Kobelco launches its smallest demolition machine in Europe

By MEq October 19, 2018 11:48

Following the introduction of the SK400DLC-10 and SK550DLC-10 in January 2018, Kobelco Construction Machinery Europe B.V. (KCME) is pleased to announce the launch of the all-new SK350DLC-10 – the manufacturer’s smallest machine designed exclusively for the demolition sector. Despite its smaller size, the versatile new model incorporates many of the same features as the larger models, which are designed to aid the safe and quick assembly/disassembly of attachments and maintenance, easy transportation between projects and significant cost savings.

Kobelco has long been a market leader for demolition equipment in Japan and launched its first demolition machines to the European market earlier this year. Like the SK400DLC-10 and SK550DLC-10, the new SK350DLC-10 features the Kobelco-developed NEXT system. This is a common base machine with dedicated attachments for both high elevation demolition work and breaking up foundations. The attachments can be easily changed onsite.

The SK350DLC-10’s NEXT ultra-high attachment is best suited to the demolition of multi-storey buildings from ground level –its ultra-long attachment configuration enables it to work to a maximum height of 21m (with the 6.1m arm) with a maximum tool weight of 2.6 tonnes. The machine’s separate boom configuration is ideal for demolishing the lower floors of buildings where the concrete is at its thickest –the maximum working depth of the SK350DLC-10 is 6,320mm.

Demolition job sites provide challenging conditions for machinery so the SK350DLC-10’s boom attachments are reinforced for increased durability, longevity and reduced structural fatigue. Their block structure also simplifies the assembly/disassembly process in order to reduce downtime on site. The machine’s attachments are connected by hooking the upper (backside) pin to the opposite pins on the lower side – the pressure release to pin fixing can be completed quickly and safely. All attachment joints have the hydraulic piping mounted to the side and adopt a multi-coupler system for easy access, and maintenance from ground level. This aids good health and safety working practices for workers.

Another key benefit of the NEXT system is the low storage height of the ultra-high attachment when collapsed. This attachment is designed with the jib and arm cylinders crossed over the shorter inter arm, while the back of the arm remains flat. As a result, the height of the attachment in its stored position is approximately 2m, which means that it can be transported between projects on a standard trailer, saving significant logistical costs.

The SK350DLC-10 shares the same turbo-charged Stage IV-compliant engine and hydraulic system as the SK350LC-10 for high performance and low fuel consumption. Three work modes are available to further aid fuel efficiency: H-mode for heavy working; S-mode for balancing work volume with fuel consumption; and Eco-mode for prioritising fuel efficiency over work volume. The AIS (Auto Idle Stop) function also enhances this efficiency by avoiding unnecessary fuel consumption while the machine is idling.

Operator comfort and safety is always high on the agenda for Kobelco design so it is no surprise that the manufacturer has invested significantly in the SK350DLC-10’s demolition-specification cabin. The cabin is compliant with level II FOPS and fitted with high strength security glass and radial grid guards across the front and top windows and can tilt up to 30-degrees so that the operator can maintain a comfortable posture during high elevation demolition work.

Like the SK400DLC-10 and SK550DLC-10, the SK350DLC-10 also incorporates a number of other important safety features including a cab interference prevention system, which sounds an alarm and prevents the machine from allowing the working tool to come into contact with the cab during operation. In addition, the working radius and stability of the machine is calculated from the position of the attachment and the operator is alerted when stability is compromised via the stability warning system. The SK350DLC-10 is also equipped with rear view and right side cameras, a loudspeaker system, falling object deflector and bright LED lights for increased visibility on site.

Commenting on the introduction of the new Kobelco SK350DLC-10, KCME Product Manager, Peter Stuijt, said: “Customer feedback on the Kobelco SK400DLC-10 and SK550DLC-10 following their introduction earlier this year has been very positive, but we found that there was also a demand for a smaller version. The SK350DLC-10 may be smaller, but there is no compromise on technology –the inclusion of the versatile NEXT system, which enables both high reach and basement demolition with the same machine, is a testament to this. The SK350DLC-10 also benefits from an electronically controlled environmental engine, which promotes high power and low fuel consumption – particulate matter and NOx emissions are supressed through the engine’s high combustion efficiency, exhaust gas after-treatment equipment and urea SCR system. With this in mind, the SK350DLC-10 is an ideal compromise between economic investment and transport logistics. Equipped with a fixed undercarriage, it can serve a purpose in markets where the 3.2-metre transport regulation is not an issue.”