The "BEST" Tool I have ever purchased, is my Kubota 1996 KX-101 Excavator. It has saved me no less than 40,000 dollars over the last 4 years. Do I wish it was bigger?... at times, but it impresses me all the time with what it can do. Mine has an extend a hoe arm, so no hydraulic thumb, but I did add a manual one, and if you ever purchase an excavator, "GET THE THUMB" it is a must. the things i could do with the thumb made it so much easier to use, and way more functional. (without the thumb, it took weeks to do something that could take a day to do with the thumb. (safely)) Thanks for the video Kyle!
As an experienced operator I have this discussion with the young guys coming up. You don't need a thumb to pick things up, we picked things up and moved them around for years before thumbs came out. Learn the machine it takes 10 years on any one machine to be considered a professional at the craft.
From the start, Ryan was very helpful and is continuing to be helpful about his ruclips.net/user/postUgkxGqOCINHE0Z0E5gxzSdNi9NWGugRY5Hm2 Plans . Also, they have answered all the questions I have asked & I got outstanding support from his My Shed Plans full package.
Love my 40. I dig my own footings, prep for concrete, dig utilities, move small amounts of lumber, straighten walls with a small amount of pressure, landscape and more. The 3 foot grading bucket is a must have. Best tool purchase so far!
I spend my entire day in a 40-4. Great machine! I even have the st5050 radio installed with bluetooth so I can listen to spotify and take phone calls while working. One great feature that you didn't mention is you can float the blade by "slamming" the blade control forward. Only complaint I have is you cannot turn on the aux hydraulics when it goes into regen mode (seems to happen once per day) and you're stuck without the thumb for about 15mins. I love kubotas. I have a 40-4, 33-4, U35, two 75-2 and several tractors.
Yeah, when in regen, it reduces power. Another reason these new B.S. emissions pieces are not worth the money they cost to build. But it only takes a relatively short amount of time. Gives you a chance to stretch your legs.
Page 49 in the operator manual tells how to resume AUX functions when it goes into regen; 1. The indicator turns off, and the warning appears on the LCD. 2. Press the switch 5. 3. The warning disappears temporarily and the normal display shows up again. 4. Press the switch 3 to continue to set the AUX settings as usual.
Don't care for tool ads,I like to see you building.thats just me other viewers in business like you probably appreciate it so its cool.still love the channel. Thanks
When transporting mine I have the bucket facing the rear so my door won’t pop open. Love my 40-4. I have a 12,18,24,36 and a ripper for digging stumps and concrete. Adding a brush cutter soon. Mine has a thumb as well. Better machines no employees!
This video had me smiling...I am a landowner and my KX-161-3 is a older/bigger brother to this unit. Too bad the 6-way blade is not propagated to the bigger models...Like any machine, you will find rocks/trees/etc that could use more capacity/power but glad to have the capacity I have...this is by far my most favorite piece of equipment.
There is nothing like having the control leavers at the end of arm rest just makes work so much more comfortable the one that have the leavers at the front are back breaking you are so lucky to get that. 👏👏👏👍
Just letting you know that the blade is supposed to be BEHIND you when you are NOT using it to push dirt into the trench. 1. It stabilizes you and allows the weight of the machine to be leveraged better when you dig. 2. When it is in front of you it Blocks your view of what is directly in front of you or in the trench/hole you are digging, 3. When it is in front of you, you have a chance of grabbing it with the bucket/teeth when you curl out of the dirt. 4. When it is behind you, you are able to get closer to the edge of the trench/hole and be more productive. At 10:05, if you had the blade behind and on the ground, you would not have rocked the machine or yourself. Believe me, after being an operating engineer for a long time, the less you beat up on the machine, and of course your own body, the better you feel in the morning.
I appreciate all you reviews and videos. I am not a builder by any stretch but watch your channel regularly. As a side hustle my wife and I own a semi truck parking lot and needed something to expand our business. After watching you track skid loader video and the KX040 we decided the KX057-4 what the best option for us. I have started videoing my experience. It has been fun still uncomfortable in front of the camera. Just wanted to say thank you and please keep posting content!
Kyle, I’ve really enjoyed your build videos of the pole building. I wonder about the direction you are going now. I hope you don’t feel people are tired of seeing the build you are so great at. Not a fan of you struggling with laying vinyl flooring, there are many pros on RUclips for that. I will say I was VERY impressed that you had your son on the job. Great education for him regardless of his future career path. I’m just one viewer putting my two cents in. I know the machine is a way of stress relief for you. Enjoy and keep making great build videos. I’m still a fan of your channel.
