KOBELCO Construction Machinery USA has added another element of safety and flexibility to its SK500LC hydraulic excavator with the introduction of an optional Counterweight Removal System. By simply removing four bolts, one person can safely lower the 19,000-pound counterweight to the ground.
The new feature gives contractors the ability to quickly and easily reduce the overall weight of the KOBELCO SK500LC for transport, making it possible to utilize a standard-sized trailer to reduce hauling costs and avoid oversize/overweight permits.
An optional Counterweight Removal System enhances the 111,400 lb. KOBELCO SK500LC hydraulic excavator’s reputation for powerful performance and efficient operation. KOBELCO excavators are the only hydraulic excavators with a straight travel system that permits full travel and attachment forces simultaneously, as well as an independent travel feature that allows the machine to walk and lift with no change in travel speed. The SK500LC hydraulic excavator features fuel-efficient operation, with a new ECO-mode for light workloads which reduces fuel consumption by about 13%.
The new Counterweight Removal System also adds to the list of safety features available on the SK500LC hydraulic excavator, including a ROPS (Roll-Over-Protective Structure)-compliant cab, standard rear view camera, upper structure handrails, rear work lights and swing flashers on the counterweight.
“KOBELCO is pleased to be adding another element of safety and flexibility to one of the largest and most powerful models in our line of hydraulic excavators,” says George Lumpkins, Product Marketing Manager for KOBELCO. “We look forward to letting contractors get a first-hand look at this new Counterweight Removal System at ConExpo 2014.”
This latest enhancement to the SK500LC model combined with KOBELCO’s continued emphasis on operator comfort makes this crawler excavator a leader in its size class. A double slide, reclining suspension seat, powerful automatic air conditioner, standard tropical cooling system, spacious luggage tray, large cup holder and two speaker AM/FM stereo ensure operators not only have a productive machine to operate, but also a pleasant environment in which to spend their day.