Kobelco rolls out Series 7 mini excavators

Kobelco Construction Machinery Australia has announced the arrival of its Series 7 mini excavator range in the country. The new Kobelco SK28SR-7, SK30SR-7 and SK35SR-7 offer better engine performance, improved operability, an updated cabin interior and easier maintenance, according to Kobelco.

“We’re always taking on board our customer’s feedback to understand what they need from their mini excavators and how they perform on jobsites,” said Kobelco Australia’s General Manager of Product and Distribution, Mark Johnson.

“As well as offering enhanced performance, increased bucket digging force and improved lifting capabilities, the introduction of the new SK28, SK30 and SK35SR-7 range demonstrates how we are developing our mini excavator technology to better suit the needs of our operators, and more demanding jobsite conditions.”

The new Kobelco mini excavators now offer 19kW of output and feature larger bucket cylinders (from 65 to 70mm) that result in a 16 per cent increase in bucket digging force from 27.8 to 32.2kN on the SK35SR-7, Kobelco said.

In addition, the boom cylinder bore has been increased from 80 to 85mm for improved lifting capacity on the SK35SR-7. Travel performance and hydraulic system have also been upgraded to deliver faster combined operation.

A new ECO-mode is available that promotes a 25 per cent reduction in fuel consumption, Kobelco added.

The latest Series 7 versions of the SK28SR, SK30SR and SK35SR cater for operating weight requirements from three to four tonnes, with base machine weights ranging from 2930kg to 3890kg.

They have a zero tailswing design that makes them ideal for operating in limited spaces. The machines’ quick hitch piping has also been extended by 200mm, with standard tilt lines on SK30SR-7 and SK35SR-7 models allowing easy installation of tilt hitches and multi-function hydraulic attachments.

Operator comfort and safety was key to the development of the new Series 7 minis, Kobelco said. The new machines follow Kobelco’s Performance x Design concept, which includes a newly designed cabin interior, to make long operating hours more comfortable.

A standard 12V port and AUX jack is provided, while the standard Bluetooth integrated stereo system allows the operator to stream audio. AM/FM radio and hands-free telephone functionality also come as standard, while the wider wrist rests and ergonomic levers reduce operator fatigue.

The Grammer mechanical suspension and reclining seat on cabin models, coupled with powerful air conditioning give operators the comfort they’d expect in much larger machines.

The standard colour display provides important information including operating history, maintenance cycle, and fuel and water temperature gauges. Hydraulic Flow Adjustment (HFA) comes as standard in all proportional hand control models, and the hydraulic oil-flow to the attachments can be adjusted via the same colour display.

To reduce downtime for maintenance, the travel levers are now removable, which improves accessibility to the main control valve.

To improve visibility on the jobsite, new Series 7 minis have been equipped with two bright LED work lights. Additional working lights can also be installed to the back of the cabin, if required. LED backlighting on switches and dials is also standard to improve visibility.

Kobelco’s short radius excavators also benefit from a proprietary Integrated Noise and Dust Reduction System (iNDr). The iNDr system provides ultra-low onsite noise operation, ideal for urban worksites, and removes dust from the air intake. It also enhances serviceability by allowing easy access to the air filter, which can be easily removed and cleaned without the use of tools, for easy visual inspection and cleaning.

The new Kobelco SK28SR-7, SK30SR-7 and SK35SR-7 are available with a canopy or an air-conditioned cabin and are available now via Kobelco dealerships nationwide.