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Used excavator buyers need more than a product photo. Liehuang uses a staged payment workflow: deposit to reserve the machine, inspection evidence before balance, and export documents plus shipment tracking before release.
Purchase used Kubota and mini excavators directly from China. Our compact lineup spans the 1-ton K008 up to the 8.4-ton KX080, with verified hours, tested functionality, and ready for shipping to your port.
Request a Quote & FOB Price K008–KX080used Kubota excavators are arguably the most reliable pre-owned machines in the compact category; both owners and technicians frequently name Kubota the top compact in terms of build quality, and Japanese construction holds value well in any shipping container. That reliability is what drives demand for these units and places the buyer risk solely on the history of the specific machine - not the badge. Each of our compact models (U-series and KX-series) is powered by a Kubota diesel, and parts for the hydraulics and undercarriage are serviced globally, making them an excellent import choice.
A key obstacle for international purchasers is establishing trust. Many contractors have reported receiving equipment sight unseen that arrives with substituted parts or altered hour meters - a symptom of failed sourcing, not a flaw in the Kubota product line. We alleviate this by verifying the hour meter against the ECU data and service history for every machine listed, function testing it under a load, and providing detailed photos and video prior to deposit payment. You get to choose the exact machine you pay for, not a generic model.
The rest of this page will guide you through the three main factors influencing purchasing decisions: choosing the right Kubota model for your task, determining the appropriate price for a used unit delivered, and how we confirm a machine’s condition before you commit. If you know your required tonnage, you can compare it across our full used excavator inventory at any time.
“The Kubota name already has an established reputation for quality. Our role is to prove that the specific machine meets those expectations. If the hour meter contradicts the ECU log, or the wear on components like the pins, tracks, and bushings isn’t consistent, the machine isn’t shipped; a problematic machine delivered to a foreign port results in significant costs and lost profit margins for everyone involved.”
The two series of compact excavators produced by Kubota offer different design advantages. U-series models (U10, U17, U35-4, U55-5) feature tight or zero tail swing for operation in confined spaces or against structures. K/KX-series models (KX018, KX033-4, KX040-4, KX057-5, KX080) have a traditional tail swing that provides greater breakout force and lifting capacity relative to their size. Match the series to the site conditions, then select the tonnage based on digging depth. The table below correlates verified Kubota specifications with each model’s intended application, helping you narrow down choices efficiently.
Tight-access 5.5-tonne workhorse for utilities, urban sites and roadside work.
Deep-digging compact for trenching, foundations and drainage.
Proven mid-compact for general site prep and material handling.
Durable older-build mini for contractors who want value per hour.
| Model | Series | Operating weight | Net power | Max dig depth | Typical work |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| K008-5 | K · zero tail | 2,315 lb (1.05 t) | 10.3 hp | 5'8" | Indoor / backyard utility |
| U17 | U · zero tail | 3,693 lb (1.67 t) | 16.1 hp | 7'7" | Tight access, landscaping |
| KX033-4 | KX | 7,420 lb (3.37 t) | 23.2 hp | 10'6" | Trenching, small foundations |
| U35-4 | U · zero tail | 8,488 lb (3.85 t) | 23.9 hp | 9'9" | Most-requested mini |
| KX040-4 | KX | 9,195 lb (4.17 t) | 38.9 hp | — | Best-seller; aux-hydraulic ready |
| KX057-5 | KX | 12,346 lb (5.6 t) | 46.4 hp | 12'9" | Deep-dig compact, drainage |
| U55-5 | U · zero tail | 12,247 lb (5.56 t) | 46.4 hp | 11'11" | Tight-access 5.5 t |
| KX080-4S2 | KX | 18,596 lb (8.43 t) | 62.3 hp | 15'1" | Largest Kubota compact |
Specifications: Kubota USA product brochures, compiled in dealer/rental spec charts.
| If your work is… | Choose | Example models | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indoor, gateway, against walls | U-series 1–2 t | K008, U17 | Zero tail swing clears tight access |
| Landscaping, light foundations | Mini 2–4 t | KX033-4, U35-4 | Best balance of reach and transport weight |
| Trenching, drainage, daily production | Compact 4–6 t | KX040-4, KX057-5, U55-5 | Most-requested export class; aux hydraulics for attachments |
| Heavier site work, deeper dig | KX080 8 t | KX080-4 | Kubota's deepest reach and breakout |
It’s simple math that brings buyers to compare used Kubota machines with new ones: used low-hour machines perform identically to new ones but at a significantly reduced initial capital investment. In the United States retail market, a used KX057-5 from a dealer will sell for some where in the ballpark of $75,995, with a 2018 U35-4 at roughly 3,500 hours in the $41,900 vicinity, and KX040 listings fetching around $22,999 to $96,481 by age and hours. Buying factory-direct from China eliminates the dealer mark-up added to those domestic retail figures - it is this profit that importers and distributors retain.