We use Caterpillar equipment but I LOVE the windshields in the Kabotas that slide up over your head when you want to operate the machine with the cab somewhat open. Very nice!
I really like mine. I lowered the travel pedals a couple inches. Much more comfortable. Also added about 10" to the top of the dozer blade so material doesn't come over the top. Got mine with a 16" wide progressive link thumb and a pin grabber coupler. FYI don't get below 1/4 tank of fuel on steep ground. Runs out at the worst time!
You should give this machine a try for post hole digging. After using a skid for years, I moved my auger to a mini and the maneuverability and visibility is so much better. Not to mention with the reach a mini has, you do less damage to sub-grade.
@2:07, you can see on what Kyle was practicing the thumb. Look at that oil tank in the background! 😁 Good for you on getting the equipment. I'm sure some jealous people will complain but you put the time in getting the content and more importantly editing the content. So well done!
You're light on the weight of that machine. The weight you gave of 9,400# is for the open station with angle blade which is actually 9,545#. The Kubota brochure has your machine at 10,210#
Love my Kubota equip. Pay a little more, get great service and parts availability is incredible. Track steer with grapple is the BEST. Made me sad tho to see those beautiful timbers falling down. Hope you were able to salvage most of them.
Great review Also the kubota KX040-4 has a problem with its hydraulic, the maximum capacity its not real, it cant lift the weight they say it does, i recommend looking into a lot of reviews before buying one. Liked!
We have a Komatsu PC60 and absolutely love it. So handy around the farm. Little bit on the big side for hauling but manageable. We have the dozer blade also and it is super handy. Only have a mechanical thumb currently. Plan to upgrade to hydraulic eventually.
nice. You should look into having a piece of steel you can swap in as needed for that lower frontal glass window, so that you can have protection if you are breaking something up that might have sharp fragments that can go flying
Oooh, now I understand why you were doing on that cabin, building even floors, cabinets, and almost cocking for the owner. You wanna get the thick check pay for that new toy hahahahaha. Cool toy man!!
Does anyone else think that the arm rests on newer kubota minis sit too low? They also have virtually no adjustment up or down. I passed on one of these simply for that reason.
Put Andrew Camarata on that job and he would have it down, the steel loaded for recycling and the wood piled for burning AND fixed the loader all in one day and a 30 min video!
How reliable are these machines? I keep seeing the number of hours used but the hours seem so low. What's considered high hour use and low hour usage? Is 2000+hrs considered high for a used machine?
That building just needed a few GRK screws and it would have been fine!!! Where do I sign up to have Kubota drop off a compact tractor? Mowing season is right around the corner.
1 year later.... still in love? How's it holding up? What would you do differently? Gathering Intel before I pull the "trigger".... Thanks for opinions and enthusiasm! 😉 👍
Those things get stolen, all the time. You can put one in a container and ship it out of the country pretty easily. Could you disconnect the battery if you leave it on the job site?
I know 20 hrs is early days for it, but can we expect reports on how the maintenance aspect goes? Many of us can only afford a machine like this if costs are at least reasonably known and expectable. It is awesome, to say the least. The hydraulic thumb is a must have if you are going there.
Compared to other minis my forearms feel low and angled down a little too much. I looked at buying this machine because it is an awesome machine but I couldn’t get over the arm rests. My cat arm rests have about 6” of adjustment up and down and this machine has maybe 1”. Otherwise that machine is a beauty
besides the updated operator display, about identical to the U- series 48-4 I have. Same engine/hydraulics, same undercarriage, same controls, same interior as the U, they just call it the KX now, doesn't matter the weight. Whatever you do, NEVER loose the red key, cuz' that'll cost you $1500 for a new set...
Watch alot of your videos learn something new all the time thanks for all you insight you and your crew I ordered this same excavator I was just wondering if it does anything you through at it ? Are you happy with it or would you prefer a bigger machine ?
The "BEST" Tool I have ever purchased, is my Kubota 1996 KX-101 Excavator. It has saved me no less than 40,000 dollars over the last 4 years. Do I wish it was bigger?... at times, but it impresses me all the time with what it can do. Mine has an extend a hoe arm, so no hydraulic thumb, but I did add a manual one, and if you ever purchase an excavator, "GET THE THUMB" it is a must. the things i could do with the thumb made it so much easier to use, and way more functional. (without the thumb, it took weeks to do something that could take a day to do with the thumb. (safely)) Thanks for the video Kyle!
