Kubota U17-3a User manual

GB
MINI EXCAVATOR
MODEL
U17-3 α
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
W9232-8135-3 - Original - 03/2012

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Dear valued customer,
please fill in the form below. Your information will help us to help you.
Type:
YOC:
Serial #:
Shipment date:
Please contact your KUBOTA dealer for any additional information or troubleshooting procedures not men-
tioned in these operating instructions.
We also point out that the contents of these operating instructions are not part of an earlier existing agreement,
promise or legal relationship or amend these. All responsibilities arise of the respective sales contract contain-
ing the complete and exclusively valid contractual warranty. See the "Duties, liability and warranty" section
(page 12). This documentation does neither extend nor restrict the contractual warranty.
KUBOTA Baumaschinen GmbH reserves its right to change the information contained in this document with
respect to future technical development without altering the basic characteristics of the excavators described
herein and without amending this document.
Distribution and reproduction of this documentation and disclosure of its content are not allowed unless ex-
pressly approved by the manufacturer. Violators of the above terms are liable for compensation for damages.

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Table of contents
Abbreviations ......................................................................................................................................................7
General symbols .................................................................................................................................................8
GENERAL INFORMATION .................................................................................................................9
Foreword.............................................................................................................................................................9
EC declaration of conformity.............................................................................................................................10
Date of issue of the operating instructions .......................................................................................................10
Operating personnel .........................................................................................................................................10
Location of the operating instructions ...............................................................................................................11
Spare parts .......................................................................................................................................................11
SAFETY RULES................................................................................................................................12
Basic safety instructions ...................................................................................................................................12
Duties, liability and warranty .............................................................................................................................12
Safety symbols..................................................................................................................................................14
Approved use....................................................................................................................................................15
Unapproved use................................................................................................................................................15
Special duties of the owner...............................................................................................................................15
Noise emission and vibration............................................................................................................................16
Noise emission..................................................................................................................................................16
Vibrations ..........................................................................................................................................................16
Safety labels on the excavator..........................................................................................................................17
Safety devices...................................................................................................................................................23
Locking the controls.....................................................................................................................................23
Locking the swivel frame .............................................................................................................................23
Engine stop knob .........................................................................................................................................24
Roll-over protection (ROPS)........................................................................................................................24
Hazards coming from the hydraulic system......................................................................................................24
Combating fire...................................................................................................................................................24
RECOVERY, LOADING AND TRANSPORT .....................................................................................25
Safety rules for recovery...................................................................................................................................25
Safety rules for hoisting the excavator with a crane .........................................................................................25
Safety rules for transport ..................................................................................................................................26
Recovery...........................................................................................................................................................26
Hoisting the excavator with a crane..................................................................................................................27
Transport on a flat bed trailer............................................................................................................................28
DESCRIPTION OF THE EXCAVATOR .............................................................................................30
Model overview .................................................................................................................................................30
Model U17-3..............................................................................................................................................30
Dimensions .......................................................................................................................................................31
U17-3Dimensions .....................................................................................................................................31
Specifications....................................................................................................................................................32
Specifications for the U17-3......................................................................................................................32
Identification of the excavator ...........................................................................................................................33
Equipment.........................................................................................................................................................33
Standard equipment ....................................................................................................................................33
ASSEMBLY AND FUNCTIONS.........................................................................................................34
Component overview ........................................................................................................................................34
Operator's place................................................................................................................................................35
Right control console ...................................................................................................................................35

