(May-2015) The newest addition to the Loadex hire fleet, the 48-tonne Kobelco SK500LC-9 excavator could save contractors up to $100 a day in fuel, according to Loadex Hire manager Clayton Van Geest.
Loadex Hire has branches in Perth and Adelaide and has owned more than 100 Kobelco excavators over the past 20 years. Loadex Hire in WA purchased two new SK500LC-9 models late last year, and Clayton says the fuel efficiency of the new machines is delivering big savings to customers.
“With these new excavators you get the same or better production as the older model but you’re using a third less fuel. That’s a lot when you’re talking about $200-$300 in fuel per day,” he says. “As fuel gets more expensive, fuel economy is now a significant factor in contracting costs.”
The SK500LC-9 comes with a range of features, including a full-sized, air-conditioned ROPS/FOPS cabin, lift safety valves on the boom and arm, steel tracks and bi-directional attachment/breaker plumbing.
Loadex Hire’s two new machines are a step up from the proven Kobelco SK480LC model and have been safety upgraded by Loadex Hire to ensure compliance with industry safety standards
“The SK480LC was a well-received model but the new ones are even better on fuel consumption, power and safety with rear-view cameras,” Clayton says.
He says Kobelco is a popular choice within the hire industry, particularly for clients in the civil construction, local government, roads and mining industries.
“Reliability in the hire game is a big factor, as equipment really gets put through its paces. Kobelcos are very robust and we’ve had very little trouble with them over the years. They’re strong and easy to use and Kobelco is a market leader in fuel economy and hydraulics, which shut down automatically when the machine is in idle.”
While the civil and construction markets have slowed down in Western Australia in recent months, Clayton says Loadex Hire is still seeing good demand for its new Kobelco excavators.
“Some contractors just really love the efficiency and reliability of the Kobelco products Loadex provide and that has really been good for us,” he says.
“Kobelco has been great for Loadex Hire’s business over the years and has always offered full support for its products. The exceptional reliability of the design and construction of Kobelco machinery means we have never had to call on them much for repairs.”