The New Kubota U145 Touches Down at WHC Hire
We are proud to announce that WHC Hire has taken delivery of the first 14T zero tail swing excavator in our fleet, from world-renowned manufacturer Kubota.
The all-new Kubota U145, announced at Bauma last year, arrives at WHC for the very first time this week.
This addition means we can now offer zero tail swing and reduced tail swing excavators in both the 14T and 20T+ categories. More variety, more flexibility, and the same reliability and quality that WHC customers trust with their reputation.
The U145 follows the 10 new 14T excavators we added this year as part of the expansion of our large excavator offering.
Many of the utilities and groundworks companies we serve work where space is tight. On modern sites, a machine with real reach, lifting capability and power is becoming more of a necessity every year.
Conventional machines operating in tight spaces are often not a suitable fit, and they can be easily damaged, which leads to operational downtime.
Conventional swing excavators remain a core part of our 14T range. On open sites, they are still the right machine for the job. The U145 sits alongside them, and the site decides which one goes out.
With the Kubota U145 in the fleet, clients can now choose conventional swing or zero tail swing in the 14T class, along with a safer, stronger option for confined groundworks, utilities and civil engineering operations.
The U145 is based on the proven Sumitomo SH145 platform, which is known for its reliability, quality and high performance. Weighing 14,640kg with the dozer blade fitted, it delivers the performance clients can expect from a larger excavator, on a design that has already earned its reputation.
Power comes from a Stage V compliant engine producing 106.7 PS (78.5kW) at 2,000 rpm, paired with Kubota’s Advanced Intelligent Hydraulic system to manage power and fuel use.
The machine’s smaller footprint does not mean small capability. The U145 offers a dig depth of 5.51 metres and a reach of up to 9.34 metres, exactly what clients need for trenching, drainage and utility work on confined sites.
The dozer blade does more than move material. The blade-equipped undercarriage gives the U145 outstanding stability while it digs and lifts, and it lets operators level and backfill without changing machines. Combined with zero tail swing and a full 360-degree swivel, it makes the machine steady as well as compact.
Working close to walls, barriers and people demands good sight lines. A panoramic forward view combines with rear and side cameras to give 270-degree visibility around the machine, and LED working lights come as standard. Safety is backed by a ROPS cabin, a FOPS Level 2 top guard, anti-drop valves on the boom and arm, a travel alarm and an engine auto-stop if the seat belt is not fastened.
The U145 also brings a more comfortable cab for operators. It has generous head and leg room, a heated air-suspension seat, automatic air conditioning and a 178mm widescreen colour monitor, so operators stay comfortable and focused from first light to finish.
For us at WHC Hire, a machine has to perform well outside the depot and in the workshop. Less downtime and easier servicing make a huge difference to turnaround time, and in the fast-paced environment we operate in, serviceability is one of the most valuable factors in delivering on our promise to every client.
James Clutterbuck, Manging Director of WHC Hire Services, said:
“This is a brand new addition for us at WHC Hire. We have been running 14T excavators for a number of years, but we wanted a machine that offers our clients strong performance and versatility, and can cope with the fast-paced environment of the hire industry.
“This addition gives our clients even more choice when selecting a larger excavator from the WHC Hire range. I am delighted to welcome the first U145 to the fleet and look forward to seeing it put to the test on site.”
The Kubota U145 14T zero tail swing excavator is available to hire now from all our WHC Hire depots across Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire. Browse the machine’s specifications here, or contact your nearest depot to arrange delivery.