A brand new Kobelco model from renowned distributors Tidd Ross Todd (TRT) is set to shake up the Australian market, offering greater reliability, versatility and performance.
For seven years, Kobelco’s CKE3000G has dominated international markets when it comes to the 300-tonne crane range. The unit’s success, namely in the United States, has led to a wider push and introduction to more markets.
Australia has only recently had the opportunity to get its hands on the CKE3000G, thanks in part to growing demand nationally for larger crawler cranes over 300 tonnes.
Troy Hand, Crane Sales and Pacific Islands Manager – TRT says customer expectations and feedback has pointed towards a greater need for larger and heavy-duty solutions.
“It really comes down to the strength of the crane,” he says. “The first thing that our customers look for are the load charts. Those in the industry already know the Kobelco brand, they understand the reliability, the smoothness of operation and the quality of the build.”
The CKE3000G standard specification has a maximum lifting capacity of 300 tonnes, combined with a maximum boom length of 90 metres with options for fixed jib, heavy fixed jib or luffing jib. The CKE3000G Heavy Lift/Super Heavy Lift Specification has a lifting capacity of 350 tonnes, combined with a maximum boom length of 102 metres with options for luffing jib.
Operators of the CKE3000G benefit from being able to operate the unit in standard crane, heavy lift and super heavy lift configurations, with options for luffing jib, heavy fixed jib and fixed jib.
The luffing jib itself can be used as a fixed, heavy-duty jib, with a single boom tip that can be used for both fixed and luffing configurations, increasing the crane’s versatility and working load limits. Maximum lifting capacity for luffing 120 tonnes, with a maximum luffing boom length of 84 metres and a maximum luffing jib length of 90 metres respectively.
Like the rest of TRT’s products, Kobelco’s CKE3000G has evolved over time, but quality, reliability and ease of use has remained consistent. This is thanks to the company’s systematic approach to improving its products without drastically changing the core design.
Features for all
A big focus during the design of the CKE3000G and wider CKE-G series was transportability. The entire crane series has been designed for easier transport, while ensuring safety during assembly and disassembly.
The design also helps to reduce associated costs for transport and storage. This is thanks to Kobelco’s upper frame design, with reduced body width. The CKE-G series also has a ‘self-removal device’, allowing components to be assembled and dissembled without the assistance of another crane. Other design tweaks, such as easy to remove side steps, easily transportable ‘nested boom’, and insertable boom handling lugs, further contribute to efficient transport and assembly.
“Like the rest of the TRT and Kobelco ranges, this unit is much easier to transport, thanks to it coming in under three metres. Disassembly and assembly are always a focus,” Hand says.
The environment was also a major consideration during development.
“A major focus has been placed around fuel and emission savings,” Hand says. “This model has the capability of running HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) diesel fuel, giving you reduced CO2 emissions compared to standard diesel, while keeping the service intervals the same. G Modes still run throughout the Kobelco range as well.”
G-Winch and G-Engine are two separate modes that aim to maximise the sustainable operation on every job site. The former allows the line to be raised or lowered at maximum line speed without raising engine speed, applying to lifts without or with a light load.
G-Engine helps to improve fuel consumption by at least 10 per cent thanks to the unit keeping the engine running within fuel-efficient parameters, by limiting maximum engine speed. Pump capacity is still controlled to maintain maximum winch speed for running or lifting. Another feature is Auto Idle Stop (AIS), which stops the engine automatically if the operator is waiting for another load to arrive, reducing energy consumption over the length of a day’s work. A new manual stop function can also help to reduce unnecessary fuel burn.
“Kobelco has put a big focus on reducing carbon emissions across the board,” Hand says. “It’s a space that Kobelco is committed to continue pushing into the future.”
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Safety and maintenance key
Hand says that on top of transportability and efficiency, significant investment and development has led to improvements in safe operation, both for the operator, and surrounding ground crews.
The field of view from the operator platform has been increased by about 28 per cent, compared to conventional cabin designs. The left window has also been lowered to increase left foot visibility. External alarms and visual cues while moving, or swinging notify those surrounding the area, while a function lock lever also prevents accidental operation. Hand says it’s safeguards and changes like this – some of which may not be obvious to the naked eye – that add up to a supreme crane unit package.
“If it’s worked, they’ve kept it. They’ve kept progressing on what’s worked and kept it simple,” Hand says.
He adds that this helps to create familiarity for operators who may be switching between different Kobelco models.
“When you sit in the cabin, the Kobelco’s layout are all the same. That’s the beauty of Kobelco, that operator familiarisation. [It] Doesn’t matter if it’s an 80 tonner or a 600 tonner, the layout is very similar,” he says.
Kobelco’s history and experience providing interchangeable components also aids maintenance and servicing, making it safer and easier to conduct servicing on site if required.
“It’s a very streamlined type of machine. A lot of the parts and sensors have remained as the machinery has evolved. So, if you have a fleet of Kobelco’s, it’s much easier to maintain,” Hand says. “They rarely break as it is.”
Counterweight detection, over-swing prevention and machine inclination sensor devices help to accurately diagnose main unit and attachment conditions. Hand says the secret to Kobelco’s quick and easy maintenance requirements are simplicity, standardisation and accessibility.
“There isn’t any computers or systems to log into to see error codes. It’s a very maintenance-friendly machine,” he says.
To assist further, each crane delivery comes with a Kobelco trained service technician to help with training, covering each phase of assembly, disassembly and maintenance, as well as general familiarisation to increase operator confidence. This is also tailored to each customer’s needs.
Working together
The CKE3000G is just one of many Kobelco models within TRT’s range, reflecting a partnership that’s prospered for years. Hand says the relationship adds to the product quality, customer trust and growth.
“It really feels like we’re part of a family,” he says. “Together we’ve gone from strength to strength, there’s great transparency and support from both sides. The relationship has opened a lot of doors. It strengthens our integrity as well with the products that we sell.”
Kobelco’s CKE3000G is now available for order in Australia.
This article was originally published in the March edition of our magazine. To read the magazine, click here.
