4 hours ago
Overview
The SANY 215C is a 21–22 tonne medium excavator that pairs SANY’s robust chassis and hydraulic architecture with the Mitsubishi 4M50 engine — a turbocharged, direct-injection diesel designed for high duty-cycle work. This combination balances fuel economy, torque delivery and serviceability for contractors moving between earthworks, trenching and heavier lifting tasks.
Quick glossary
The Mitsubishi 4M50 used in SANY’s SY215C is a 4.9-litre, turbocharged, water-cooled diesel that’s been configured for equipment applications. Typical ratings for the 4M50 in this platform are in the range of about 114–118 kW (≈153–158 hp) at roughly 2,000–2,050 rpm, with max torque around 580 N·m at mid-range rpm. The engine is compact for its output, giving designers flexibility to package larger radiators and service access while keeping the machine’s centre of gravity favourable.
Factory and machine specifications
Mitsubishi’s 4M50 brings predictable torque at low rpm, which is what excavators demand when cutting, lifting and swinging heavy loads. SANY couples that with a positive-flow hydraulic architecture (dual pumps and large flow capacity) so the implement response remains strong even when the engine is under load. The net result is stable digging force and steady swing control rather than the jerky behaviour that can occur when engines and pumps fight each other for power.
Common field issues and diagnostic tips
SANY distributes SY215C machines globally; the 4M50 engine is widely used across manufacturers so parts and workshop knowledge are readily available. For uptime, keep an eye on turbocharger and injector condition — both are high-load components whose failure often follows fuel contamination or delayed maintenance. SANY’s expanding dealer network and SANY’s strong excavator sales (over 20,000 units sold overseas in a recent high-year for the company) mean replacement parts and regional tech support are increasingly accessible.
Case story
On a road-building project in Southeast Asia a contractor switched from an older 21-ton machine with a smaller engine to the SY215C. The new unit’s steady low-end torque paired with strong hydraulic flow reduced the number of passes needed to lift and place heavy gabion baskets. The crew reported a roughly 10% reduction in fuel per cubic metre moved and a noticeable drop in cycle variability on steep grades — the machine kept digging at low rpm where the previous excavator lost momentum. Proper air-filtering and daily radiator cleaning proved essential in the dusty environment. (Operator report compiled from field experience across similar project deployments.)
Upgrade and retrofit notes
The SANY 215C with the Mitsubishi 4M50 engine is engineered for dependable torque, good serviceability and solid hydraulic pairing — a practical, worksite-oriented combination. For owners, the keys to long life are disciplined fuel and cooling system maintenance, watching turbo and injector health, and matching attachments and operating habits to the machine’s ratings. With strong global parts availability and a rising SANY dealer network, keeping these machines productive is straightforward with a good maintenance plan.
The SANY 215C is a 21–22 tonne medium excavator that pairs SANY’s robust chassis and hydraulic architecture with the Mitsubishi 4M50 engine — a turbocharged, direct-injection diesel designed for high duty-cycle work. This combination balances fuel economy, torque delivery and serviceability for contractors moving between earthworks, trenching and heavier lifting tasks.
Quick glossary
- Rated power — the engine’s continuous power output at a specified rpm.
- Max torque — peak twisting force, useful for low-speed digging and lugging.
- Displacement — total swept volume of the engine’s cylinders, usually in litres.
- Relief pressure — hydraulic safety pressure setting that limits implement force.
- Open-center / closed-center — hydraulic circuit topologies that affect pump/load behaviour.
The Mitsubishi 4M50 used in SANY’s SY215C is a 4.9-litre, turbocharged, water-cooled diesel that’s been configured for equipment applications. Typical ratings for the 4M50 in this platform are in the range of about 114–118 kW (≈153–158 hp) at roughly 2,000–2,050 rpm, with max torque around 580 N·m at mid-range rpm. The engine is compact for its output, giving designers flexibility to package larger radiators and service access while keeping the machine’s centre of gravity favourable.
Factory and machine specifications
- Engine model: Mitsubishi 4M50 (equipment-tuned variant).
- Rated power: ~114–118 kW (2000–2050 rpm).
- Displacement: 4.9 L.
- Max torque: ~580 N·m (around 1600 rpm).
- Operating weight (machine): ~21,900 kg.
- Fuel tank: approximately 340 L (varies by market/spec).
- Hydraulic tank: ~239 L; main pump flow commonly quoted at two pumps × 220 L/min (positive-flow system).
