Kubota Kx71-3ss mini excavator without A/C

[Walter63]

I am looking at a very nice 2019 Kubota Kx71-3ss with a cab. I was surprised to find that it was built without air conditioning. On a tractor, I wouldn't even consider that, but maybe on an excavator it is more manageable. I probably wouldn't be spending an entire day in the cab, like with a tractor. Has anyone had experience with this ? Is running with the doors open a possibility ? Thanks in advance.
This machine will not be used commercially, just for small jobs. I might add that I do have a SVL75-2, and I wouldn't want to run that without A/C. Things get hot in there otherwise.

 

[CraigStu]

I wonder if the cab can be removed? On my 2018 I see several tabs w/ holes in them on the ROPS tubes that look like they might be mounts for cab panels. BTW I have only had my KX71-3 for 4-5 weeks but so far I am super happy w/ it. I am using it mostly to move pieces of trees after I drop them. Yesterday I picked up a 35ft piece of trunk 12" OD at one end and 10" at the other. Sure is nice to get it off the ground so I can chainsaw it into 10-12ft pieces.

 

[Carl_NH]

They commonly run with the door and front window latched open then the right side window opens too, and it should have a fan or you can add one.

Really depends on your climate - if in the south and southwest, yes AC is probably necessary, if more temperate areas it's a nice to have.

As you stated though its personal use, so you can pick/choose the days you use it so if its a nice machine I'd say go for it.

If you want AC, you can add 12 VAC for $900 RV Air Conditioner, 12V 10000 BTU Top Mounted Heating and Cooling Park

 

[LittleBill21]

They commonly run with the door and front window latched open then the right side window opens too, and it should have a fan or you can add one.

Really depends on your climate - if in the south and southwest, yes AC is probably necessary, if more temperate areas it's a nice to have.

As you stated though its personal use, so you can pick/choose the days you use it so if its a nice machine I'd say go for it.

If you want AC, you can add 12 VAC for $900 RV Air Conditioner, 12V 10000 BTU Top Mounted Heating and Cooling Park

excavators have 100 amp+ alternators?

 

[Walter63]

Thanks. That's sound advice. I've found, however, that if I'm running my SVL75 track steer with an open door, the interior gets awfully dirty. So I think I'll opt for either a cab with A/C, or no cab at all. Thanks again.

 

[Ken Mac]

My experience with my Takeuchi TB260 should apply to the Kubota since both are hydraulic piloted, so I'll just say that a lot of heat is generated by the hydraulics and it is very much felt on my legs while operating the machine. I don't like operating with door or windows open due to dust accumulation in cab. I personally wouldn't enjoy operating mine without a/c even in winter, unless it's really cold. For me, in my area, that's in the 30's or lower.

 

[grsthegreat]

i work with a few bobcat cabbed units, and when the AC fails... which is often,... they SUCK. even with windows and doors open its an oven in the summer.

 

[Walter63]

I am looking at a very nice 2019 Kubota Kx71-3ss with a cab. I was surprised to find that it was built without air conditioning. On a tractor, I wouldn't even consider that, but maybe on an excavator it is more manageable. I probably wouldn't be spending an entire day in the cab, like with a tractor. Has anyone had experience with this ? Is running with the doors open a possibility ? Thanks in advance.
This machine will not be used commercially, just for small jobs. I might add that I do have a SVL75-2, and I wouldn't want to run that without A/C. Things get hot in there otherwise.

By way of following up....
I bought a KX71-3 without a cab. I am constantly on and off the machine, so it didn't make sense to have a cab with or without A/C. I think not having a cab will suit my purposes better. Also, the horsepower on this machine is not large, so I'd just as soon use all of it to run the machine, not keep me cool.

 

[txbonds]

I'm late to the party but I bought a 2021 KX71-3S without a cab a few weeks ago and can say the area around my legs and feet get hot with a fair amount of run time. I'd imagine with a cab that would heat the inside pretty quick without AC. Enjoy the new machine.

 

[4570Man]

An excavator without ac is ridiculous hot. Unless you lived in a climate that doesn’t get hot that would be a no for me.