As an experienced operator I have this discussion with the young guys coming up. You don't need a thumb to pick things up, we picked things up and moved them around for years before thumbs came out. Learn the machine it takes 10 years on any one machine to be considered a professional at the craft.
From the start, Ryan was very helpful and is continuing to be helpful about his ruclips.net/user/postUgkxGqOCINHE0Z0E5gxzSdNi9NWGugRY5Hm2 Plans . Also, they have answered all the questions I have asked & I got outstanding support from his My Shed Plans full package.
Love my 40. I dig my own footings, prep for concrete, dig utilities, move small amounts of lumber, straighten walls with a small amount of pressure, landscape and more.
The 3 foot grading bucket is a must have. Best tool purchase so far!
Kubota is all I have ever owned. (B series tractor, L Series tractor, M series tractor, SSV75 skid steer, KX121 mini Ex. Orange machines are the best!
Having a partnership with a company like Kubota is like Thanos getting his last stone. Kyle is now in the end game lol. I swear by Kubota machines.
Haha that’s awesome
"I don't wanna break glass. Glass is expensive." Exactly my mentality, but protect yourself. You are more valuable than a piece of glass.
Im a simpleman, i like my kubota and i like RR. Win win for me
Thanks man
I spend my entire day in a 40-4. Great machine! I even have the st5050 radio installed with bluetooth so I can listen to spotify and take phone calls while working. One great feature that you didn't mention is you can float the blade by "slamming" the blade control forward. Only complaint I have is you cannot turn on the aux hydraulics when it goes into regen mode (seems to happen once per day) and you're stuck without the thumb for about 15mins. I love kubotas. I have a 40-4, 33-4, U35, two 75-2 and several tractors.
Yeah, when in regen, it reduces power. Another reason these new B.S. emissions pieces are not worth the money they cost to build. But it only takes a relatively short amount of time. Gives you a chance to stretch your legs.
Page 49 in the operator manual tells how to resume AUX functions when it goes into regen;
1. The indicator turns off, and the warning appears on the LCD.
2. Press the switch 5.
3. The warning disappears temporarily and the normal display shows up again.
4. Press the switch 3 to continue to set the AUX settings as usual.
Letsdig18 has probably been responsible for more excavator sales to hobbyists than any other individual! :)
I've been watching that guy for years thinking I totally want an excavator.
He needs to have a disclaimer on his RUclips channel that it is not As easy as he makes it look.
Him and Dirt Perfect..... I am addicted to watching these three guys! They exemplify American excellence and dedication to their crafts.
True!
You gotta love that Volvo😂
Don't care for tool ads,I like to see you building.thats just me other viewers in business like you probably appreciate it so its cool.still love the channel. Thanks
As it has been said " the difference between a man and a boy is the price of his toys ".🤣
God bless you and your family.
I honestly think that’s the first mini I’ve seen that the lower glass is removable. I’ve been around equipment awhile so clap for them for doing that
It is so much fun using this machine. I have a Caterpillars version. The hydraulic thumb is a must. 👍🏻
When transporting mine I have the bucket facing the rear so my door won’t pop open. Love my 40-4. I have a 12,18,24,36 and a ripper for digging stumps and concrete. Adding a brush cutter soon. Mine has a thumb as well. Better machines no employees!
This video had me smiling...I am a landowner and my KX-161-3 is a older/bigger brother to this unit. Too bad the 6-way blade is not propagated to the bigger models...Like any machine, you will find rocks/trees/etc that could use more capacity/power but glad to have the capacity I have...this is by far my most favorite piece of equipment.
There is nothing like having the control leavers at the end of arm rest just makes work so much more comfortable the one that have the leavers at the front are back breaking you are so lucky to get that. 👏👏👏👍
Kubota is hands down the best equipment out there. Ag or construction
Just letting you know that the blade is supposed to be BEHIND you when you are NOT using it to push dirt into the trench.
1. It stabilizes you and allows the weight of the machine to be leveraged better when you dig.
2. When it is in front of you it Blocks your view of what is directly in front of you or in the trench/hole you are digging,
3. When it is in front of you, you have a chance of grabbing it with the bucket/teeth when you curl out of the dirt.
4. When it is behind you, you are able to get closer to the edge of the trench/hole and be more productive.
At 10:05, if you had the blade behind and on the ground, you would not have rocked the machine or yourself. Believe me, after being an operating engineer for a long time, the less you beat up on the machine, and of course your own body, the better you feel in the morning.
