Kobelco has made a re-launch of its SK17SR-3E mini excavator with several enhancements, design improvements and new features, incorporated based on customer and dealer feedback.
The Japanese excavator giant, renowned for excavators from 1t up to 90t, said the updated machine, ideal for job-sites where space is restricted, combines a compact design with wide digging reach for efficient performance, excellent manoeuvrability and durability. The machine’s zero tail swing (canopy version) or short tail swing (cabin version) provide excellent accessibility when working next to walls or digging close to ditches, and the machine can swing through 180-degrees within a width of just 2m for a small operating footprint.
The SK17SR-3E’s retractable crawlers (990mm) provide additional accessibility on confined job sites and allow the machine to pass through spaces as narrow as 1m wide. When extended (1,320mm), the crawlers offer improved stability during operation.
In terms of durability, the SK17SR-3E features a forged boom top and bolt-tightened pins and a boom cylinder guard, which protect the cylinder from damage while at work. The machine’s hydraulic hoses are also housed within a thick cast-iron swing bracket for additional durability.
Adding that mini excavators are frequently used for landscaping, utilities and small construction or industrial projects, Kobelco said that operators can often find themselves working long hours inside the cabin.
“With this in mind, the Kobelco SK17SR-3E’s working environment has been significantly upgraded with a deluxe Grammar-branded reclining seat to improve operator comfort. Wrist rests instead of arm rests have also been integrated to further reduce operator fatigue. All switches inside the cab are back-lit, and LED working lights are installed on the boom as standard for enhanced visibility,” said a statement from the manufacturer.
Commenting on the re-launch of the SK17SR-3E, product manager Peter Stuijt said: “When developing our mini excavators, a key focus for us is to ensure that performance is not compromised by the machine’s small size. In the case of the SK17SR-3E, the machine is not only competitive in terms of arm crowding force (8.7kN) and bucket digging force (15.2kN), but its newly designed and comfortable interior also makes it particularly attractive to operators.”
