Slow, brand new Kubtota excavators

I bought a new U27 and U55 this season, and unfortunately am not very happy with either. With experience in renting many other brands, the U55 just doesn't compare. All functions, especially slew and boom speed are terrible comparing to other machines. Not to mention the extremely small amount of foot room and terrible seat height, this machine hasn't been too much fun in it's first 185 hours.

The Kubota U55 and Deere 50g that I previously operated both have normal and ECO mode. The Deere seems to simply lower engine RPM in ECO mode, while the Kubota maintains the same engine RPM in ECO mode, but just slows down.

Since the Kubota seems to have some kind of computerized hydraulic ECO mode, I was hoping there could be a way to program something to work faster.

The Kubota U55 normal mode seems about as fast as the Deere ECO mode, and the Kubota ECO mode is unusable.

Dealer said there were restrictions in the pilot controls, to allow the machine to operate smoother.

The operator should be able to control the smoothness, instead of having the machine be so slow that it's painful.

Any ideas?

Different machines but our new JLG 1255's have a digital dash and entering the Service code I can adjust all aspects of how the hydraulics react. I can adjust how sensitive the controls are, how fast things move wide open and how slow they move.

You most likely need a hand held plug in computer to adjust your settings if there isn't a built in display.

Do you have a Service Manual for the machine?

I've run a U55 and didn't find it slow at all, that's comparing it to an older 161-3 and a newer Tak260. Just curious, If you rented others that were faster why did you settle on the Kubotas if they were slower? Or did you not demo the Kubotas? And, are yousure they are slow? Look up some hydraulic specs for boom up and down and swing speed and such and check em out. I find the new machines are so quiet it may just seem slow. Also maybe check that you're getting max rpm as well.

544D10 said:

You most likely need a hand held plug in computer to adjust your settings if there isn't a built in display.

Do you have a Service Manual for the machine?

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I'd really like it if they were programmable. The dealer did come out to "look at" the U55 and didn't mention anything about being able to change settings. There are times when the U55 SEEMS like it's operating at a quicker pace, like after it's idled for a short time or when its cooler. It has a computer display and can adjust the flow on the attachment ports, but nothing that the user can adjust on the main functions.

Tags said:

I've run a U55 and didn't find it slow at all, that's comparing it to an older 161-3 and a newer Tak260. Just curious, If you rented others that were faster why did you settle on the Kubotas if they were slower? Or did you not demo the Kubotas? And, are yousure they are slow? Look up some hydraulic specs for boom up and down and swing speed and such and check em out. I find the new machines are so quiet it may just seem slow. Also maybe check that you're getting max rpm as well.

Click to expand...

I hadn't tested the U55, and trying to look professional I chose to stay with all Kubota machines. The dealer gave me the specs, but I don't remember ever timing any functions, because I was so disappointed and knew the machine was probably working properly. They also told me they made sure it was flowing the proper GPM before it left the shop.
I am near 100% sure that the Deere 50G slew speed, and boom speed are much quicker than the Kubota U55. The slew on the deere would snap you around and toss you back and forth in the seat, and with nothing in the bucket, the boom would rock the machine at the top of the stroke when it stopped. With Kubota, my head is turned and waiting for the machine to slew around to where I want it, and the boom is nowhere near as snappy.
It literally feels like the Deere's eco mode.
I wanted to get them side by side on my last project but the rental place never got back to me, so I continued on with the U55.

Sounds like you hp limiting valve could use adjustment