It’s important to have realistic expectations regarding value: since Kubota models hold their resale value, you won’t find them to be the least expensive diggers in a specific tonnage range. Instead, you save money by avoiding the retail markup and the expense of domestic shipping, not by getting a bargain price. Your investment is protected, however, since the resale value will serve you well when you sell or relocate the equipment.
| Route | Capital outlay | Hours / condition | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Kubota (OEM / dealer) | Highest | 0 hrs, full OEM warranty (domestic) | Buyers needing warranty + finance in-market |
| Used Kubota — US dealer retail | ~$22,999–$96,481 | Varies; dealer-priced | Buyers wanting local pickup |
| Used Kubota — China factory-direct (Liehuang) | Below US retail (request FOB) | Hours-verified, inspected | Importers / distributors building margin |
| Other brand (e.g. Bobcat) used | Often lower sticker | Varies | Lowest entry cost; weaker resale |
Factory-direct FOB pricing on inspected used Kubota excavators — the same machines, sourced before the retail layer, in a brand that resells well.
Comparison vs. published US dealer/marketplace retail listings. Exact FOB varies by model, hours and condition — request a quote.
Regarding the ever-popular comparison between Kubota and Bobcat, the truth is that a similarly configured Bobcat E-series model may have a slightly lower sticker price and may offer slightly deeper digging capabilities in some models. Kubota, on the other hand, stands out for its reliability and superior resale value. When selecting machinery for a fleet that you plan to resell or move to a different project, this difference in resale value usually is the deciding factor. What truly matters is the total cost to get it to your site - that includes the machine itself (FOB price), the shipping costs, and your local customs duties and clearance charges.
"99% new" means very little on its own, and unfortunately, there are numerous anecdotes on online forums of buyers who have discovered this fact the hard way. They received excavators with discrepancy in operating hours or worn undercarriages that the seller never disclosed. Hours and wear levels are easy to obscure on a listing through images and written descriptions. Our documented 30+ point inspection covers every used Kubota excavator before we offer it for sale.
Get your China supplier to show you a picture of the ECU hour alongside the serial plate and a walk around video of the running engine with the rubber tracks. If you don't get both from your supplier within 24 hours, you don't want that supplier. We supply both, get hold of our checklist and use it against us.
The second biggest issue buyers face when sourcing in China - we heard one story of a 3-month transit time plus extra broker costs his customer hadn't budgeted for. We tackle this by building logistics into the initial quoting so you know lead time & paperwork requirements upfront. The key benefit is that every model in our compact range weighs 8.4t or less meaning our machines can be packed into a standard container rather than needing a RoRo or flat-rack.
All models ≤ 8.4 t
Your preferred Incoterm
Invoice · packing list · B/L
Arranged on request
Proof before sailing
Compact size equals smart loading. With our micro and mini compact machines up to around 3.5ton we usually ship between 2 to 4 in a 40ft high cube. The larger 4 to 6 tonne machines will travel 1 to 2 units per container, depending on how each is configured. When we ship multiple machines your per machine freight cost goes down significantly. We will tell you exactly how many, how we will ship and a realistic sailing date on your quote.
Not familiar with the import process?
Yes, Kubota holds a consistent top-tier spot for reliability in the compact and mini class due to its self-built diesel engines and the reliable hydraulics they use. The only variable for a used machine is its history, not the brand-which is why we manually verify and function test all our machines and do not rely on “99% new” certifications.
On the U.S. domestic market a used KX057-5 will cost roughly $75,995, a used 2018 U35-4, and KX040 listings range between $22,999 and $96,481. Our direct pricing from the manufacturer to your destination port comes under these market prices because you’re cutting out the dealer. Fill out our instant quote form for your exact model, hour requirements and port.
Although a similar model of the Bobcat E-series often presents a slightly lower initial sticker price, and potentially more digging capacity, the Kubota generally comes out ahead on reliability and resale value. If you intend to resale or repurpose the machine in the future, the better resale value of the Kubota will typically give you a more economical total ownership cost; if purchase price is your only criteria, then the Bobcat might be worth considering.
While this concern is absolutely valid, with stories abound from equipment forum buyers describing receiving completely different machines than they paid for, here’s how you can protect yourself. First, an ECU hour photo along with the machine’s serial number. Second, a walk-around video of the machine with the engine running. And third, a written specification sheet before making any deposit. We automatically include all three with our pre-shipment guarantee and you approve the specific unit prior to payment.
No, the OEM warranty covers new machines sold in the country of origin, not those exported as used. We’re always clear on that from the start. Instead you benefit from our pre-shipment inspection guarantee, plus the availability of Kubota-compatible spare parts and ongoing support.
Mini excavators under approximately 3.5 tonnes fit two to four units per standard 40-foot high-cube container. For our 4-6 tonne models, one or two machines per container are common, set by configuration. None of our Kubota machines exceed 8.4 tonnes, ensuring they fit standard shipping containers. We will confirm shipping method and estimated sailing dates in your quotation.
Once your order is confirmed, typical shipping times for in-stock units are within a few weeks, plus transit time on the water. Pricing is quoted FOB or CIF, and we accept common payment terms for international trade. You’ll receive loading photos of your machine prior to shipment. Ask for a timeline for your specific order.
