Kobelco’s new XD Series excavators have been purpose-built to meet the challenges of the harshest work environments.
Conditions on Australian quarry sites put equipment through its paces. Excavators must be prepared to handle heavy, abrasive materials day after day.
Most quarries also don’t have the time to wait around if something breaks. Equipment needs to be heavy duty and highly reliable.
That’s why Kobelco has specifically designed the SK380XDLC-10 and SK500XDLC-10 excavators to handle this challenge.
Part of the XD Series of excavators, these machines feature enhanced structural durability, improved fuel efficiency, and enhanced performance.
Kobelco Construction Machinery Australia general manager Mark Johnson said the series sets a new benchmark for durability and performance in the 35 and 50-tonne classes.
“These machines are built for the extreme – powerful, efficient and ready for the demands of quarrying operations,” he said.
Both the SK380XD and SK500XD feature triple-plated hardened steel on high-wear areas of the boom and arm, full-length rock guards, and double-reinforced idler frames. Heavy-duty 600mm triple-grouser shoes, bolted steel underbody guards, and upgraded track guide frames – quadruple on the SK500XD and triple on the SK380XD – further ensure these machines are ready for aggressive terrain, steep stockpiles, and constant heavy loading.
Under the hood, these excavators are as capable as they are tough. The SK380XD is powered by a 209kW 7.68-litre Hino turbo diesel engine, while the SK500XD steps up with a 257kW 10.52-litre power plant. Both use Kobelco’s Intelligent Total Control System to manage hydraulic performance and deliver exceptional digging power and cycle speed.
The SK500XD features 293kN bucket breakout force and 415kN of tractive effort, making it ideal for mass excavation and bulk handling. The SK380XD delivers 244kN breakout force and 331kN of tractive power, excelling in more agile applications.
Kobelco’s XD Series stands out for its fuel efficiency. Telematics data from Australian and New Zealand machines show average fuel consumption of just 27 L/hr for the SK500XD and 20 L/hr for the SK380XD, making them highly efficient in their respective classes. A hydraulic regeneration system reduces pressure loss and pump load, while three selectable work modes, including eco-mode, optimise output for significant fuel savings without compromising productivity.
Inside the cab, operator comfort is a priority. A spacious, pressurised cabin keeps dust and noise out, while a heated air-cushioned suspension seat and pilot-control joysticks reduce fatigue over long shifts.
A large colour LCD screen provides fuel data, attachment settings, and rear-view camera visibility, while up to 10 programmable hydraulic profiles make switching between tools easy and fast. Factory-fitted tilt/rotate and quick hitch piping come standard, along with a convenient in-cab pressure relief function to streamline attachment changes.
With no diesel particulate filter, no AdBlue, and extended service intervals, the XD Series is also designed for minimal downtime and easier maintenance.
Kobelco backs each machine with a four-year/6000-hour extended major component warranty, five years of free GEOSCAN telematics, and remote diagnostics support through its K-Assist technology platform.
Johnson said the XD Series has proven popular since it arrived in Australia.
“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.”
“Since we brought the XD range into Australia, it has been a real winner, especially for those in the quarry industry,” Johnson said.•
For more information, visit kobelco.com.au
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