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Description of the components of the right control console................................................................... 36
Displays and indicators – description .................................................................................................... 36
Left control console ..................................................................................................................................... 37
Description of the components of the left control console ..................................................................... 37
Controls ....................................................................................................................................................... 37
Description of the controls ..................................................................................................................... 38
Other machine components ........................................................................................................................ 39
Fuse box ................................................................................................................................................ 39
Battery.................................................................................................................................................... 39
Tool compartment .................................................................................................................................. 39
Fuel tank filler neck ................................................................................................................................ 40
Engine compartment ........................................................................................................................................ 41
Hydraulic system .............................................................................................................................................. 42
OPERATION .....................................................................................................................................43
Safety rules for operation ................................................................................................................................. 43
Guiding the operator ................................................................................................................................... 44
Working in the vicinity of overhead power lines .......................................................................................... 44
Working in the vicinity of underground power lines..................................................................................... 44
Initial operation ................................................................................................................................................. 45
Setting the display language....................................................................................................................... 45
Running-in of the excavator ........................................................................................................................ 45
Special maintenance instructions ............................................................................................................... 45
Operating the excavator................................................................................................................................... 46
Pre-operational services ............................................................................................................................. 46
Checking the engine oil level ................................................................................................................. 46
Checking the coolant level ..................................................................................................................... 46
Checking the radiator and the oil cooler ................................................................................................ 47
Checking the V-belt................................................................................................................................ 47
Checking the exhaust system for leaks ................................................................................................. 47
Checking the oil level of the hydraulic system ....................................................................................... 48
Checking the water separator of the fuel system................................................................................... 48
Lubrication.............................................................................................................................................. 49
Checking the fuel level of the fuel tank .................................................................................................. 51
Setting up the workplace............................................................................................................................. 51
Getting on............................................................................................................................................... 51
Adjusting the operator's seat ................................................................................................................. 51
Horizontal seat adjustment (seat stand-off)...................................................................................... 52
Spring adjustment (operator's weight) .............................................................................................. 52
Backrest adjustment ......................................................................................................................... 52
Seat belt ............................................................................................................................................ 52
Safety instructions for starting the engine................................................................................................... 53
Starting the engine ...................................................................................................................................... 53
Stopping the engine .................................................................................................................................... 55
Observation of the displays after starting and during operation .................................................................55
Driving the excavator .................................................................................................................................. 56
Adjusting the track width ........................................................................................................................ 57
Driving .................................................................................................................................................... 58
Turning ................................................................................................................................................... 59
During driving.................................................................................................................................... 59
From a standing position................................................................................................................... 59
Turning on the spot ........................................................................................................................... 60
Driving uphill and downhill ..................................................................................................................... 60
Notes for rubber crawler operation ........................................................................................................ 61
Making sharp turns ........................................................................................................................... 61
Protecting the crawler against salt.................................................................................................... 61
Operating the controls during excavation work........................................................................................... 61
Notes for using wider and deeper buckets.................................................................................................. 62
Operating the dozer ............................................................................................................................... 62
Overview of control lever functions ........................................................................................................ 63
Operating the boom ............................................................................................................................... 63

