A *Cute* Excavator, But does it dig? : Kubota K008-3

Check out this ultra compact excavator and where it fits into the marketplace.

[@DJXLLC66]

You're actually doing a pretty good job on the demo. You do have the blade in the right position in this instance (down hill) once you lowered it. Now just lower it a little more to level yourself out. They aren't heavy enough to dig the back wall very well and keep it vertical. Keep your bucket open to rake the back wall with the teeth and extend as you so down, then curl to scoop after you get to the floor. It's a great machine in the right hands. A real back saver. Think soft muddy ground and back yards. Water leaks, septic problems, landscaping ect.

[@thegeneral3094]

How do you know this

[@daved7024]

I rented a k008 a few years back, that little machine is a beast. Nice video! Thanks

[@timhottinger2166]

I've had 1 for 4 years. Works great, has a lot of power for a little guy. Easy to load and carry anywhere. Fits thru a standard 3 ft. Door. Remodel must have, for doing plumbing.

[@thequietguy5979]

How much are these little ones?

[@timhottinger2166]

@@thequietguy5979 I gave 23k ffg or it 4 years ago

[@robertmartinez1069]

Dang so if i can pick one up for 10k usd its a good deal

[@coltonclasen2713]

Its better than a shovel.

[@heathbauerle2787]

True.

[@calebhyche3929]

I bet

[@evansautomotive307]

for the price....debatable

[@coasterfanatic3441]

But for the price? I don’t think it’s really worth it

[@SupaNami]

@Daver G For the price... You could buy a bunch of shovels and hire some cheap mexicans and this excavator can't keep up!!

[@Lanninglongarmmowing]

Very cool machine. Much better than using a shovel.

[@profdave2861]

For a guy who says he’s not very good at the controls of an excavator.... we appreciate your humility, but you’re pretty darn good!

[@garyblair3426]

Nice for mountain bike trails.

[@arlingtonguy54]

I looked at this but bought the Bobcat E10 for a little less money (under $20K). I use it for building single track trails in the mountains as well as around the farm. I’ve dug pretty big tree stumps and clear out drains as well as trenching. It’s so much better than the kubota backhoe that I had on my Tractor.

[@stevex1681]

Appreciate the easy to follow commentary. Found it very helpful. Thanks.

[@rockyhighwayroad7365]

It's not the size of your excavator , it is how you use it

[@nickscustoms269]

I used one of these last year to install drain tile in a residential yard. It works great for that.

[@JasonMichaelKotarski]

I can see that being very useful on an urban jobsite and our crazy tight obstacle laden lot.

[@fredmoller1675]

....in underground mining too, I've used a KX41 for a few years at a local underground gold mine to dig drainage ditches etc. I've even used it on surface in a cone crusher to free the frozen mantle (-45 Celsius) by being hoisted down via a small industrial crane to the ledge, it took less than an hour to do with a hydraulic rock breaker attachment on the stick.

[@blumaxx1]

I got two of these,,one for digging,,one fitted with a breaking hammer,,,both are fantastic!!

[@thegeneral3094]

No way farmer your pulling my leg

[@Genesis_Bot]

Don Wallace has I have 2 also of course they are action toys, but hey! It’s fun!

[@thegeneral3094]

@@Genesis_Bot I wish I had one my good fellow

[@f308gtb1977]

Don’t sell yourself short Neil, you’re a plenty good operator! Great review video!

[@vermontbackwoodsboys8986]

It puts a lot of wear on the drive motors with the blade behind you. You should always dig over the idlers or in this case with the blade in front of you

[@joshuarankin1905]

I'm currently reviewing them for use as a trail building tool for Mountain Biking & the like. They seem real handy for getting in & doing single/double track lines that don't exceed 30 inches or so...

[@jackd5089]

In Ireland the max tow capacity is 2.5 tones and that makes the kubota u25 popular I have one. My self and its is a great little machine

[@jbird1173]

I demoed one of these and it wouldn't lift a 400lb septic tank lid off of my low deck trailer. Ended up buying the kx018 and that is a badass little piece of equipment. With tracks collapsed it will fit through a residential gate. 39 inches wide. Digs plenty deep and will do the work of 5 to 6 men who are really good with shovels. I added a hydraulic thumb which was a game changer for workablility.

[@kyesniper]

That's odd, mine regularly lifts over 500 lbs lol

[@johnwayne7290]

@@kyesniper exactly, mine too

[@robertmartinez1069]

I have the chance to pick one up for 10k 300 hrs. With a ripper bucket. Good deal?

