A Closer Look: Kubota’s New, Largest Compact Track Loader, the SVL97-3

Updated May 23, 2025

The next-generation of Kubota’s largest compact track loader, the SVL97-3, builds off the improvements made to the company’s most popular CTL and gets a few of its own.

In the video above, watch as Jerry Corder, Kubota product manager, gives us a walkaround tour of the new SVL97-3 earlier this year at World of Concrete.

The CTL joins the company’s best-selling SVL75-3, released two years ago, in undergoing a next-gen overhaul.

Rated operating capacity has been boosted by 8% to about 3,500 pounds over the SVL97-2. Travel speed has been increased 1.1 mph to 8.4. And the speed of the arm and bucket hydraulics have also been raised, for a 20% increase in cycle times.

It runs on a 96.4-horsepower Kubota engine with diesel particulate filter muffler for meeting Tier 4 Final emissions standards.

The new compact track loader gets the same one-piece cab as the SVL75-3 to prevent dirt, dust, water and other intrusions. It also makes for a quieter environment, Corder says.

Standard on the SVL97-3 is passcode-enabled keyless start. The start system can hold up to 51 different passcodes, enabling individual operators to have their own entry and settings saved.

For more about the SVL97-3, check out the video above.

Quick Specs

  • Engine: 96.4-hp Kubota diesel
  • Operating weight: 11,676 lbs. open cab / 11,989 lbs. enclosed cab
  • Auxiliary hydraulic flow rate: 40 gpm
  • Auxiliary hydraulic pressure: 3,553 psi
  • Travel speed: 8.4 mph
  • Ground clearance: 11”
  • Height to hinge pin: 10’ 8.5”
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