Kobelco Construction Machinery Europe B.V. announces a new version of its 50-tonne earthmoving and construction excavator SK500LC-10.
This Generation 10 machine incorporates detail changes but particularly claims to provide exceptional low emissions and increased performance. The SK500LC-10 is also the latest Kobelco excavator to comply with the Stage 4 (Tier IV) exhaust emissions regulations.
Power is the key to high performance and the new SK500LC-10 wants to reach this via the driving force of a Hino intercooled turbo-charged, six-cylinder diesel engine. This provides an uprated performance specification of 1.470Nm of torque and, in turn, 271 kW of power.
Increased Digging Volume and Fuel Efficiency
In working terms, the SK500LC-10 provides a digging force of 267kN as standard and 292kN with Power Boost engaged, as well as an increased digging volume of 13% (in H mode).
Fuel efficiency through refinement is an important factor when it comes to reduction of customer operating costs. The fuel consumption of the SK500LC-10 has improved by approximately 6% in Eco-mode/S-mode compared to the former (dash-9) model, while maximising fuel efficiency in H-mode.
The SK500LC-10’s Cooling System
A hydraulically-driven twin fan engine cooling system replaces the traditional fan belt design to reduce engine workload – in certain applications a traditional cooling fan can take nearly 5% of available engine performance. The hydraulic version also prevents over-cooling by use of integrated sensors to reduce the speed of the twin-fan unit.
Enhancing reliability are new filter components regarding fuel (new pre-filter and water trap design) and hydraulics.
Minimal future Carbon-Footprint
The SK500LC-10 is designed to aim for a minimal future carbon-footprint. The systems featured in the engine’s dynamics have been designed especially for this reason: DOC (Diesel Oxidisation Catalyst), and the combination of SCR (Selective Catalyst Reduction) and DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) act to reduce the amount of DEF/AdBlue fluid consumption and meet stringent Stage 4 (Tier IV) emissions regulations.
Model Configurations of the SK500LC-10
Different model configurations of the SK500LC-10 are available for different working applications and also to assist in transportation to working sites. The LC (Long Crawler) is the standard SK500LC-10 version.
The VLC (Variable Long Crawler) variant of the SK500LC-10 features a mechanically adjustable undercarriage to change the machine’s gauge. On its wide setting, stability is ensured. Retracted (narrow) is beneficial to transportation logistics in countries with transportation limitations.
The ME (Mass Excavation) version features shorter boom and arm configuration to promote the use of a larger bucket e.g. to use in certain quarry/mine applications. This configuration is only available with the SK500VLC-10.
An option to add 600 mm double-grouser shoes to the standard triple-grouser items is also available.
Generation 10 machines claim a high durability working performance: One such area is the hydraulic oil return system, which now utilises two oil filters to reduce the risk of contamination and harmful clogging.
The new filters also promote long-term durability of all components in the hydraulic circuitry due to 1.8 times greater filtration capacity compared to Dash 9 models. A new pump drain filter is also in place.
Commenting on the introduction of the new machine, KCME Product Marketing Manager, Peter Stuijt, said: “Kobelco’s SK500LC-10 is a machine that has a deserved reputation for being an absolute workhorse.
The recent changes that come with Generation 10 models add up to increased working performance for less running costs – an important consideration for customers and operators.”
