The Kubota KX161 is a flagship 6-ton class excavator from Kubota Japan, widely used in China. This model is fully imported, powered by a 47-horsepower engine, weighs about 5.7 tons, and comes with a 0.22 m³ bucket as standard. It also features a breaker pipe, a dozer blade, and an anti-theft key (note: after 2008, the STD version no longer includes the breaker pipe). Thanks to Kubota’s strong brand reputation, the KX161 has performed well in China’s market. So how does it really perform in daily use? Here is a genuine report from a user who owns two KX161s:

Purchase Date: March 2007
Total Hours: About 5000 hours so far
Purchase Cost:

• Down payment: 200,000 RMB
• Lease financing: 200,000 RMB
• Freight (Shanghai to Changsha): 5000 RMB
• GPS installation: 5000 RMB
• Total: 410,000 RMB

Warranty: 2000 hours or one year, whichever comes first; excludes fuel pump and injectors.

This was our family’s second Kubota excavator. Back then, in my hometown’s mountainous areas, road building, land clearing, and foundation digging created high demand for compact, maneuverable excavators with strong digging force and high mobility — you could easily clock 2500 hours a year.

Kubota’s local dealer at the time did a great job — the demo unit and the operator really built our confidence, and the dealer’s manager personally supported customers and expanded the local market. Without his team’s efforts, Kubota wouldn’t have achieved such a strong presence in Hunan.

About the GPS fee (5000 RMB):
This turned out to be quite disappointing. In the first year, I didn’t receive any useful GPS data like location, working hours, or fuel consumption. It was far behind the Komatsu KOMTRAX system. From the second year, the GPS service provider even tried to charge an extra annual fee of over 1000 RMB. I refused. Eventually, they removed the GPS, claiming it was damaged by water — I suspect they just reused it on another machine. Very frustrating.

Compared to local brands:
Domestic mini excavators like SANY, Liugong, and Yuchai often use premium imported components (Isuzu, Yanmar, Cummins engines; Rexroth, KYB hydraulics). However, I feel the real difference lies in design philosophy, assembly quality, and electronic control details.

Electronic control:

• Electronic throttle (auto-idle)
• Auto preheat on startup

Monitor displays:

• Engine hours, RPM, coolant temperature, oil pressure, fuel level, battery voltage, overheat protection, alternator warning.

Switches (left to right):

• Switch 1: Headlights
• Switch 2: Breaker mode
• Switch 3: Short press/long press for different screens

Engine:
The Kubota engine runs surprisingly quiet. It uses a swirl chamber design and even has an external fuel cooler — unusual, but that’s how they built it.

However, it only has one fuel-water separator, which doesn’t match China’s real-world conditions (fuel quality, operator habits, outdoor storage, refueling methods). Most Chinese mini excavators have two filters and two separators. As a result, before 3000 hours, failure to drain water caused the fuel pump to run dry, leading to speed drops, overheating, black smoke, and poor power. The engine needed over 2000 RPM to work properly.

I first replaced four injectors — no effect. Eventually, a specialist from Shanghai confirmed it was the fuel pump. Replacing it cost 4300 RMB. Even now, in ambient temperatures around 25°C, coolant temperature easily hits 99°C and there’s still slight black smoke.

Fuel consumption:
About 4.7 liters/hour at ~1900 RPM during normal earthwork.

Hydraulics:
The pumps and valves have worked fine, except for minor oil seepage. The dealer said high temperatures were to blame.

The arm cylinder started to leak due to aging — a new seal fixed it. The bucket cylinder was scratched by improper use — I polished it and replaced the seal, problem solved. Now I don’t let apprentices operate it; careless use can cause expensive wear and tear.

Pilot control:
I replaced the pilot lever oil seals once.

Structures:
Due to using a breaker, working in hilly terrain, and some operator mistakes, the arm cracked before 3000 hours. The dealer replaced it under warranty. Generally, the KX161’s arm looks thinner compared to, say, Komatsu PC60 — which has beefier arms.

Undercarriage:
The standard 550 mm tracks are quite robust and very practical in my region — great for paddy fields and hills alike.

Track rollers:
Before 700 hours, the carrier roller sagged. The dealer delayed replacement until nearly 2000 hours. Later I replaced another one myself, but the problem came back. I finally modified it with dual-end supports — problem solved.

Cab:
Overall, the cab feels cramped and poorly sealed. The layout is rough and makes operators tired easily. For comparison, while the KX161 outperforms the Doosan DH55 in digging power, speed, and traction, the DH55’s cab is far more comfortable, with nice audio and better ergonomics.

