Technology and innovation are at the core of Kobelco’s philosophy.
Moses Eddy
Director & Executive Vice President, Kobelco Construction Equipment India
Can you describe the range of excavators your company offers, including specifications such as size, capacity, and features?
Considering customers expectation for increased reliability, versatility, performance, and comfort, combined with lower owning and operating costs, Kobelco’s array of excavators encompasses a spectrum ranging from 3 tons to 80 tons, each embodying a synthesis of these multifaceted requisites. Our excavator line in the Mini segment includes 3-ton and 3.5-ton (SK30SR and SK35Sr respectively). Furthermore, catering to the exigencies of the infrastructure sector, we extend an array comprising 14-ton and 20-ton variants, identified as SK140, SK145, SK220, and SK220XDLC, while ascending to a robust 38-ton behemoth named as SK380, designed to tackle a plethora of projects encompassing road construction, infrastructure development, sand extraction, and analogous endeavors. Venturing further, we present formidable excavators weighing 52 tons (SK520XDLC) and 85 tons (SK850LC) tailored specifically for mining applications. In line with our commitment to empowering our clientele, we proactively engage in facilitating informed decision-making processes, assisting them in selecting the most suitable excavator configurations tailored to the specific nature of their projects, thereby optimizing outcomes. Boasting versatility as a hallmark attribute, Kobelco excavators are equipped with a diverse range of attachment options, including but not limited to amphibious, clamshell, electromagnet, and telescopic dipper attachments, among others, meticulously crafted to address specialized requirements. Be it Infra, Mining, Demolition or Quarrying & Crushing, there are various attachments to choose from, rendering Kobelco excavators not only the epitome of reliability and efficiency but also unparalleled in their versatility.
How do your excavators cater to the evolving needs and challenges of the construction sector?
The excavator market in India is witnessing heightened competition as manufacturers strive to meet the evolving demands of their clientele through the development of advanced excavator models and the refinement of existing product lines to bolster productivity and efficiency. Kobelco, renowned for its continuous innovations, remains steadfast in its commitment. Our primary focus remains on delivering fuel-efficient excavators of unrivalled quality without compromising on stability, strength, or durability. At the forefront of technological advancements, our excavators have consistently set industry standards in both technology and material quality. The Generation 10 series from Kobelco represents a paradigm shift in performance, offering best-in-class fuel efficiency, accelerated operating cycles, robust structures, advanced filtration systems, reduced carbon emissions, and extended component lifespans, collectively delivering immense value to our customers. Our enhanced hydraulic piping system effectively reduces pressure loss, contributing to improved fuel efficiency. Furthermore, embracing the latest trend in construction equipment, our excavators incorporate telematics features such as Geoscan technology, app-enabled aftermarket support, and globally communicative platforms, with self-diagnostic capabilities alerting support teams to errors remotely. Additionally, IoT integration in our excavators facilitates seamless connectivity among various components, optimizing productivity and generating valuable data for analysis. Working on the insights, summaries and trends derived from this data, equipment owners can enhance the efficiency, usability, and maintenance of their machinery.
How do the recent technological innovations incorporated into your excavators enhance efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability? What are the initiatives or features aimed at reducing environmental impact, such as fuel efficiency or emissions reduction?
Technology and innovation are at the core of Kobelco’s philosophy. Kobelco was one of the first companies to use CRDI engines in industrial applications and offers AIS (Auto Idle Stop) capabilities to save fuel and reduce environmental effects. Kobelco is also emphasising on reducing the amount of metal used and slowly shifting to other materials like high-quality fibre and alloys. Our excavators were developed after thorough investigation and analysis of on-site conditions and applications. Kobelco’s iNDr (Integrated Noise and Dust Reduction Cooling System), equipped in short rear tail swing and ultra-short swing excavators, are the quietest in the industry, reducing noise during operation. Customers are getting advanced day by day and so are we. The company will meet customer needs by providing stand-out products, exclusive services, and innovative solutions, with successfully incorporating new technologies such as ICT and IoT into the existing environmental technologies for low fuel consumption and noise or manufacturing know-how. As an innovative and forward-thinking manufacturer, we are always looking for new ways to make our construction machinery as powerful and efficient as possible, while reducing our carbon footprint.
What after-sales services do you offer to support customers in maintaining and optimizing their excavators?
After-sales support is the most important pillar for CE industry. We believe the OEM providing the best service support gets an edge over its competitors. Kobelco as a brand is always a step ahead in terms of service and spare parts support, recognizing the criticality of timely assistance in projects where adherence to timelines is paramount. To cater our customers at any point of the time, we have more than 34 channel partners with 140+ outlets and over 600+ service engineers across India. Augmenting this network are four dedicated parts warehouses, six depots, and two state-of-the-art training facilities, meticulously designed to empower both customers and operators. Furthermore, our centralized toll-free customer care hotline serves as a lifeline for after-sales queries, facilitating swift interventions to minimize downtime and uphold production schedules with unwavering dedication.
