Head to head
JCB 3CX vs Kubota U27-4
The JCB 3CX is the bigger machine by 5,545kg and digs 1.42m (4.5ft) deeper.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Operating weight: the JCB 3CX is the bigger machine by 5,545kg.
- Dig depth: the JCB 3CX digs 1.42m (4.5ft) deeper.
Specifications side by side
| JCB 3CX | Kubota U27-4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 8,135kg standard and Contractor, 8,435kg on 3CX Super | 2,590kg or 2,490kg depending on variant |
| Dig depth | 4.24m with standard dipper, up to 5.46m with Extradig | 2,820mm maximum |
| Maximum reach | - | 4,740mm |
Sources: JCB 3CX, Kubota U27-4. Figures vary by model year and options, so check with the supplier before you commit.
Buy or hire the 3CX if...
- you want one that is the bigger machine by 5,545kg
- you want one that digs 1.42m (4.5ft) deeper
The machine most people picture when they think of a building site, and still the default where one machine has to both dig and load. Groundworkers and utilities contractors buy it precisely to avoid putting two machines on a small site.
Full 3CX specifications →Buy or hire the U27-4 if...
The step up from the KX019-4 when you need more depth and reach but still have to work close to walls and fences. Tight tail swing is what makes it usable in an occupied garden, and it is one of the most common hire machines in Britain for exactly that reason.
Listed by
- MY Tool Hire Ltd - Harrow
- Standard Plant Hire - Keston
Common questions
What is the difference between the JCB 3CX and the Kubota U27-4?
The JCB 3CX is the bigger machine by 5,545kg and digs 1.42m (4.5ft) deeper. The JCB 3CX is a wheeled backhoe loader; the Kubota U27-4 is a tight tail swing compact excavator, around 2.5 tonnes.
GetBrent is an independent directory and is not a dealer for, nor affiliated with, either manufacturer. Model and brand names are the trademarks of their owners.