Kubota U17 User manual

PRINTED IN JAPAN
English (U.S.A.)
Code No. RA238-8151-3
U
17
1BAABBKAP0850
MODEL U17
©KUBOTA Corporation 2008
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LIST OF ABBREVIATION
Abbreviations
API
ASTM
CECE
DIN
EN
Front
Hi
ISO
JIS
L
Lo
L/min
MIL
OPG
(Top Guard Level I)
ROPS
rpm
SAE
TPSS
Description
American Petroleum Institute
American Society forTesting and Materials, USA
Commitee for European Construction Machinery
German Institute for Standards, Federal Republic of
Germany
European Standard
“Front” means the front view towards the boom and
dozer
High speed
International Organization for Standardization
Japanese Industrial Standard
Volume (Liter)
Low speed
Liter per minute
Military Standards
Operator Protective Guards of Top Guard Level I
Roll-over Protective Structures
Revolutions Per minute
Society of Automotive Engineering
Two Pattern Selection System
U17
English (U.S.A.)
AX . H . 19 - 30 . 5 . AK
IMPORTANT
The engine in this machine is not equipped by the manufacturer
with a standard spark arrester.
It is a violation of California Public Resource Code Section 4442 to
use or operate this engine on or near any forest-covered,
brush-covered land, or grass- covered land unless the exhaust
system is equipped with a working spark arrester meeting state
laws. Other states or federal areas may have similar laws.
California Proposition 65
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents,
certain vehicle components and fluids,
contain or emit chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
WARNING
33
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GENERAL SYMBOLS
3Safety alert Symbol
TWarning lamp “Fuel level too low”
System lamp
lWarning lamp “Engine Oil pressure”
gWarning lamp “Battery charge”
Warning lamp “Auto Idle (AI) Lamp”
Indicator lamp “Glow”
7Working light switch
5Horn
ZWiper/Washer switch
RDiesel
EHydraulic fluid
WGear oil
Grease
jFast
kSlow
Excavator - Overhead movement toward
the front
Excavator - Overhead movement toward
the rear
æBoom up
…Boom down
≥Arm up
≤Arm crowd
‘Bucket crowd
The instruments and operation elements have been marked with a series of symbols in order to
simplify the operation of your excavator. These symbols are listed below with the respective
descriptions.
“Bucket dump
”Boom swing (left)
’Boom swing (Right)
Dozer raise
Dozer lower
Operation direction of control lever
Operation direction of control lever
VRead operator’s manual
cEngine stop control lamp
Lock
Unlock
Reducing / Increasing track width

FOREWORD
You are now the proud owner of a KUBOTA excavator. This excavator
is a product of KUBOTA quality engineering and manufacturing. It is
made of the fine materials and under rigid quality control systems. It
will give you long, satisfactory service. To obtain the best use of your
excavator, please read this manual carefully. It will help you become
familiar with the operation of the excavator and contains many helpful
hints about excavator maintenance. It is KUBOTA’s policy to utilize as
quick as possible every advance in our research. The immediate use of
new techniques in the manufacture of products may cause some small
parts of this manual to be outdated. KUBOTA distributors and dealers
will have the most up-to-date information. Please do not hesitate to
consult with them.

3 SAFETY FIRST
This symbol, the industry’s “Safety Alert Symbol” , is used throughout
this manual and on labels on the machine itself to warn of the
possibility of personal injury. Read these instructions carefully. It is
essential that you read the instructions and safety regulations before
you attempt to assemble or use this unit.
3DANGER : Indicates an imminently hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, will result in death or
serious injury.
3WARNING : Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which,
if not avoided, could result in death or serious
injury.
3CAUTION : Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which,
if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate
injury.
IMPORTANT : Indicates that equipment or property damage
could result if instructions are not followed.
NOTE : Gives helpful information.

