Kubota U17 vs John Deere 17g: Who Will Rise to the Occasion
Compact Excavators Go Head-To-Head- Who Will Rise to the Occasion?
At Oregon Equipment Sales, we’re comparing two popular compact excavators: the Kubota U17 and the John Deere 17G. These mini excavators excel in tight spaces and are favorites for people in industries like landscaping, utility work, and construction sites, where maneuverability matters most. Which excavator has the better overall value, though? Kubota U17 vs. John Deere 17G: Who will rise to the occasion?
Power and Performance
The Kubota U17 has a 16.1-horsepower Kubota-built engine, and the John Deere 17G runs on a 14.5-horsepower Yanmar engine. On paper, Kubota offers more power and torque, meaning stronger performance in digging, lifting, and running attachments.
The U17's hydraulic pump capacity also favors it, with 11.9 gallons per minute compared to Deere’s 7.9 gallons per minute. That means faster cycle times and greater efficiency when switching between bucket, arm, and swing functions.
Digging Depth and Reach
Breakout Force and Lifting
These compact excavators really stand out in terms of bucket breakout force. The Kubota U17 offers a bucket breakout force of 3,417 pounds. The John Deere 17G comes in at 3,597 pounds, taking the narrow lead here.
However, Kubota has an impressive lifting capacity, balance, and stability thanks to their zero-tail-swing design and counterbalancing technology. This makes it safer and more stable when working close to buildings or lifting at the side.