- Relief pressure implement circuit: approx. 34.3 MPa (5,000 psi class).
Mitsubishi’s 4M50 brings predictable torque at low rpm, which is what excavators demand when cutting, lifting and swinging heavy loads. SANY couples that with a positive-flow hydraulic architecture (dual pumps and large flow capacity) so the implement response remains strong even when the engine is under load. The net result is stable digging force and steady swing control rather than the jerky behaviour that can occur when engines and pumps fight each other for power.
Common field issues and diagnostic tips
- Hard starting or smoke on cold starts — inspect fuel filters and water in fuel separators first. Modern common-rail/direct systems tolerate poor fuel less well than older mechanical pumps, so primary/secondary filter condition matters. If filters are clean, check glow/starting systems and battery health.
- Loss of power under load — verify turbocharger boost and intercooler cleanliness, then measure fuel rail pressure (where accessible). Low rail pressure or clogged charge-air cooling reduces power quickly.
- High fuel consumption — confirm hydraulic relief settings and pump flow are within spec; a stuck relief valve or slipping drive can make the engine work harder for the same output. Also check for worn cutting edges or over-spec attachments that increase load.
- Overheating — radiator core clogging and fan control faults are frequent causes; maintain a clean core and verify thermostat and fan clutch/drive performance.
When diagnosing, use basic measurements first (battery voltage, fuel pressure, coolant temp, intake manifold pressure) — many “mystery” faults reduce to trim or blockage issues.
- Daily: visual coolant and oil checks, clear debris from radiator cores, verify air intake pre-filters.
- Every 250 hours: change fuel filters; inspect fuel lines and clamps.
- Every 500 hours: check valve clearances per service manual, change engine oil and oil filter (or per oil analysis).
- Every 1,000 hours: inspect turbocharger for shaft play, check intercooler for oil fouling, change coolant if due.
- Use manufacturer-grade lubricants and fuel-polishing if machine sits long periods. Keeping the fuel system clean will prolong pump and injector life on common-rail or electronic systems derived from the 4M50 family.
- Match work cycles: keep engine rpm in its most efficient range when swinging and travelling; avoid high-rpm idling.
- Use eco or smart-throttle modes if the machine has them for site-clearing where peak power is not necessary.
- Preheat and use warm-up/idle periods judiciously in cold climates — long idles burn fuel without benefit.
- Trim bucket size to the machine’s rated breakout force; oversizing the bucket increases cycle time and fuel consumption.
SANY distributes SY215C machines globally; the 4M50 engine is widely used across manufacturers so parts and workshop knowledge are readily available. For uptime, keep an eye on turbocharger and injector condition — both are high-load components whose failure often follows fuel contamination or delayed maintenance. SANY’s expanding dealer network and SANY’s strong excavator sales (over 20,000 units sold overseas in a recent high-year for the company) mean replacement parts and regional tech support are increasingly accessible.
Case story
On a road-building project in Southeast Asia a contractor switched from an older 21-ton machine with a smaller engine to the SY215C. The new unit’s steady low-end torque paired with strong hydraulic flow reduced the number of passes needed to lift and place heavy gabion baskets. The crew reported a roughly 10% reduction in fuel per cubic metre moved and a noticeable drop in cycle variability on steep grades — the machine kept digging at low rpm where the previous excavator lost momentum. Proper air-filtering and daily radiator cleaning proved essential in the dusty environment. (Operator report compiled from field experience across similar project deployments.)
Upgrade and retrofit notes
- For cold climates consider pre-heater kits and winter fuels; add block heaters if frequent sub-zero starts are expected.
- If you need more hydraulic flow for specialty attachments, discuss high-flow auxiliary options with your dealer — but be mindful of pump/engine load limits.
- For long-life applications, fit enhanced air filtration and fuel-polishing systems when working in dusty or remote sites.
- Confirm batteries and starter health.
- Replace primary and secondary fuel filters.
- Clean radiator and intercooler cores.
- Check turbocharger boost pressure and piping for leaks.
- Verify hydraulic relief pressures and observe engine rpm under load.
The SANY 215C with the Mitsubishi 4M50 engine is engineered for dependable torque, good serviceability and solid hydraulic pairing — a practical, worksite-oriented combination. For owners, the keys to long life are disciplined fuel and cooling system maintenance, watching turbo and injector health, and matching attachments and operating habits to the machine’s ratings. With strong global parts availability and a rising SANY dealer network, keeping these machines productive is straightforward with a good maintenance plan.