Parts:
Parts are expensive! A tiny glass clip once cost over 500 RMB — outrageous. Who would pay that much for a part worth mere cents? I wish the front lower glass had a metal frame — rough operators often step on it, and I end up constantly hauling glass to the site.

Maintenance:
The grease gun holder design is poor. To get the grease gun, you have to open the rear hood and side cover — very inconvenient, and few operators will bother.

Overall:
Generally, the machine runs well with no major breakdowns and rarely delays work. Operation is smooth, speed is decent, and digging power is moderate — not as forceful as the Yuchai YC60-6, Komatsu PC60-7, or Liugong 906C. But at the end of the day, different people have different preferences.

Most importantly, besides the machine itself, management is key: higher hourly rates and more working hours are what really bring in the profit.

The SANY SY65 and SY75C compact excavators often raise a few common questions among operators and service personnel in China. Most of these are due to differences between compact and mid-size excavators. Below is an explanation of frequent concerns and recommended solutions.

1. Large Swing Bearing Clearance

Issue:
Users sometimes notice that when swing braking stops, the bucket still oscillates slightly (typically about 3 swings). Some believe this means excessive swing bearing clearance. Also, when the swing joystick snaps back to neutral quickly, there may be a metallic sound, which is mistaken for abnormal noise.

Explanation:
Unlike larger models, compact excavators usually don’t have a swing anti-sway device. Braking relies on hydraulic resistance, so some residual swing due to inertia is normal. Using mechanical brakes would damage the swing motor.
The click heard when the joystick returns to neutral comes from gear clearance inside the swing reducer; as the motor brakes, the gear contact shifts sides, producing a metal contact noise. This is normal and not harmful.

2. Boom or Arm Drift (Drop)

Issue:
When the excavator is stationary, the boom, arm, or bucket cylinders may move slightly, causing a slow drop.

Explanation:
When the main control valve is in neutral, the weight of the work equipment creates hydraulic pressure. Due to necessary spool clearance inside the valve, slight internal leakage occurs, causing slow cylinder movement. That’s why the manual specifies that the bucket should always rest on the ground when not working.
If the drop is severe (e.g., bucket teeth drop more than 95 mm within 5 minutes at around 45 °C oil temperature), the main valve may be sticking and should be cleaned.

3. Slight Black Smoke

Issue:
A light black exhaust is visible against light when starting the engine or under heavy load.

Explanation & Solution:

• This is common due to sudden fuel injection changes under varying loads, leading to incomplete combustion.
• Poor-quality diesel with more heavy molecules can worsen smoke; good-quality diesel is recommended.
• If the engine previously used low-grade diesel, slight injector carbon deposits may cause smoke. Switching to better diesel and adding fuel cleaner can help; if needed, clean the injectors or adjust the hydraulic main pump output.

Note:
Manufacturer warranties usually exclude issues like injection pump wear, injector carbon build-up, or cylinder scoring. Operators should be advised to use quality fuel and perform regular maintenance.

4. Occasional Low Oil Pressure Warning

Issue:
Sometimes, when starting the engine, a low oil pressure warning appears briefly but disappears within seconds.

Explanation & Solution:
The excavator uses a two-stage oil pressure alert system. A brief warning is acceptable, but the oil level, filter, and oil cleanliness should be checked. Topping up the oil often solves it. If the warning lasts unusually long, shut down immediately for inspection.

5. Operation Delay After Releasing Pilot Lock

Issue:
After releasing the pilot lock, there is a few-second delay before the excavator responds.

Explanation:
This intentional delay in the control program prevents accidental movement if the operator bumps the control lever while unlocking. It’s a safety feature.

6. Stick Cylinder Hesitation

Issue:
During combined operations, the stick cylinder sometimes hesitates or slows down when nearly vertical to the ground.

Explanation & Solution:
To achieve minimal fuel consumption, return line back pressure is set low. At low engine RPMs, system flow is reduced, and back pressure drops further, occasionally causing cavitation, which leads to hesitation.
Operators should keep engine speed above 1600 rpm. Alternatively, slightly tightening two return check valve screws (by 1–2 turns) can help but will slightly increase fuel consumption. Operators should be informed accordingly.

7. Weak Swing When Leveling Ground

Issue:
When using swing motion to level ground, the machine feels underpowered.

Explanation:
The swing reducer and bearing use gear transmission with hardened surfaces. Using swing to level ground causes impact loads that can damage these gears. To protect the drivetrain, swing torque is intentionally limited, resulting in weak swing force for this purpose. The operator manual advises against using swing to level ground.

8. Diesel Wastage When Replacing Fuel Pre-Filter

Issue:
When replacing the fuel pre-filter, limited space can cause awkward installation and diesel spillage.

