Kubota’s UK deal for compact machine support

The plant hire sector saw Kobelco expand in Eastern Europe and Kubota raise its UK partnership to a global level. Kobelco Construction Machinery Europe (KCME) has added Kotech in Slovenia as an authorised dealer for the Balkans. Kotech specialises in the sale and service of compact and heavy crawler excavators in Slovenia’s earthmoving, demolition, quarrying and forestry industries. The dealer offers a full service, including rental, repair and maintenance of excavators. Kotech recently sold an SK85MSR to S
June 13, 2017 Read time: 2 mins
Kubota's new environmentally friendly mini excavator, the KX042-4
Meanwhile, in the UK, Kubota said that it has enhanced its partnership with Gap Hire Solutions by becoming its sole supplier of excavators ranging from 0.8-8tonnes.


Glasgow-based Gap Hire company, part of Gap Group, has been providing plant hire equipment for over 48 years and employs more than 1,600 people across 130 depots in the UK. Gap Hire Solutions purchased 900 machines from 1265 Kubota in 2016, thereby earning a place as a sole supplier in what Kubota said was a logical next step in the partnership.  

Gap Hire Solutions said it will phase out other brands’ machinery until Kubota is the exclusive supplier of its micro and mini equipment. The agreement will result in Gap Hire Solutions becoming Kubota’s number one construction customer worldwide.

“We felt this exclusive agreement would be immensely beneficial to both parties,” said Iain Anderson, managing director at Gap Hire Solutions. “They’re virtually bulletproof and many of the other pieces of equipment we work with, such as dumpers, also run on Kubota diesel engines.”

Kubota also presented its new mini excavator, the KX042-4, at this year’s 3579 Plantworx show in Leicestershire in the UK.

The company said that the 4tonne machine “is the most environmentally friendly excavator in its class”. It has a DPF - diesel particulate filter - to ensure a clean exhaust and Kubota’s ECO Plus Mode to reduce fuel consumption. The Common Rail System (CRS) electronically controls the fuel injection timing and amount in stages rather than all at once, for optimal combustion. This results in greater efficiency, better fuel economy and less engine noise.

Certain features of the KX042-4 such as the AUX oil flow with proportional flow control, auto idling, auto-shift and float position, provide the machine with the power and versatility to handle tough jobs with ease and efficiency, according to the manufacturer.

Kubota also exhibited its recently launched KX080-4a, an enhanced version of the KX080-4, which can feature an optional 2-piece boom to offer expanded working range. Also on display was the KX027-4, said Adrian Mann, product manager for construction at Kubota UK.

Finance & Funding

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Wacker Neuson builds on Caterpillar link
    November 14, 2012
    Bolstered by building machines for Caterpillar and high demand for its VDS equipped excavators, Wacker Neuson has greatly increased its compact equipment building capability in Linz - Nick Johnson reports At a time when some other construction equipment makers have still scaled back their operations following the global economic crisis, Wacker Neuson has been busy building new facilities and increasing its production capacity. Last month the company officially opened its new compact equipment production fac
    Read More
  • Compact excavation
    February 15, 2012
    According to Bobcat its new 4-6tonne class mini excavators offer high performance in a compact chassis. The E45 and E50 models are zero tailswing machines designed to operate in close confines close to obstructions. Low noise and low emissions are features of these machines, along with precise control and both machines are based on the same chassis. Equipped with cab and bucket, the E45 has an operating weight of 4.6tonnes and offers a maximum digging depth of 3.3m. The E50 model, equipped with cab and buck
    Read More
  • Hyundai sells its first midi in the UK
    June 9, 2015
    Cumbria-based Hyundai dealer Taylor & Braithwaite has sold the first Hyundai R125LCR-9A in the UK to Stephen Smith Plant Hire, also based in the county of Cumbria. Stephen Smith is a one-man-one-machine operator who works all-around the Cumbrian region. This new weight class machine was first launched in 2014 at the Hillhead exhibition in the UK. Smith said he had to wait almost a year because the machine had not been available yet in the UK.
    Read More
  • A fresh breath of air
    July 16, 2012
    With a new wave of exhaust emission regulations coming shortly, engine manufacturers are well on track to develop new solutions as Mike Woof reports A wave of technological advances has made the current generation of diesels the cleanest industrial engines ever produced. Driven by tightening controls on emissions, manufacturers have had to develop an array of innovative solutions that will help cut particulate and NOx being emitted from the tailpipe. When the phased reduction in exhaust emissions was first
    Read More

Highlighted Content