-adjustable seat and more room, a 7-inch LCD screen, a rear-view camera, keyless start, and compatibility with the new in-cab hydraulic quick coupler.

What is the U55-5 Angle Blade variant? A version with an adjustable 25-degree hydraulic angle blade that pushes soil left or right as you work — particularly useful for grading and backfill in tight spaces.

Is the Kubota U55-5 good for cold-weather work? With the enclosed cab option, yes — the upgraded cab is quieter and more comfortable, well suited to year-round prairie work. For winter, the enclosed cab is worth specifying.

How does the U55-5 compare to the KX057-5? Both are roughly 5-tonne machines with 47.6 horsepower, but the U55-5 has reduced tail swing for tight-space work while the KX057-5 has conventional tail swing for maximum open-work stability. Choose based on whether confined-space access or open-work stability matters more.

Related Models

• Compact & Mini Excavators — browse and compare excavators across all brands on Aglist.
• Kubota U48-5 — the next size down, a tight-tail-swing machine with conventional-class power.
• Kubota U35-4 — a smaller zero-tail-swing U-series machine.