+- Excavator Forum (https://www.panswork.com)
+-- Forum: Diesel Power Talking (https://www.panswork.com/forum-1.html)
+--- Forum: Operator Talking (https://www.panswork.com/forum-44.html)
+--- Thread: Kobelco SK200-1 Excavator Review: Powerful, Fuel-Efficient, and Reliable (/thread-5629.html)
Kobelco SK200-1 Excavator Review: Powerful, Fuel-Efficient, and Reliable - MikePhua - 06-27-2025
In June 2007, my family purchased a second-hand Kobelco SK200-1 excavator. The machine had a rather complicated history, as it was bought from a local user who had imported it from Hong Kong—making it a third-hand machine. At the time, my father was in the truck business, and due to the phasing out of Dongfeng trucks, he decided to switch to excavators. When I heard about the purchase, I was incredibly excited, as I have always had a deep interest in construction machinery, especially excavators and dump trucks.
At the time, the SK200-1 was priced at 420,000 RMB. Many people thought it was a bit expensive, but after nearly three years of use, the machine has never disappointed. In fact, on the construction site, it has earned me a lot of respect. On one occasion, I was working alongside a newer Kobelco SK200-5, and by the end of the day, my excavator had moved more loads. The owner of the SK200-5 couldn’t believe it and asked to see a demonstration. After seeing the results, he admitted that my older machine was indeed faster, which made me feel incredibly proud.
Maintenance and Repairs
I have always been diligent about maintaining this excavator. I change the engine oil every 300 hours, while the hydraulic oil hasn’t been replaced since the purchase. After consulting a professional, I was told that the hydraulic oil was in good condition and didn’t need changing. As for repairs, in the more than two years that I've owned the machine, I’ve replaced the following: the middle pump oil seals twice, the boom pump oil seals once, and one hydraulic line due to corrosion from mud and moisture. The hydraulic line for the operation lever also needed replacing. Other than that, no major parts have been replaced. The original hydraulic pipes and air conditioning system are still intact, and both hot and cold air work perfectly.
Performance and Pros & Cons
Overall, the Kobelco SK200-1 has performed exceptionally well. It is fuel-efficient, powerful, and has a fast swing and travel speed. The electrical system is straightforward and simple, making it more reliable compared to the newer SK200-3 and SK200-5 models. The only downside is that the operation levers feel a bit heavy, but aside from that, everything else works perfectly.
Conclusion
This Kobelco SK200-1 excavator has truly proven the saying “A machine is like its operator; treat it well, and it will treat you well.” Despite being a second-hand machine, it has delivered powerful performance and excellent fuel efficiency. It has become an invaluable asset for our family’s business, consistently delivering great results and saving on operational costs. Even when competing against newer models, the SK200-1 still holds its ground, making it a dependable and worthwhile investment.