Kobelco has supported Graymont’s operations to deliver across its high-production sites with a robust excavator.
Production of lime and limestone solutions puts equipment to the test, which is why Graymont prioritises dependability and performance.
So when the company began searching for a new heavy-duty excavator in Australia, the Kobelco SK500XD ticked all the boxes.
“We were in the market for a good, reliable machine that was well supported by the dealer,” Graymont Attunga plant site manager Damian Power told Quarry.
“They’re reliable machines. We’re very happy with them and looking forward to continue seeing these great results.”
Graymont’s limestone and lime products in Australia are produced along the country’s east coast and in South Australia and Tasmania. These sites are part of Graymont’s global network, which includes New Zealand, Malaysia, and the Philippines, as well as the North American market.
Limestone has a wide range of applications ranging from road stabilisation, asphalt, water treatment, steel making and metalliferous processing.
Due to the level of production it required, Graymont needed the new excavator to be durable and fuel-efficient. According to Kobelco, the SK500XD can achieve an average fuel consumption under 30L/hr in typical Australian heavy digging conditions.
It features three work modes: heavy-duty and standard work options and an ECO mode. The eco mode is designed to automatically optimise digging efficiency, which, according to Kobelco, delivers a 13 per cent decrease in fuel consumption.
The boom-to-arm hydraulic regeneration system improves the fuel efficiency. The system uses hydraulic pressure from the boom down function to assist arm out movement, reducing the demand on the hydraulic pump. This means the SK500XD requires less fluid from the pump, reducing the hydraulic workload and leading to higher fuel savings.
“We did our homework and looked at the excavators that were available. A major Tamworth business had given them a go and were happy with them,” Power said.
“It has one of the lowest fuel burns of all the diggers we looked at,” he said. “That adds up. It means we’re spending less on fuel and emitting less carbon, which is becoming even more important.”
Graymont’s operators have been impressed by the SK500XD’s performance across the Australian operations. Kobelco has equipped the cabin with key technology to make the operator’s job easier.
The cabin features a colour LCD multi-display screen with all the important information operators need, including fuel consumption and maintenance intervals, as well as an integrated rear-view camera.
The front window provides an unobstructed view for greater visibility. The operator’s cabin is pressurised, providing a quiet and airtight work environment free from dust. A heated and air-cushioned suspension seat provides protection from vibration for the operator.
“The cabin is spacious and feels comfortable to sit in for extended periods of time. It’s got a large front window and a lot of noise dampening inside,” Power said.
“It’s also got a heated and air-cushioned suspension seat, protecting the operator from vibration, with climate control to keep you cool on hot days.
“The SK500XD ticked all the boxes – it is ergonomic, has low noise output and is economical to run.”
Durable design
Weighing in at 52,200kg, the machine is one of the heaviest in its class with reinforcement in key areas.
The robust machine body is purpose built and includes reinforcement to key areas of stress and wear across the boom, arm, underbody, and undercarriage.
The heavy-duty boom and arm are specifically designed to withstand the rigours of quarrying. Kobelco manufactured the boom and arm with factory-fitted, triple-plated hardened steel applied to all key structural sections, including the boom-to-arm connection, the boom centre, and the end of the arm.
“There is a reason why the SK500XD has been popular since it arrived in Australia and it’s because it stands up in Australian conditions,” Kobelco Australia general manager Mark Johnson said.
“From an engineering perspective, its design allows for additional strength and reinforcement in the key areas which quarries need.
“All of our quarry customers have been impressed by its performance. You’re getting a purpose-built Extreme Duty machine that also delivers with its fuel efficiency.”
The full-length rock guard is specially designed and installed on the inside of the dipper arm. The SK500XD’s quadruple track guide frame, improved track links, the idler frame with double reinforcement plating around the yolk area, and reinforced heavy-duty 600mm triple grouser shoes enable operators to easily navigate rough terrain often found in Australian conditions.
The SK500XD has extended fluid service intervals, easily accessible remote-mounted fluid filters, and Tier 3 engine emissions, which are simple to service and lower operating costs with no DPF or AdBlue required.
When it comes to reliability, fuel efficiency and performance, the Kobelco SK500XD is ticking all the boxes for Australian quarry operators, according to Johnson.
“Since we brought the XD range into Australia, it has been a real winner, especially for those in the quarry industry,” Johnson said.
“It delivers a reliable machine that performs without burning a lot of fuel, which is becoming increasingly important in our industry.
“We see a bright future for the SK500XD in Australia for quarries looking for a durable excavator in any application.” •
For more information, visit kobelco.com.au