Explanation & Solution:
The design intends for the pre-filter and lower casing to be installed together as one piece, providing sufficient space and avoiding fuel loss. This method is described in the updated technical documentation.

9. Weak Climbing Power

Issue:
When driving up steep slopes in high gear, the excavator sometimes can’t climb.

Explanation & Solution:
These compact models do not have automatic travel speed switching. In high gear, traction is limited on steep inclines. Operators should manually switch to low gear for climbing. Even machines with auto switching should use low gear for prolonged climbs to avoid damaging the travel motor’s variable displacement mechanism.

10. Track Noise During Travel

Issue:
While traveling, the upper track may bounce slightly and make noise.

Explanation & Solution:
This is caused by the polygon effect due to track pitch length and sprocket gear teeth. When the entire track is flat, the drive radius is smallest; when angled, it increases slightly, causing minor speed fluctuations and vibration. Mud buildup and tension changes can amplify this. Adjusting track tension can reduce noise and vibration but may not eliminate it completely. This is normal for tracked equipment.

I’ve owned this machine for about three months now. Since I also operate a Yuchai 35-6, I haven’t spent as much time on the DH70 as I could have, but I’ve used it enough to sum up its strengths and weaknesses based on around 500 working hours.

Advantages

• The exterior looks compact and simple. In my opinion, it’s close to a short-tail design.
• It has strong digging force.
• Swing speed is fast (about 11 revolutions per minute).
• Single movements are quick and responsive.

Shortcomings

1. Combined (multi-function) operations are slower than you might expect.
2. The air conditioning doesn’t have an external circulation mode, and the only windows that open are near the door — you can’t lean your head outside.
3. The interior plastic has a very strong smell, which is quite unpleasant and hard to tolerate.
4. The cab design is poor — there’s hardly any storage space (just one small spot), and small parts often end up on the cab floor. It’s unclear whether they vibrate loose or were left behind during assembly.
5. When digging hard soil, the boom and arm make noticeable banging noises (this is definitely not due to insufficient grease).
6. After about 300 hours, the swing started making strange noises, which disappeared by around 310 hours.
7. The engine is a Kubota, but it shows signs of burning oil. The oil filler port is poorly positioned and inconvenient to use — a bad design in my opinion. I later added an electric pump myself to make refueling easier.
8. There’s no designated storage for a grease gun anywhere on the machine. I’ve had to keep mine on the cab floor since day one.

Overall:
The DH70 has decent power and fast basic functions but falls short in cab design, comfort, and user-friendly details. Some issues can be improved with simple DIY modifications, but it would be nice if the manufacturer addressed them in future models.

Having worked in the excavator industry for several years, I’ve formed my own impressions of different brands. Once, while chatting with industry peers, we discussed which excavators offer the worst value for money in China. Based on our experience, we summed up a few brands that we think have the lowest cost-performance ratio. Of course, this is just a personal perspective — others may have different opinions.

Top 5 Excavator Brands with Poor Value for Money

1. Liebherr

Although marketed as “German quality,” the models assembled in Dalian, China, show a significant drop in quality compared to original imports. Despite this, prices remain extremely high — even higher than Caterpillar and Volvo — and spare parts are expensive and hard to source. As a result, Liebherr excavators are rarely seen on Chinese job sites; people have heard of the name but hardly ever see the machines.

• Performance Competitiveness: ★★★★
• Brand Recognition: ★★★★★
• Spare Parts Availability: ★★
• Price Competitiveness: ★
• Dealer Network: ★★
• Overall Value for Money: ★★★

2. Case

Promoted as an American brand, but in reality, their large excavators are just rebranded Sumitomo machines and their compact excavators are rebranded Kobelco machines. However, the prices jump straight to a premium Western level. The dealer network is inconsistent, and buyers often regret the purchase.

• Performance Competitiveness: ★★★★★
• Brand Recognition: ★★★
• Spare Parts Availability: ★★★
• Price Competitiveness: ★
• Dealer Network: ★
• Overall Value for Money: ★★

3. Terex (Compact Excavators)

Terex acquired a small local company in Sanhe County, Hebei Province, and claimed to adopt German Schaeff technology (Terex did acquire Schaeff’s mini excavator plant in Germany). But the quality still reflects a small-town manufacturing level. The dealer network has changed hands multiple times, as has the workforce, with no clear improvement. Most likely, Terex compact excavators will eventually exit the Chinese market — so buyers should be prepared for this risk.