[@bobvogel5398]

There are lots of things I could do with this at my vacation property. Would have been VERY handy that 3 day weekend I trenched 200' x 18" deep by hand for the electric line. Would be good for trenching for drainage of a wet area. Sure, it's slower than a big machine, but fine for 'homeowners', (Being either owned or rented.)

[@32jdmiller]

I dug the basement under my house with on. It was perfect the house originally sat on piers and I jacked it up. This machine was awesome I could dig the material loose with the bucket and then pushed it out between the cribbing with the blade

[@stephenlake885]

I just got the KX018-4 and anxious to see what it will do. I have plenty of my own work to do but wondering what I can bring in for work. Hope to dig some stumps out and hope just may take a little longer than a bigger machine but can get the job done.

[@F91jvuDX]

Looks nice, but I remember watching tons of videos before renting a jack hammer to get rid of a concrete slab. It looked so easy in the videos, but was so much harder in reality. These demonstrations of mini excavators on flat surfaces with soft top soil make me wonder what would happen if I put this machine on a slope with harder ground with rocks and roots in it? I guess I’d rather overshoot and rent something more powerful. Nice video as always anyway!

[@tosgem]

The application I have in mind for it is it's the only excavator I can afford. I need to do work that quite frankly a bigger machine would be suitable for. Hobby farm, retaining walls, footpaths (gravel, sand layers 1 foot deep), and yeah, leveling some pads for small buildings. I don't want to work the poor thing too hard but I think it's the only thing I can afford. Would be nice to be big enough to grade the driveway

[@Zlinky111]

Great tip on power of bucket pivot. : )

[@jackharmon4198]

Once you get the hang of it, operating a backhoe/excavator becomes muscle memory, no thought required

[@tedbastwock3810]

I always love it when you use the machines

[@kevenkullberg9955]

Had one for years but the ex got it! One of the most useful machines I ever had. It will out work 8 men and only sips a very small amount of fuel. Would love to have another one.

[@kevinz0681]

Damn man wtf, your ex just took it because that’s why she is your ex. You don’t know a female until they don’t get everything. Good luck !!!!

[@kevenkullberg9955]

@@kevinz0681 Red head beware

[@kevinz0681]

@@putinspuppet well that could be possible, but doubtful

[@justinpotoczny9423]

Perfect candidate for the x-boom coupler

[@stevenlanders4919]

Having rented this model before its great for the nitch it fills. One warning is the one i got did not have switchable controls so I was able to operate it but not one of our old timers.

[@ArizonaCowboys]

Very knowledgeable, and well explained. like your vids!

[@striker33318]

As my Kubota dealer said it’s better than a shovel

[@StoneysWorkshop]

I just used this yesterday to recover gravel pushed off the side of a driveway yesterday, worked really well

[@BiffsEquipment]

StoneysWorkshop I’m jelly

[@KUBBI7488]

i have this machine ! i couldn't be happier ! great for DIY or light plumbing ! Light weight can haul on a small trailer !

[@prodigyxl]

Well explained, this guy is great! Would love to have him as a friend haha

[@ronlawrence5021]

I love all these "capability" videos filmed in parts of the country where that gorgeous, premium farmland soil runs about 150 yards deep. Try coming out to Arizona. Where you're going to need at least a Cat 390 if you want to dig deeper than a foot! LOL!

[@scottmcquarrie7295]

, heck, come to north east New Jersey where you scratch the topsoil and you either blast or you don't work!

[@ronlawrence5021]

@@scottmcquarrie7295 I've talked to a few guys who, unlike me, actually know what they're doing. They laugh at these videos. They say, "Go ahead and buy it. Maybe you can get a lawnmower attachment and keep your yard pretty."

[@billfenner7084]

It looks like it would be great to do smaller foundations.

[@RT440Robert]

My best friend has one it's awesome!! He uses it more than his biger 8,000lbs excavator.

[@jonathandexter135]

how much do these retail for.

[@wickedleeloopy2115]

I think the 1.5 - 3 Ton machines are likely the most popular. At least this is easily towable.

[@supersnot4]

Now I'm starting to wish I bought a BX23S instead of a BX1880. Thanks Messick's

[@billstmaxx]

If you cut the throttle down to 3/4 it will be way less jerky

[@johnsteffen5908]

BILLSTMAXX hi

[@danielguadian2716]

I was happy to see you refill that hole. It certainly would prevent any unfortunate accident to people or wildlife...

[@codyralston2576]

for the digging you're doing it's not a huge deal but if safety is a big interest your stability bar should always be on the heavy side of the machine so basically wherever the boom is going. I've seen people tip larger excavators from doing this. not to tell you your business just so you know how the experts are using them.

