Kubota rolls out new CTL, UTVs at Equip Expo - Lawn & Landscape

Oct 18, 2024

Posted by Jimmy Miller, Associate Editor, Lawn & Landscape

Kubota Tractor Corporation has launched its new SVL50x compact track loader from the showroom floor at Equip Exposition, marking its entry into the smallest cabbed compact track loader category.

Featuring a 48-inch-wide frame, the new SVL50x is the smallest compact track loader in Kubota’s lineup and will be available at dealerships beginning in the first quarter of 2025.

“With the trend of putting more houses on less land, and the space between lots getting tighter and tighter, Kubota is filling a need in the market for a narrow, cabbed track loader among construction and landscaping professionals,” says Jerry Corder, Kubota product manager, construction equipment. “The new SVL50x gives operators a smaller, feature-packed machine, some of which have never been seen on a Kubota compact track loader.”

Available in four models ranging from an open (ROPS) station to a deluxe cab, the new SVL50x is powered by a 49.6 horsepower Kubota diesel engine and features a working range that includes a rated operating capacity of 1,176 pounds at 35% of the tipping load, 4,900 pounds of bucket breakout force and a hinge pin height of 101.6 inches.

Built for jobsites that require a tracked machine that can easily fit through narrow passageways and operate in confined spaces, the SVL50x is just 48 inches wide, and measures 76.5 inches in height and 92.8 inches in length, with an operating weight of 5,620 pounds.

Kubota representatives say that the “x” in SVL50x stands for “extra” due to the number of additional features included in the new model. Similar to Kubota’s larger SVL75-3 compact track loader, the SVL50x is available with a one-piece sealed cab that helps prevent dirt, dust, rain and debris from entering the operator space while providing a quiet operating environment. Another similarity to the SVL75-3 is a 7-inch color LCD touch panel that comes standard on the SVL50x. This gives operators access to a wide range of functions and information like battery charge, hydraulic oil and coolant temperature, auxiliary mode and fuel level, and is also where the standard rear-view camera is displayed.

The SVL50x also includes technologies featured in Kubota’s compact track loader lineup for the first time, including an anti-stall system, and an auto-idling system that helps save fuel by reducing engine RPM when high engine speed isn’t needed and the control levers are in neutral for more than 4 seconds; a creep mode that slows the machine to a crawl when operating a trencher, snowplow, and other similar attachments; and an undercarriage suspension with the mid-rollers suspended by torsion axles. Kubota Shockless Ride (KSR) will also be available on the SVL50x, to absorb shock when handling heavy loads.

Kubota also introduced two upgraded additions to its RTV-X line with the RTV-X Cab and RTV-X Crew models. These models include a redesigned and more aggressive exterior and new heavy-duty multipurpose tires. The new RTV-X Cab and RTV-X Crew models will be available beginning February 2025 at authorized Kubota dealers in basic, standard, or premium grade options.

“The RTV-X made a serious statement earlier this year with its rugged and durable chassis, Kubota diesel engine, and variable hydrostatic transmission,” says Jacob Mandoza, Kubota senior product manager, utility vehicles. “And now, the CAB and CREW Models offer operators their most valued options right from the factory: the CAB model prioritizes cab comforts while the CREW model prioritizes versatility to handle whatever the day may bring. These were logical enhancements following the success of the updated RTV-X which launched last year. These models have had a ton of success in each of our primary customer markets, including ag, commercial, construction/rental, and residential.”

Kubota's VHT-X (Variable Hydraulic Transmission) performs on various terrains with fluent and powerful acceleration. Low-speed driving is made smooth through intuitive throttle control, great traction, and maneuverability with or without loads. Dynamic braking helps provide additional braking power and greater driving control. The full steel frame helps isolate the driver and passengers from harsh noise and vibrations. Plus, Kubota’s K-Connect and PTO drive system on the RTV-X and RTV-X Cab makes the machine even more versatile by allowing the quick attachment and detachment of a large variety of implements like blades, snowblowers, brooms and a debris blower.

Kubota’s RTV-X Cab model adds a fully integrated, factory-installed cab. The climate-controlled cab is designed to keep the operator working and comfortable. This model includes all the rugged features of the RTV-X Series with the addition of a quieter factory-installed cab with air conditioning, heat and defrost. The new ProKonvert system comes standard on the premium grade model of the RTV-X Cab, which allows the cargo bed sides to be easily configured without tools, allowing operators to drop two sides and/or the back tailgate for loading and even converting it into a flatbed. Plus, a hydraulic dump bed, which is standard equipment on all grades, allows for efficient dumping of material as well as precision material placement. The cargo bed is made from durable steel and can be upgraded with a spray-on bedliner for standard models, while premium grades come with the bedliner as a standard feature.

Kubota’s RTV-X Crew, also built on the RTV-X Series chassis, features Kubota’s K-Vertible bed system that converts from a one-row with a long bed and maximum cargo space, to a two-row with a smaller cargo bed and the ability to carry four people. In the one-row configuration, Crew models offer 19.1 cubic feet of storage and a cargo capacity of 1,102 pounds; while in the two-row configuration, this changes to 9.9 cubic feet of storage and a cargo capacity of 661 pounds. The model can easily convert between a 1-row and a 2-row machine, without the use of tools. Plus, the bed dumps in either configuration without having to make any machine adjustments.