Types of KOBELCO excavators
Having the right type of Kobelco excavator for a construction or mining task can make all the difference in project success. The excavator types listed below are all designed with a perfect combination of strength and versatility for optimal efficiency.
- Kobelco mini excavator: A Kobelco mini excavator is compact, lightweight, and highly maneuverable. It is ideal for construction projects in confined or limited spaces. Some common tasks they can handle include landscaping, backfilling, utility laying, and interior demolition. The Kobelco SK30SR-6, SK38SR-6, and SK50SR-6 are typical examples of mini excavators.
- Kobelco midi excavator: Midi excavators are slightly larger than mini excavators but still relatively compact. They have increased maneuverability and versatility. A midi excavator works best in suburban construction projects or rural open areas. It can move and operate well in tight spaces. Typical midi excavators from Kobelco include the SK48U, SK58, and SK75.
- Kobelco standard excavator: This standard excavator type has a long arm and high digging capability. It is suited to large-scale construction or earth-moving projects. Standard excavators can demolish large buildings, dig trenches and foundations, and handle heavy material. A typical Kobelco standard excavator is the SK210LC-10 model.
- Kobelco long-reach excavator: A long-reach excavator has an extended arm and boom for excavating or digging from significant distances. They are suited to projects such as dredging at open water bodies, digging trenches and laying pipelines in hard-to-reach areas. A long-reach excavator can't move laterally like a regular excavator. Typical long-reach excavators from Kobelco include the LR series (like LR 21). There are also variable-reach models, such as the VR series (like VR 30).
Specification and maintenance of Kobelco excavators
Specifications
- Model variations: The Kobelco excavator model is a notable specification. The size is generally measured by the tonnage, which indicates the weight capacity of the excavator. For example, SK10SR-2, a small excavator, has a tonnage of 1.0 tons, while the SK400LC-10, a larger excavator, has a tonnage of 40 tons.
- Engine: The engine is another key specification for Kobelco excavators. SR model excavators are equipped with a super cab that has luxurious specifications that include a wide interior space, an extra tall cab, and a low desktop-style instrument panel that makes the operator’s view unobscured and extends safety. In addition, a rubber suspension seat provides comfort for the operator, while the air conditioner and heater create a pleasant, temperature-controlled environment regardless of the weather outside.
- Operating capacity: It refers to the weight the excavator can comfortably handle during excavation tasks. A Kobelco mini excavator operating capacity may be around 2,000 lbs, while a larger model may have an operating capacity of around 8,000 lbs or higher.
- Dig depth: This is the maximum depth the excavator can reach while digging. Their dig depths vary, ranging from approximately 8-12 ft for mini excavators and 20-24 ft or more for standard excavators.
Maintenance
- Daily inspection: Perform a daily inspection of the excavator before use to identify potential issues.
- Fluid checks: Regularly inspect fluid levels, including engine oil, coolant, hydraulic fluid, and fuel.
- Air filter cleaning/replacement: Clean or replace the air filter to ensure proper engine airflow.
- Hydraulic system maintenance: Inspect hydraulic hoses and connections for leaks or damage, and ensure the hydraulic cylinders are in good condition.
- Track or tire maintenance: Depending on whether the excavator has tracks or tires, properly maintain them. For track cleaning, look for signs of wear. For tires, ensure they're adequately inflated and inspect them for damage.
- Bucket and attachment maintenance: Regularly clean the excavator bucket or attachment to prevent the buildup of material. Inspect for wear and tear, including any damage to the quick coupler mechanism, and apply lubricants to grease points as per the manufacturer's recommendations.
Scenarios
The Kobelco excavator has many usage scenarios in different industries and fields.
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Municipal repair
The small and medium compact excavators are useful in municipal repair work. Such repairs include patching, laying pipes, replacing valves, trimming tree roots, and other routine maintenance exercises. Their smaller sizes give them room to maneuver in tight spaces. These excavators also have gentle touch control systems to protect infrastructure.
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Pipeline excavations
Mini and compact excavators are great for digging trenches. They lay, repair, or replace pipelines. Their size makes it easy to dig narrow and deep trenches. These excavators also have attachments for cutting and pulling pipelines.
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Urban construction
Standard and large excavators are useful in urban construction. They demolish existing structures, clear land, excavate foundations, and prepare sites. The attachment versatility of these excavators improves efficiency. It also makes it easy to achieve different construction tasks from one single machine.
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Agriculture
In the agricultural industry, Kobelco excavators dig trenches for irrigation. They clear land of trees and rocks. The excavators also make ponds and drainage ditches. Farmers use the excavator's attachments for tasks like bucket digging, gravel screening, and tilling.
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Hauling and stack
Hydraulic excavators are commonly used in mining operations. They haul and stack ore and minerals. Such excavators have a powerful hydraulic system. This system provides the necessary force for handling heavy materials.
In mining industries, Kobelco excavators break oversized stones. The hydraulic breaker attachment of the excavator does this firmly and precisely. This reduces the need for secondary blasting. It also improves the control of rock fragmentation.
Hydraulic excavators with high bucket capacity and a powerful digging force are great for digging. They also prepare sites for processing plants and mine shafts. The excavators dig deep into the ground and remove large volumes of earth with great efficiency.
How to choose a Kobelco excavator
With so many options available, selecting the right Kobelco excavator can be a daunting task. The following concise points will assist customers in making a sound decision when purchasing:
- Working range and hydraulic capacity: The work requirement will determine the type of excavator to be selected. If the work is at a great height with the possibility of a far-off hydraulic system, then an excavator with such a quality will be appropriate, or else a compact one may do the work. Customers should know the area they would be working in before they select their excavator. In tight places, small size is better; in larger ones, the range and capacity matter.
- Vehicle Model: Track-type vehicle models feature tracks designed for off-road use that minimize ground pressure and provide better stability.Dump trucks work great for overburden, such as loose rocks and topsoil. Wheel loaders feature large, smooth tires and a low center of gravity for high stability and speed.are well suited for semi-loose substrates and shorter distances. Wheel excavators are great for overburden and longer distances on firm ground. A train moves along a rail and goes great on firm, longer distances overburden; a high-rail excavator can transfer from rail to road quickly. The selection depends on the job requirement, as in the case of an excavator in an oil field or construction site.
- Weight and displacement: One should be aware that the excavator's weight affects its stability and digging capacity. A balance between stability and required digging is essential. A customer's need and nature of work determine how much soil one will excavate. As digging and dumping are part of the job requirement, the excavator's displacement matters a lot. A smaller excavator with advanced technology may do a better job.
Kobelco excavator FAQ
Q1: What does Kobelco stand for?
A1: The company name Kobelco stands for Kobe Steel Construction Equipment.
Q2: What is the lifetime of an excavator?
A2: The operational lifetime of excavators, including Kobelco mini excavators, can vary significantly depending on several factors. In general, with proper maintenance and care, excavators can have a lifespan of around 10,000 to 15,000 hours of operation. This translates to roughly 7 to 10 years of operational time for a machine that is used regularly.
Q3: How powerful is a 20 ton excavator?
A3: A 20-ton excavator can move large volumes of material.” However, the specifics can vary depending on the model and manufacturer. For a Kobelco 20 ton excavator, the power might be in the range of 120 to 130 kilowatts.