CONTENTS
3SAFE OPERATION ......................1
DEALER SERVICE ...........................15
TECHNICAL DATA ..........................16
Operating Instructions
DESCRIPTION OF
MACHINE PARTS........................17
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND
CONTROL ELEMENTS ...............18
BEFORE START ...............................21
DAILY CHECKS............................21
Tilting The Seat ...........................21
OPENING AND
CLOSING OF PARTS...............21
HANDLINGTHE SAFETY
DEVICES .................................24
OPERATION OF THE ENGINE.........25
STARTINGTHE ENGINE .............25
STARTINGTHE ENGINE UNDER
COLD CONDITIONS ...............33
STOPPINGTHE ENGINE.............33
STARTING WITH AN
AUXILIARY BATTERY.............34
EXCAVATOR OPERATION ...............35
CONTROL OBSERVATIONS
DURING OPERATION ..............35
RUNNING-IN OFTHE NEW
EXCAVATOR ..........................35
STARTING ..................................35
TWO PATTERN SELECTION
SYSTEM (TPSS) .....................37
OPERATION OFTHE BOOM.......38
OPERATION OFTHE ARM ..........38
OPERATION OF BUCKET ...........39
SWIVEL (UNIT SWING)
OPERATION ............................39
BOOM SWING OPERATION ......40
BOOM SWING PEDAL................40
OPERATION OF
TRACK WIDTH CHANGE
AND DOZER ...........................41
SERVICE PORT OPERATION ......43
DRIVING ......................................43
TURNS ........................................45
UP AND DOWNHILL
TRAVELLING .........................47
PARKING ON A SLOPE...............47
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON
EXCAVATOR OPERATION......48
TRANSPORTING THE EXCAVATOR
ON A TRUCK ...............................49
LIFTING OF THE EXCAVATOR.........51
Care and Maintenance
MAINTENANCE...............................53
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS......53
DAILY CHECKS ............................55
REGULAR CHECKS AND
MAINTENANCE WORK...............60
EVERY 50 SERVICE HOURS ......60
EVERY 200 SERVICE HOURS ....61

EVERY 500 SERVICE HOURS.....63
EVERY 800 SERVICE HOURS.....67
EVERY 1000 SERVICE HOURS...67
EVERY 1000 SERVICE HOURS OR
ONCE AYEAR ........................69
EVERY 1500 SERVICE HOURS...69
EVERY 2000 SERVICE HOURS ...69
EVERY 3000 SERVICE HOURS ...70
ANNUAL SERVICING ................70
BIENNIAL SERVICING ...............70
OTHER SERVICING.....................71
OTHER ADJUSTMENTS AND
REPLACEMENTS ........................72
TROUBLESHOOTING......................77
KUBOTA I.C.S. NAVIGATION LIST
OF ERROR CODE....................79
OPERATION UNDER COLD
WEATHER CONDITIONS ............83
PREPARATION FOR OPERATION
IN COLD WEATHER ................83
PROCEDURE AFTER
DONE WORK...........................83
LONG STORAGE .............................84
RECOMMENDED OILS ...................86
BIODIESEL FUEL (BDF) ..............88
MAIN DIMENSIONS .......................90
LIFTING CAPACITY .........................91

1
The best insurance against accidents is to
abide by the safety regulations.
Read and understand this section carefully,
before operating the excavator.
Every user, however experienced, should
carefully read and understand this section
and those of the attachments and
accessories before taking the excavator into
operation. The owner is obliged to inform
the operators of these instruction in detail.
Keep this manual in the storage place. (See
"Keeping the Operator's Manual" in the
BEFORE START section.)
1. BEFORE OPERATION
1. Make yourself acquainted with the
excavator and be aware of its limits.
Read this operator’s manual carefully
before starting the excavator.
2. Obey the danger, warning and caution
labels on the machine.
3. For your safety, a ROPS/OPG (Top Guard
Level I) with a seat belt is installed by
KUBOTA.
AROPS: Roll-Over Protective Structure
AOPG (Top Guard Level I): Operator
Protective Guards of Top Guard Level I
OPG (Top Guard Level I) in accordance
with ISO10262 is equivalent in definition
to FOPS (Falling Object Protective
Structure).
Always use the seat belt when the
machine is equipped with a ROPS/OPG
(Top Guard Level I) as this combination
will reduce the risk of serious injury or
death, should the excavator be upset or
falling objects occur.
Do not modify any structural members
of the ROPS/OPG (Top Guard Level I)
by welding, drilling, bending, grinding
or cutting, as this may weaken the
structure.
If any component is damaged, replace
it. Do not attempt repairs. If the ROPS/
OPG (Top Guard Level I) is loosened or
removed for any reason, make sure all
parts are reinstalled correctly. Tighten
mounting bolts to proper torque.
4. ROPS meets requirements of ISO 3471.
OPG (Top Guard Level I) meets
requirements of OSHA 1926·1003/ISO
10262.
5. The seat belt must be inspected regularly
and replaced if frayed or damaged.
3 SAFE OPERATION
(1) Seat belt

