Buying New | KX-033 vs. KX-040 | Compact Excavator

killingitcountry · Feb 15, 2021

Hello everyone,

As the thread title says - I'm bringing home one of these two machines brand new this spring. Does anyone have any experience with either machine? Both machines? The 6-way blade on the 040 is attractive but the 033 has a non-DOC/DPF Tier 4 engine which I like. Avoiding the DP filter and associated emissions equipment would be an advantage, no? Or should I just get the most machine I can afford and hope the emissions stuff isn't too much of a headache once the warranty is long gone? I have about 200' of french drain to put in, two armor stone sets of stairs (back and front of house), small retaining walls, general landscaping/gardening ... paths throughout maintained grassy areas as well as about 5,000 feet of roadway through the untouched back-40 of my 50 acre property. I don't plan on having this all done fast ... just pick away at it.

I'm a few years out from this, but, I would love to eventually pick up a used tow rig and trailer and do small jobs to supplement my income. Would my desire to do this sway your machine recommendations?

Thanks everyone!!

James

4570Man · Feb 15, 2021

Kubota KX-040 owner here. I’ve never even sat in the seat of the 33 but i don’t see any reason not to go with a 40. And get a hydraulic thumb. If you live in one of the **** states that limits trailers to 10,000 pounds that can be a deciding factor. A 33 can be moved like that but a 40 can’t.

killingitcountry · Feb 15, 2021

Thanks! This seems to be the advice I am getting from all directions. Whatever I decide I'll be getting the quick coupler, 24" bucket, thumb, radio, hydraulic coupler kit, 36" hydraulic tilt-ditch bucket with cut edge and a 12" bucket so I can leave the backhoe on the BX alone and never look back. Love my BX but it needs to be moved too often when trenching.

4570Man · Feb 15, 2021

I have a quick attach bucket on mine which is a must have. I have a 12”, 24” and 36” bucket on mine. I don’t have a tilt bucket but I could definitely see where one would be nice. I don’t currently have any straight edge buckets either but I’m probably going to have to get one or build an edge to slip on. You’re going to feel like you’re in heaven with either one of those machines compared to the BX.

Steppenwolfe · Feb 15, 2021

I was like you when looking for a mini; I settled on the kx71 which is a 3 ton unit and fixed blade. I couldn't justify going up an extra 20k for the fancy blade and bigger machine. I also went open station cause that's what I like. Absolutely get a thumb and quick attach.

4570Man · Feb 15, 2021

Steppenwolfe said:
I was like you when looking for a mini; I settled on the kx71 which is a 3 ton unit and fixed blade. I couldn't justify going up an extra 20k for the fancy blade and bigger machine. I also went open station cause that's what I like. Absolutely get a thumb and quick attach.

A 6 way blade would probably be nice but the 4 way isn’t worth much. In its defense I’ve just had the machine since December. It might work better in the summer when everything isn’t mud.

killingitcountry · Feb 15, 2021

4570Man said:
A 6 way blade would probably be nice but the 4 way isn’t worth much. In its defense I’ve just had the machine since December. It might work better in the summer when everything isn’t mud.

I see myself in a KX-040GTA (6-way blade) ... I think I'll regret not having the extra HP and break-out force when I tie into a nasty tree root or rock.

Cat385B · Feb 15, 2021

Get as much machine as you’re comfortable spending. I’d pass on any extra feature before going without a thumb.

4570Man · Feb 16, 2021

Cat385B said:
Get as much machine as you’re comfortable spending. I’d pass on any extra feature before going without a thumb.

Agreed. It literally doubles the usefulness of the machine.

killingitcountry · Feb 16, 2021

I'm very excited for the hydraulic thumb. I have a mechanical thumb on the BX that you can set and pin in place .. but it's a pain in the butt.

m7040 · Feb 24, 2021

I have a new KX33 that I like a lot with thumb and 6 way blade

killingitcountry · Feb 25, 2021

m7040 said:
I have a new KX33 that I like a lot with thumb and 6 way blade

I thought the 6-way blade was only available on the KX-040?

-James

4570Man · Feb 25, 2021

killingitcountry said:
I thought the 6-way blade was only available on the KX-040?

-James

That’s the impression I was under.

m7040 · Feb 25, 2021

I have it on my KX 33. It comes with cab and 6 way blade and also got the option for a Thumb. It is a very handy machine and just the perfect size for me

killingitcountry · Feb 27, 2021

m7040 said:
I have it on my KX 33. It comes with cab and 6 way blade and also got the option for a Thumb. It is a very handy machine and just the perfect size for me

Wow! You should upload a video for us. I've never seen a KX-033 with a 6-way blade.

Hersheyfarm · Feb 28, 2021

I bought a kx040-4 a few months ago. I sat on the 33. It’s a little smaller from what I remember. The thumb is great, my first after having many digging machines through the years. I do wish the thumb was wider for small debris pickup. The heater will absolutely run you out of the machine. I have not got to use the ac yet but I’m hoping its as good as the heat. I did upgrade my air filtration because the factory set up is crap. And recently made some spacers to widen the foot pedals. Other than that I cant find anything bad about it. I do know the new 5 series are coming out with a refreshed interior. Oh,I have the angle blade.

topstoy · Mar 3, 2021

I have the kx121 with the 4 way blade. You know these things aren't dozers. You can do a little with them but you run out of umph when trying to do much dozing. I thought about the 6 way and kinda glad I didn't pay extra for it. Thumb and quick tach buckets a must. Go with the 40 the 4k lifting is worth it. Get a 14k dump trailer to haul it around. Works good for me. Good luck.

4570Man · Mar 3, 2021

topstoy said:
I have the kx121 with the 4 way blade. You know these things aren't dozers. You can do a little with them but you run out of umph when trying to do much dozing. I thought about the 6 way and kinda glad I didn't pay extra for it. Thumb and quick tach buckets a must. Go with the 40 the 4k lifting is worth it. Get a 14k dump trailer to haul it around. Works good for me. Good luck.

I don’t know why they didn’t make a tilt blade the standard second option vs an a angle blade. The angle blade is close to worthless. I think a tilt blade would prove fairly useful. And yes a mini x isn’t a dozer. The blade is more pushing loose dirt vs carving out roads and such.

killingitcountry · Mar 4, 2021

I've decided on the KX-040 ... now the waiting begins ..... for both the machine and for the snow to melt. I've purchased a used single axle Berkelmans "2 ton Big 'Lil Dumper" hydraulic dump trailer to tow behind my Kubota BX .... I just put new idler hub kits on both sides. Once I get rear remotes installed on the tractor I will officially be ready for the excavator!

- James

4570Man · Mar 4, 2021

killingitcountry said:
I've decided on the KX-040 ... now the waiting begins ..... for both the machine and for the snow to melt. I've purchased a used single axle Berkelmans "2 ton Big 'Lil Dumper" hydraulic dump trailer to tow behind my Kubota BX .... I just put new idler hub kits on both sides. Once I get rear remotes installed on the tractor I will officially be ready for the excavator!

- James

I’d weld a hitch on the mini blade so you don’t have to keep swapping machines.