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Operating the arm...................................................................................................................................64
Operating the bucket ..............................................................................................................................64
Swivelling the swivel frame.....................................................................................................................65
Swinging the boom .................................................................................................................................66
Operating the auxiliary port..........................................................................................................................66
Return change-over valve ......................................................................................................................67
Placing out of operation ....................................................................................................................................68
Operating the rotary beacon (accessories) ......................................................................................................68
Operating the working lights .............................................................................................................................69
Cold weather operation.....................................................................................................................................69
Necessary preparations prior to the winter season .....................................................................................69
Operation during the winter season.............................................................................................................69
Jump-starting the excavator .............................................................................................................................70
Emergency stop functions ................................................................................................................................71
Manual engine stop .....................................................................................................................................71
Manual lowering of the front attachments....................................................................................................71
Refuelling the excavator ...................................................................................................................................72
Bleeding the fuel system...................................................................................................................................72
Replacing the fuses ..........................................................................................................................................73
Fuse layout of the fuse box .........................................................................................................................73
Tilting the operator's seat..................................................................................................................................74
Opening and closing the engine compartment cover .......................................................................................74
Opening and closing the left side cover............................................................................................................75
Opening and closing the fuel filler flap..............................................................................................................75
Removing and installing the engine compartment cover under the operator's seat.........................................76
Removing and installing the cover under the operator's seat...........................................................................76
Replacing the bucket ........................................................................................................................................76
Anti-theft system ...............................................................................................................................................77
Black (individual) key ...................................................................................................................................77
Red key (for registering) ..............................................................................................................................77
The key system............................................................................................................................................78
Registering a black key for the machine......................................................................................................79
TROUBLESHOOTING.......................................................................................................................81
Safety rules for troubleshooting ........................................................................................................................81
Troubleshooting: Pre-operational services .......................................................................................................81
Troubleshooting: Operation ..............................................................................................................................82
Troubleshooting: Display indications ................................................................................................................83
MAINTENANCE.................................................................................................................................84
Safety rules for maintenance ............................................................................................................................84
Personnel requirements....................................................................................................................................84
General maintenance chart: 50 to 500 hours of operation ...............................................................................85
General maintenance chart: 550 to 1000 hours of operation ...........................................................................86
Servicing maintenance chart: 50 to 500 hours of operation .............................................................................87
Servicing maintenance chart: 550 to 1000 hours of operation .........................................................................88
Cleaning the excavator .....................................................................................................................................89
Maintenance .....................................................................................................................................................89
Re-filling the coolant ....................................................................................................................................89
Cleaning the radiators..................................................................................................................................90
Checking and adjusting the V-belt tension ..................................................................................................90
Checking the coolant hoses ........................................................................................................................91
Replacing the engine oil and oil filter...........................................................................................................91
Draining the engine oil............................................................................................................................91
Replacing the oil filter .............................................................................................................................92
Filling the engine oil................................................................................................................................92
Replacing the coolant ..................................................................................................................................93
Checking and cleaning the air filter .............................................................................................................94
Replacing the fuel filter ................................................................................................................................94

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Cleaning the water separator ...................................................................................................................... 95
Draining water from the fuel reservoir ......................................................................................................... 95
Replenishing hydraulic oil ........................................................................................................................... 96
Servicing the battery ................................................................................................................................... 97
Battery service ....................................................................................................................................... 97
Charging the battery .............................................................................................................................. 98
Checking the battery .............................................................................................................................. 98
Removing/installing and replacing the battery....................................................................................... 98
Lubrication................................................................................................................................................... 99
Greasing the swivel gear ....................................................................................................................... 99
Greasing the swivel bearing................................................................................................................... 99
Checking and adjusting the crawler tension ............................................................................................. 100
Checking the crawler tension............................................................................................................... 100
Adjusting the crawler tension............................................................................................................... 101
Replacing the drive unit oil ........................................................................................................................ 101
Greasing the pilot valve linkage ................................................................................................................ 102
Checking the electric cables and connections .......................................................................................... 102
Checking the bolted joints .............................................................................................................................. 103
Tightening torque for screws..................................................................................................................... 103
Tightening torque for hose clamps............................................................................................................ 103
Tightening torque for hydraulic hoses....................................................................................................... 103
Tightening torque for hydraulic pipes........................................................................................................ 104
Tightening torque for hydraulic adapters .................................................................................................. 104
Recommended lubricants .............................................................................................................................. 105
Excavator repairs ........................................................................................................................................... 106
SAFETY INSPECTION.................................................................................................................... 107
TAKING OUT OF SERVICE AND STORAGE ................................................................................. 108
Safety rules for taking out of service and storage.......................................................................................... 108
Storage conditions.......................................................................................................................................... 108
Measures before taking out of service ........................................................................................................... 108
Measures during taking out of service ........................................................................................................... 108
Start-up after taking out of service ................................................................................................................. 109
LIFTING CAPACITY OF THE EXCAVATOR...................................................................................110
Max. lifting load during swivel operation is 360° ............................................................................................ 111
ACCESSORIES............................................................................................................................... 115
KUBOTA rotary beacon.................................................................................................................................. 115
KUBOTA long arm.......................................................................................................................................... 115
KUBOTA pipe safety valve............................................................................................................................. 115
Note on the usage................................................................................................................................ 116
KUBOTA quick coupling systems and equipments........................................................................................ 116
KUBOTA bucket accessories......................................................................................................................... 116

