Kobelco announces the new SK140SRLC-7 excavator

By MEq March 2, 2020 20:20

Kobelco Construction Machinery Europe B.V. (KCME) is pleased to announce the arrival of the SK140SRLC-7 – a 14-tonne excavator that delivers enhanced efficiency and productivity through harmonization of mechanical power, operation speed, and overall machine design. The SK140SRLC-7 is of a new generation of excavators to demonstrate Kobelco’s prowess in excavator design and manufacture. Coupled with modern manufacturing processes and customer feedback, the Japanese manufacturer’s SK140SRLC-7 sets a new class-defining standard in operational use and operator comfort.

The latest in a long line of powerful and efficient 14-tonne excavators, Kobelco SK140SRLC-7 takes power and efficiency even further. The Isuzu Motors Ltd 2,999cc turbocharged diesel engine has been created to be emissions standard Stage V compliance, while at the same time gaining a significant 10% increase in engine output (compared to SK140SRLC-5). The performance increase ensures no loss of power on gradients and with heavy bucket loads and delivers a Drawbar pulling force of 140kN. Complete with a new hydraulic control system, digging cycle time has been reduced by 10%, compared with the previous model.

Design principles are all important keys to machine operation and, of course, purchasing decisions. Kobelco has always believed that operator care and safety through design is paramount; the SK140SRLC-7 benefits from a modern cabin design with operating controls and systems that feature the latest available technology as standard to boost production efficiency through precise, easy to use and read controls, operator comfort, and security.

The cabin of SK140SRLC-7 is an arena of ultra-modern, easily accessible operating controls and components compared to that of premium automobiles. The layout is designed to deliver a new experience in excavator operation, starting with a10-inch color monitor – the largest in-cab visual information screen within the excavator industry. The easy access 10-inch color monitor provides the operator a clear view of important machine status information, function menus and the all-important views from three cameras that are supplied as standard equipment – as well as rear and right-side images, used in conjunction with the third camera (positioned on the left side), a unique “eagle-eye” view, can also be selected. The monitor functions are controlled by the latest specification multifunction jog-type dial also LED-backlit for ease of operation.

Installed in the new SK140SRLC-7 is a heated and air-cushioned Kobelco-branded Grammer seat that is constructed to incorporate the joystick and armrests as one unit, so any movement of the seat means the operator remains comfortable and in full control. The seat and console units of this superior seating system are designed so that available range of adjustment provides the ideal posture position for any operator to give all-day comfort, therefore boosting work efficiency. The cabin’s standard air-con system has been revised so cooling air is directed towards the operator’s upper torso from two ducts positioned left and right at the rear of the cab.

Further aiding the operator is a new control lever and hydraulic system that has a shorter, more precise lever movement to further promote operator comfort. The use of LED backlighting on all control switches is pleasing on the eye and reduces eye strain especially during short daylight working hours and night time operation.

Other features that boost operator safety are: A) the use of a LED door lamp that switches on when the cabin door is opened or the ignition switched off, and B) the FOPS Level II roof guard is equipped with a lockable swing-open section so the external roof glass can be easily cleaned to ensure unhindered visibility/daytime light. Parallel front window wipers ensure a significantly larger swept area of the front window for an uninterrupted view and the system incorporates one-time use along with continuous and intermittent use operation.

Kobelco design and support have led to Quick Hitch piping being fitted as standard on the SK140SRLC-7, further promoting its capability as a multi-purpose machine. In conjunction with the latest hydraulic control system, the operator can select one of seven preset hydraulic attachment modes (e.g. bucket, nibbler, tilt rotator, breaker, etc.) via the 10-inch color screen and jog-dial. In addition to the preset modes, four optional modes can be configured to operational requirements.

The SK140SRLC-7 is also available to order ex-factory with build options of dozer attachment, dual-boom, side drain, and additional counterbalance weights (580 and 1,000kg). Kobelco’s Integrated Noise and Dust Reduction System (iNDr) provides the SK140SRLC-7 with low on-site noise operation – a necessary requirement when working in populated suburban areas, or in the close proximity of attending workforce. It also enhances serviceability by allowing easy access to the air filter, now mounted in front of the radiator system, which reduces day-to-day servicing downtime and the use of additional tools to clean the filter.