April 22, 2009

World Premiere at Intermat 2009: KOBELCO SL4500
Kobelco Cranes targets 400 tonne class

KOBELCO CRANES has unveiled its new 400t capacity model SL4500 in Paris at Intermat, the international construction equipment show, alongside two other key models in its world-leading range of lattice-boom crawler cranes: the 250t CKE2500-2 and the highly versatile ‘compact’ 60t capacity CKE600.

As one of the world’s largest supplier of multi-purpose lattice boom crawler cranes, and with strategies for continuing product and market development, Kobelco Cranes is in a strong position to respond positively in the current volatile market conditions. The company has almost 80 years of experience as a manufacturer of construction equipment, and its policy in crane design continues to be concentrated on reliability and versatility with features such as fast and easy transportation and on-site assembly, combined with economy, low-maintenance operation and high resale value – providing true value for money and a high return on investment for buyers.

Kobelco’s current programme of redesigning, upgrading and improving its crane models from 300 tonnes to 800 tonnes has resulted in the introduction of the entirely new 400 tonne model SL4500, with its world launch at Intermat.

The full Intermat display includes:

• SL4500: the brand new SL4500 with a max. Lifting capacity of 400 tonnes and a max. Load-moment of 4,700 tm, was developed in response to demand and in close cooperation with several key buyers around the world. Max. SHL (super heavy-lift) configuration is 84m main boom with 54m luffing jib, or 78m main boom with 66m luffing jib, resulting in an impressive 144m total boom length.
  Kobelco has designed this 400 tonne crane with an impressive spec, and with the intention of making it the leader in this important size-class, as it has with the CKE2500-2.
   

• CKE2500-2 - the highly successful 250t CKE2500-2 has maintained Kobelco’s lead in this equally important size-class, built on a reputation for the smooth and efficient operation of the hydraulic system, and setting new standards in operator comfort and convenience. It is self-sufficient – being capable of un-aided self-erection, including installation and removal of all counterweights and crawler frames, and the equally smooth 247kW engine complies with Stage 3 noise and emission regulations.
   

• CKE600, the impressive Multi-purpose 60t ‘compact’ Crawler Crane is equipped with optional tractor-type crawlers. Another attractive option on the CKE600 is the ‘2 cranes in 1’ system, whereby this crane can be used or hired out either as a 60 tonner with full counterweight, or as 45 tonner with reduced counterweight and lifting table. With the 6.2t rear counterweight left off, it makes the crane easier and less costly to transport and reduces the operating weight (which is also an advantage when working on a barge).

Key features of CKE600, CKE2500-2 and SL4500

The CKE600, CKE2500-2 and SL4500 provide the ideal combination of heavy-duty performance, economical operation and tough durability with excellent duty charts. Main features of these fully loaded models are:

• Operator comfort – It is well known that performance is directly related to operator comfort, and Kobelco cranes are famous for unrivalled smoothness while performing multi-function crane operations. The 7-way adjustable luxury seat, provides the ideal balance between comfort and ergonomics. In addition, the beamless construction of the cab roof and front window provides a clear, unrestricted field of view, both up and down.
   

• New powerful, fuel efficient, environment-friendly Stage 3 engines – quiet running, water-cooled HINO engines with direct fuel injection, intercooler and turbo-charger provide all the power needed for lifting, swinging and travelling.
  The SL4500 is equipped with an extremely powerful 320kW power unit, the CKE2500-2 has 247kW, and the CKE600 has 159kW. All engines are in compliance with Stage 3 (EUR 3) American and European Emission regulations.
  Engine speed, hydraulic flow and pressure demands are coordinated by the computer-controlled Engine Speed Sensing (ESS) system, reducing speed changes in simultaneous operations to give smoother, more efficient performance.
  
  
• Easy, efficient transport and fast assembly/disassembly
  Crawler side frames, lower (and upper) boom remain on the CKE600 during transport, and with a transport weight of 40.5 tonne (41.5t with crawlers), the CKE600 can travel and load itself onto a trailer, and rapidly install its own counterweight on site.
  On the CKE2500-2, the in-built vertical hydraulic cylinders (translifters) are used for fast self-assembly. When the crane, with a transport weight of 44.9t, arrives at the jobsite on the low loader, it is ready to lift itself clear from the trailer, and if required, can start the complete self-assembly of crawlers, boom, jib and counterweight, without the need for an assistance crane. After stacking up its own counterweight the CKE2500-2 installs the rear counterweight, by lifting it hydraulically into position.
  
  
• An Inching control reduces the machine’s hydraulic functions (excluding swing) to 1/3 of normal speed, for precise positioning and maneuvering.
   

• Large, extra-wide main and auxiliary drum capacities promote ultra-smooth operation and enhanced component service life, especially of wire rope and drum. The winches are virtually maintenance free, and the multi-disc drum brakes are self-adjusting and self-equalizing. Forced oil circulation keeps brake temperatures cooler during long, continuous operations and maximizes smooth brake operation. The completely sealed hydraulic system eliminates the possibility of outside contamination, providing years of problem-free service life. An optional full-sized third winch, located behind the auxiliary drum, enables the use of an extensive selection of attachments.
  
  

Model	Engine power	Rated line poll	Min-Max line speed	Rope dia.
CKE600	159kw	69.0kN(7.0tf)	3-120 m/min	22mm
CKE2500-2	247kW	132kN(135tf)	3-110 m/min	25mm
SL4500	320kW	137kN(14.0tf)	3-130 m/min	28mm

• Optional free fall system is available on main and auxiliary winches of CKE600 and CKE2500-2.

Kobelco is renowned for smart engineering – aiming to increase versatility and flexibility with productivity-boosting technical advances – from advanced winch systems to the self-diagnostic multi-display monitors. All designes to give users a competitive edge and provide top performance.