Unless you are picking something heavy or on uneven ground and using it for stability…
I appreciate all you reviews and videos. I am not a builder by any stretch but watch your channel regularly. As a side hustle my wife and I own a semi truck parking lot and needed something to expand our business. After watching you track skid loader video and the KX040 we decided the KX057-4 what the best option for us. I have started videoing my experience. It has been fun still uncomfortable in front of the camera. Just wanted to say thank you and please keep posting content!
Watched this and getting Kubota adds all over the internet now. Guess I should buy one too...
Ya just can't beat KUBOTA Quality 👍☺️ sweet excavator.
I love the filming in this video!
Cool location but videography is amazing.
Kyle, I’ve really enjoyed your build videos of the pole building. I wonder about the direction you are going now. I hope you don’t feel people are tired of seeing the build you are so great at. Not a fan of you struggling with laying vinyl flooring, there are many pros on RUclips for that. I will say I was VERY impressed that you had your son on the job. Great education for him regardless of his future career path. I’m just one viewer putting my two cents in. I know the machine is a way of stress relief for you. Enjoy and keep making great build videos. I’m still a fan of your channel.
5:14 If you have enough faith, you can take out even the biggest mountains.
We use Caterpillar equipment but I LOVE the windshields in the Kabotas that slide up over your head when you want to operate the machine with the cab somewhat open. Very nice!
I've watched enough Andrew Camarata to know that with an excavator you can do anything.
Even replace a radio in his dashboard... Oh, that was with a chainsaw. I am surprised he has not tried it using a mini... lol
I really like mine. I lowered the travel pedals a couple inches. Much more comfortable. Also added about 10" to the top of the dozer blade so material doesn't come over the top. Got mine with a 16" wide progressive link thumb and a pin grabber coupler. FYI don't get below 1/4 tank of fuel on steep ground. Runs out at the worst time!
Thanks for the tip
can you describe how you lowered your pedals? i've thought before about how they are uncomfortably high.
@@elijahharp It was a few years ago, so i don't remember details. Had to do some fabricating where they mount to get them as low as possible.
Kyle, you can build 'em AND tear 'em down!
I love how the old man still has to get in there and wrestle with the debris; my dad was the same way.
You should give this machine a try for post hole digging. After using a skid for years, I moved my auger to a mini and the maneuverability and visibility is so much better. Not to mention with the reach a mini has, you do less damage to sub-grade.
Your dads golf car is looking good!
I'll bet Dad is happy too :)
demolition is nice and all but that building would of made a great bonfire. :)
My 20 ton Kobelco Bladerunner has a 6-way dozer blade. Man! Every excavator should come equipped with a 6-way.
@2:07, you can see on what Kyle was practicing the thumb. Look at that oil tank in the background! 😁 Good for you on getting the equipment. I'm sure some jealous people will complain but you put the time in getting the content and more importantly editing the content. So well done!
You're light on the weight of that machine. The weight you gave of 9,400# is for the open station with angle blade which is actually 9,545#. The Kubota brochure has your machine at 10,210#
Perfect sized machine for my needs.
Love my Kubota equip. Pay a little more, get great service and parts availability is incredible. Track steer with grapple is the BEST. Made me sad tho to see those beautiful timbers falling down. Hope you were able to salvage most of them.
does it have a quick release to change buckets? if not, do they offer this option on the 40?
“Bucket list.” I see what you did there.
Great review
Also the kubota KX040-4 has a problem with its hydraulic, the maximum capacity its not real, it cant lift the weight they say it does, i recommend looking into a lot of reviews before buying one.
Liked!
Not true
We have a Komatsu PC60 and absolutely love it. So handy around the farm. Little bit on the big side for hauling but manageable. We have the dozer blade also and it is super handy. Only have a mechanical thumb currently. Plan to upgrade to hydraulic eventually.
Man I’d like that barn wood and all that tin!
Awesome. I've been a huge Kubota fan for 10 years now and own several machines. I would not be offended by more Kubota videos on this channel. :D
We love our u55-4 on the farm!
Love my kubota ! Great machines
nice. You should look into having a piece of steel you can swap in as needed for that lower frontal glass window, so that you can have protection if you are breaking something up that might have sharp fragments that can go flying
Cant wait to see this in action. Also just digging!
Oooh, now I understand why you were doing on that cabin, building even floors, cabinets, and almost cocking for the owner. You wanna get the thick check pay for that new toy hahahahaha. Cool toy man!!