2
6. Track can be set at the narrow width
39in. (990mm) and the standard width
49in. (1240mm).
(for details see “OPERATION OF TRACK
WIDTH CHANGE AND DOZER”)
Do not operate in narrow track width
39in. (990mm), it makes risk of the
excavator tipping over, operate always
in standard track width 49in. (1240mm),
except to pass through narrow space on
a even ground.
7. Do not use the excavator under the
influence of alcohol, medication as well
as other substances. Fatigue is also
dangerous.
8. Check the surroundings carefully before
using the excavator or when attachments
are being attached.
lPay attention to the overhead clearance
with electric wires.
lCheck for pipes and buried cables.
lCheck for hidden holes, hindrances, soft
underground and overhangs.
lDuring excavator use do not allow any
persons within the working range.
9. Do not allow other persons to use
the machine before having informed
him on the exact operation and work
instructions, and be assured that the
operator’s manual has been read and
understood.
10. Do not wear baggy, torn or too large
clothing when working with the
excavator. Clothing can get caught in
rotating parts or control elements which
can cause accidents or injuries. Wear
adequate safety clothing, e.g. safety
helmet, safety shoes, eye protection,
ear protection, working gloves, etc., as
necessary and as prescribed by law or
statutes.
(1) Helmet
(2) Clothing fit for work
(3) Tight seams
(4) Good grip shoewear
(5) Well fitting cuffs
(6) Working gloves
(7) Straw hat
(8) Towel
(9) Baggy trousers
(10) Loose cuffs of the shirt
(11) Baggy shirt
(12) Rubber sandals

3
11. Do not allow passengers to get on any
part of the excavator seat throughout
operation.
12. Check mechanical parts for correct
adjustments and wear. Exchange worn
or damaged parts immediately.
13. Keep your excavator clean. Heavy
soiling, grease, dust and grass can
inflame and cause accidents or injuries.
14. Use only KUBOTA authorized
attachments.
15. Before starting the excavator, be
absolutely sure that the excavator has
been filled with fuel, lubricated, greased
and undergone other maintenance work.
16. Do not modify the excavator, otherwise
it could lead to unforeseen safety
problems.
17. Make sure attachments, particulary
those utilizing quick attach systems, are
securely mounted.
2. STARTING OF THE EXCAVATOR
1. Get into and out of the machine safely.
Always face the machine. Always use
handrails and available steps and keep
yourself well balanced. Do not hold any
of the control Ievers and switches. Do
not jump on or off the machine, whether
stationary or in motion.
2. Start and control the excavator only from
the operator’s seat. The driver should
not lean out of his seat when the engine
is running.
3. Before starting the engine, make sure
that all control levers (including auxiliary
control levers) are in their neutral
positions.
Before starting the engine, make sure
that the control levers, travel lever,
pedals and other control elements are
not stuck and can be moved smoothly.
If stuck, for example, a lever may fail to
return, possibly putting you in danger.
If anything wrong is found, immediately
pinpoint the cause and correct it.
4. Do not start the engine by jumping
the starter connections. Do not try to
circumvent using the starter switch,
otherwise the engine could start
suddenly and the excavator could move.

4
5. Make sure that the dozer is on the front
side. (The dozer must be raised.) If the
levers are activated with the dozer on the
rear end, the driving direction is in the
opposite direction of the drive levers.
6. Do not run the engine in closed or badly
ventilated rooms. Carbon monoxide is
colourless, odourless and deadly.
7. Keep all safety equipment and covers
in place. Replace damaged or missing
safety device.
8. Precautions against tipping over. In order
to secure safe operation, keep away from
steep slopes and embankments. Do not
swing the bucket downwards. Lower the
dozer during digging. Keep the bucket as
low as possible while driving upwards.
Turn slowly on slopes (do not fast). Do
not keep the excavator near the edges of
trenches and banks, as the earth can give
away due to the weight of the excavator.
9. Watch out at all times where the
excavator is being moved to. Keep an
eye out for hindrances.
10. Keep enough distance from trench and
bank edges.
uSafety for children
Tragedy can occur if the operator is not
alert to the presence of children. Children
generally are attached to machines and the
work they do.
1. Never assume that children will remain
where you last saw them.
2. Keep children out of the work area
and under the watchful eye of another
responsible adult.
3. Be alert and shut your machine down if
children enter the work area.
4. Never carry children on your machine.
There is no safe place for them to
ride. They may fall off and be run over
or interfere with your control of the
machine.
5. Never allow children to operate the
machine even under adult supervision.
6. Never allow children to play on the
machine or on the attachments.
7. Use extra caution when backing up. Look
behind and down to make sure the area
clear before moving.
8. When parking your machine, if at all
possible, park on a firm, flat and level
surface; if not, park across a slope. Lower
the bucket and dozer to the ground,
remove the key place the control lock
levers in the locked position from the
ignition before you leave.

