Earthmoving News

Digging and dozing; Kobelco launches unique new hybrid

Japanese equipment manufacturer, Kobelco has laid new ground in the Australian market with the launch of a unique 16 tonne digger/dozer hybrid; the ED160 Blade Runner.

The ED160 Blade Runner combines the digging power of the popular Kobelco SK135SR-3 excavator and a six-way power and tilt dozer blade. The blade is similar in size and volume to the blade on a 90 HP dozer.

Kobelco’s General Manager – Sales & Service, Doug McQuinn, says this machine will result in major cost savings for customers across the board.

“As a company, Kobleco’s focus has always been on helping our customers get their job done efficiently, safely and economically. With this innovative machine we’re ultimately delivering two powerful machines in one. The ED160 Blade Runner will do the same job an excavator and a dozer would do individually but with one machine. There are also savings in transporting only one machine to the job site,” says Doug.

The ED160 Blade Runner can be used anywhere an excavator or bulldozer would be deployed, for example cutting forest roads and associated drainage work, or stripping vegetation prior to digging trenches and laying pipes. The ED160 Blade Runner offers powerful digging together with fine grading capabilities to provide a one-machine solution on job sites.

“The ED160 is not just a versatile machine it’s a powerful one. Its undercarriage uses components from a 20 tonne excavator to provide 145kN of drawbar pulling force needed to push the larger blade.  It also boasts all the great features customers love about the SK135SR-3 including a spacious and comfortable cab, industry-leading fuel efficiency and Kobelco’s proprietary iNDr noise reduction system.”

The ED160 Blade Runner will be available for demonstrations starting in Sydney in late May. For more information contact your local Kobelco dealer.

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