PERFECT PARTNER

One of Kobelco’s mottos declares that its machines are ‘built for perfectionists’ and that rings true for operators like Ernst Jan Kleine who takes great pride in what he does, specialising in earthworks contracts, specifically cable and pipeline installations.

Awesome Earthmovers caught up with Ernst when visiting the Netherlands recently to find out why he holds the Kobelco brand in high regard. Speaking about his new Kobelco SK26SR-7 mini excavator, supplied by the Kemp Group in Ommen, he says it has been a perfect partner, “It meets all our expectations.”

Ernst, who operates a small but efficient team, was working on a project alongside a canal bordering a busy road at Noordscheschut, a village in the municipality of Hoogeveen where he was replacing and re-positioning an existing cable that ran too close to the water’s edge. A sheet pile wall is being installed there, so in the interests of safety and to prevent potential damage, the new cable was being buried beneath the road.

Given the restricted work area where traffic control measures also had to be put in place, the Kobelco SK26SR-7mini excavator has proven to be perfect for the task in hand, inheriting as it does the same enhanced design and operator comfort found in Kobelco’s larger machines.

Ernst previously operated an SK17SR-E mini excavator, and appreciating its reliability, handling and performance, he had no hesitation in upgrading to the SK26SR-7. “The new machine has been performing excellently.

In terms of capacity, it meets all our expectations in handling what is a significant workload.”

Efficient & Productive

Powered by a 19Kw Yanmar 3TNV88, four-cycle, water-cooled, direct injection diesel engine, which complies with EU Stage V exhaust emission regulations, it is packed with improvements that enhance efficiency and productivity. Its compact footprint means it can successfully operate in the tightest of working environments. Its integrated-flow pump system, which sustains maximum power to the boom, arm, and bucket circuit, delivers a smooth, responsive performance.

“Both my groundworker and I enjoy working with it,” says Ernst, who adds: “I am extremely satisfied with the Kobelco SK26SR-7 and quite honestly, we wouldn’t know what to improve, because it has everything we need, including a spacious and quiet, well equipped cab.”

Among notable features are those designed to contribute to the operator’s working environment, such as a proven Grammer suspension seat which is fitted as standard, offering a reclining mechanism and shock absorber that enhance comfort levels, while enlarged wrist rests keep the operator’s forearms in a stable position, reducing fatigue during operation, and allowing stable operation. In addition to a DAB+ FM/AM radio, the cab is also fitted with a Smartphone holder/USB/AUX port.

“THE KOBELCO SK26SR-7 HAS BEEN PERFORMING EXCELLENTLY. IN TERMS OF CAPACITY, IT MEETS ALL OUR EXPECTATIONS IN HANDLING WHAT IS A SIGNIFICANT WORKLOAD.”

VIEW GALLERY

Ernst Jan Kleine Owner Kleine Dienstverlening

An air conditioning system enables the operator to work through all sorts of weather. In addition, the defrosters placed in front, right and back have also been improved to ensure visibility during the extreme cold winter months.

Dials and buttons are backlit to provide a bright, clear view in any lighting condition. A colour display with good readability comes as standard and shows various information such as operating history, maintenance cycle, and fuel and water temperature gauges. It can also be used to adjust the hydraulic oil flow to the attachments.

The hinged door on the cab and flip-up left console with integrated pilot control lock lever allows for easy entry and exit from the cab. The right side window can slide open from the front or the back for increased ventilation and for communication with those working in close proximity to the machine, while the wiper mount is positioned on the upper right of the cab support and together with an enlarged skylight opening, it offers excellent visibility to the front and above.

The excavator has two working modes: one for maximum power, and ECO-mode for increased fuel economy. There is also an auto deceleration function which also saves fuel and reduces noise by lowering engine speed to idle.

Another big benefit for Ernst is that the excavator, weighing just 2,580 kg, is easily transported from one project to another on a 3.5-ton trailer with plenty of room to spare for the simultaneous transport of a bucket or other attachment.

Service & Support

He says service and support from local Kobelco dealer Kemp Groep cannot be faulted. Indeed, the company, which operates from six branches in the Netherlands, distinguishes itself in the market by a high level of service.

The business was founded in 1953 by Barend Kemp who began as a metalworker and also focused on the repair of agricultural equipment, moving on to modify tractors to excavators. With the acquisition of a number of dealerships and importer rights, Kemp has grown over the years to become one of the country’s leading companies in the earthmoving machinery market.