5
uAvoiding crystalline silica (quartz) dust
To avoid serious injury or death from silica
dust:
Avoid exposure to dust containing crystalline
silica particles.
This dust can cause serious injury to the
lungs (silicosis).
Because crystalline silica is a basic
component of sand and granite, many
activities at construction sites produce dust
containing crystalline silica.
Trenching, sawing and boring of material
containing crystalline silica can produce dust
containing crystalline silica.
If dust which contains crystalline silica is
present, there are guidelines which should
be followed:
1. Be aware of the potential health effects
of crystalline silica and that smoking
may add to the damage.
2. Be aware of and follow OSHA (or other
local, State or Federal) guidelines for
exposure to airborne crystalline silica.
3. Know the work operations where
exposure to crystalline silica may occur.
4. Participate in air monitoring or training
programs offered by the employer.
5. Be aware of and use optional equipment
controls such as water sprays, local
exhaust ventilation, and enclosed cabs
with positive pressure air conditioning
if the machine has such equipment.
Otherwise respirators shall be worn.
6. Where respirators are required, wear
a respirator approved for protection
against crystalline silica containing dust.
Do not alter the respirator in any way.
Workers who use tight-fitting respirators
cannot have beards/mustaches which
interfere with the respirator seal to the
face.
7. If possible, change into disposable or
washable work clothes at the work site;
shower and change into clean clothing
before leaving the work site.
8. Do not eat, drink, use tobacco products,
or apply cosmetics in areas where there
is dust containing crystalline silica.
9. Storefood, drink andpersonal belongings
away from the work area.
10. Wash hands and face before eating,
drinking, smoking, or applying cosmetics
after leaving the exposure area.

6
3. AFTER OPERATION
Before leaving the machine,
lBring the excavater on a firm, flat and
level surface.
lLower the attachments and the dozer
blade on the ground.
lStop the engine.
lLock all control levers.
lRemove the key.
(1) Pilot control lock lever (A) “Lock”
(B) “Unlock”
4. SAFE LOADING AND TRANSPORT
OF THE EXCAVATOR
1. Observe all regulations concerning the
transport of excavators on public roads.
2. Use adequately long and robust ramps
when loading on a truck. (for details see
“TRANSPORTING THE EXCAVATOR ON
A TRUCK”)
3. Do not change the running direction
and to avoid a tipping over, do not try to
swing the attachment crosswise to the
loading ramps.
4. After loading of the excavator on a truck,
engage the swing lock pin.
Lower the attachment on the loading
plane and release the pressure from the
hydraulic system.
Block the tracks with blocks and wire
down the excavator. After loading
the excavator on a truck, tie down the
undercarriage of the excavator with a
strong steel wire on the truck.
(1) Swing lock pin (A) ”Unlock”
(B) ”Lock”

7
5. Do not brake abruptly with the excavator
loaded. Mortal accidents could happen.
6. If the excavator is used to tow another
machine, the load must be smaller than
the strength of the hook.
7. Do not use hooks on the roof of canopy
for lifting the excavator.
5. MAINTENANCE
Before doing maintenance work on the
excavator, place the machine on a firm, flat
and level surface, Iower the attachments on
the ground, stop the engine then remove
the key and release the cylinder pressure
by actuating the levers. When dismantling
hydraulic parts, make sure that the hydraulic
oil has cooled down sufficiently to avoid
burns.
Start maintenance work carefully, e.g. loosen
screws slowly so that oil will not squirt out.
1. Before doing work on the engine, the
exhaust system, the radiator and the
hydraulics, let the excavator cool down
sufficiently.
2. Turn off the engine at all times when
filling with fuel. Avoid spilling and over-
filling of fuel.
3. Smoking is prohibited while tanking
and handling the battery! Keep sparks
and fire away from the fuel tank and
battery. Flammable gases escape from
the battery, especially during charging.
4. Do not use or charge the refillable
type battery if the fluid level is below
the LOWER (lower limit level) mark.
Otherwise, the battery component parts
may prematurely deteriorate, which
may shorten the battery's service life
or cause an explosion. Check the fluid
level regularly and add distilled water as
required so that the fluid level is between
the UPPER and LOWER levels.
5. Read and follow “STARTING WITH AN
AUXILIARY BATTERY” in “OPERATION
OF THE ENGINE” , when starting with an
auxiliary battery.
6. To avoid short-circuiting the battery,
always remove the earth cable first and
attach the plus cable first.
7. Keep a first-aid box and a fire
extinguisher at hand at all times.
8. Do not open the radiator cap before the
radiator has cooled down sufficiently.
First loosen the cap to the first stop and
allow the system enough time to release
the remaining pressure. Then loosen the
cap completely.
9. Leaking hydraulic fluid has enough
pressure to penetrate the skin and cause
serious injuries. Leakages from pin
holes can be totally invisible. Do not use
the bare hand for checking on possible
leakages. Always use a piece of wood or
cardboard. It is strongly recommended
to use a face mask or eye protection.
Should injuries occur with leaking
hydraulic fluid, contact a doctor
immediately. This fluid can cause
gangrene or serious allergic reactions.
10. To avoid leakage of battery acid which
contains heavy metals, do not throw the
battery away.
11. Observe all laws and regulations
concerning the disposal of used oil,
coolants, solvents, hydraulic fluids,
battery acids and batteries.
12. To avoid fire, do not heat the hydraulic
components (tanks, pipes, hoses,
cylinders) before they are drained and
washed.
Max. drawbar pull at
coupling hook
Max. vertical load at
coupling hook
32.3 kN
2.7 kN

