Rippa R327

The R327 is the machine you choose when you do a lot of work on ground that does not forgive tracks: drainage and trenches through gardens and orchards, planting holes, clearing pond banks and ditches, foundations for outbuildings and greenhouses, levelling in yards with lawn already laid. It digs down to a depth of 1,552 mm, at a reach of 2,894 mm, and dumps from a height of 1,824 mm.

What sets it apart is the ratio between weight and footprint: with an operating weight of 1,500 kg, it presses on the ground with only 23.43 kPa, the lowest ground pressure in the entire R3xx series — lower than that of the models under one tonne. In practice, the weight gives it stability when digging with the arm fully extended, while the contact area of the tracks keeps it on top where a lighter but narrower machine starts to sink.

The engine is a Kubota D722 diesel, three cylinders, 0.719 litres, water-cooled, with 10.2 kW at 2,500 rpm and a rated fuel consumption of 1.1–1.5 litres per hour. It is the same engine as on the small model in the series, except that here it drives a heavier machine, so it works more easily at medium loads. The travel speed, 0–1.5 km/h, makes clear what kind of machine this is: one that works in place, not one you drive across the farm.

It suits farmers, large smallholdings and landscaping crews, that is, those who dig a lot on soft ground and do not want to make repairs afterwards. Maintenance is that of a small Kubota engine: 3.5 litres of oil per engine oil change and components shared with the other compact machines that use the D722.

Standard equipment

• Kubota D722 diesel engine, 3 cylinders, 0.719 L, water-cooled, 10.2 kW at 2,500 rpm
• Operating weight 1,500 kg with a ground pressure of only 23.43 kPa
• Digging depth 1,552 mm, max. reach 2,894 mm
• Max. dump height 1,824 mm
• Travel speed 0–1.5 km/h
• Rated fuel consumption 1.1–1.5 L/h, 3.5 litres of oil per engine oil change