How to Start a Kubota Excavator

Proper operation of Kubota excavators will ensure their longevity. Utilizing proper starting techniques will also ensure your safety as an operator. Whether you are seeking advice as a new or seasoned owner, knowing how to start a Kubota excavator is an integral part of operation.

As a responsible Kubota dealer, one of our priorities is educating our potential and current clients about the proper operation of the machinery. That’s why we created a guide for starting a Kubota excavator that includes everything from pre-operation checks to ignition.

Before You Start a Kubota Excavator

To safely start a Kubota excavator, there are certain precautionary measures you should take. The two most important things are:

• Ensuring the fuel cock on the engine is in the “Open” position.
• Putting all control levers in a neutral position, such as drive levers, attachment control levers, throttle levers, and control levers for dozer or track width.

In addition, as a high-grade Kubota excavator dealer, we strongly advise you to do a daily maintenance check before you start the engine. This must be done while the excavator is parked on an even ground with a locked lock lever. The things you should check before you move on to the steps of how to start a Kubota excavator include:

• Coolant level
• Engine oil level
• Hydraulic fluid level
• Air filter
• Grease points
• Control lamps
• Light system
• Seat belt and other safety features

How to Start a Kubota Excavator for Beginners

First and foremost, it’s best to read the excavator manual before starting the engine. Within the manual you will find all the important information on how to start a Kubota excavator for the first time safely.

Generally, the process for all Kubota excavator models begins with you getting in the operator’s seat. Many have a habit of starting their excavators while not settled in the seat or remaining outside the machine. However, this is not safe nor recommended, regardless of your experience level operating excavators.

Next, you should take the key and insert it into the starter switch. To know what starting procedures to take next, you should take a look at the type of starter switch your Kubota excavator has. 

Most Kubota excavators have three switch positions: stop, run, and start. However, there are also models, such as the Kubota K008-3, with four switch positions: preheat, off, on, and start.

Starting Kubota excavators with three switch positions

If your Kubota excavators has three switch positions, you should put the throttle potentiometer in the middle position. In other words, the potentiometer should be between the bunny and turtle symbol. Ensure the auto idle control is turned off, which is next to the throttle potentiometer.

The next step is turning the key to the run position. Keep it in the run position until the glow lamp disappears. The glow lamp actually indicates that the Kubota engine is preheating, and it will turn off once the process is finished.

Then, turn the key to the start position. When the engine is on, release the key, and if the dashboard doesn’t indicate any malfunctions, you can start digging and earthmoving. 

Starting Kubota excavators with four switch positions

How do you start a Kubota mini excavator if it has four switch positions? Start by inserting the key and turn it to the on position. Continue by turning it to the preheat position and leaving it there for approximately five seconds.

Lastly, turn the key to the start position and release it immediately after you hear the engine is on. The key will automatically return to the on position, and if all alarm lamps are off on the dashboard, you can start working with your excavator.

What Is the Proper Procedure for Turning on a Kubota Excavator in Cold Conditions?

If you need to operate your Kubota excavator in cold conditions, you should warm it up beforehand. To do so, you first need to ensure the pilot control lock lever is locked. It should stay in the lock position during the entire warm-up procedure.

Continue by putting the throttle lever all the way forward. Next, take your key, place it in the ignition point, and turn it to the preheat position. Leave it for at least 10 seconds. The indicator lamp should be turned off before you continue to the next step.

Then, start the engine. Regardless of your load level, you should leave the engine running for approximately 10 minutes.

Also, check the temperature before you start operating the excavator. If it is still too low, leave it for a few more minutes so the machine can optimally operate.

Jump-Starting Kubota Excavator

If the Kubota excavator battery has gone flat for some reason, you can jump-start the machine. Initially, you should take a look at the battery type the excavator uses. Typically, they are either 12-volt or 24-volt batteries. This is important because it will determine the power supply voltage you should use.

To jump-start a Kubota excavator, you will need one more person. One of you should be in the operator’s seat, while the other should connect the battery cables. 

If you use another vehicle to jump-start the excavator, ensure the positive terminal of both batteries is connected with the same cable. The negative terminal should be connected to the battery of the helping vehicle and the frame of your excavator. Finally, start the engine and disconnect the cables.

How to Start Kubota Excavator Without Key

If you lose the ignition key for your Kubota excavator, you should pay us a visit at one of our Colorado locations. You can purchase additional keys for your Kubota excavator. 

If we don’t have keys for your excavator model in-stock, we can order a replacement or recommend another trusted location in our vicinity if you need keys immediately. 

Conclusion

By knowing how to start a Kubota excavator, you are one step closer to learning how to operate the machine properly and safely. Let the excavator heat up for as long as it needs according to the weather conditions, and follow the other operating instructions in the manual.