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Abbreviations
1/min revolutions per minute ISO International Organization for Standardi-
% percent zation
° degrees kg Kilogramme
°C degree Celsius km/h Kilometre per hour
A Ampere kN Kilonewton
acc. according kV Kilovolt
API American Petroleum Institute kW Kilowatt
approx. approximately L Litre
American Society for Testing and L/min Litres per minuteASTM
Materials LpA Sound pressure level operator's place
bar bar LwA Measured sound power level
Committee for European Construction m MetreCECE
Equipment m/s² Metre per square second
CO2carbon dioxide m³ Cubic metre
dB Decibel max. Maximum
Deutsches Institut für Normung (German mm MillimetreDIN
Institute for Standards) MPa Megapascal
e.g. For example N Newton
EMC Electromagnetic compatibility resp. Respectively
EN European standard s Second
GL Ground level t Ton
incl. including V Volt

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General symbols
Warning light Swivel boom (left)
Fuel display Swivel boom (right)
Engine oil display Dozer up
Charge display Dozer down
Glow display Lever direction
Hydraulic oil Control lever direction
Travel speed Rotary beacon indicator on/off
Low speed Display selector switch
Forward travel Working light button
Backward travel
Extendable track width
Raise boom
Lower boom
Arm dump
Arm crowd
Bucket crowd
Bucket dump

General information
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Foreword
These operating instructions apply only for the KUBOTA excavator model U17-3which complies with
the EC declaration of conformity as stated below (page 10).
Safety instructions, the rules and regulations for the use of excavators given in these operating instructions
apply to the excavators mentioned in this documentation.
It is the responsibility of the owner(s):
 to ensure local, regional and national regulations are observed,
 to observe the bodies of rules (laws, regulations, guidelines, etc) stated in the operating instructions to
ensure safe handling of the equipment,
 to ensure that the operating instructions are always available for the operating personnel and the informa-
tion, such as notes, warnings and safety rules and regulations, are followed in all points.
The terms "front" and "direction of travel" refer to the view of the
operator when seated on the operator's seat. Forward direction
of travel means that the dozer is at the front when driving for-
wards as shown in the figure.
The symbols for operating and safety instructions are listed under "Safety symbols" (page 14).

General information
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EC declaration of conformity
With the EC declaration of conformity, KUBOTA Baumaschinen GmbH certifies that the exca-
vator is in conformity with the valid standards and regulations at the time of marketing. The CE
conformity marking is located on the type plate and indicates compliance with the regulations.
If the excavator is modified or retrofitted without the approval of the manufacturer, the safety of
the excavator may be affected, thus invalidating the EC declaration of conformity.
The EC declaration of conformity is attached to the operating instructions for delivery of the
excavator.
Keep the EC declaration of conformity in a safe place and show it, if requested, to the respon-
sible authorities.
Should the EC declaration of conformity get lost, please contact your KUBOTA dealer.
Date of issue of the operating instructions
The date of issue of the operating instructions is printed on the bottom right of the front page of the book.
Operating personnel
The duties of personnel with respect to operation, servicing, repairs and safety inspections must be set forth
clearly by the owner.
Personnel in training are allowed to work on or with the excavator only under the supervision of an experienced
operator.
Operator
According to industrial safety regulations, only persons who were instructed in the operation of the excavator,
who have proven their ability to the owner (employer) and who can be expected to perform their duties in a
reliable way are allowed to operate the excavator independently.
Only trained and instructed personnel are allowed to work on or with the excavator.
Only instructed personnel are allowed to start the excavator and operate the controls.
Trained personnel
Trained personnel are skilled persons with a technical qualification who are able to determine damages to the
excavator and perform repairs in their area of qualification (e.g. hydraulic or electrical engineering).
Skilled personnel
Based on their training and experience in their field, skilled personnel must have sufficient knowledge in exca-
vator engineering and be familiar with the applicable national worker's protection regulations, safety regulations
and the generally accepted technical rules so that they can assess the safe condition of the excavator.

