Moses Eddy, Director, KOBELCO Construction Equipment India

What are the new products you are showcasing at EXCON 2025?

At Excon 2025, Stall No. OD 31, Orange Lot, Kobelco will showcase its complete Infra range, machines renowned for exceptional fuel efficiency, reliability, and durability across varied applications. These qualities directly support lower operating costs and reduced carbon footprint for our customers. The display line-up will include:

• SK30 (mini excavator)
• SK80 – our flagship “Japanese Little Master”, symbolising precision and versatility.
• SK140s
• SK145XDLC
• SK220
• SK220XDLC 
• Special attachments like telescopic dipper, electromagnet, and many more

Visitors can also look forward to:

• Insights into Kobelco’s reliable after-sales service and technology
• A special solutions section featuring versatile attachments and certified used machines
• Interactions with Kobelco’s leadership team and industry experts

The showcase will further highlight our Excon 2025 theme—QEST, (Global) Quality, (Empowered) Equality, (Progressive) Sustainability, and (Mutual) Trust, which reflects Kobelco’s purpose-driven approach and customer-centric engineering philosophy

How are your machines addressing the demand for efficiency, safety, and sustainability in India’s infrastructure growth?

India’s infrastructure momentum demands equipment that delivers high productivity while ensuring safety and environmental responsibility. Kobelco’s machines are engineered to meet these expectations.

• Efficiency: Advanced hydraulic systems, long arm and boom, superior torque, and optimised cycle times ensure faster output, reduced fuel consumption, and lower operating costs. Kobelco machines are trusted for their long-term performance, with clocking over 30,000 hours of operation in the field, demonstrating exceptional durability and reliability.
• Safety: Quality checks by skilled technicians, Operator-centric cabin designs, and operator/service engineer training help create safer and more efficient worksites.
• Sustainability: Our Sri City plant uses solar energy saving approximately 40 per cent energy, and we rely on rail-based logistics which results in approximately 3,000 kg CO2 reduction per machine. Our machines are designed for lower fuel consumption, reduced noise, and enhanced fuel efficiency. Through our aftersales training and maintenance programs, we help operators maximise uptime and minimize fuel wastage throughout the machine’s life cycle. We also support circular economy practices by offering certified used machines through our Special Solutions division, while our CSR initiatives including tree plantation, water conservation, and waste management, reinforce our commitment to environmental responsibility.

With India focusing on mega infrastructure projects, how do you see the demand evolving for large vs mid-sized/small equipment?

India’s infrastructure transformation is creating strong, multi-segment demand:

• Large machines are becoming increasingly vital for highways, metro systems, industrial corridors, and mining—sectors where power, reach, and heavy-duty performance matter most.
• Mid-sized excavators remain the industry’s backbone due to their versatility, fuel efficiency, and ability to adapt to varied job-site conditions.
• Compact machines are witnessing steady growth in urban construction, utility work, and real estate projects, driven by rising space constraints and precision requirements.

With models such as the SK30, SK80, SK140, SK220, and SK220XDLC, Kobelco’s portfolio is well-positioned to cater to this diverse and expanding market across Tier 1 metros and fast-growing tier II and III regions.

How are you incorporating digital technologies like telematics, AI, or automation in your machines?

Digital adoption is integral to Kobelco’s product strategy. Our machines are equipped with the advanced K-SCAN remote monitoring system offers:

• Remote troubleshooting
• Immediate error alerts 
• Live location tracking
• Geo & time fencing
• Fuel and hours monitoring
• Total fleet control from one screen

These capabilities help customers make informed decisions, maintain machine health, optimise fleet performance, and reduce unplanned downtime. As automation and data-driven operations evolve, Kobelco continues to integrate intelligent technologies that support India’s transition toward connected and smart construction environments.

What role does localisation play in your product strategy for India?

Localisation remains a strategic pillar of Kobelco’s India roadmap. Our Sri City facility is central to our “Make in India” commitment, enabling us to:

• Increase local sourcing where feasible
• Design machines to suit Indian terrain
• Incorporate customer insights through local engineering enhancements

This approach ensures that our equipment maintains Kobelco’s global quality standards while being finely tuned to meet India’s operational realities.

How is your company addressing after-sales service and spare parts availability in remote project sites?

After-sales service is one of Kobelco’s strongest differentiators. We are committed to delivering maximum uptime and dependable support across India, including remote sites, through:

• 30+ dealers, four warehouses, and two depots
• Well-equipped workshops and service centres
• Expert field service teams for on-ground support and quicker resolution

Our combined focus on robust machine design, serviceability, and responsive customer assistance enables us to minimise disruption and strengthen long-term customer trust.

What are your growth priorities for the Indian market in the next three to five years?

Kobelco’s India growth strategy is aligned with the nation’s infrastructure ambitions. Key priorities include:

• Expanding and strengthening our excavator range with versatile attachments
• Strengthening our dealer footprint in high-growth tier II and III markets
• Enhancing training and customer service infrastructure
• Investing in fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible technologies
• Further reinforcing localisation and India-specific product development

Our commitment is to support India’s infrastructure growth with equipment that embodies performance, sustainability, and value.