The new Kobelco Construction Machinery Australia  SK55SRX mini excavators will be launched at Civenex 2011, to be held in Sydney’s Dragway at Easter Creek on 18 and 19 May 2011. The five tonne SK55SRX delivers a combination of productivity and performance, while its short-radius tail swing makes it a versatile and flexible machine, according to Kobelco Australia Brand Leader, Doug McQuinn.

“By adding another 5-tonne excavator to our range, we’re giving customers more room to choose which style of mini excavator is best for their operation,” said Doug.

“The SK55SRX provides value for money as a productivity-focused excavator that can even cross over into applications normally reserved for heavier excavators, thanks to the ability to attach counterweights to the slight tail overhang. Meanwhile, the existing Kobelco SK55SR-5 model is still the best choice around for those tight jobs where access is an issue and zero tail swing is required.”

The SK55SRX mini excavators offer a longer boom and arm for a wider operating range than any other model in the series. They measure a reach of up to 6.22 metres and a dig depth of 3.91 metres.

“Kobelco has taken the next evolutionary step with this excavator by incorporating more practical performance features into the SK55SRX. This includes increased auxiliary hydraulic flow at 82 litres per minute at 12MPa. That’s a big benefit when you’re running high-flow attachments such as augers or mowers,” said Doug.

The SK55SRX improves fuel efficiency but not at the cost of performance. By matching a four cylinder, direct injection diesel engine with an innovative hydraulic system, minimum fuel usage can be achieved whilst maintaining maximum productivity.

New features and benefits of the Kobelco SK55SRX mini excavators include:

  • Enhanced engine cooling method that sucks fresh air to boost cooling performance
  • New radiator has a new intake method that simplifies cleaning and helps prevent clogging
  • Integrated accumulator enables attachments to be safely lowered to the ground if there’s an unexpected engine shut-down
  • Integrated pump flow system
  • Original Kobelco dozer blade shape
  •  Reinforced boom and arm
  • Rectangular designed cab that makes it 820 mm wide, 10 per cent larger than the SK55SR-5
“Kobelco has optimised the control layout in the cab for comfortable and easy operation. It has greater window area to enhance visibility. The cab has a clear view at the rear and there’s more floor space and a seat that slides further for plenty of leg and foot room. All of these features improve safety and productivity, allowing an operator to work more comfortably for longer,” said Doug.


The overall cab height of 2.55 metres has been designed for easy transport and has a tie-down bracket on the crawler frame. The high-strength cab also meets all three safety standards: Tip Over Protective Structures (TOPS); Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS); and Falling Object Protective Structures (FOPS).