8
13. Use a face mask or eye protection to
protect the eyes and respiratory system
against dust and other foreign particles.
14. Securely support excavator with stands
or suitable blocking before working
underneath. For your safety, do not
work under any hydraulically supported
devices. They can settle, suddenly leak
down, or be accidentally lowered.
15. Do not crawl under the excavator if the
excavator is only supported by the boom
and arm or the dozer. The excavator can
tip over or lower itself due to hydraulic
pressure loss. Always use safety struts
or other appropriate supports.
16. KUBOTA uses no parts which are lined
with asbestos. Do not use these kind of
parts even if they can be installed.
17. Fire prevention
Excavator and some attachments
have components that are at high
temperatures under normal operating
conditions. The primary source of
high temperatures is the engine and
exhaust system. The electrical system, if
damaged or incorrectly maintained, can
be a source of arcing or sparks.
The following fire prevention guidelines
will help to keep your equipment up and
running efficiently and keep the risk of
fire to a minimum.
lBlow off all accumulated debris near
hot engine exhaust components such
as turbocharger and exhaust manifold
as well as exhaust pipes and muffler
more frequently when working in severe
conditions.
lClean out all accumulated flammable
debris such as leaves, straw, pine
needles, branches, bark, small wood
chips and any other combustible
materials from inside the machine belly
pans or lower unit structures as well as
from area in proximity to the engine.
lInspect all fuel lines and hydraulic hoses
for wear or for deterioration. Replace
them immediately if they begin to leak.
lExamine electrical wiring and connectors
frequently for damage. Repair any wires
that are loose or frayed before operating
the machine. Clean all electrical
connections and tighten all electrical
connections as necessary.
lInspect the exhaust system daily for
any signs of leakage. Check for broken
pipes and muffler and also for loose or
missing bolts, nuts and clamps. If any
exhaust leaks or fractured parts are
found, repairs must be completed prior
to operation.
lAlways keep a multipurpose fire
extinguisher on or near the machine.
Be familiar with the operation of the fire
extinguisher.

9
(1) Code No. RA238-5747-1 (2) Code No. RA228-5733-1
6. DANGER, WARNING AND CAUTION LABELS
(3) Code No. TC650-6597-1

10
(1) Code No. RC418-5753-1 (2) Code No. RA228-5762-1
(4) Code No. 3B791-9870-1
(3) Code No. RB456-5795-1
[Both sides]

11
(1) Code No. RC418-5728-4
(2) Code No. RC418-5727-4
(3) Code No. RC418-5733-5
(5) Code No. RA228-5751-2
1BAAAARAP1000
(4) Code No. RD809-5738-2 (6) Code No. 6C300-4744-1
(7) Code No. RA028-5835-1

12
(1) Code No. RC108-5718-1
(3) Code No. RD358-5736-1
Diesel fuel only No fire
(2) Code No. RA228-5728-2
[Both sides]
(4) Code No. RA228-5776-1
(5) Code No. 68328-5735-1 [Both sides]
(6) Code No. RC108-5796-1
[Both sides]
(7) Code No. RB419-5796-2
[Both sides]