KEEPING OPERATORS HAPPY is a major part of any machine purchase

BLR Bauunternehmen GmbH are a Münster based contractor specialising in a variety of earthmoving, civil engineering, demolition and transport activities across Münsterland. Recently, they added another Kobelco excavator to their fleet, much to the appreciation of its operator, a 30-year veteran of the industry, Frank Lohmann.

During his operating career, Frank has worked with many brands but finds the new SK210-11E to be a very quick and smooth machine. “I have operated several Kobelco excavators over the years.” Frank comments. “Each generation seems to get better and better. The controls are so smooth on the newest model, the cab is very comfortable and spacious. They are simply a pleasure to operate.”

Supplied by BLR’s local dealer Herbers Baumaschinen from Lingen, the SK210-11E is the latest in a growing fleet of Kobelco excavators to join the fleet and the fifth of this particular model, showing just how much of a good impression it has made on the company.

Klaus Gilbers is BLR’s salesman and states, “We have received excellent feedback from BLR on the SK210-11E as well as other customers in the region. The combination of a reliable and well-made machine with a fuel-efficient engine and a cab that the operator likes seems to have gone down well with German customers.” BLR not only operate five SK210-11E excavators, but they also have the same number of larger SK350-11 models and have also added smaller machines to the large fleet in the shape of Kobelco’s popular SK58SRX-7 and an SK85MSR-7 models. “We have found the Kobelco products to be very robust and reliable machines.” Frank from BLR commented. “Our operators like the comfort and ease of operation and we like the low cost of ownership they bring.

We also have a good relationship with the dealer.

They are always available to talk and if we have any issues, no matter how small, they are always available to sort them out for us.”

The SK210-11E is the latest generation of the Japanese manufacturer’s range of excavators. Following in the footsteps of the previous generations, Kobelco designers have built a machine around a tried and tested fuelefficient engine. In the case of the -11E model, this particular SK210 uses a 4.5 litre Yanmar diesel developing 127kW with peak power 805Nm delivered at just 1500rpm. Such power delivery at low engine rpm means heavy digging operations can be achieved with minimal fuel consumption resulting in a very clean and emissions friendly machine. Talking of emissions, the SK210-11E meets all of the current European legislation at Stage V with the help of a DPF and AdBlue system. Replacement interval times of the DPF has been increased over the previous model reducing downtime and expense.

As Frank had mentioned, the cab on the SK210-11E has been improved over the previous model with the new, full colour screen providing a host of valuable information on the wellbeing of the excavator. At over 300mm, the large screen can be customised to provide a range of often used shortcuts allowing settings to be changed at the press of an icon on the screen.

An automotive-style jog dial allows Frank to easily scroll through the menu to select each function he requires. This includes the ability to save any particular pre-sets required to alter flow and pressure rates for hydraulic attachments. The monitor can also be customised to show a range of camera views including the Eagle-Eye view making it easy for Frank to see any obstacles, or people entering the working zone of his machine. The revised layout inside the cab offers the operator easy navigation for any functions they require. A fully adjustable, high-quality seat from Grammer combined with adjustable joysticks allows Frank to set up his own preferred operating position with ease. Strategically placed venting not only ensures he stays warm or cool depending on the temperature, but it also allows for quick and effective de-misting of the windows.

Each generation seems to get better and better...

As the machine will work on demolition operations on a regular basis, BLR have opted to fit Kobelco’s front guard to reduce the potential damage from errant materials. Externally, the SK210-11E has been upgraded with a full suite of LED lights including two fitted to the counterweight to illuminate the area behind the machine.

“It can get very dark in the German countryside during the winter months.” Frank adds. “Having a good set of lights externally is important to us.”

The SK210-11E can be specified with a variety of digging equipment including a 16m long reach and variable boom option. BLR have opted for the standard 5.65m mono boom fitted with a 2.94m arm, Verachtert CW40 hydraulic quick coupler and usually carries a heavy-duty 1.4m3 bucket. This particular set-up allows them to undertake almost any job they are entrusted with. To make the machine even more versatile, a full line of additional hydraulic lines is fitted to the boom and arm which allows Frank to utilise a range of hydraulic demolition attachments when they are required.

The project, on which we met with Frank, was about 10km North of Münster where BLR had been contracted to undertake the earthworks package for the installation of a new wind turbine. Germany is one of the leading European countries moving away from fossil fuels to more renewable sources of energy. Now in the final stages of the work, Frank and his Kobelco were employed in reinstating the ground around the huge steel tower of the turbine.

FRANK LOHMANN OPERATOR 53 BLR

Material excavated to form the foundations for the tower had been stockpiled just a few metres away allowing the huge reinforced concrete structure to be cast. Once the tower installation had been completed, the BLR team returned to site with one of the Kobelco SK350-11 excavators, Frank’s SK210-11E, a tractor and dump trailer to complete the work. The SK350-11 was tasked with loading the stockpiled material onto the dump trailer for the short trip to the turbine. However, Frank’s task was to spread the material out and compact it over the reinforced concrete base spreading it out to meet the existing crops in the fields surrounding the turbine and the new access road.

With the popularity of the new -11E machines gaining pace, Germany will soon be seeing more happy operators just like Frank.