Identifying and Sourcing Parts for the Kobelco SK170 Mark III with Iveco Engine

[MikePhua]

The Kobelco SK170 Mark III and Its CNH Legacy
The Kobelco SK170 Mark III excavator was produced during a transitional period when Kobelco collaborated with CNH (Case New Holland). This partnership led to shared platforms and overlapping model designations, creating confusion in parts sourcing. Machines from this era often carried CNH serial formats and were equipped with non-standard engines, such as the Iveco 4.5L diesel, instead of the Mitsubishi engines typically found in Kobelco units.
This hybrid lineage means that while the machine may be branded as a Kobelco, its internal components—especially the powertrain—may align more closely with New Holland’s E175B excavator. The SK170 Mark III with an Iveco engine is one such example, and understanding this cross-brand architecture is essential for accurate parts identification.
Challenges in Engine Component Identification
One of the most common issues with these machines is locating engine-specific parts when the model number has been obscured or painted over. In this case, the engine fan assembly mount, all three idlers, both pulleys, and the fan itself were needed, but the engine identification was missing due to repainting—an unfortunate but frequent practice among equipment resellers.
Without a visible engine tag, technicians must rely on:

• Serial number of the machine (e.g., YM04U1777)
  
• Physical measurements of components
  
• Cross-referencing with known CNH models
  
• Visual comparison with New Holland E175B schematics
  

The Iveco 4.5L engine used in these machines is part of the NEF (New Engine Family) series, commonly found in agricultural and construction equipment. It features a turbocharged inline-four configuration and is known for its compact design and fuel efficiency.
Dealer Limitations and Workarounds
Kobelco dealers often struggle to provide support for CNH-era machines, especially when it comes to engine parts. While structural and hydraulic components may still be cataloged, engine parts are frequently omitted or redirected to New Holland or Iveco channels.
Recommended sourcing strategies include:

• Contacting Iveco industrial engine distributors directly
  
• Using New Holland part numbers from the E175B as a reference
  
• Consulting independent parts suppliers with cross-brand databases
  
• Requesting technical manuals for the NEF 4.5L engine from CNH or Iveco
  

In some regions, Kobelco dealers can still order New Holland parts, but not engine components. Mechanics in Europe often bypass both brands and go straight to Iveco for reliability and speed.
Anecdote from North Carolina
A contractor in Liberty, NC acquired a late 2008 Kobelco SK170 Mark III and quickly discovered the difficulty of sourcing parts. After weeks of searching, he confirmed that the machine was mechanically identical to a New Holland E175B. By referencing the E175B spec sheet and contacting an Iveco distributor, he was able to locate the fan assembly and pulleys. The idlers were matched using measurements and bolt patterns, and the machine was returned to service within days.
This case highlights the importance of cross-referencing and persistence when dealing with hybrid machines from transitional manufacturing periods.
Recommendations for Future Maintenance
To streamline future repairs and reduce downtime:

• Document all part numbers and cross-references during each repair
  
• Photograph engine tags and serial plates before repainting
  
• Maintain a digital folder of service manuals and schematics
  
• Build relationships with regional Iveco and CNH parts suppliers
  
• Label the machine internally with its equivalent New Holland model
  

For fleet managers, creating a shared database of hybrid machines and their compatible parts can save hours of research and prevent costly ordering mistakes.
Manufacturer Background and Production History
Kobelco, originally a division of Kobe Steel, has been manufacturing excavators since the 1930s. Its partnership with CNH began in the early 2000s, aiming to expand market reach and streamline production. The SK170 Mark III was part of this joint venture, blending Kobelco’s hydraulic expertise with CNH’s global distribution network.
The collaboration ended in the early 2010s, and Kobelco resumed independent operations. Machines from the CNH years remain in circulation, but parts support has become fragmented. CNH itself was formed from the merger of Case and New Holland in 1999 and later became part of CNH Industrial, which also owns Iveco.
Conclusion
Sourcing parts for the Kobelco SK170 Mark III with an Iveco engine requires a multi-brand approach and a clear understanding of its CNH-era design. By recognizing its mechanical equivalence to the New Holland E175B and leveraging Iveco’s engine support network, operators can overcome the documentation gaps and restore functionality. In the world of hybrid machines, knowledge and persistence are the most valuable tools in the toolbox.