Kobelco machines in all categories, have undergone many improvements, and will keep on adding more benefits for customers. Their very popular 20T machine has been upgraded to 21T, SK210HD Super X with several key features which places it in the leadership position. Recently 35T machine has also been upgraded to the SK380HDLC to cater to the mining sector, where it is fast emerging as the preferred choice on account of its higher productivity. This machine is being produced at Kobelco India factory in Andhra Pradesh.

SK380HDLC vis-a-vis SK350LC
Increase in machine weight: The machine operating weight has been increased to 36 tonne. This model is equipped with international tracks having mining shoes of 16 mm thickness. This increase has been done to give longer life to track parts, even in the toughest applications.

Structural stability: The SK380HDLC structure is designed and developed for Indian applications. The cast and forged components ensure strong and durable attachments. The strength of the boom foot has been increase by 18 per cent. While even the SK350 was a very strong machine, the new SK380HDLC has been further re-armed so as to focus on the toughest mining jobs.

Under carriage durability improved: SK380HDLC is now with more durable heavy-duty application idlers with cast steel side blocks and idler frame is reinforced even externally. Even though the idler frame was reinforced from inside, the company has now added outside reinforcement to protect the idler frame against external hits. Travel motor cover plate is also made stronger to take care of external boulder hits. HD track guides are installed in three places on each side of track and 16 mm thicker track shoes further add durability to the track parts GPS System as standard fitment: SK380HDLC machines are fitted with Geoscan, a remote monitoring system developed by Kobelco Japan, which collects machine information by GPS.

Machine owners and service providers (KCEI and its dealers) can use this information to enhance machine productivity and hence, profitability. With this, machine users will be able to track the machine location, as well as when and how long does machine work and with what load factors, fuel consumption and the other parameters that an operator can see, on the monitor panel. This is an advanced monitoring system that connects each unit with a GPS through a communication satellite. This allows users to monitor their machines remotely, and moreover, the system generates reports on a daily, monthly or yearly basis. This system is also loaded with a security system.

Pre-air cleaner: The pre-air cleaner on the engine prolongs the replacement cycle of the air filter, thus reducing the maintenance time.

Machine control technologies with new software: This is a very important parameter to bring the machine under optimum performance with fuel economy. The engine is controlled by the latest version of Kobelco unique ITCS (Intelligent Total Control System), which instantly responds to rapid changes in hydraulic load to minimise wasted engine output.