Global demand for housing is increasing rapidly due to population growth, urban development and rising investment in infrastructure. This growth, combined with labour shortages, is creating a greater need for efficient and labour-saving construction equipment.

Kubota, a leader in compact construction machinery for urban environments, currently holds the top market share* for crawler excavators under six tonnes, both in Japan and internationally. Our machines are recognised for their durability and excellent performance in confined spaces.

Liebherr, a family-owned technology group and one of the world’s largest manufacturers of construction machinery, is highly regarded for its high-quality medium and large equipment, particularly wheeled excavators.

Across Europe, construction sites often rely on a combination of different machine sizes and types. In recent years, we have seen increasing customer demand in Europe for wheeled excavators to complement our existing range.

In response, Kubota and Liebherr have formed a partnership to meet this demand. Since the beginning of the collaboration, both companies have carried out joint market research and developed product concepts tailored to the European market. As a result, Kubota will receive OEM supply from Liebherr of newly developed nine-tonne and eleven-tonne class wheeled excavators, available from 2026.

Importantly, these machines will be the first Liebherr products to be equipped with Kubota engines, marking a significant step forward in the partnership.

By expanding our product offering to include wheeled excavators, Kubota aims to strengthen its position in Europe and continue to grow as a trusted supplier of compact construction machinery.