Kobelco launches SK140SRL-7 for forestry and logging applications

The SK140SRL-7 has been designed to deliver greater efficiency and productivity with increased power and speed.

Following the arrival of the Kobelco SK140SRLC-7 earlier this year, Kobelco Construction Machinery Europe B.V. (KCME) announced the introduction of a logging specification variant.

Like all next generation Kobelco machines, the SK140SRL-7 has been designed to deliver greater efficiency and productivity with increased power and speed, as well as improvements in design for enhanced operator-based comfort and safety. However, this machine also incorporates a number of important features that enable it to provide exceptional performance in forestry and logging. 

Usually found on larger machines, the SK140SRL-7’s longer crawler length of 3,790mm and wider shoe (900mm) provide low ground pressure (28kPa) on soft ground, while the top class ground clearance of 580mm (compared with 425mm on the conventional SK140SRLC-7) adds to smoother travel and easier manoeuvring. In addition, the machine’s higher standard operating weight of 16,600kg provides better stability, particularly when working with complex attachments, and two types of optional counterweights (580kg and 1,000kg) are also available to further increase stability. The SK140SRL-7’s short radius design provides a smaller working footprint, ideal for areas of dense forest, and the increased drawbar pulling force of 153kN (compared with 138kN on the SK140SRLC-7) provides enhanced traction. 

Like the SK140SRLC-7, the logging machine features a turbo-charged diesel engine, which is compliant with Stage V emissions regulations, and benefits from a significant 10% increase in engine output (compared to SK140SRLC-5). Complete with a new hydraulic control system, the machine’s digging cycle time has also been reduced by 10%. 

Kobelco understands that comfort and safety is a key factor in the purchase decision, so it is little surprise that the SK140SRL-7 has been equipped with numerous features and technologies to maximise operator well-being and therefore, productivity and efficiency. The machine’s modern cabin features a 10-inch colour monitor – the largest in the excavator industry – which provides the operator with an easy-to-view menu of important machine information and views from its rear, right and left side cameras. The monitor functions are controlled by a jog-type dial, which is also LED back-lit for ease of operation. 

The new SK140SRL-7 has a heated and air-cushioned Kobelco-branded Grammer seat that incorporates the joystick and armrests as one unit, ensuring an ideal posture position. Further aiding the operator is a new control lever and hydraulic system that has shorter, more precise lever movement, and LED backlighting on all control switches enables night time operation. The cabin also features an air-con system as standard. 

Other safety features of the SK140SRL-7 include an LED door lamp that switches on when the cabin door is opened or the ignition switched off, and a FOPS Level II roof guard, which is equipped with a lockable swing-open section so the external roof glass can be easily cleaned. Parallel front window wipers ensure a significantly larger swept area of the front window for an uninterrupted view. In addition, Kobelco’s Integrated Noise and Dust Reduction System (iNDr) provides the SK140SRL-7 with low noise operation and enhanced serviceability by allowing easy access to the air filter, now mounted in front of the radiator system. This helps to reduce day-to-day downtime through maintenance. 

Commenting on the introduction of the new SK140SRL-7, Product Manager, Peter Stuijt, said: “The SK140SRLC-7 was very well received by the industry on its launch earlier this year – it’s smaller size yet powerful performance and modern design were particularly key attractions to contractors. 

However, we understand that operators working in forestry require machinery with quite specific features to aid their day-to-day operation. The SK140SRL-7’s higher operating weight coupled with its longer tracks, wider shoes and higher ground clearance improves stability and makes it an attractive proposition to anyone looking for a specialist logging solution.”