Kobelco SK35SR Mini excavators research

Overview

The Kobelco SK35SR-5 mini excavator offers reliable short-radius agility and a balance of performance and compact design. Released in 2016, this machine shares many of the characteristics of the later SK35SR-6 model but lacks some of the latest refinements. It remains a solid choice for jobs requiring a small, efficient excavator, especially for those with tight workspaces and modest fuel consumption demands.

What's new

While it’s not the latest model, the SK35SR-5 introduced several safety features and functional improvements when it launched. The machine includes ROPS/TOPS protection, ensuring greater operator safety. Optional equipment such as steel tracks, dozer blade, and a cab with air conditioning were notable upgrades.

Optional equipment

• Rear-view mirror,
• 2-way piping (foot control),
• ROPS/FOPS cab with air conditioning,
• Rubber or steel tracks (300 mm),
• Dozer blade.

Efficiency & performance

In terms of performance, the SK35SR-5 stands solid, even if it lacks the hydraulic refinements found in the SK35SR-6. Its 38.4 l/min double-pump system is capable but not as fuel-efficient as the newer model’s triple-pump setup. The SK35SR-5 still offers sufficient digging power, with a vertical reach of 5.1 meters, a dumping height of 4.6 meters, and a digging depth of 2.85 meters. Its zero tail-swing design allows it to navigate tight workspaces, but the fuel consumption is not as optimized as in the SK35SR-6.

The machine can be transported easily, with its height of around 2.5 meters, allowing it to be loaded on an LCV, making mobilization cost-effective for small contractors.

Interior

The cabin of the SK35SR-5 was designed with operator comfort in mind but is not as refined as the later model. The cab offers decent visibility, especially from the front, but lacks the extended window areas featured in the SK35SR-6. The seat is durable and water-resistant but lacks some of the ergonomic features of the newer build.

Operator controls

Controls in the SK35SR-5 are intuitive, with easily accessible levers and pedals. The machine also comes with a wide-opening cab door for ease of entry and exit. However, the climate controls are positioned less optimally, which might obstruct access in cramped situations. The swing joystick and dozer blade control work well, but they lack some of the fine-tuned proportional controls found in later models.

Cab comfort

The cab is equipped with basic features like a coat hook, a heater, and a functional radio with AUX connectivity. The front window design, while adequate, isn’t as fluid in operation as the gas-assisted system found in the SK35SR-6.

Safety

The SK35SR-5 is equipped with ROPS/TOPS guard protection, ensuring a safe operating environment. The boom, arm, and swing bracket feature robust cross-sections for additional attachment strength. Hydraulic lines are routed through protected areas of the swing bracket, minimizing damage risks in rough conditions. However, it lacks some of the structural refinements present in the SK35SR-6.

In comparison

While the SK35SR-5 comes with a more powerful 30.1 hp Yanmar 3TNV88 engine compared to the 24.2 hp engine on the SK35SR-6, it uses more fuel and doesn’t benefit from the advanced triple-pump hydraulic system found in the newer model. The hydraulic flow rate is 38.4 l/min compared to the SK35SR-6’s 58.6 l/min, making the older model less efficient in heavy-duty tasks. Still, for its time, the SK35SR-5 offered good performance and operational flexibility.

Verdict

The Kobelco SK35SR-5 remains a dependable choice for contractors needing a compact, zero tail-swing excavator for tight spaces. While it lacks the modern refinements of the SK35SR-6, it offers decent power and hydraulic performance for most light to moderate-duty tasks. It’s a suitable option for small-scale operators looking for a cost-effective machine with proven reliability.