Kobelco has long enjoyed a reputation as a leading manufacturer of demolition equipment in Japan. As an earthquake epicentre, buildings in Japan are often reinforced with concrete or steel to help ensure they are strong enough to resist seismic activity and provide adequate protection in the event of a natural disaster. However, when older buildings are no longer fit for purpose and redevelopment is required, machinery needs to be strong enough to demolish these structures, but also powerful enough to get the job done efficiently.

Over the last several years, there has also been an increasing demand for this size of building demolition machine, in particular for the demolition of industrial facilities, power plants, oil rigs and other infrastructure related projects and the regeneration of urban areas. The ultra-high reach SK1300DLC-10E, which joins the smaller SK350DLC-10E, SK400DLC-10E and SK550DLC-11 in Kobelco’s demolition line up, combines all the benefits of a conventional Kobelco excavator, but with the added strength, durability and technology to tackle some of these tough demolition conditions.

Versatile machinery for versatile jobsites

Like Kobelco’s other demolition models, the SK1300DLC is a common base type machine. However, the integration of the Kobelco developed ‘Next Advance’ system means that it can be adapted for multiple applications on the jobsite, including high elevation demolition projects as well as breaking up building foundations. The system’s four piece high reach demolition attachment was developed to achieve greater working heights with heavier tools, whilst the new articulated structure enables a heavy tool to be elevated while keeping the machine’s centre of gravity low. With a maximum pin height of 40m, the ultra-high reach attachment can accommodate a crusher capacity weight of 4.3t, while the 35m boom configuration can support even larger crusher weights of 5.2t. A three piece high reach attachment is also available with 35m and 31m configurations, accommodating crusher capacity weights of 5t and 6.1t respectively. The separate boom configuration allows fitment of even larger crushers of up to 12t, which can be used for processing of material at ground level, or to tackle deeper sub grade foundations.

The modular design of all Kobelco’s demolition models allows easy transport with fast set up and disassembly. Once collapsed, the SK1300DLC’s base machine has a transportation weight of less than 32t and a width of around 3.2m, which makes travelling between jobsites in urban environments, or in countries where there are strict regulations, possible.

Operator comfort and safety

As well as being challenging, demolition jobsites can also be dangerous as there is a significant risk of flying debris. With this in mind, the SK1300DLC has a number of systems and features to help ensure the operator’s safety while working on site. The ‘Cab Interference Prevention System’ alerts the operator if the attachment comes within a certain distance of the cab, then stops gently and automatically. As there is no worry of contact, the system helps improve operator efficiency as they can more confidently perform lever operation. A tip over warning device determines whether there is a danger of the machine tipping from the relative position and swing angle of the attachment. If the machine is in a dangerous position, the operator will be alerted with an audible alarm and a warning on the screen.

In addition, the demolition specification tilting cabin is fitted with high strength security glass and radial grid guards across the front and top windows for visibility and safety, meaning that the operator can maintain a comfortable posture during high elevation demolition work. Cameras fitted to four locations on the base machine (rear, right and left sides, and under the upper machine body), plus two cameras at the tip of the arm, also enables the operator to check their surroundings from the comfort of the cab. Other safety features include high intensity LED working lights at the front, cab lights and boom light, a debris detector to prevent falling demolition debris from colliding with the cab, handrail and cab emergency lowering device lever.

Maintenance

Whatever the size of its demolition machines, Kobelco has integrated features for minimum downtime on the jobsite. In the SK1300DLC, improved maintainability is assured through the reversible cooling fan, which reduces the build-up of debris, a wide maintenance walkway for easy access to inspection points, and a factory installed greasing system for lubrication of the machine and attachment pins. Reliability and durability are also assured through the hydraulic holding valves on the boom and arm cylinders, bucket cylinder and jib cylinder guard to prevent damage during demolition operations.

Commenting on the arrival of the SK1300DLC, Kobelco product manager, Peter Stuijt, said: “Kobelco has amassed significant experience with this class of building demolition machines in the Japanese market, so the SK1300D is a machine with an excellent pedigree. Introduced in Japan in 2021, the SK1300DLC’s reputation as a workhorse in the toughest and most challenging demolition conditions is now second to none. Due to the increased demand for heavy demolition equipment in Europe, the arrival of the machine earlier this year had been highly anticipated.

“The SK1300DLC is ideal for demolition projects that require a high reach of over 30m, but its Next Advance system also makes it ideal for demolition work at ground level or sub ground level too. We see that this versatility, and the fact that it is quick and easy to disassemble and transport, is of great benefit to demolition contractors working on multiple jobsites. Despite its commanding size, at the heart of it, the SK1300DLC also has all the same great high quality and performance characteristics Kobelco is renowned for.”