Retracting tracks squeeze through a garden gate — the through-the-fence digger.
The U10-5's undercarriage retracts to squeeze through openings a standard mini-excavator can't fit through, which is its main job — getting into a backyard through a garden gate without pulling a fence panel. Once inside, the tracks extend back out for stable digging.
The U10-5 has a maximum dig depth of about 5'11", which covers most residential jobs like utility lines, small footings, and garden beds. For anything deeper, like a full basement, you'd want to step up a size.
The U10-5 actually goes a step further than "tight" — Kubota builds it with zero tail swing, meaning the rear of the machine stays within the width of the tracks as it rotates (about half an inch of overhang) instead of swinging out and hitting a fence, shed, or parked vehicle behind it. That pairs naturally with its gate-width retracting undercarriage.
Yes — at under a ton and 10.3 HP, it's sized for someone who wants to dig without needing a heavy-duty trailer and tow vehicle. It's a step up from a rental for occasional jobs like drainage, garden beds, or small utility trenches.
The U10-5 runs standard buckets sized to its class, and a hydraulic thumb can be added for grabbing rocks, roots, and debris. I can walk through attachment options once I know the specific job you're planning.
Tell me about your property and the work you need done — I'll point you to the right machine, even if it isn't this one.
Tell me what you're working with