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Kobelco reveals SK135SR-5 midi-excavator

Launceston’s Pro-Dig Earthworks is the first company in Australia to take delivery of the new Kobelco SK135SR-5 midi-excavator.

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Pro-Dig Earthworks was established in Launceston, Tasmania in 2008 by Callum Roberts and his wife Candice with one excavator and a truck. Ten years later and the business now employs 20 staff and has a fleet of 35 machines, 14 of which are Kobelco excavators.

The Kobelco SK135SR-5, to be officially launched in April at the Diesel Dirt & Turf Expo in Penrith, is the first Kobelco midi release in Australia with a Tier 4 Final engine, which meets the highest international diesel exhaust emissions standards.

“A big plus is that it’s got the new Tier 4 Final engine – a good green tick for the larger projects we go for,” Callum Roberts says.

“Larger corporations and governments have stringent environmental policies, and this gives us a nice edge when competing for tenders.”

The SK135SR-5 weighs-in at 14 tonnes and has a compact design that minimises tail swing and allows for full 180 degree dig, swing and load operations. The 73.9kW Isuzu diesel is not only environmentally friendly but also much more fuel efficient.

“Fuel consumption on the SK135SR-5 is excellent – it has only done 200 hours so far but we’re currently only using 6 to 8 litres of diesel per hour,” Roberts says.

“It’s a benefit that the Kobelco excavators are so fuel efficient – with that reduced overhead we can sharpen the pencil on our tender submissions which can help bring us to a better price point,” says Callum.

Kobelco says the cab design on the SK135SR-5 ‘puts the operator first’. The cab has four per cent more space than previous models, with a wide-visibility window. Other creature comforts include a vibration-absorbing heated air-suspension seat, air-con, Bluetooth radio, USB/AUX connections and a 12V power outlet. 

“We took delivery of the new model about two months ago, and our operators love it. It’s smooth, comfortable and has a heated seat which is a big bonus for us in chilly Tasmania!”

 

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