Kobelco strengthens its demolition and vehicle dismantling range

Following the introduction of the SK210D in 2016 and the recent unveiling of the SK350DLC-10, Kobelco Construction Machinery Europe B.V. (KCME) announced the launch of the SK140SRD – the manufacturer’s smallest machine designed for the demolition an

Following the introduction of the SK210D in 2016 and the recent unveiling of the SK350DLC-10, Kobelco Construction Machinery Europe B.V. (KCME) announced the launch of the SK140SRD – the manufacturer’s smallest machine designed for the demolition and recycling sector. 

Despite its smaller size, this machine is borne from 40 years of innovation and development in automotive dismantling and incorporates many of the same features as the larger models. 

Around six million vehicles reach the end of their useful lives in Europe each year but they still have a significant value as a source of spare parts. Modern vehicle recycling attempts to be as cost-effective as possible, but with strict EU directives on reuse/recovery and reuse/recycling targets, auto dismantling yards also need to consider the environmental impact of their processes. 

Since launching its first automotive dismantling machines in Japan in 1979, Kobelco has continued to focus on developing the best possible equipment to aid the recycling and reuse of vehicles and vehicle parts. As a result, Kobelco’s dismantling machines are renowned for their high performance, reliability and efficiency, and the all-new Kobelco SK140SRD also promotes lower fuel consumption, lower noise and a significant reduction in CO2 emissions. 

A typical passenger car is made up of around 65% steel and iron as well as copper fibres, glass and plastics meaning that at least 95% of the car’s total weight can be recycled or reused. The SK140SRD has been specifically designed to strip a vehicle of these reusable parts safely and can deliver up to four times the vehicle dismantling capability when compared with hand dismantling for increased productivity and reduced labour costs. 

The machine’s hydraulic clamp arms hold a vehicle’s body securely in multiple positions to provide maximum access for complete dismantling. Its teeth can be used to separate transmissions from engine blocks, the puller can remove circuit boards and the anchor can bend long objects easily. The machine’s heavy duty nibbler provides maximum gripping, holding, twisting, breaking and pulling power while it is also nimble enough to perform delicate and precise separation of parts. 

The SK140SRD’s environmentally friendly engine seeks to reduce NOx emissions by around 88% compared with previous models, thanks to the fitting of a Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) and Selective Calaytic Reduction (SCR). This combination also helps to promote high power and low 

fuel consumption. In addition, the inclusion of Kobelco’s innovative Integrated Noise and Dust Reduction Cooling System (iNDr) helps to reduce noise while eliminating dust and cooling the engine to maintain peak operating performance and minimise downtime. 

Demolition and recycling job sites require tough machinery to withstand the challenging conditions so durability and longevity was a priority in the development of the SK140SRD. The machine has a reinforced frame and specially designed swing areas due to the heavier counterweight, which is used for increased stability, and clamp arms. In addition, thick steel plates have been added to the HD arm and boom to resist twisting. A rock guard has also been added to the end of the arm to further reinforce it and protect it from damage. 

These types of job sites can also present often dangerous conditions for the operator, so Kobelco has worked hard to develop the SK140SRD with increased comfort and safety in mind. The cab’s front windows, which have tear and penetration-resistance film to hold glass fragments together, are also protected by a vertical guard. The grid type cab ceiling guard protects the operator against objects falling on the cab’s roof. 

Another important safety feature on the SK140SRD is the new cab interference prevention system, which sounds an alarm and prevents the machine from allowing the working tool to come into contact with the cab during operation. The machine is also equipped with rear and right view cameras, loudspeaker system and bright, long-life LED lights for increased visibility on site. 

Commenting on the introduction of the Kobelco SK140SRD, KCME Product Marketing Manager, Peter Stuijt, said: “Since launching our first dismantling model 40 years ago, we have sold more than 1,200 machines as a result of constantly developing new equipment that meets the needs of our customers. While the exterior of the machines may look similar, the SK140SRD incorporates significant technological innovations, including a specialised frame and iNDr technology. In turn, these innovations help to improve durability, reliability, workability and safety. Kobelco demolition and recycling machines demonstrate excellent lifetime cost performance that becomes more evident the longer a machine is used and this next-generation automotive dismantling machine represents the best Kobelco has to offer.”