MS15 1.5-ton Mini Excavator vs Kubota KX040-5 Compact Excavator
These are not really the same class of machine. The MS15 is a 1.5-ton, 13.5 HP mini excavator for tight residential work, and the Kubota KX040-5 is a roughly 4-ton, 40 HP compact excavator with an enclosed cab. The MS15 is listed at $5,999.99 at Amazon as of November 4, 2026. The Kubota's $450.00 listing at Mountains Reign Equipment as of November 4, 2026 is far below any real market price for a KX040-5, so verify it before relying on it.
Today the Kubota KX040-5 Compact Excavator costs $5,549.99 less at its best price.
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MS15 1.5-ton Mini Excavator
4.9Choose the MS15 if you need a small, low-cost machine for digging in tight yards, trenches and landscaping jobs where a 15-inch bucket and about 6 feet of dig depth are enough.
- Low entry price at $5,999.99 with free U.S. shipping.
- Small enough for tight residential and landscaping access.
- One-button start and simple controls suit occasional operators.
- Buyers report fast delivery and easy operation.
What separates them
| MS15 1.5-ton Mini Excavator | Kubota KX040-5 Compact Excavator | |
|---|---|---|
| Machine class and weight | 1.5-ton mini excavator | About 9,182 lb (4,165 kg) operating weight |
| Engine power | 13.5 HP | 40.3 HP gross, 39.1 HP net |
| Maximum digging depth | 72.83 in (about 6 ft) | 11 ft 2.3 in |
| Cab and climate | Open station, no cab listed | Enclosed cab with cold A/C |
| Warranty | Certifications listed (CE, SGS, TUV, ISO); no OEM warranty stated | OEM warranty included |
| Included equipment | 15-inch bucket; compatible with compact excavator attachments | Coupler, modem, wire harness, angle blade |
| Price as listed | $5,999.99 at Amazon as of November 4, 2026 |
Price history
- MS15 1.5-ton Mini Excavator: lowest $5,799.00 on Nov 4 at mmsce.com.
- Kubota KX040-5 Compact Excavator: lowest $83,746.90 on Nov 4 at Bingham Equipment Company.
Prices at every store
MS15 1.5-ton Mini Excavator
- AmazonNew
Availability unknown
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$5,999.99Free shippingObserved at 10:44 AM
Also available at
- AmhherCheck price at Amhher
- ZorqenuCheck price at Zorqenu
- MMS INDUSTRIALCheck price at MMS INDUSTRIAL
Kubota KX040-5 Compact Excavator
- Mountains Reign EquipmentNew
In stockReturn policy
$450.00Observed at 10:44 AM - Bingham Equipment CompanyNew
Availability unknown
$83,746.90Observed at 10:44 AM
Specs compared
| Spec | MS15 1.5-ton Mini Excavator | Kubota KX040-5 Compact Excavator |
|---|---|---|
| Engine output (gross) | — | 40.3 HP |
| Digging depth | — | 11 feet, 2.3 inches |
| Engine output (net) | — | 29.2 kW / 39.1 HP |
| Rated engine speed | — | 2200 rpm |
| Displacement | — | 1826 cc |
| Overall length | — | 5085 mm / 200.1 in |
| Overall height | — | 2480 mm / 97.6 in |
| Overall width | — | 1700 mm / 66.9 in |
| Ground clearance | — | 330 mm / 12.99 in |
| Operating weight | — | 4165 kg / 9182 lb |
What reviewers say
MS15 1.5-ton Mini Excavator
Buyers rate it 4.9 out of 5 from 16 ratings. Most praise the build, easy operation and delivery communication. A few hit shipping snags, including a missed first delivery and a nut lodged in the flywheel.
- Easy to operate
- Well built and ready to work
- Fast, on-schedule shipping
- Securely packaged, arrived in perfect condition
- Shipping partner missed the property on the first attempt
- A nut lodged in the flywheel, likely during shipping
Kubota KX040-5 Compact Excavator
Owners of the KX040 line generally rate it as a reliable, well-balanced 4-ton machine with good hydraulics and a comfortable cab. Common complaints center on price and on the cost of dealer service.
- Smooth, responsive hydraulics
Questions and answers
- Which is better for digging a foundation or septic trench?
- The Kubota KX040-5. Its 11 ft 2.3 in dig depth and 40.3 HP handle deeper, faster trenching than the MS15's roughly 6 ft reach.
- Which is easier to move between jobs?
- The MS15. At 1.5 tons it fits on a lighter trailer and behind a smaller truck, while the Kubota's 9,182 lb weight needs heavier hauling equipment.
- Is the Kubota worth the extra money?
- If the $450.00 listing is real, it is far cheaper than the MS15, but that price is implausible for a new KX040-5. At normal market pricing the Kubota costs several times the MS15 and earns it through power, depth, cab and warranty.
- Which lasts longer?
- The Kubota is the safer bet for long service life. It is a major-brand machine with an OEM warranty and a 40.3 HP engine, while the MS15 lists certifications but no OEM warranty.
- Can the MS15 run the same attachments?
- It accepts compact excavator attachments and a 15-inch bucket, but its 13.5 HP limits what it can drive compared with the Kubota's 40.3 HP.
- Do I need a cab?
- Only if you work long days in heat or cold. The Kubota's enclosed A/C cab adds comfort and resale value; the MS15 is open-station and simpler.
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