Head to head
Bobcat E17z vs Kubota U17-3a
The Kubota U17-3a has 1kW more power and digs 23cm deeper. The Bobcat E17z is the bigger machine by 12kg.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Engine power: the Kubota U17-3a has 1kW more power.
- Dig depth: the Kubota U17-3a digs 23cm deeper.
- Operating weight: the Bobcat E17z is the bigger machine by 12kg.
Specifications side by side
| Bobcat E17z | Kubota U17-3a | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 1712kg | 1,700kg |
| Dig depth | 2230mm | 2,460mm |
| Engine power | 10.1kW | 11.3kW |
| Breakout force | 11.92kN | - |
Sources: Bobcat E17z, Kubota U17-3a. Figures vary by model year and options, so check with the supplier before you commit.
Buy or hire the E17z if...
- you want one that is the bigger machine by 12kg
The 1.5 tonne class is the busiest size in UK hire fleets. At 1,712kg it goes on a braked plant trailer behind a large 4x4 or pickup, and digs to 2230mm for footings, drainage runs and fence posts. Zero tail swing means the back of the machine stays inside the tracks when it slews, so it can work tight against a wall or in one lane of a road.
Full E17z specifications →Buy or hire the U17-3a if...
- you want one that has 1kW more power
- you want one that digs 23cm deeper
A step up from a micro excavator for landscaping and groundworks contractors who need more dig depth and breakout force while still fitting through a standard gate or gap. Common on garden and small drainage jobs.
Listed by
- McGovern Plant Hire - Hounslow, Cranford
- Standard Plant Hire - Keston
Common questions
What is the difference between the Bobcat E17z and the Kubota U17-3a?
The Kubota U17-3a has 1kW more power and digs 23cm deeper. The Bobcat E17z is the bigger machine by 12kg. The Bobcat E17z is a 1.5 tonne class mini excavator, zero tail swing; the Kubota U17-3a is a 1.7 tonne mini excavator.
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