Mini-Excavators with Maximum Features
Bell Equipment
Bell Equipment has broadened its partnership with Japanese excavator specialist, Kobelco Construction Machinery Co. Ltd (Kobelco), with the introduction of three compact mini-excavator models to complement the six standard machines that were launched in June 2017.
The range includes a 5.5t (SK55SRX), a 7.5t (SK75SR) and a 13.5t (SK135SR) machine, all of which feature a short rear swing which reduces the turning radius for superior manoeuvrability in limited spaces, making them ideally suited to the compact construction and forestry.
Bell Equipment’s Product Marketing Manager, Stephen McNeill, says: “With Kobelco leading the industry in terms of short rear-swing excavator innovation, we are confident that these machines will gain strong market acceptance locally, particularly since the 5.5t and 7.5t segment is growing in southern Africa, and the 7.5t and 13.5t machines are well-matched for forestry applications.”
He adds that the mini-excavators all share the same machine-efficient technology as their larger counterparts, enabling them to meet Kobelco’s design intent for greater performance capacity and improved cost-efficiency, while taking due care of the environment.
Technology includes Kobelco’s proprietary Integrated Noise and Dust Reduction Cooling System (iNDr), providing a quieter, cleaner engine and ease of maintenance, as well as the Intelligent Control System (ITCS). ITCS is an advanced computerised system that provides comprehensive control of all machine functions, enabling a machine to respond to sudden changes in hydraulic load, ensuring that the engine runs as efficiently as possible with minimum wasted output.
The two digging modes – H mode for heavy-duty and higher performance, and S mode for normal operations with lower fuel consumption – promote the philosophy of more work with less fuel. To further save fuel, and reduce emissions, the standard Auto-Idling-Stop feature (AIS) shuts down the engine automatically when the engine is on standby. The hour metre also stops to help retain the machine’s asset value.
“Our standard Kobelco models have been extremely well received by the market and are running seamlessly. They have been a pleasing success across all industries thanks to their efficient performance and productivity, and we expect our miniexcavators to expand on this achievement and enable us to further deliver on our customers’ equipment requirements,” McNeill concludes.