Head to head
Kubota U50-5 vs Yanmar ViO17
The Kubota U50-5 has 30kW more power and is the bigger machine by 2,945kg.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Engine power: the Kubota U50-5 has 30kW more power.
- Operating weight: the Kubota U50-5 is the bigger machine by 2,945kg.
- Dig depth: the Kubota U50-5 digs 96cm (3ft) deeper.
Specifications side by side
| Kubota U50-5 | Yanmar ViO17 | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 4,775kg | 1,830 kg |
| Dig depth | 3,370mm | 2,410 mm (blade lowered); 2,310 mm (blade lifted) |
| Engine power | 40.4kW | 10.1 kW at 2,200 rpm |
Sources: Kubota U50-5, Yanmar ViO17. Figures vary by model year and options, so check with the supplier before you commit.
Buy or hire the U50-5 if...
- you want one that has 30kW more power
- you want one that is the bigger machine by 2,945kg
- you want one that digs 96cm (3ft) deeper
A mid-size mini excavator for groundworkers who need more reach and dig depth than the smaller Kubota models while still keeping a compact machine for site access. Suits drainage, footings and utility trenching.
Listed by
- McGovern Plant Hire - Hounslow, Cranford
- Standard Plant Hire - Keston
Buy or hire the ViO17 if...
The Yanmar ViO17 is a true zero tail swing mini excavator built for working tight to walls, fences and parked vehicles without the counterweight overhanging, a common requirement on UK residential and urban groundworks jobs. It sits in the same roughly 1.7-1.9 tonne hire class as the Takeuchi TB216 and Kubota KX019-4. Yanmar's compact equipment range is less widely stocked across UK hire fleets than Kubota or JCB, but it has a following among contractors who rate its digging force for its size.
Full ViO17 specifications →Common questions
What is the difference between the Kubota U50-5 and the Yanmar ViO17?
The Kubota U50-5 has 30kW more power and is the bigger machine by 2,945kg. The Kubota U50-5 is a 4.8 tonne mini excavator; the Yanmar ViO17 is a a 1.8 tonne true zero tail swing mini excavator.
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