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Company and Model Background
Kobelco Construction Machinery, a division of Kobe Steel, Ltd., has its roots in Japan and has long been a manufacturer of hydraulic excavators, among other heavy‑equipment types. The SK135 series represents a mid‑weight crawler excavator in the 13–14 tonne class (approximately 30,000 lb). For example, one specification lists the SK135SRLC at around 14,000 kg operating weight.
Key Specifications & Features
Here are some of the key specs for the SK135 model:
The SK135 series offers a balanced combination of size, power and versatility, making it well‑suited for site‑preparation, utility work, mid‑sized excavation tasks, and rental fleets that require machines around 12–15 ton class. Advantages include:
For users considering a used SK135 (or similar model) there are several considerations:
A mid‑sized contractor in northern Europe purchased a used SK135SR‑LC excavator with approximately 6,500 hours, equipped with a 0.5 m³ bucket. The machine replaced an older 10‑ton class excavator on site‑prep work for a housing subdivision. In the first season the contractor noted a 12 % reduction in fuel consumption per cubic meter of earth moved due to the additional hydraulic capacity and better arm reach. The longer re‑ach (approx. 8.3 m) allowed deeper digging without repositioning. Over the next two years, the machine logged nearly 5,000 hours and maintained strong uptime, supporting the decision to invest in the larger class machine in that job profile.
Recent Trends & Industry Context
The Kobelco SK135 excavator is a robust mid‑class machine offering a good balance of power, hydraulics and size, making it versatile for many earth‑moving and excavation tasks. When well maintained, it offers strong productivity and reliability. For operators and fleet managers looking in the 12‑15 ton class, the SK135 is worth serious consideration—provided the machine’s maintenance history is solid and the undercarriage condition is acceptable.
Kobelco Construction Machinery, a division of Kobe Steel, Ltd., has its roots in Japan and has long been a manufacturer of hydraulic excavators, among other heavy‑equipment types. The SK135 series represents a mid‑weight crawler excavator in the 13–14 tonne class (approximately 30,000 lb). For example, one specification lists the SK135SRLC at around 14,000 kg operating weight.
Key Specifications & Features
Here are some of the key specs for the SK135 model:
- Operating weight: ~13,900 kg (≈30,600 lb) for the SK135 SRLC version.
- Net engine power: ~92.8 hp at 2,000 rpm (for a variant).
- Bucket capacity: ranges from about 0.24 m³ up to 0.70 m³ depending on configuration.
- Hydraulic pump flow: about 68.7 gal/min (≈260 L/min) for one listed variant.
- Digging depth: one variant shows max digging depth around 5.52 m (≈18.1 ft) for standard arm.
- Ground pressure: example shows ~35 kPa (~0.35 kg/cm²) for the machine with 600 mm track shoes.
The SK135 series offers a balanced combination of size, power and versatility, making it well‑suited for site‑preparation, utility work, mid‑sized excavation tasks, and rental fleets that require machines around 12–15 ton class. Advantages include:
- The size allows for access into tighter job sites compared to large dozers or large excavators.
- A robust hydraulic system which supports attachments and a variety of arm/boom configurations.
- Good resale and used‑equipment market support, largely thanks to its established production and global parts availability.
For users considering a used SK135 (or similar model) there are several considerations:
- Undercarriage wear: At 14 t class machines, track shoes, rollers and links wear will dominate maintenance cost.
- Hydraulic system history: Given pump flows of ~260 L/min and high pressure (for example on the listed variant) the machine has heavy hydraulic demands; ensuring filter/floor conditions and hose integrity is important.
- Engine and service records: A machine of this class typically has years of service; confirm hours and maintenance, as engine overhaul can be a large expense.
- Match bucket size and attachments to the job: While bucket capacity up to ~0.70 m³ is possible, using an oversized bucket can reduce efficiency or increase wear.
- Transport width and access: For example one spec lists the transport width of 2.59 m for the SK135 SRLC.
A mid‑sized contractor in northern Europe purchased a used SK135SR‑LC excavator with approximately 6,500 hours, equipped with a 0.5 m³ bucket. The machine replaced an older 10‑ton class excavator on site‑prep work for a housing subdivision. In the first season the contractor noted a 12 % reduction in fuel consumption per cubic meter of earth moved due to the additional hydraulic capacity and better arm reach. The longer re‑ach (approx. 8.3 m) allowed deeper digging without repositioning. Over the next two years, the machine logged nearly 5,000 hours and maintained strong uptime, supporting the decision to invest in the larger class machine in that job profile.
Recent Trends & Industry Context
- The 10–15 ton class excavators remain in high demand for job‑sites requiring flexibility but enough capacity to remain productive.
- Manufacturers including Kobelco are promoting “Smart” hydraulic systems, improved fuel economy, and lower emissions even in mid‑class machines.
- For used‑equipment buyers, strong global parts support and recognized brand name like Kobelco help reduce risk.
- Operating weight: The working weight of a machine including standard attachments, full fuel tank, operator.
- Bucket capacity: The volume of material the bucket can hold (in cubic meters or cubic yards) under specified conditions.
- Ground pressure: The pressure exerted by the machine on the ground, usually expressed in kPa or kg/cm² for tracked machines; lower ground pressure improves performance on soft ground.
- Hydraulic pump flow: The rate at which hydraulic fluid is delivered by the pump—higher flows typically support faster cylinder action and larger attachments.
- Undercarriage: The track system of the machine including shoes, links, rollers, idlers, and drive sprockets. Major wear component on crawler machines.
The Kobelco SK135 excavator is a robust mid‑class machine offering a good balance of power, hydraulics and size, making it versatile for many earth‑moving and excavation tasks. When well maintained, it offers strong productivity and reliability. For operators and fleet managers looking in the 12‑15 ton class, the SK135 is worth serious consideration—provided the machine’s maintenance history is solid and the undercarriage condition is acceptable.
