TORRANCE, Calif., Jan. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Kubota Tractor Corporation (KTC)is changing the utility-class excavator market with the introduction of the Kubota KX080-3, its largest and most advanced excavator to date. Designed especially for work environments where space is limited, but additional power, capacity and efficiency are required, this eight-ton, tight-tail swing excavator offers more than 14,000 pounds of breakout force, along with versatility and features not found in other utility-class excavators.

"It's exciting to expand beyond the compact-excavator class -- where Kubota models have excelled for years -- with a machine that brings so many innovations," says Keith Rohr backer, product manager at KTC. "From standard features like the industry's first factory-installed anti-theft system to the power of its 64-horsepower (hp) engine, the new KX080-3 is engineered for extra performance, which is why we believe it will dig trenches around other utility-class excavators."

The KX080-3 breaks new ground with the first direct-injection (DI) engine in a Kubota excavator. This quiet Kubota diesel engine can drive 14,660pounds of bucket force and 8,554 pounds of arm crowd force, but still start easily in the cold while maintaining fuel efficiency. Another fuel-saver that helps reduce noise and exhaust emissions is the auto-idling system, which instinctively adjusts engine revolutions per minute (RPM).

The KX080-3 improves travel by automatically downshifting into low when making turns, moving on soft earth or in extra-heavy-duty-use situations. It also delivers smoother handling through the three-pump, load-sensing hydraulic system, which enables users to perform simultaneous operations, such as dozing and using front attachments, without losing speed. Twin auxiliary-service ports offer a hydraulic-flow rate up to 26 gallons per minute.

"The new KX080-3 builds on Kubota's reputation for smooth hydraulic operation and stable, balanced weight distribution in its compact excavators," Rohrbacker says. "It fills the gap between zero-tail swing and traditional tailswing excavators, with a tight-tail swing design; and the KX080-3 meets or exceeds the latest high-capacity dumper, tipper and construction-site requirements."