Kobelco expands its range

New models for demolition

With a maximum operating weight of 140 tonnes, the Kobelco SK1300DLC has been one of Europe’s largest demolition excavators since 2021. With the NEXT interchangeable boom, it can also be used very efficiently at ground level

The new generation of the Kobelco SK1300DLC continues to offer a 40-m pin height and, thanks to high tool weights, also enables efficient operation at great heights

The Kobelco SK650DLC is the fifth model in the
“Demolition” series. The 80-tonne machine – shown here with a short NEXT boom –
impresses with high attachment weights and a large working radius thanks to its wide undercarriage

Kobelco is also very successful in the European demolition market with its standard machines – here the top-of-the-range SK850LC

Made in Japan: The “short-tail, long-front” SK135SRDLC attracted considerable interest at the last bauma, including from the European demolition sector

The urban mining sector with demolition and recycling has long since overtaken the traditional mining and quarrying sector as the most important target market for heavy hydraulic excavators, particularly when considering machines in the 30 to 50-tonne class. However, sales figures in the heavier weight classes are also converging significantly due to the growing use of specialised equipment for high-reach demolition.

With more than 30 models ranging from 1 to 140 tonnes, Kobelco offers one of the widest ranges of crawler excavators worldwide. The company’s high level of specialisation in the demolition sector has historical roots in its home market of Japan: Densely built-up cities and earthquake-resistant construction methods necessitated specialised demolition technologies there from an early stage. Since the late 1970s, Kobelco has developed the precursors to modern high-reach excavators and has also adapted its standard machines to the high demands of demolition with robust undercarriages, durable working equipment and powerful hydraulics. With thousands of mini-excavators deployed for safe inner building works, as well as outstanding top-of-the-range models such as the 65-m SK3500D introduced in 2005, Kobelco holds a leading position in the Japanese demolition market with a market share of 40 % and above.

Development in Europe

Until the late 1990s, Kobelco was not yet represented in Europe with dedicated demolition equipment. It was mostly dealers who supplied customised machines based on standard models for national and regional markets. With its re-entry as an independent supplier from 2013 onwards, the Japanese manufacturer then established itself in the European demolition business. A milestone came in 2017 with the launch of the Demolition series featuring NEXT interchangeable booms, which enabled flexible working at various heights as well as effective material handling on the ground. At the same time, the particularly cost-effective standard excavators from 40 tonnes upwards became increasingly widespread among demolition contractors.

Today, the demolition sector – after road construction and civil engineering – ranks among Kobelco’s most important sales markets in Europe. In Germany, the market share currently stands at around 10 %. The segment has recently proved particularly resilient to economic downturns, as investments in more powerful machines and processes pay for themselves quickly here.

Model development and market strategy

Kobelco plans to further strengthen its market position. In addition to the well-known Demolition series, the range also includes models with straight booms in the 28 to 39-tonne weight classes. Compared to standard machines, these models offer up to 25 % greater working height, improved visibility of the work area and are delivered ex-works with demolition-ready equipment – including cab guards, protective devices for the hydraulic system and cylinders, reinforced undercarriages, and additional lighting.

These models were developed in close consultation with European market requirements: dealers who previously offered custom modifications can now provide their customers with OEM-based solutions with significantly shorter delivery times.

Another example of technology transfer between regions is the SK135SRDLC-7, which is already successful in Japan. The short-tail excavator, weighing around 18.5 tonnes and equipped with a long-front configuration, achieves a pin height of 11.5 m and allows the use of tools weighing up to 1.5 t – ideal conditions for confined inner-city construction sites. Initial feedback from Europe is promising.

New models in the demolition range

Kobelco has announced a new generation of its Demolition machines for 2026. The existing range, comprising four models with total weights between 45 and 140 tonnes, is being expanded. The machines achieve boom heights of between 21 and 40 m and are designed for heavy tool weights as well as the flexible use of quick-change couplers. The proven NEXT quick-change system enables rapid conversion from high-reach to short-boom configurations – a decisive advantage for logistics and utilisation in urban demolition.

Particular attention is being paid to the new generation of the top-of-the-range SK1300DLC and the newly introduced Kobelco SK650DLC. Both feature new engines, redesigned safety cabins and numerous driver assistance systems. With a maximum boom height of 40 m and an attachment weight of 4.3 tonnes, the SK1300DLC continues to set the benchmark in the high-reach segment. Thanks to revised hydraulics, booms can be changed more quickly, enabling efficient work with 10-tonne attachments at heights of 20 m or depths of 10 m.

The new SK650DLC impresses in the 80-tonne class with tool weights of 3700 kg at a pin height of 28 m and 6100 kg in the shorter configuration with a reach of 17.6 m. A hydraulically assisted boom change and an undercarriage with a variable width of 3.18 to 4.20 m, extendable from the cab, further enhance stability – particularly during side-facing operations.