General information
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Location of the operating instructions
The operating instructions must always be kept on the excavator. If the operating instructions have become
illegible due to continuous use, the owner (operator) must order a replacement from the manufacturer.
The compartment (1) for the operating instructions is under the
operator's seat.
Spare parts
Genuine spare parts can be ordered from KUBOTA dealers by stating the model and the serial # of the excava-
tor.
The item numbers for the spare parts are indicated in the parts catalogue.

Safety rules
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SAFETY RULES
Basic safety instructions
 The EC machine utilization directive (2009/104/EC) dated 16/09/2009 applies for the operation of the
aforementioned excavator.
 The information in these operating instructions applies for maintenance and repairs.
 National rules and regulations apply where applicable.
Duties, liability and warranty
A basic requisite for the safe handling and problem-free operation of the excavator is the knowledge of the
safety instructions and safety regulations.
These operating instructions, in particular the safety instructions, must be followed by all persons working near
or with the excavator. Above and beyond this, the safety rules and regulations applicable for the site must also
be observed.
Hazards occurring during the handling of the excavator:
 The excavators are manufactured according to the state of technology and the recognized safety rules.
Nevertheless, danger to the life and limbs of the operator or a third party, or damage to the excavator or to
other property can occur. The excavator(s) may only be used
→for the approved use and
→in a completely safe operating state.
Malfunctions which can reduce safety must be repaired immediately.
Warranty and liability
The scope, period and form of the warranty are set forth in the sales and delivery conditions of the manufac-
turer. The operating instructions valid at the time of delivery shall be the basis for any warranty claims arising
from errors in the valid operating instructions (page 10). The following applies above and beyond the sales and
delivery conditions: No warranty or liability shall be assumed for personnel and property damages resulting
from one or more of the following reasons:
 unapproved use of the excavator,
 improper starting, operation and maintenance of the excavator,
 operation of the excavator with defective safety devices or improperly installed or non-operational safety
and protective devices,
 ignorance or non-observance of these operating instructions,
 insufficiently qualified or insufficiently instructed operating personnel,
 improperly performed repairs,
 unauthorised engineering changes to the excavator,
 poor surveillance of machine parts subject to wear,
 catastrophes caused by the effect of foreign objects or an act of God.

Safety rules
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The owner must ensure at his own responsibility that
 the safety rules are observed (page 12),
 unapproved use and unauthorised operation (page 15) are excluded and
 the approved use (page 15) is ensured and the excavator is operated in accordance with the contractual
conditions of use.

Safety rules
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Safety symbols
The following terms and hazard symbols are used in these operating instructions:
Identifies important operating procedure information which may not be immediately evident to
the operator.
Identifies operating procedures which must be followed exactly to prevent damage to the
excavator or other property.
Identifies operating procedures which must be followed exactly to prevent danger to persons.
Identifies possible hazards in the handling of batteries.
Identifies possible hazards from caustic materials (battery acid).
Identifies possible hazards from explosive materials.
Prohibits the use of fire, ignition sources, and smoking.
Prohibits the spraying of water.
Identifies operating procedures for the proper disposal and storage of ensuing waste materials.

