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+--- Thread: Sumitomo 200-3 Excavator User Report from Kenya: Fast and Fuel-Efficient (/thread-5673.html)
Sumitomo 200-3 Excavator User Report from Kenya: Fast and Fuel-Efficient - MikePhua - 06-29-2025
I purchased the Sumitomo 200-3 excavator in early 2002, and it has now accumulated over 17,200 working hours. I’ve been the sole operator since it was new, so I believe I’m qualified to provide a detailed review of this machine.
Advantages of the Sumitomo 200-3
1. Speed
When this machine was new, its speed was exceptional—at least compared to any excavator I had operated before. Although I haven’t used the famous Kato model frequently mentioned in forums, I’ve seen it work, and I can confidently say that my Sumitomo 200-3 outperforms the Hyundai 215-7 in terms of speed (no offense to Hyundai 215 users, just my personal observation).
2. Reliability
This excavator has been quite reliable, with no unusual or obscure issues. Maintenance has been relatively straightforward:
- The small arm oil seals were replaced at around 9,000 hours.
- The bucket arm oil seals were replaced at over 10,000 hours.
- At 12,000+ hours, I had to replace the large arm seals. Two seals leaked within a week, which was likely due to natural wear.
- At over 13,000 hours, I replaced the hydraulic pump O-rings and the valve distribution repair kit.
- At over 15,000 hours, I replaced the track chain link segments.
- At 16,800+ hours, I had to overhaul the engine due to issues caused by the fuel pump. It had frequent stalling problems, which led to excessive oil burning. However, the engine didn’t have any visible leaks, and the overhaul was mostly a result of the fuel pump issues.
3. Fuel Efficiency
The fuel consumption is generally around 18 liters per day with eight throttle settings. The machine uses a 0.93 cubic meter bucket, which we locally refer to as a "square bucket."
Disadvantages of the Sumitomo 200-3
1. Fuel Injection Pump Issues
The high-pressure fuel injection pump is a weak point on this machine. Despite taking good care of it, the pump generally requires calibration at least every 4,000 hours, which has been the case for this unit. Other operators may have different experiences, but I've found that regular maintenance, like changing the diesel filter every 100 hours and cleaning out the tank sediments, hasn’t prevented this issue.
2. Arm Welds Tend to Crack
The welds, particularly at the top of the large arm’s hydraulic cylinder arc and at the joint between the large and small arms, are prone to cracking. However, I believe this isn't a major problem, as it can be easily fixed by welding steel plates for reinforcement. The steel quality itself is good, and I haven’t encountered any issues with the material itself cracking.
3. Poor Cab Comfort
The comfort of the driver’s cabin is subpar. The shaking is intense, and at times, especially when moving quickly, I’m genuinely worried the glass may break due to the vibrations.
Conclusion
The Sumitomo 200-3 excavator has proven to be a fast, reliable, and fuel-efficient machine. Despite some recurring issues with the fuel pump and arm welds, its overall performance remains strong. With regular maintenance and timely repairs, this excavator continues to provide good value for the work it performs. However, the comfort level of the cabin could certainly be improved, as the excessive vibrations detract from the overall experience.