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New Kobelco SK500LC-11 and SK530LC-11 excavators

by Kyle Molyneux  |  Mon 10 May 2021

New Kobelco SK500LC-11 and SK530LC-11 excavators

Kobelco’s all-new SK500LC-11 and larger SK530LC-11 benefit from increased speed and performance, improved reliability and maintenance, state-of-the-art ergonomics and design, and are Stage 5 compliant.

Weighing in at over 50 tonnes, the SK500LC-11 runs a new turbocharged, Stage 5-compliant 13-litre Hino engine. The SK500LC-11’s cycle time has been shortened by 5.1% (compared to H-mode on the SK500LC-10), fuel consumption has improved by 5.4% (compared to S-mode on the SK500LC-10) and productivity has increased by 6.2% (compared to Eco-mode on the SK500LC-10).

The SK500LC-11 is best suited to general construction applications, while the SK530LC-11 is ideal for general construction and quarrying. As you’d expect from heavy excavators operating in such harsh environments, lifting capability and stability is of particular importance. The SK500LC-11 has a higher operating weight (50,400kg) when compared with the previous SK500LC-10, leading to increased stability.

Both the SK500LC-11 and SK530LC-11 benefit from high hydraulic pressure (Heavy Lift) for greater lifting power at close radius, allowing for smooth and steady operation while moving heavy objects. The machines also have excellent lifting performance when compared with competitor machinery, particularly at a working radius of up to 9m over the side.

For comparison, the SK530LC-11 has an operating weight of 53 tonnes and benefits from an adjustable undercarriage. Its track gauge can extend to 2,890mm, promoting stability and excellent lifting performance, while when retracted, the overall width of the crawler is just 2,990mm (versus 3,350mm on the SK500LC-11). This decreased width enables better transportability, particularly in mountainous regions where the roads may be narrow.

Following Kobelco’s Performance X Design concept, the SK500LC/SK530LC-11 also boast a completely new standard in cabin design and ergonomics. There’s a Kobelco-branded Grammer heated and air suspended seat with integrated armrests and hydraulic controls, plus jog dial for operating the 10-inch colour monitor. The SK500LC/SK530LC-11 also comes with air conditioning as standard and the cabin is equipped with a DAB+ radio (FM/AM, AUX, USB, Bluetooth and hands-free telephone) and a 12V power outlet.

Visibility on the jobsite is provided via three standard cameras located on the left, right and rear sides of the machine (offering birds-eye and eagle-eye views), allowing the operator to customise viewing needs. The menu screen also facilitates reading of important information, including fuel consumption, maintenance intervals and digging mode at-a-glance, as well as setting modes for attachments.

Easy maintenance is assured via improved layout of the radiator and oil cooling system, easier access to the urea tank and two-stage air filter. An optional walkway on the left side of the machine can also be installed for easier inspection and cleaning of the machine’s cooling system elements. Engine reliability is also significantly improved on the new generation 11 models. The engine fan belt is now equipped with an auto-tensioner for reduced maintenance requirements, a reversible cooling fan has been introduced to guarantee radiator cleanliness, and heated urea lines help to prevent clogging issues at colder ambient temperatures.

Both the SK500LC-11 and SK530LC-11 models are available with standard boom and three arm variations, or as a Mass Excavation model with a short boom and short arm.

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