KOBELCO is adding two new Short Radius (SR) excavators to its portfolio in the form of the SK230SRLC-7 and SK270SR(N)LC-7.
SR machines are described as ‘ideal’ for working on urban and residential sites and are said to be increasingly popular due to requirements for roadworks and utility maintenance.
The two new models follow Kobelco’s Performance x Design concept. The manufacturer first introduced the SR concept in 1996 and now has a range covering machines from one-tonne (SK10SR-2E) through to 38-tonnes (SK380SRLC).
SR machines benefit from a smaller working footprint, which means they can access tighter working areas and even operate within one carriageway, so as not to disturb traffic when working on roads or lifting utility trench boxes.
The new SK230SRLC-7 and SK270SR(N)LC-7 are equipped with a Yanmar Stage V-compliant engine, which provides 127 kW output and 22% higher torque than previous models. The DPF replacement interval has been extended from 4,500 to 6,000 hours.
Weighing in at 24-tonnes (SK230SRLC-7) and 27.3-tonnes (SK270SR(N)LC-7 with two-piece boom) respectively, Kobelco said the new machines provide ‘extremely precise’ operation through ‘excellent controllability and smooth hydraulics’.
Their longer undercarriages boost stability. The SK270SR(N)LC-7’s combination of high hydraulic pressure (Heavy Lift) and balanced chassis layout is described as delivering ‘exceptional’ lifting capacity.
Meanwhile, the SK230SRLC-7’s arm and bucket cylinder have been reinforced, providing more digging power and durability. The plate thickness of the arm has been increased by 25%. The bucket cylinder has been reinforced by enlarging the flange and increasing the rod side pin diameter from 80 to 85mm.
The Kobelco-branded Grammer air suspension seat moves together with the armrests and hydraulic controls to reduce operator fatigue. The cabin is equipped with a DAB+ radio, Bluetooth and hands-free telephone. The jog dial controls multiple functions on the ten inch colour screen, including operating history, maintenance cycle, fuel and water temperature gauges as well as hydraulic oil-flow adjustment. To improve visibility, particularly during the darker winter months, the new models have been equipped with two bright LED work lights.
Wesley Elverding, Kobelco product marketing manager, said, “Increased requirements for urban infrastructure, utilities and roadbuilding means an increased demand for compact machinery. The new SK230SRLC-7 and SK270SR(N)LC-7 provide the same powerful performance and lifting capacity as our mid-weight conventional machines, but with a smaller working footprint of just 4.06m (SK230SRLC) and 3.68m (SK270SRLC).
“The two new SR models will also pave the way for the arrival of the larger SK380SRLC-7 later this year.”
