Six Models of Mini Diggers with Full-Size Performance and Portable Packages
Since 1930, Kobelco has built its excavators to be industry leaders, adding innovation to its machines at every turn. This attitude led Kobelco to develop the first short rear swing excavator, a demolition machine with the longest reach in the world and exclusive features such as no-time-limit power boost, independent travel and an ultra-quiet iNDr cooling system. Kobelco currently offers a full range of crawler excavators in the 3,000- to 245,000-lb classes, including zero tail swing, compact, standard, long-reach, mass excavation and demolition models. Six of these models fall under the 8-metric-ton range.
The Kobelco mini excavator line is currently comprised of four models with operating weights between 3,836 and 11,860 lbs.
The smallest of Kobelco’s excavators is the SK17SR. This model is popular on jobsites where equipment needs to be moved through tight spaces; it features hydraulic side frames that retract to a narrow 37 in. for tight areas and extend to a solid 50 in. for stability. The 3,836-lb SK17SR combines its compact design with performance, boasting a maximum digging reach of 12-ft, 2-in. and a digging force of 2,833 lbs.
Kobelco’s SK25SR and SK35SR models deliver a bit more muscle for heavier-duty digging and lifting, while providing a zero tail swing radius for jobs where space is limited. These 5,930- and 8,555-lb machines have good stability and come with either steel or rubber track shoes and a ROPS/FOPS cab or canopy. Often used for loading, placing and dozing across a wide range of applications, the SK25SR and SK35SR feature digging forces of 4,546 and 7,216 lbs, as well as maximum dig reaches of 15 ft, 7 in. and 17 ft, 7 in. The final model in Kobelco’s mini excavator line is the SK55SRX. This 11,860-lb, 37-hp machine is a versatile, compact, short radius excavator that provides full-size performance.
Six models round out Kobelco’s line of short rear swing excavators, including the 17,100-lb SK75SR and 18,700-lb SK85CS. These models are packed with value and innovation and incorporate all of Kobelco’s fuel-saving technologies. An 11.5-rpm swing speed on both the SK75SR and SK85SR provides short cycle times for enhanced productivity, and a powerful travel motor makes moving these excavators a breeze around the jobsite. All SR models feature Kobelco’s exclusive iNDr cooling system to reduce dust and cut noise. The SK75 and SK85 are popular in applications where working ranges are limited.
Advice to Buyers
“Having the power and maneuverability is part of getting the job done safely,” explains George Lumpkins, national service manager of Kobelco Construction Machinery USA. “But, performance doesn’t stop there. Routine maintenance should be easy for the crew to do onsite to keep the machine in top running condition. And, if parts or service are needed, make sure the equipment dealer you select provides support service to keep the job on schedule. In today’s competitive marketplace, you’ll want to be sure the equipment you buy is not only reliable and priced competitively, but also purchased from a company you can count on to stand behind it over the entire life cycle of the machine.”
