Kobelco launches short radius 37-tonne digger

Kobelco Construction Machinery Australia (KCMA) has announced the arrival of its SK380SRLC short radius excavator that the company said is the first of its kind in the 35-tonne market segment.

Kobelco said the new Japanese built model brings excellent lifting and digging performance to tight access worksites to help meet the demand of large urban infrastructure projects around the world.

“Considering the high level of infrastructure and residential construction projects underway in and around capital cities, there is increasingly a need for heavier machines to work in limited access urban areas,” said KCMA General Manager of Product & Distribution, Mark Johnson.

“Traditionally, operating a 35 tonne machine has meant sacrificing accessibility for machine capability, but we see the new SK380SRLC as being the best of both worlds—it delivers the digging performance and hydraulic capability that certain applications demand, with an overall machine footprint that is easier to manage.

“With its increased digging performance, high lift capacity and Kobelco’s refined hydraulic control, it’s an ideal machine for everything from trenching, to on-site material handling, to rock breaking.”

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The SK380SRLC is powered by a 7684cc Hino turbocharged liquid cooled diesel engine that Kobelco said meets international emissions standards. The powertrain delivers a drawbar force of 314kN for smooth and steady operation across rough terrain– even when lifting heavy objects.

It is capable of lifting 12,390kg at 6.0m reach, thanks to high hydraulic pressure and a balanced chassis layout, Kobelco said. A Power Boost function is available that provides 10 per cent more power with no time limit when operators need that extra burst of power.

Kobelco’s exclusive swing priority system automatically delivers dedicated one pump flow to the swing circuit when the arm-in and swing functions are used simultaneously. That system, along with a swing torque of 120kN, allows the SK380SRLC to tackle trenching and back-filling operations efficiently.

The SK380SRLC can also be used with a range of hydromechanical attachments such as rock breakers or tilt-rotators. Its short tailswing design allows it to work easily in a single road lane, making it perfect for demanding tasks in urban environments, Kobelco said.

The SK380SRLC is equipped with standard bi-directional hydraulic piping as well as secondary auxiliary lines – complete with a separate dedicated pump allowing precision multi-function control of any attachment with a tilt or rotate function. Quick hitch hydraulic lines are also standard equipment.

The cube shaped ROPS cabin has been designed to offer more room to accommodate operators of all sizes and to optimise visibility. The FOPS Level 2 guard is now hinged to provide easy access to the external roof glass which can now be easily cleaned.

Three standard cameras are installed on all sides of the machine for improved jobsite safety, displayed on an additional monitor to allow for a wide view of the worksite. Kobelco exclusive swing flashers enhance safety on site by providing a visual indicator when the machine is in motion.

The cab is sealed and pressurised to prevent dust intrusion and features an automatic climate control system built specifically for Australian conditions, Kobelco said. Air conditioning vents are optimally placed around the cabin with air flow directed toward the operator’s neck and back, designed to provide all day comfort even in high ambient temperatures.

Other comfort features include an air-cushioned, heated suspension seat by Grammer, a standard 12V charging station and standard Bluetooth integrated stereo system.

The colour LCD multi-display screen shows important information, including fuel consumption and maintenance intervals. Up to 10 preset attachment settings can be selected from the display, with independently programmable settings for flow and pressure.

Operators can choose between three work modes including an ECO mode that automatically optimises digging efficiency.

The Kobelco SK380SRLC is available at all Kobelco dealerships around Australia and New Zealand from April 2021.