Head to head
Hitachi ZX145W-6 vs Kubota U17-3a
The Hitachi ZX145W-6 has 94kW more power and is the bigger machine by 13.3 tonnes.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Engine power: the Hitachi ZX145W-6 has 94kW more power.
- Operating weight: the Hitachi ZX145W-6 is the bigger machine by 13.3 tonnes.
Specifications side by side
| Hitachi ZX145W-6 | Kubota U17-3a | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 15,000 - 17,200kg | 1,700kg |
| Dig depth | 5,520 - 5,770mm | 2,460mm |
| Engine power | 105kW (ISO14396) | 11.3kW |
Sources: Hitachi ZX145W-6, Kubota U17-3a. Figures vary by model year and options, so check with the supplier before you commit.
Buy or hire the ZX145W-6 if...
- you want one that has 94kW more power
- you want one that is the bigger machine by 13.3 tonnes
Suits municipal and utility contractors who need a mobile, road-going digger for drainage and reinstatement work spread across several sites in a day. The wheeled undercarriage trades some stability for speed between jobs.
Listed by
- McGovern Plant Hire - Hounslow, Cranford
Buy or hire the U17-3a if...
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
- Compact Plant Sales - Farnham
- Standard Plant Hire - Keston
Common questions
What is the difference between the Hitachi ZX145W-6 and the Kubota U17-3a?
The Hitachi ZX145W-6 has 94kW more power and is the bigger machine by 13.3 tonnes. The Hitachi ZX145W-6 is a 14-17 tonne wheeled excavator; the Kubota U17-3a is a 1.7 tonne mini excavator.
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