Quarry looks at the latest innovations in the short-radius heavy excavator range from Kobelco.
Kobelco launched an exciting range of new short radius heavy excavators last year with the introduction of the new SK380SRLC-7, SK225SR-7, and SK235SR-7 models in Australia.
Instantly recognisable from the striking blue Kobelco blue colour scheme, the new additions add to its comprehensive short-radius range, which the company began manufacturing in 1996.
Kobelco introduced the short-radius concept more than two decades ago in response to demand for machine’s that could handle work on tight access urban and residential sites. The short radius range has proven popular for contractors specialising in roadworks and utility maintenance.
The SK380SRLC-7 was described upon release by Kobelco as its “heaviest and most capable short-radius excavator to date”, delivering high-level performance in a compact design.
The SK380SRLC-7, part of Kobelco’s Series 7 range, features a reimagined operator station and delivers a 5 per cent increase in engine output compared to previous models. The SK380SRLC-7 can handle heavy-duty tasks up close with only 305mm of tail overhang. Able to operate safely in a single road lane, it’s perfect for highway projects and applications requiring a larger machine in a restricted work area.
“Increased requirements for urban infrastructure, utilities, and roadbuilding mean an increased demand for compact machinery,” Kobelco Australia’s general manager of product and distribution, Mark Johnson, said.
“The SK380SRLC-7 provides the same powerful performance and lifting capacity as our large conventional machines but with a smaller working footprint. The newly redesigned Series 7 cabin is also something that operators will certainly appreciate.”
The SK380SRLC-7 is equipped with a powerful Isuzu Tier IV Final-compliant engine, which provides 210kW of output and 6 per cent higher torque than previous models for more efficient performance, all while minimising fuel consumption.
The SK380SRLC-7 can manage digging depths of up to 6.9m due to its swing torque and swift swing speeds, enabling short cycle times and improved on-site productivity. The bucket cylinder has been reinforced, and the rod-side pin diameter has been increased from 80–95mm, adding to the machine’s controllability.
When extra lift capacity is required, a heavy-lift mode can be activated, while power boost mode provides an instant 10 per cent power increase for enhanced digging capability with no time restrictions, delivering an impressive 208kN bucket digging force and 139kN arm crowding force.
The SK380SRLC-7 also benefits from an enhanced cabin design, ergonomics, and safety features derived from Kobelco’s Performance x Design concept.
The cabin is outfitted with the Kobelco-branded Grammer heated and air-cushioned suspension seat and hydraulic controls to create an optimal working environment for the operator.
Kobelco’s intelligent total control system allows for pre-setting of attachment work modes from the cabin, with pre-sets to select multiple saved tools and operability adjustments that automatically provide optimal controllability for the specific attachment type.
DOUBLE DELIGHT
Kobelco followed up its release of the SK380SRLC-7 with two more additions to its short-radius category.
The new SK225SR-7 and SK235SR-7 were launched in the Australian market in mid-2024, with the company noting that the new models excel at precise operation.
“Increased requirements for urban infrastructure, utilities, and roadbuilding mean an increased demand for compact machinery,” Johnson said.
“The new SK225SR-7 and SK235SR-7 provide the same powerful performance and lifting capacity as our mid-weight conventional machines but with a smaller working footprint of just 4.05m (SK225SR-7) and 3.68m (SK235SR-7).”
Weighing in at 23.3 tonnes (SK225SR-7) and 25 tonnes (SK235SR-7), the new machines deliver exact operation through excellent controllability and smooth hydraulics. The optional heavy counterweights and balanced chassis layout provide exceptional lifting capacity, ideal for heavier tools and attachments. The new SR Series-7 machine arms and bucket cylinders have been reinforced, providing more digging power and durability. The plate thickness of the arm has been increased by 25 per cent (1.25 times stronger than the previous generation model). The bucket cylinder has been reinforced by enlarging the flange and increasing the rod-side pin diameter from 80–85mm.
“The two new SR-7 models build on the legacy of the legendary -2 machines with upgraded performance, productivity and comfort, while maintaining the Tier 3 engine without DPF or AdBlue, meaning lower operational and maintenance costs,” Johnson said. •
For more information, visit kobelco.com.au.
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