Sceats Earthmovers
Sceats Earthmovers Ltd elevate fleet with the Kobelco SK140SRLC-7 Excavator
Jon is an excavator operator at Sceats Earthmovers Ltd owned by Ian and Rachel Sceats and plays a pivotal role in the company’s forestry machinery projects. His familiarity with the SK135SR-3, a Kobelco excavator of similar size, was instrumental in its extensive use for diverse civil control tasks, including detailed trimming and robust lifting operations. Over time, the SK135SR-3 medium excavator evolved into an essential tool, seamlessly helping Jon in completing his tasks efficiently and effectively.
Jon from Sceats Earthmovers Ltd wanted to resume using Kobelco machines after taking a three-year hiatus, opting to upgrade to the SK140SRLC-7 medium excavator.
After a break of three years from Kobelco excavators, Jon desired to return to the brand. The perfect opportunity presented itself when the prospect of upgrading to the SK140SRLC-7 medium excavator surfaced. As part of a close-knit team of six individuals dedicated to forestry projects, Jon navigated the necessary steps to outfit the machine with vital roll-over protection and additional accessories, aligning it precisely with the demands of their specialised forestry projects.
Currently entrenched in subdivision work with the SK140SRLC-7, Jon’s responsibilities extend far beyond mere hillside operations. His duties involve meticulously clearing paths, ensuring seamless transportation routes for hefty logs. With utmost emphasis on safety, the 14-tonne digger now boasts robustly bolted-on level four front and top guards, seamlessly integrated into the counterweight. These enhancements offer a heightened level of protection against potential hazards such as tree falls or protruding limbs, particularly crucial during the handling of weighty logs.
An integral facet of Jon’s operational prowess lies in leveraging the versatility of excavator attachments. The thumb attachment has emerged as an invaluable asset, streamlining the process of moving cut logs, effectively optimising the workspace, and enhancing overall productivity. Reflecting on past experiences with the SK135SR-3, Jon fondly reminisces about lifting an imposing four-tonne log—a feat that left a lasting impression. Transitioning to the SK140SRLC-7, he expresses admiration for the reinforced counterweight, appreciating its remarkable strength while maintaining a compact size and a notably short radius. This characteristic allows for exceptional maneuverability along steep banks without the need for wider cuts, a highly advantageous feature in constrained workspaces like roadsides.
The SK140SRLC-7 excavator’s exceptional agility serves as a critical asset, enabling lateral tracking even on steep 1 in 3 slopes. Its capacity to reach out at full boom capability with minimal ground clearance is a game-changer, granting Jon a significant advantage in navigating confined sites with ease. Currently engaged in the excavation of two house lots, involving the meticulous removal of approximately 9000 cubic meters of soil from the ridge and skillfully adjusting the grade, Jon finds solace in the cabin’s efficient air conditioning. His workdays are further enriched by tuning in to “The Sound” radio station, providing a pleasant backdrop for focused productivity.
Notably, the Kobelco boasts improved fuel efficiency, consuming a remarkable four liters less per hour compared to its predecessor. This enhanced efficiency is particularly evident when the excavator operates in heavy mode, however, still performs at the optimum rate on S mode, thanks to specific operability adjustments tailored to Jon’s unique operating style by Duncan Hart, Kobelco NZ’s technician.
In essence, Jon’s experience with the Series 7 SK140SRLC demonstrates the harmonious collaboration between operator skill and state-of-the-art machinery in forestry endeavours. His ability to utilising the excavator’s full potential, alongside its improved safety features and outstanding performance, highlights the crucial contribution of technology in enhancing both effectiveness and safety standards.
The SK140SRLC-7 is a powerhouse with a significantly boosted engine, reducing digging cycle time by 10% compared to its predecessors.