We are proud of our hydraulic excavators for their low fuel consumption, low noise generation, and engines that emit clean exhaust gas, and we will continue to improve on these efficiencies.
Kobelco India - E. Moses, Executive Vice President Division Head
Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. strives to create further value and build affluent societies as a construction machinery manufacturer whose flagship products are excavators and cranes. The company aims to meet customer needs by providing stand-out products, exclusive services, and innovative solutions, by successfully incorporating new technologies such as ICT and IoT into the existing environmental technologies for low fuel consumption and noise, and for advanced manufacturing know-how.
Making huge strides in hybrid and electric technologies
Kobelco’s research and development team aims to create distinctive products and technologies and strengthen manufacturing capabilities. This is because innovation and technology are at the heart of Kobelco philosophy. Our Product Development Engineering Division and Advanced Technology Engineering Department in Japan were set up to help support the future of Kobelco construction machinery through the development of new and innovative technologies. Over the years, this support has enabled Kobelco to make huge strides in hybrid and electric technologies, as well as develop innovative hydraulic systems for promoting low fuel consumption. In fact, Kobelco is one of the first companies to use CRI engines for industrial applications and to provide AIS (Auto Idle Stop) features to save not only fuel but also to reduce the impact on the environment. Kobelco is also focusing on using less metal and shifting to alternate materials like high quality fibre and alloys.
Bringing value to customers
The company has a global system to meet the needs of different regions and applications; it involves establishing a network of local subsidiaries and distributors in locations worldwide. Our excavators are developed after thorough investigation and analysis of on-site conditions and applications. Kobelco’s iNDr (Integrated Noise and Dust Reduction Cooling System) in our short rear tail swing and ultra-short swing excavators, are the quietest in the industry during operations. Kobelco’s Generation 10 series delivers a set of values such as fuel efficiency, faster operating cycles, highly durable structures, enhanced filtration systems, lower carbon footprint, longer service life of all major components, etc, all of which are delivering tremendous value to customers.
Improving fleet management with connected machines
Telematics was introduced in our machines in India almost a decade back, but it took some time for users to recognize its value in improving their fleet management. The increased use of telematics data by machine owners is thanks to the cell phone, as they can now view their machines’ location and performance information such as utilization, idle time, fuel consumption, operating mode, service maintenance warnings, etc. from any place.
Kobelco machines are 10th Generation Machines that are at par with global technology, and are manufactured under global quality standards. They have been introduced with advanced telematic Geoscan App-enabled aftermarket support, globally communicating platforms, etc. Additionally, Geoscan has self-diagnostic tools that warn the support staff via error codes so that they may resolve them even remotely.
IoT is also a typical element in most modern machines where different parts may connect with one another and provide optimum productivity. A sizable collection of data produced from each machine is then properly examined. Owners of the machines are informed of insightful summaries and trends that helps them boost the effectiveness, functionality, and maintenance of their machines. Remote controlled machines are also quite popular in Japan, but they may not come to India soon in the coming years due to our industry being highly price sensitive. Using the machine in an optimized way reduces carbon footprints, increases product efficiency, and reduces fuel consumption.
Bright future for EVs in India
Kobelco’s long-term objective is to further expand its machinery line-up to include more advanced technologies, including electric-driven excavators, in its pursuit of promoting a sustainable society. In India, EV is still at a nascent stage and a major hindrance to its adoption is the anxiety linked to EV charging infrastructure and issues such as high costs, high power consumption, charger compatibility, and so on. However, with growing awareness, the future of EVs in India looks brighter. As an innovative and forward-thinking manufacturer, we are always looking for new ways to make our construction machinery as powerful and efficient as possible, while reducing our carbon footprint.
The Kobelco Group has set targets for 2030 and a vision for 2050 from two angles: reducing CO2 emissions in our production processes and contributing to reduction of CO2 emissions through our distinctive technologies, products, and services. Kobelco Construction Machinery Europe B.V. unveiled its first mini excavator (SK17SR) fitted with an all-electric drive in 2019 at Munich. The Electric powered 17SR is made to deliver zero emissions, extremely low noise operation, and reduced life cycle costs. Our objective is to manufacture a fully electric mini excavator with a long-life battery.