• Performance Competitiveness: ★★★
• Brand Recognition: ★★★
• Spare Parts Availability: ★★★
• Price Competitiveness: ★★
• Dealer Network: ★
• Overall Value for Money: ★

4. Atlas

Produced by Terex at a factory in Baotou, Inner Mongolia. Baotou is not ideal for excavator manufacturing due to its distance from key supply chains and a shortage of skilled workers. The quality is predictable under such conditions, yet prices are aligned with European levels. After many years, sales have only declined, just like Liebherr — high on name, low on substance.

• Performance Competitiveness: ★★★★
• Brand Recognition: ★★★
• Spare Parts Availability: ★★
• Price Competitiveness: ★
• Dealer Network: ★
• Overall Value for Money: ★★

5. Volvo

Globally known for safe cars, but its excavators are less impressive. After acquiring Korea’s Samsung, there was little quality improvement, but prices skyrocketed. “Swedish quality” is used as a marketing hook for Chinese buyers, and unfortunately, many fall for it. Insiders know that selling Volvo excavators is highly profitable — low production cost, high retail price, and big dealer margins. If you’re considering a Volvo excavator, ask yourself: do you want to make money for yourself or for the dealer?

• Performance Competitiveness: ★★★★
• Brand Recognition: ★★★★★
• Spare Parts Availability: ★★★
• Price Competitiveness: ★
• Dealer Network: ★★★
• Overall Value for Money: ★★

Note:
This list reflects only the views of a few industry insiders and does not represent absolute facts. Always do your own research before making a purchase decision.

Hey everyone — after years of hustling on construction sites across China, who wouldn’t want a truly versatile machine? Smooth municipal trenching and roadwork? Easy. Lightning-fast loading at quarries? No problem. Digging channels for farmland irrigation and water diversion? Effortless. SANY’s brand-new SY75W wheeled excavator is here to show what a real “multi-tasking pro” looks like. Today, let’s break down what makes this jobsite veteran stand out!

Strong Power, No Fear of High Altitude

1️⃣ “Highland Eagle” — Consistent Power, Even at 4,000 Meters

Equipped with a SANY-customized imported engine delivering up to 55 kW — this is real power, not just for show! Whether you’re working on the plains or high up in the mountains of China, it stays powerful and reliable without losing performance. Climbing slopes? A piece of cake. Work longer and more stably — say goodbye to “altitude issues.”

2️⃣ Independent Hydraulic Braking for Extra Safety

Front and rear axles have separate hydraulic brake circuits, so the response is super quick! The braking distance is much shorter than national standards in China — meaning safer stopping and more peace of mind. Whether weaving around tight sites or working on slopes, you stay safe and confident.

3️⃣ Proven Design — Reliable and Worry-Free

The upper structure uses the same trusted platform as the SY75C, one of SANY’s best-selling models in China. Tested, durable, and dependable — peace of mind, guaranteed.

Agile Moves, Lightning Efficiency

✅ Smart Hydraulic “Brain”
An electronically controlled load-sensing system plus an electric control hydraulic pump means the SY75W knows exactly what you want: fast when you need speed, smooth when you need precision. The main valve’s flow priority plus post-compensation tech means silky-smooth operation and zero wasted fuel — the true “dancing king” of the worksite!

✅ Wheeled Speed, Rock-Solid Stability
The extra-long 2400 mm wheelbase isn’t just for show — driving is rock-steady, digging is stable, and you stay comfortable even during long shifts. And it’s quick too — up to 30 km/h! Moving between sites? Done in minutes. Finish one job, and you’re off to the next without missing a beat.

✅ Imported Core Parts — Built to Last
Key axle and gearbox parts are imported for better cooling and dirt resistance — top-tier reliability. With a base load capacity of 8 tons and a wet braking system, you get dependable safety and durability, even in tough conditions.

Next-Level Cabin — So Comfortable It Doesn’t Feel Like an Excavator

🌟 “First-Class” Spacious Cabin
The seat recline goes up to a comfy 33.3°, giving you extra stretch space. Take a quick break, relax, recharge — ready to go again in no time.

🌟 Smart A/C with Self-Check
The air conditioner runs self-checks and warns you early if there’s a problem. Safer, easier maintenance — saves you time and hassle.

🌟 Adaptive HD Touchscreen
The screen adjusts its brightness automatically — no worries about strong sunlight or low light. Clear info, smooth operation.

🌟 360° Constant-Temperature Comfort
Optimized A/C vents keep the whole cabin at a steady temperature from head to toe. No more sweating in summer or freezing in winter — work in total comfort all day long.

Efficiency, Agility, Reliability, Comfort — Why Choose When You Can Have It All?

The SY75W says: “I want it all!” Want to be the sharpest operator on any site in China? Want to work faster, easier, and more comfortably? This “all-round champion” is ready for you. Click the link below and make it your best partner on your journey to success!