Kubota track loaders are small, wheeled machines built to move dirt, gravel, and materials on job sites where a full-size excavator would be too large or too expensive

A Kubota track loader is a compact piece of construction equipment with a bucket on the front and a hydraulic arm that lifts and moves material. Instead of wheels, it runs on rubber or steel tracks — like a tank — which let it grip soft ground, mud, and slopes without sinking or sliding. Kubota is a Japanese manufacturer that makes these machines in sizes ranging from about 1,500 pounds to 5,000 pounds, so they fit into tight spaces on residential sites, landscaping jobs, and small commercial projects.

The machine sits one operator in an enclosed cab or open platform, and the operator controls the bucket and arm using hydraulic levers or joysticks. Because track loaders are smaller and lighter than wheel loaders or excavators, they cost less to buy or rent, take up less space on a trailer, and can work in yards, basements, and narrow alleys where bigger equipment cannot fit.

Key Takeaways

  • Kubota track loaders are compact machines with a front bucket and hydraulic arm, designed to move soil, gravel, and debris on small to medium job sites.
  • The rubber or steel tracks give them traction on soft ground and slopes, making them useful for landscaping, demolition, and residential construction where bigger equipment would damage the ground.
  • Kubota makes several models in different sizes; the smallest weigh around 1,500 pounds and the largest around 5,000 pounds, so you can choose based on the job and the space available.
  • Track loaders can be rented from equipment rental shops or bought new or used; rental costs and purchase prices vary by model and your location.

Common sizes and what each one is built for

Kubota's track loader lineup includes models like the SVL65, SVL75, and SVL95. The smaller models (around 1,500 to 2,500 pounds) work well for landscaping, moving mulch or gravel in residential yards, and clearing debris from tight spaces. The mid-range models (3,000 to 4,000 pounds) handle heavier jobs like moving topsoil, breaking up pavement with an attachment, and working on slopes. The largest models (around 5,000 pounds) can do light demolition work and move larger volumes of material, though they still fit in spaces where a full-size wheel loader would not.

The size you need depends on three things: how much material you need to move, how soft or uneven the ground is, and how tight the space is. A small residential landscaping job might need only a 1,500-pound loader, while a site with muddy ground and a lot of fill material might need a 3,500-pound model. If you are renting, the rental shop can help you pick the right size based on your job description.

How the bucket and hydraulic arm work

The bucket on the front of a Kubota track loader is controlled by a hydraulic arm — a metal rod powered by pressurized fluid that extends and retracts. The operator uses levers or joysticks in the cab to open and close the bucket, raise and lower the arm, and tilt the bucket forward or backward. This lets the operator scoop material from the ground, lift it several feet high, and dump it into a truck or pile.

The bucket itself comes in different widths and depths depending on the model. Some buckets are wide and shallow for spreading gravel or mulch; others are narrower and deeper for scooping dense material like soil or demolition rubble. Many Kubota track loaders can accept different attachments — a grapple for holding logs or scrap metal, a breaker for breaking concrete, or a broom for sweeping — so one machine can do multiple jobs on the same site.

Track loaders versus wheel loaders and excavators

A wheel loader has four rubber tires and is faster on hard, flat ground, but it sinks into mud and cannot work on steep slopes. A track loader grips soft ground and slopes because the tracks spread the weight over a larger area, like a snowshoe. Wheel loaders are noisier, faster, and better for moving material quickly across a paved lot; track loaders are quieter, slower, and better for working in yards, on wet ground, and in spaces where you cannot damage the turf.

An excavator has a bucket on a long arm that swings side to side, so it can dig into the ground and pull material toward itself. A track loader has a bucket on a shorter arm that mostly lifts straight up. Excavators are better for digging holes, trenches, and foundations; track loaders are better for moving loose material and clearing debris. Excavators also cost more to buy and rent, and they need more space to operate because the arm swings in a circle.

Renting versus buying a Kubota track loader

Most people rent a track loader for a specific job rather than buy one, because the rental cost is much lower than the purchase price and you do not have to store or maintain the machine. Equipment rental shops in most towns carry Kubota track loaders in several sizes. Rental rates vary by location and model, but a small track loader typically rents for a daily, weekly, or monthly rate — ask the rental shop for their current pricing.

If you own a construction business or do frequent landscaping work, buying a used Kubota track loader may make sense. Used models are sold through equipment dealers, online marketplaces, and auction sites. A used track loader in good condition costs less than a new one, but you will need to inspect it for wear on the tracks, hydraulic leaks, and engine condition before you buy. New Kubota track loaders are sold through authorized dealers and cost more upfront, but they come with a warranty and have no hidden damage.

What to know before operating a track loader

Operating a Kubota track loader requires some training, even though the basic controls are straightforward. Most rental shops will show you how to start the machine, operate the bucket and arm, and move forward and backward. The tracks turn independently, so you steer by speeding up one track and slowing the other — this takes practice to do smoothly without jerking the machine around.

Track loaders are loud, so you will need hearing protection if you operate one for more than a few minutes. The cab can get hot in summer and cold in winter, and the ride is bumpy on uneven ground. If you are renting, ask the rental shop whether they require the operator to have any certification or whether they provide a brief training session. Some sites and insurance policies require proof that the operator has used a track loader before, so check your job requirements before you rent.

Maintenance and care for a track loader

If you rent a track loader, the rental shop handles all maintenance — you just return it clean and with the fuel tank full. If you own one, you will need to check the hydraulic fluid level, inspect the tracks for damage or excessive wear, and keep the engine serviced according to the manufacturer's schedule. Tracks wear out over time and can be replaced, but the cost is significant, so tracking your hours of use helps you budget for replacement.

Storing a track loader indoors or under a cover extends its life, because sun and rain damage the rubber tracks and corrode the hydraulic lines. If you own a track loader and use it only seasonally, drain the fuel tank or add a fuel stabilizer before storing it for the winter, and check the battery charge periodically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Kubota track loader work on a slope?

Yes. The tracks grip steep slopes much better than wheels do, and Kubota track loaders are rated for slopes up to 30 or 40 degrees depending on the model. Always check the machine's specifications before working on a slope, and never operate on a slope steeper than the manufacturer recommends.

How much does it cost to rent a Kubota track loader?

Rental rates vary by location, model size, and rental shop. Call local equipment rental shops for current pricing. Most charge a daily rate, a weekly rate (usually cheaper per day), or a monthly rate. Delivery fees may explore if you need the machine brought to your site.

Do I need a license to operate a track loader?

No special license is required in most places, but your employer, insurance company, or the job site may require proof of training or experience. Ask your rental shop or job supervisor what documentation they need before you operate the machine.

What is the difference between rubber tracks and steel tracks?

Rubber tracks grip better on pavement and hard ground, are quieter, and cause less damage to finished surfaces. Steel tracks grip better in mud and snow, last longer, and work better in extreme cold. Most Kubota track loaders come with rubber tracks; steel tracks are an option on some models.

Can I use a track loader to dig?

A track loader can scoop material from the ground, but it cannot dig deep holes or trenches the way an excavator can. If you need to dig, an excavator is the better choice. A track loader is best for moving loose material and clearing debris.