KOBELCO Construction Machinery U.S.A. has expanded its demolition equipment lineup with the SK300LC-11 and SK350LC-11 Straight Boom excavators, two purpose-built machines intended to give contractors more working height than conventional mono-boom excavators.
The company says the straight-boom design combines greater reach and attachment capacity with stability, controllability and operator comfort. Both models are designed for demolition work and can handle a range of demolition attachments.
Engine and hydraulic setup
Both excavators use a 265-hp Isuzu Tier 4 Final engine with SCR/DEF emissions technology. KOBELCO notes that the engine does not use a diesel particulate filter. The powerplant is intended to supply the power and torque needed for heavy demolition attachments in demanding applications.
A case drain circuit is standard, which broadens compatibility with attachments that require more hydraulic drainage. KOBELCO also includes an in-cab hydraulic pressure release function. This lets the operator release hydraulic pressure from inside the cab before disconnecting work tools or hydraulic hoses, simplifying attachment changes.
Reach and tool capacity
The straight-boom configuration is positioned to provide more working height than conventional boom designs while supporting substantial demolition tool capacities. Contractors can choose standard or long arm configurations to balance reach against tool capacity for the job at hand.
The published arm options are:
- Standard 10-foot 2-inch arm: 36-foot maximum reach and 8,708-pound maximum tool capacity.
- Long 13-foot 1-inch arm: 39-foot maximum reach and 7,959-pound maximum tool capacity.
- Standard 10-foot 10-inch arm: 37-foot maximum reach and 10,825-pound maximum tool capacity.
- Long 13-foot 7-inch arm: 39-foot maximum reach and 9,348-pound maximum tool capacity.
Cab and controls
The cab is laid out for demanding demolition work, with a seven-way adjustable heated air-suspension seat that moves with the armrests and hydraulic controls. KOBELCO says this helps reduce operator fatigue and absorb shock. Redesigned pilot levers use shorter strokes and horizontal movement for precise, responsive control.
A 10-inch color monitor and jog dial give access to machine settings, attachment flow adjustments, maintenance information and fuel consumption data. The monitor also shows a 270-degree view from the standard three-camera system to improve visibility around the machine. Hydraulic flow settings for breakers, nibblers and rotating grapples can be adjusted through the monitor, and settings for additional attachments can be added or changed to suit the operator and application. Other cab features include automatic climate control, Bluetooth hands-free audio, USB charging and LED-backlit controls.
Protection and monitoring
For job-site protection, the cab has a Roll-Over Protective Structure, or ROPS, along with heavy-duty Level II top and front guarding. Rear swing flashers and rear-facing work lights are integrated into the counterweight to improve visibility around the machine. Seven LED work lights are standard: two on the boom, two at the front of the cab, one on the right side and two rear-facing units in the counterweight.
KOBELCO's KOMEXS system gives owners and fleet managers remote access to operating hours, fuel consumption, maintenance status and machine location. It also includes an engine start alarm, geofencing and current and historical location data, which can help contractors overseeing equipment across multiple sites.
Dan Collins, director of product development for KOBELCO Construction Machinery U.S.A., said the demolition industry continues to evolve and the company is committed to purpose-built machines that address contractors' changing needs. He said the expanded lineup reflects that commitment by offering more reach and tool capacity along with quality, comfort and controllability.
The SK300 and SK350 Straight Boom models are covered by KOBELCO's standard machine warranty, with KOMEXS included while the machine remains under the factory warranty. Extended warranty coverage is also available.