[@fhuber7507]

Makes me want a mini dump truck to match...

[@jimharvard]

i know every serious heavy equipment operator will always say that there is no "backhoe" that can keep up with or do the work of a dedicated Excavator. that is certainly true for the large backhoes and Excavators. however, in this mini-equipment catagory, i'm thinking that the BX line of sub-compact tractors with backhoes would be equal to or maybe superior to the mini-Excavator. for example, in the video above, the lack of outriggers on this mini-Excavator clearly creates instability for the machine. whereas - in the BX sub-compact loader backhoe tractor, those machines have pretty large rear outriggers that really provid a LOT of stability when using the backhoe. AND - the mini-Excavator above has nothing but the small push blade on the front of the machine. on the BX sub-compact tractor/backhoe, you have the entire large and heavy loader in the front of the machine and if you curl the bucket all the way around putting the opening flat on the ground and then picking up the front of the tractor with the loader arms - this combination of front loader tractor lifting and the rear outriggers lifting the back of the tractor creates a VERY stable three point platform for the tractor to rest upon as you operate the backhoe. i have run small backhoes and small excavators and in this weight category, i would rather use the loader/backhoe sub-compact tractor than this mini-Excavator. now of course, the use of this Excavator "indoors" being able to go through a 28" opening is a very useful and unique aspect of this small machine. if you need to work inside a building, this mini-Excavator would be the best choice. i would challenge Messick's to do a side by side digging comparison between the small BX sub-compact tractor/loader/backhoe and this mini Excavator. i think that would be an interesting video to watch.

[@MessicksEquip]

The BX would get killed. The cycle times on the excavators are much faster.

[@someblokecalleddave1]

How well do these work in clay?

[@william38022]

What does a used model like this go for in good to fair condition

[@chadreid1068]

I have a cat 301.4c it weighs 5,000 lbs and will pick up 1800 lbs. I love it I had cat put me a hydraulic thumb on it so I could lay rock and pick up brush and logs... best investments ever I had it one year and it’s almost paid for it’s self and I have a machine at my personal home for free

[@bgd73]

used one of these today for broken apple tree roots. when he mentioned the bucket pull is several times over the boom.. I made use of that today. tough little bugger, snapped roots enough to thud the ground. I then used the blade and the boom and bucket to hold the whole stump to carry it off into the woods. Little landscaper machine can keep yard damage to a minimum

[@BiffsEquipment]

This WILL be my next equipment major purchase .. this coupled with my Kubota bx would just be fantastic... the heck with a backhoe (unless you buy one with your tractor) adding one is not even close to being worth it.. I’d rather spend a few more $k’s on this

[@neilphillips162]

Nice little compact machine.

[@dsaint16]

Excellent operator.

[@Petersonelectricllc]

Thank You!

[@barryrhyno3190]

I use the identical machine for hanging drywall with the drywall 3m400 attachment. Best investment ever

[@darraghmcmahon8578]

In europe theyre popular for builders who do home extensions and landscapers

[@UsDiYoNa]

What does it cost though? Why tf dont people tell you the price in the beginning??

[@ethanwilson4165]

When u started digging u need to put the blade down on the rear to Stableis and to stop it tipping in case.

[@dagiang60]

How well will it dig with east Texas heavy and rocky clay?

[@MDC2020]

I like it..but that's an expensive shovel lol Why not just spend the same money and get a subcompact tractor like th John Deere 1025R or the Kubota equivalent. Then you could have a tractor, mower and a back hoe plus all the 3 point attachments?

[@MessicksEquip]

because this digs more efficiently, is more compact, can fit through small doorways, etc. Harry homeowner should not buy this, he would be better served by a TLB. However a pool contractor doing shallow trenching is vastly better off with a baby excavator.

[@davesilvia9711]

electric models this size are good for indoor use

[@rosscallahan8266]

What does it cost compared to the BX series with Backhoe

[@MessicksEquip]

+Ross Callahan slightly more

[@stephengregory1655]

Love these videos

[@Boeing767Driver]

Wonder if he called before he dug?

[@jackgriffin9847]

We move big tree stumps with our k008-3

[@BiffsEquipment]

Jack Griffin this is exactly why I want one.. that and for digging Culvert pipes and small ditches

[@BiffsEquipment]

Much more maneuverable than a backhoe on a bx

[@jacksonk5308]

If you've heard of BILLSTMAXX he's shown a prime example of another application these can be used for. He uses one of these for his tighter burial plots and cremation plots and he even made a custom trailer and buckets that match the machine for it. I think you might find that interesting, and if not, oh well. Great video. Take care.

