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.

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