Safety rules
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Approved use
The excavators specified in this operating instructions may only be used to loosen the ground, excavating,
picking up, transporting and dumping soils, rocks and other materials, for work with the dozer or with a breaker.
The load may be transported largely without driving the excavator. Do not exceed the maximum lifting capacity.
Approved use also includes:
 observation of all notes in these operating instructions,
 regular servicing,
 regular safety inspections.
Unapproved use
Any improper use – i.e. any deviation from the information in the "Approved use" section (page 15) of these
operating instructions – is considered an unapproved use. This also applies to the non-observance of the stan-
dards and guidelines listed in these operating instructions.
Hazards can occur in case of improper use. Such improper uses include:
 using the excavator to lift loads without suitable load lifting attachments,
 using the excavator in contaminated environments,
 using the excavator in closed rooms or with insufficient ventilation,
 using the excavator under conditions of extreme temperatures (extreme heat or cold),
 using the excavator for underground works,
 using the excavator to transport persons in the bucket, and
 using the excavator for tearing down walls with the bucket.
Special duties of the owner
Owner of the excavator in the sense of these operating instructions is any person or company which uses the
excavator itself or on whose order it is used. In special cases (e.g. leasing, rental), the owner is the person who
must perform the duties arising from operation according to the conditions of the contract between owner and
user of the excavator.
The owner must ensure that the excavator is only used properly and that any danger to the life and health of
the user or others who are in the proximity of the user are eliminated. Furthermore, observance of the safety
rules and observance of the operating, maintenance and repair regulations must be ensured. The owner must
make sure that all operators and users have read and understood these operating instructions.
Persons who work with or on the excavator must be provided by the operator with, and where applicable use
suitable personal protective equipment (PPE), for example suitable working clothes, safety shoes, safety hel-
mets, eye protection, ear protection and air-filter masks. The owner/employer bears the main responsibility for
the PPE, which is specified by the safety rules for particular types of activity.
Refuse such as old oil, fuel, hydraulic fluid, coolant and batteries comes under the category of toxic waste and
can be a hazard to the environment, people and animals.
Disposal must be undertaken in an appropriate way, according to legally prescribed pollution control and safety
regulations.
If you have questions about the correct disposal or storage of refuse and toxic waste, contact your KUBOTA
dealer or a local waste management contractor.

Safety rules
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Noise emission and vibration
The values specified in this manual have been identified in the test cycle at an identical machine and are valid
for a standard equipment machine. The determined values are shown in the Specifications (page 32).
Noise emission
The noise levels were determined using the method of determining the guaranteed sound pressure level of ISO
4871 based on directive 2000/14/EC, appendix VI.
The noise levels shown are not applicable for the determination of additional workplace noise emissions. The
actual noise levels may need to be determined directly at the workplaces, subject to actually existing conditions
(other noise sources, special operating conditions, sound reflections).
Depending on the actual noise emissions the owner must provide the necessary personal protective equipment
to the operator (ear protection).
Noise of a noise level of more than 85 dB (A) can cause hearing damage.
From a noise level of 80 dB (A), the use of an ear protection is recommended.
From a noise level of 85 dB (A), the operator must wear an ear protection.
Vibrations
The vibrations at the machine have been determined at an identical machine.
The vibration stress on the operator over a longer period of time must be determined by the owner at the site of
application, in compliance with directive 2002/44/ EC in order to consider individual magnitudes of influence.

Safety rules
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Safety labels on the excavator
Keep the safety and warning symbols (labels) on the excavator clean and legible, replacing them if necessary.
The positioning of the safety symbols is illustrated in the following figures.
1) Code #: RD517-5789-0 (both sides)
2) Code #: RD517-5788-0
3) Code #: RD517-5795-0
For information about loosening the crawler, consult the operating instructions.
4) Code #: RD517-5786-0
5) Code #: RA028-5728-0
Do not enter the manoeuvring area.

Safety rules
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6) Code #: RC418-5737-0
Keep away from fan and drive belt.
7) Code #: TC030-4958-0
Do not touch hot parts, such as exhaust muffler, etc.
8) Code #: RD517-5754-0

Safety rules
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9) Code #: RA118-5776-0
Do not move the foot outside the front part of the boom swing pedal →risk of crushing.
10) Code #: 69198-5784-0
Read the operating instructions and make sure you have understood the manual before
starting or operating the excavator.
11) Code #: RD517-5783-0
12) Code #: RB238-5736-0
For diesel fuel only! Keep away from fire.

Safety rules
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13) Code #: 69198-5722-0 (both sides)
Do not enter the swivel area.
14) Code #: RC108-5796-0 (both sides)
15) Code #: RA011-5753-0