Described as the heaviest model in its class, Kobelco’s new 50-tonne SK500XDLC-10 excavator has been beefed up all over.
Kobelco has added a new model to its range of heavy-duty excavators, with the first model in Australia debuting at the Civil Construction Field Days in Brisbane before being delivered to its buyer.
The SK500XDLC-10 excavator has a turbocharged liquid-cooled 10.52 litre Hino diesel engine which delivers 257 kW of power (349 horsepower), with the boom giving the unit a dig depth of 7.81m.
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Kobelco’s new SK500XDLC-10 excavator
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Kane Bennett, general manager of Kobelco dealer BrisVegas Machinery, says the SK500XD has received several improvements over its predecessor and the public reception to the new model had already been “fantastic”.
“It’s a heavier duty machine all-round than our previous 50 tonner,” he says.
“The undercarriage itself has been beefed up – all the way from the idlers, the rollers, the sprocket and the extra guarding down the side as well.
“The boom itself has extra reinforcement and we do this boom in two specs now – a mass excavation as well as your normal construction spec.
“A bit of a plus Kobelco has is that we can still supply our latest 50-tonne excavator with the Tier 3 engine. You don’t have to buy an old model to get the Tier 3 engine.
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Early reactions to the SK500XD have been “fantastic”, Bennett says
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Durability has been a focus of the SK500XD, which weighs in at 52,200kg and which Kobelco describes as the “heaviest machine in its class”.
Triple-plated steel is factory-fitted to all key structural sections to ensure maximum strength and reliability; while a full-length rock guard, steel-bolted underbody guard quadruple track guide frame and heavy-duty 600mm triple grouser shoes all combine to make this an excavator Kobelco believes is perfect for Australian conditions.
Despite this, the SK500XD remains fuel efficient and averages under 30L per hour in typical heavy digging conditions, thanks to some hydraulic innovations and the presence of standard, heavy-duty and eco work modes.
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The SK500XDLC-10 excavator has a dig depth of 7.81m.
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Inside the cabin, the operator gets access to a quiet and airtight environment with a wide windscreen, hydraulic joysticks, LCD screen and conveniences such as heated and air-cushioned seat, climate control, Bluetooth stereo system and cup holder.
Kobelco Construction Machinery Australia product and distribution general manager Mark Johnson says the new model is engineered for the most extreme environments around the world.
“The result is a machine that is the perfect choice for quarry work, infrastructure contractors, and civil construction,” he says.
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At 52,200kg, Kobelco describes as the new excavator as the “heaviest machine in its class”.
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