Kubota Expands Product Range with 14-Tonne Excavators from Sumitomo Construction Machinery
Targeting the European Market with Larger Machines
Kubota Corporation has taken a strategic step to broaden its product offering in Europe by signing an OEM agreement with Sumitomo Construction Machinery. Under this new partnership, Kubota will supply 14-tonne short tail swing hydraulic excavators built by Sumitomo, aiming to meet growing demand in the mid-size machine segment.
The new model—Kubota U145—will make its official debut at bauma 2025, the world’s largest trade fair for construction equipment, running from April 7 to 13 in Munich, Germany.
Why This Matters
As urban development accelerates across Europe, driven by infrastructure investment and housing demand, construction professionals are looking for more versatile, powerful machines that can operate efficiently in tight spaces. Kubota, already a global leader in mini excavators under 6 tonnes, recognizes the increasing need for machines above the 8-tonnes range—currently the upper limit of its in-house lineup.
By joining forces with Sumitomo, a manufacturer known for high-performance, fuel-efficient excavators, Kubota is filling that gap with a 14-tonne model built to the same high standards of reliability and maneuverability their customers expect.
The Kubota U145 – At a Glance
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Machine Class: 14-tonne short tail swing hydraulic excavator
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Operating Weight: 14,500 to 15,200 kg
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Engine Power: 76.4 kW (ISO9249)
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Key Applications: Residential land development, civil engineering, road construction, and urban infrastructure work.
This move positions Kubota as a more comprehensive provider of construction machinery across Europe, offering a broader solution for contractors working on a variety of job sites. Sales of the U145 are expected to begin in Spring 2026.
Looking Ahead
Kubota and Sumitomo plan to continue strengthening their OEM relationship, leveraging each other’s strengths to bring high-quality, efficient machinery to market faster and better meet evolving customer needs.
Keep an eye out for the U145 at bauma 2025—it’s a sign of big things to come.