Kubota U17 vs John Deere 17
4/21/2025
Sharly Scannell
We’ll Give You the Real Low Down: Kubota U17 vs John Deere 17
Do you want to know the difference between the Kubota U17-5 and the John Deere 17 P-Tier Compact Excavator? As professionals, we understand at Eberhard Equipment the importance of choosing the right type of equipment! In this side-by-side comparison, we’ll explore the Kubota U17-5 vs John Deere 17 and see each model's performance, durability, and comfort to help you make the best investment for your operations.
1. Performance That Powers Through the Job
When sizing mini excavators, we consider horsepower, digging depth, lifting ability, and hydraulic flow to determine a machine's performance. The Kubota U17-5 has a powerful engine with 15.1 horsepower, compared to the John Deere 17's 14.5 horsepower. That difference in power gives more capability options with the Kubota model.
Kubota also wins on reach, with a digging depth of seven feet and seven inches! They also have a maximum digging radius of thirteen feet and nine inches, compared to John Deere’s seven feet and two inches deep dig and twelve and a half feet reach. Lifting capacity further separates the two. The U17-5 has up to 1,500 pounds of front lift capacity, while the Deere maxes at 1,015 pounds.
Both machines offer dual-speed travel, variable-width undercarriages, which are great for navigating tight work zones, and a solid auxiliary hydraulic flow. Kubota still takes the lead in performance, making it the stronger option for contractors who want more productivity from their compact excavator.
2. Built for the Long Haul
Durability in the Kubota U17-5 and John Deere 17 have their own approaches. The Kubota U17-5 has double-flanged track rollers, short-pitched rubber crawlers, and hydraulic hoses built within the boom arm for long-term protection against wear and tear. Its boom cylinder is placed above the arm for added protection, a thoughtful design choice that helps reduce downtime.
Meanwhile, the John Deere 17 P-Tier has heavy-duty side shields and Cordura-wrapped hoses designed to minimize damage in high-contact areas. This model has secure clamping for hydraulic lines and an easy-access cooler system that reduces debris buildup and overheating!
Both models are prepared for construction sites; however, Kubota’s thoughtful engineering and added built-in protection give the U17-5 the advantage of long-term durability and maintenance simplicity.
3. Comfort & Control
Comfortable cabs are not about luxury; they are about operators' wellness and safety. The Kubota U17-5 reflects this in its design with a standard high-back suspension seat, adjustable wrist rests, and a wider foot area than most compact models on the market. A digital control panel provides real-time responses on machine status, helping you work strategically and safely.
The John Deere 17 P-Tier also offers a spacious operator station with backhoe-style controls, a wide entryway, and a pilot-control system so users can precisely control movements. Its optional four-season cab is a great upgrade for operators working in more extreme environments.
When we put these models side-by-side, Kubota still prioritizes operator comfort from the start by offering more ergonomic support and smarter control placement. Investing in the U17-5 will keep team members engaged and productive in day-to-day applications.
Let's do a quick recap to round us out! The John Deere 17 has strong hydraulic specs, rugged capabilities, and a comfortable, clean cab. The Kubota U17-5 outperforms, though, showcasing a higher horsepower, greater reach, superior lift capacity, and mindful features that improve comfort and durability! The U17-5 is a steadfast machine for contractors, landscapers, and utility crews. No matter your industry, give us a call, fill out our Get a Quote form below, or visit us in Coachella, Oxnard, and Santa Ana, CA. If you want to maximize your investment and minimize downtime, the Kubota U17 is the compact excavator to beat.