I live in Germany and I don't get why people here or generell in Europe laugh about hydraulic thumbs. Those things are awesome. :D
Does anyone else think that the arm rests on newer kubota minis sit too low? They also have virtually no adjustment up or down. I passed on one of these simply for that reason.
In europe we use rotating grapples and most excavators have hydraulic quick hitches. much more versatile than a fixed Bucket and thumb.
Put Andrew Camarata on that job and he would have it down, the steel loaded for recycling and the wood piled for burning AND fixed the loader all in one day and a 30 min video!
Yea Andrew C is a master video editor! Vids are just plain addictive!
Congrats bro
Thanks
Does the 4 ton designation mean that the arm can lift 4 tons? Seems like a lot of weight for that size machine.
Weight of the machine.
Literally just bought that exact model yesterday.
What’d they get you for a monthly payment? I know there’s tons of variables but I’m just curious
@@jackvillan5151 Its a kx040-4ga. I leased it, its $1541 CAD, that includes a HST (13% sales tax)
Very nice machine, congrats.
The best machine brand by far
What I always wanted .... Health.. I just had my 60th surgery :( It's exhausting.
Nice machine
bought same machine june 2020 , love it
Awesome machine. Great video!
I also have this machine and it is truly awesome!
Great little machine Kyle! Congratz on your purchase! 👍😁
Dont need one, but the kid me wants one. Great review
How reliable are these machines? I keep seeing the number of hours used but the hours seem so low. What's considered high hour use and low hour usage?
Is 2000+hrs considered high for a used machine?
I'm not even in the market for one but I want one 😂
Haha
Wow.. can’t wait to see you put it to use..This is going to be interesting
That’s a beautiful machine , looking forward to seeing you use on your videos .
Other than a great piece of kit it looks like you were having a good time as well 👍👍👍👍
Good luck and lasting success
Nice editing @ 0:12!
Im looking for salvaged corrugated tin like that for a project I have. Are you willing to sell some or all of it?
That building just needed a few GRK screws and it would have been fine!!! Where do I sign up to have Kubota drop off a compact tractor? Mowing season is right around the corner.
Looks safer than people getting in that building.
what gvwr was that trailer?
No more hand digging when you got rock on jobs sites....lol. I'm sure Greg will love that
What size bucket was on the machine and how did it handle digging with it?
Also bought the same machine in june 2020! Mine believe it or not had the hydraulic pump fail
About how much does it cost to buy this machine
1 year later.... still in love? How's it holding up? What would you do differently? Gathering Intel before I pull the "trigger".... Thanks for opinions and enthusiasm! 😉 👍
Those things get stolen, all the time. You can put one in a container and ship it out of the country pretty easily. Could you disconnect the battery if you leave it on the job site?
I know 20 hrs is early days for it, but can we expect reports on how the maintenance aspect goes? Many of us can only afford a machine like this if costs are at least reasonably known and expectable. It is awesome, to say the least. The hydraulic thumb is a must have if you are going there.
you can get some really groovy attachments for them too....
I was thinking about buying Kubota KX27-4 oraz Bobcat E27 and now I know:)
Thanks!!!
Kubota sponsoring all the builders.
How do you plan on using it in your post frame building ?
@RR buildings 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍
Can I call Kabota to have them send me one too!!!
How do like your truck? More than the tractor?
Does anyone else who has operated one of these think that the arm rests are too low and should have more adjustment to raise them up?
Never noticed but now I will look
Compared to other minis my forearms feel low and angled down a little too much. I looked at buying this machine because it is an awesome machine but I couldn’t get over the arm rests. My cat arm rests have about 6” of adjustment up and down and this machine has maybe 1”. Otherwise that machine is a beauty
besides the updated operator display, about identical to the U- series 48-4 I have. Same engine/hydraulics, same undercarriage, same controls, same interior as the U, they just call it the KX now, doesn't matter the weight. Whatever you do, NEVER loose the red key, cuz' that'll cost you $1500 for a new set...
Keep the videos coming on it!
Sweet 👍👍👍
Congrats man!
We have a U35-4 and it’s held up to everything
What type of trailer are you using to haul it?
B&b super single
Nice
That’s a nice machine
Watch alot of your videos learn something new all the time thanks for all you insight you and your crew I ordered this same excavator I was just wondering if it does anything you through at it ? Are you happy with it or would you prefer a bigger machine ?
love it but always want bigger
Nice. What’s in the old barn
So many toys. Wouldn't have all this if you had stayed playing Dilbert in the city.
What can the 57 do that this one can't?
I'm torn between kabota and bobcat mini ex