While it\u2019s true that 2020 has presented some unprecedented global challenges, it is also a year of celebration for Kobelco Construction Machinery (KCM). This year marks 90 years since the manufacturer created Japan\u2019s first electric mining shovel in 1930, an innovation that would go on to have a significant impact on both the business and the worldwide construction industry.<\/p>\n
Kobelco\u2019s success can largely be attributed to the Japanese manufacturer\u2019s unrivalled reputation for building enduring, long-lasting, low maintenance machinery that can withstand some of the toughest job site conditions. For 90 years, quality has been Kobelco\u2019s priority and this philosophy has never changed, despite the ever-changing and increasingly difficult economy.<\/p>\n
| \n Kobelco \u2013 the early years<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n From the development of the first electric mining excavator and the introduction of the first hydraulic machine, Kobelco\u2019s history is packed with \u2018firsts\u2019.<\/p>\n In 1930, Kobelco created Japan\u2019s first electric mining shovel, which paved the way for all future Kobelco construction machinery and set the tone for decades of pioneering technological developments.<\/p>\n By 1960, Kobelco completed the Okubo factory and manufacturing of construction machinery began. Today, this factory still exists and is dedicated to the production of Kobelco cranes. It is one of four Kobelco factories in Japan.<\/p>\n In 1967, the first crawler-type hydraulic excavator was produced by using Kobelco-own technology, the H208, kickstarting another 40 years of Kobelco innovation with the release of the SK-New MARKII series of hydraulic excavators (1987), the urban-type hydraulic excavator “Acera” series (1989) and the “Beetle” series of short rear tail swing mini excavators (1996).<\/p>\n Over the last two decades, Kobelco has remained at the forefront of excavator technology \u2013 its hi-tech Itsukaichi factory now plays a key role as the production base for Kobelco excavators and the development of advanced technology.<\/p>\n One of Kobelco\u2019s most important innovations to date has been the development of hybrid technology \u2013 Kobelco was the first major excavator manufacturer to instigate hybrid development in 1999. This forward thinking led to the reveal of a hybrid excavator (HE-01) in 2007, followed by sales of the hybrid excavator 80H (8-tonne class) in 2010. Demand for a larger category hybrid machine was realised with the SK200H-9 \u2013 Kobelco\u2019s first 20-tonne class hybrid excavator, before the SK210HLC-10 was launched in 2017 \u2013 the world\u2019s first hybrid excavator to use lithium-ion technology.<\/p>\n In recent years, Kobelco has also become synonymous with demolition technology. The manufacturer had carved out a reputation as a market leader for demolition equipment in Japan and even built (at that time) the world\u2019s highest building demolition machine (SK3500D) in 2006. However, Kobelco\u2019s product development teams wanted to find a way to maximise productivity on demolition job sites and set about developing a machine structure with a common-use type base boom and interchangeable attachments, allowing one machine to be adapted to multiple specifications. The SK350DLC-10, SK400DLC-10 and SK550DLC-10 demolition machines all feature Kobelco\u2019s proven NEXT system for both high elevation and foundation demolition work, giving the operator the ability to change tools on site and work at multiple heights with a single machine.<\/p>\n In 2007, Kobelco released a short rear tail swing hydraulic excavator with a new Integrated Noise & Dust Reduction (iNDr) cooling system. This superior method of noise suppression promotes low noise, exceptional engine cooling, enhanced reliability, minimal machine downtime and a more comfortable working environment for the operator. Today, this innovative technology can be found in many mini, midi and medium-sized excavators.<\/p>\n Today\u2019s Kobelco now operates in over 100 countries with almost 480 dealers and 8,000 employees worldwide.<\/p>\n “Ever since producing our first large domestic electric shovel 90 years ago in 1930, we have continued to create a wide variety of products to meet customer demands by adapting to our environment and developing new technologies. This \u201cuser hands-on approach\u201d has always been in our DNA \u2013 we continually strive to be a company that brings satisfaction to our customers by always providing new and innovative solutions.\u201d Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. President and CEO, Yoshinori Onoe<\/p>\n A major milestone for Kobelco in the last decade was the reestablishment of the Kobelco Construction Machinery Europe B.V. (KCME) headquarters in Almere, the Netherlands in 2013. Over the past seven years, this important base has provided an efficient and responsive service and full aftersales support for its European customers across 64 dealers and 270 outlets in 60 countries.<\/p>\n From Kobelco\u2019s parent company\u2019s infrastructure to its construction machinery products and aftersales service network, everything about Kobelco is built to last. This important message is the key driver that fuels Kobelco\u2019s growth in Europe and can be seen in its reliable, Japanese-built machinery as well as the comprehensive network of trusted, authorised dealers and efficient parts and service distribution. KCME\u2019s commitment to the European market is also reinforced by its participation at key European events including BAUMA, Intermat and SaMoTer and dealer support activities.<\/p>\n \u201cEurope is a region of huge significance for Kobelco. Since our reestablishment in Almere in 2013, we have been working hard to build the foundations for a strong and successful business and are very proud of how much has been achieved over the past seven years.” KCME Managing Director, Makoto Kato<\/p>\n www.kobelco-europe.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" |