Used Kubota KX163Excavator

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📌 Overview

The Kubota KX163 is a 1.6-ton (1,700 kg) class compact excavator (mini excavator) from Kubota's renowned KX Series. It is designed for versatility, fuel efficiency, and easy operation, making it ideal for landscaping, utility work, small construction, and residential projects. It is the successor to the popular KX161-3 and features upgraded performance and comfort.

🔧 Engine & Powertrain

Specification	Details
Engine Model	Kubota D1105-E4B
Type	3-cylinder, water-cooled, turbocharged diesel
Displacement	1.123 L (68.5 cu in)
Rated Power	16.3 HP (12.1 kW) @ 2,400 rpm
Emissions	EPA Tier 4 Final / EU Stage V
Fuel Tank Capacity	~7.9 gal (30 L)
Fuel Consumption	~1.5–2.0 gal/hr (varies by load)

✅ The D1105 engine is known for reliability, low emissions, and excellent fuel economy — a hallmark of Kubota engines.

📐 Dimensions & Weights

Specification	Metric	Imperial
Operating Weight	~1,695 kg (3,737 lbs)	3,737 lbs
Transport Length	4,980 mm	16 ft 4 in
Transport Width	1,700 mm	5 ft 7 in
Transport Height	2,540 mm	8 ft 4 in
Ground Clearance	310 mm	12.2 in
Track Width	Adjustable: 980–1,180 mm	39–46.5 in

💪 Performance & Digging Capacity

Specification	Metric	Imperial
Max Digging Depth	3,400 mm	11 ft 2 in
Max Reach (Ground Level)	5,400 mm	17 ft 9 in
Max Dump Height	2,620 mm	8 ft 7 in
Max Digging Radius	5,230 mm	17 ft 2 in
Blade Width	1,700 mm	5 ft 7 in
Swing Speed	~10 rpm	—
Travel Speed (Hi/Lo)	4.5 / 2.8 km/h	2.8 / 1.7 mph
Hydraulic Flow	~64 L/min (16.9 GPM)	—
Hydraulic Pressure	210 bar (3,046 psi)	—
Breakout Force (Bucket)	~15.5 kN	~3,480 lbf
Breakout Force (Arm)	~11.2 kN	~2,520 lbf

🪣 Bucket Options

Bucket Size	Capacity	Width
24" (600 mm)	0.04 m³ (0.05 cu yd)	600 mm
30" (750 mm)	0.07 m³ (0.09 cu yd)	750 mm
36" (900 mm)	0.11 m³ (0.14 cu yd)	900 mm

Also available: Thumb, grading bucket, tiltrotator, hydraulic breaker, auger, and grapple attachments.

⭐ Key Features & Highlights

🔄 Zero Tail Swing (ZTS) Design

The upper structure does not swing beyond the track width, making it perfect for tight spaces, narrow alleys, and working near buildings/fences.

🛡️ Robust Undercarriage

Rubber tracks standard (steel tracks optional) — reduces ground damage, ideal for paved surfaces, lawns, and indoor use.
Track width is hydraulically adjustable (39"–46.5") for versatility between stability and access.

🏗️ Durability & Build Quality

Reinforced boom and arm with high-strength steel for long service life.
Heavy-duty dozer blade with 6-way adjustable angle.
Large-diameter pins and bushings for reduced wear.

🪑 Operator Comfort (ROPS/FOPS Cab Option)

Fully enclosed cab with:
- 🌡️ Heater & A/C
- 💺 Suspension seat
- 🎮 Joystick controls (proportional)
- 🖥️ Multi-function LCD monitor
- 💡 LED work lights
- 🔊 Radio/Bluetooth-ready
Open-canopy ROPS/FOPS also available for cost-sensitive buyers.

🔒 Anti-Theft System

Engine immobilizer with PIN code security to prevent unauthorized use.

🔧 Easy Maintenance

Ground-level service points — oil filters, fuel filters, and coolant are easily accessible.
Large-opening engine hood for quick inspection.
Daily check points grouped in one location.

🎛️ Hydraulic Quick Coupler

Auxiliary hydraulic line with quick coupler allows fast attachment changes (under 2 minutes) without tools.

📊 Comparison with Competitors

Feature	Kubota KX163	Cat 301.7 CR	John Deere 35G	Komatsu PC18MR-3
Engine HP	16.3 HP	16.4 HP	16.4 HP	16.2 HP
Operating Weight	3,737 lbs	3,858 lbs	3,924 lbs	3,946 lbs
Max Dig Depth	11'2"	11'3"	11'5"	11'1"
Zero Tail Swing	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Cab A/C	✅ Available	❌ No	✅ Available	✅ Available
Price Range (USD)	~$30K–$42K	~$28K–$38K	~$32K–$45K	~$30K–$40K

🏆 The KX163 is often praised for its best-in-class fuel economy, build quality, and resale value.

🏗️ Typical Applications

Application	Details
🏡 Residential Excavation	Foundations, trenching, septic systems
🌿 Landscaping	Tree planting, grading, pool excavation
🔌 Utility Work	Pipe laying, cable trenching
🏚️ Demolition	Small structure tear-down with hydraulic breaker
🏗️ Small Construction	Footings, driveway prep, site prep
🌾 Agriculture	Drainage, fence line work, barn foundation
🏢 Indoor Use	With rubber tracks + enclosed cab

📋 Standard Attachments Available

Attachment	Use Case
🪣 General Purpose Bucket (24"/30"/36")	Digging, loading
👍 Hydraulic Thumb	Grappling, material handling
🔨 Hydraulic Breaker	Concrete, rock demolition
🌀 Auger (6"/8"/12")	Post holes, fence posts
🪵 Grapple	Log handling, debris
📐 Tiltrotator	360° rotation for versatile positioning
🧹 Grading Bucket	Fine grading, leveling
❄️ Hydraulic Hammer	Heavy demolition

💰 Pricing (Approximate, 2024)

Configuration	Estimated Price (USD)
Open Canopy (ROPS/FOPS)	$30,000 – $35,000
Enclosed Cab (A/C + Heat)	$38,000 – $45,000
With Attachment Package	$42,000 – $52,000+

Prices vary by region, dealer, and options. Check local Kubota dealers for exact pricing.

✅ Pros & ❌ Cons

✅ Pros	❌ Cons
Excellent fuel efficiency (~1.5 gal/hr)	Limited lifting capacity vs. larger mini-excavators
Zero tail swing = great for tight spaces	Not suitable for heavy-duty commercial work
Very low maintenance costs	Rubber tracks wear faster than steel (if used on abrasive surfaces)
High resale value (Kubota holds value well)	Enclosed cab adds significant cost
Smooth, precise hydraulic controls	Travel speed is relatively slow
Kubota dealer network is excellent	Limited arm/boom options vs. some competitors

🎯 Who Should Buy the KX163?

✅ Ideal For	❌ Not Ideal For
Landscapers & gardeners	Large commercial contractors
Small residential contractors	Heavy excavation (rock, large demolition)
Rental companies (high ROI)	Operators needing >17 ft dig depth
Farmers & ranchers	Budget-only buyers (Kubota is premium-priced)
Municipal/utility crews	High-production earthmoving

🏆 Final Verdict

The Kubota KX163 is one of the best compact excavators in the 1.6-ton class. It combines Kubota's legendary engine reliability, excellent fuel economy, zero tail swing versatility, and strong resale value into a well-built, operator-friendly package. Whether you're a landscaper, small contractor, or rental company — the KX163 delivers professional performance with low operating costs.

📞 For the latest specs and pricing, visit: www.kubota.com or contact your local Kubota dealer.