FIRST KOBELCO SK75SR-7 EXCAVATOR DELIVERED TO LEGACY CUSTOMER
The all-new Kobelco SK75SR-7 excavator has just hit Aussie shores, boasting features that have never before been seen on machines in this class, and Kobelco customer Ben Callow from B S Callow Earthworks is beyond excited to be the first person to get their hands on not one, but two of the new machines.
B S Callow Earthworks, based in Bayswater, Victoria was started by Ben 12 years ago, and after a short stint with a competitor product, they’ve been purchasing Kobelco’s ever since and haven’t looked back.
“I need quality machines with the right systems in place and a team behind them I can trust, and Kobelco and Melbourne Tractors (his local Kobelco dealer) deliver just that,” Ben says.
The business has two key specialities, civil work in schools and arborist work for local councils. It’s a unique mix, so Ben needs a machine he knows he can rely on, and one which he knows is safe and easy to use. He currently has six Kobelco excavators in his fleet, ranging from a small two-tonne machine to the mid-range 16-tonne machines.
“Our new business only comes from word of mouth. We’re incredibly fortunate because that means I can put more focus on ensuring our machines are at the highest standard, and most importantly safe to operate.”
Best-In-Class Cabin Comfort
Kobelco’s pursuit of unparalleled design gives the new SR-7 series excavators an incredibly refined interior, providing best-in-class operator comfort. With the largest cabin in its class, the new operator station features an air suspension Grammar seat, ergonomic adjustable controls, a smartphone holder, and Bluetooth telephone connectivity. The automatic climate control system is designed to ensure that operators remain comfortable during harsh Australian summers, while Kobelco’s exclusive integrated noise and dust reduction system (iNDr) keeps the cooling pack working at peak efficiency to ensure your machine works as hard as you do.
Ben says the operator comfort has been fantastic, and the little changes and additions inside and outside the cab make a huge difference to making sure his team feel comfortable when on the job. “The seating position, the inclusion of a phone holder and charger and even the sunshade on the front top window, all of these things contribute to my guys being able to perform better and work more productively,” says Ben.
The SK75 also features a standard eagle-eye camera for 270-degree side and rear vision, which Ben says is an addition that has been great in terms of safety. “Traditionally we have had to retrofit cameras to new machines, so it’s great that they have been factory fitted. You can definitely tell that Kobelco has done numerous consultations in designing this model,” says Ben.
Another attractive feature of the SR-7 series excavators is the installation of LED backlights on switches and dials. The LED interior light automatically turns on when the door is opened or when the ignition is turned off ensuring easy entry and exit when operating on jobsites in the evening.
Incredible Performance & Productivity Gains
The latest generation of SK75 has taken tremendous steps forward in terms of machine performance, delivering greater efficiency and increased productivity with substantially higher power and speed. A Yanmar motor boasts a power increase of 28%, while hill-climbing performance has improved by 27% and digging cycle time has been reduced by an incredible 15% compared to previous models.
“The fuel efficiency is also above and beyond what I was expecting, which has had a direct impact on our bottom line. For a small business, managing expenses and profitability are paramount, and these machines are continuously delivering this to the business,” says Ben.
Ben has been so consistently impressed with the performance of his Kobelco machines, that he’s already put in an order for another, smaller sized model to add to his growing fleet.
“This is an exciting time for me, as I’ve never purchased two brand new machines at once, so it’s a big step for the business, but Melbourne Tractors and Kobelco have been extremely helpful, honest and have consistently delivered with integrity. I feel privileged that I’ve got the support from them both,” he says.
With next-generation machine design delivering class leading performance, the Kobelco SR-7 series is set to be a real game changer for owners and operators seeking more from their midi excavator.