[@cascaderetriever7618]

Small but mighty

[@danw9923]

I just bought a house and the backyard WAS (they've all been removed) completely bordered with Cherry Laurel trees. Average width is 4-8 inches . I need to pull these stumps up before building my new fence. Is this a good machine to pull these stumps with?

[@MessicksEquip]

+Dan W small ones, yea

[@stenny1970]

I like it! Be perfect for some things I need done.

[@ericmick6679]

Very nice machine, what is price on one in video. Thank you Eric

[@bigcartoonyIIV]

wonder if this would work for residential French drains and bioswales

[@MrDraper38]

Looks great for digging a 2.5 to 3.5 foot koi pond. What do you think?

[@MessicksEquip]

Perfect

[@brandonbarr9849]

I don’t like how the boom controls are in front of you, not on the sides

[@william2498]

BrandoN BaRR that’s the only thing I don’t like about all These micro excavators too! It would be so so so much nicer if they were positioned like a full-size instead of like an old backhoe

[@caravan-yu8fs]

youtuber billstmaxx have one of these he use in his videos for the cemetery

[@noahh4904]

yep

[@glennso47]

I can see this as handy for digging graves since the usual grave is 6 feet deep.

[@declanczarnecki9194]

I just looked, basic package for this machine is 22000 dollars. a Kubota tractor can have a backhoe on it about the size of this one, and its not only a single use machine.

[@MessicksEquip]

That's correct, but it also won't dig as efficiently as what this does. Got to have the right tool for the job.

[@jackd5089]

Using a back hoe is painful compared to a digger

[@rgd2598]

Use this little trackhoe once.... and you’ll throw rocks at that backhoe.

[@Blackcreekstudios]

Does the roll bar flip down ? I have a 6’ opening to get through

[@MessicksEquip]

Yes

[@nethanelmasters5170]

How does it work in rocky soil. Like in northern Arkansas

[@thill2570]

Does it come with a hydraulic thumb

[@WeykampLandscape]

No. Needs to be custom installed.

[@oussamayt9525]

J'adore la mini pelle

[@ginashabrina3120]

Di Indonesia apakah sdh ada sale distributornya blm yah pak Admin...??

[@jeffstike3195]

Im no expert but i dont think your suposed be lifting your front end up every time you dig?

[@jamesfisher7410]

I wish you would give approximate price in your videos

[@MessicksEquip]

Prices change, videos are here for years.

[@david6toe953]

What size machine (hp, etc) would you need to do light grading work?

[@MessicksEquip]

I'd not want less than a 7000lb. More is better, track loader preferred.

[@david6toe953]

@@MessicksEquip Thank you. My truck has 9400lb towing capacity. But I think I need to keep the combined trailer and excavator weight at 7000ish, to be safe or that’s what I’m seeing in some forums. I’m wanting a machine that can cut in a driveway on a hillside and do little side jobs around town while I build my house. A used Excavator in the 3500-5000 lb, 15-20ish hp range with Auxiliary hookups for a thumb possibly for a breaker hammer. Would that size machine be to small to cut in a road on a hillside?

[@eddiebowens1919]

nice little machine

[@GJM866]

Great information, thanks for posting!

[@mustangshelby4423]

What is the price of this bad boy nice machine

[@oussamayt9525]

C'est une magnifique invention

[@jurisembergs9245]

My view, this attachment for digging must have size and weight of tonn. At least. Otherwise it is acting like epileptic alzheimer struggling person.

[@brandondye6444]

How does this thing do as far as digging through roots?

[@MessicksEquip]

small ones are fine, you'll take awhile to dig a stump.

[@michaelconnor220]

Try digging hard ground,clay,instead of loose ground

[@drivingmylifeaway7149]

could you plz dig with a compact tractor!!!

[@MessicksEquip]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnS5o4Bol9ifgK8&index=44&list=PLhqr0OeIg-aGNtQtS81TiIylvqs4iA0cK

[@xenomorph7299]

I have too much money and looking to buy crap I don't need to entertain myself for a few days.

[@amberh.9449]

What does it cost?

[@bud1412]

What is the price as shown?

[@william38022]

I think it’s pretty cool😎 I’d have one

[@ra3975]

how much are these machines?

[@rogerl8488]

What's the next sizenip?

[@mattseymour8637]

What width is this in inches?

[@ironmecanic]

i can garanti evry one the bye one will love it i have had mine for 7 yers and put 6458 h on it

[@kankerbende]

Beter a small excavator, then a big shovel !!