Used Kobelco SK135 Excavator

Reading: 23

🏢 Overview

The Kobelco SK135 is a mid-size hydraulic excavator manufactured by Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. (a subsidiary of Kobe Steel, Japan). It belongs to Kobelco's renowned SK Series, which is famous for fuel efficiency, durability, and operator comfort. The SK135 sits in the 13–14 ton class, making it ideal for general construction, road building, utilities, landscaping, and medium-scale excavation work.

📋 Key Specifications

Parameter	Details
Model	SK135SR / SK135SR-5 / SK135LC
Operating Weight	~13,300 – 14,000 kg (29,300 – 30,900 lbs)
Engine	Isuzu AA-4HK1XQP (Turbocharged, Intercooled, 4-cylinder diesel)
Engine Power	~74 – 86 kW (100 – 115 HP) @ 2,000 rpm
Fuel Tank Capacity	~250 L (66 US gal)
Hydraulic Tank	~130 L
Bucket Capacity (Standard)	0.4 – 0.55 m³ (0.52 – 0.72 cu yd)
Max Digging Depth	~6,000 – 6,500 mm (19.7 – 21.3 ft)
Max Digging Reach	~8,700 – 9,000 mm (28.5 – 29.5 ft)
Max Digging Height	~8,700 mm (28.5 ft)
Max Dump Height	~6,300 mm (20.7 ft)
Swing Speed	~10 rpm
Travel Speed	~4.8 km/h (3.0 mph)
Ground Pressure	~43 – 46 kPa
Boom / Arm / Bucket	5-piece boom + 2.9m arm (varies by config)

🔧 Engine & Powertrain

Feature	Detail
Engine Brand	Isuzu
Model	AA-4HK1XQP (Euro Stage V / EPA Tier 4 Final)
Displacement	5.2 L
Cylinders	4 (inline, turbocharged & intercooled)
Emission Standard	Stage V (EU) / Tier 4 Final (US)
Aftertreatment	DPF + SCR (DEF/AdBlue system)
Fuel Efficiency	One of the best in its class — Kobelco's "i-EGR" and "ECO mode" technology

⚡ The SK135 is specifically engineered for low fuel consumption, which is a hallmark of the SK series.

🏗️ Variants / Models

Variant	Description
SK135SR	Short Radius — compact swing radius, ideal for tight spaces & urban work
SK135SR-5	5th Generation — updated cab, electronics, and engine
SK135SRLC-5	Long Counterweight — extra stability for heavy lifting / demolition
SK135LC	Long Counterweight variant — better for heavy-duty applications
SK135MSN-5	Narrow version (2,200 mm track width) — for very confined sites

🖥️ Technology & Features

1. Kobelco i-Monitor System

Real-time monitoring of engine performance, fuel consumption, hydraulic pressure, and working hours
Helps operators optimize efficiency

2. ECO Mode (2-Stage)

E-mode (Eco): Reduces engine RPM for light-load work → saves up to 15% fuel
P-mode (Power): Full power for heavy digging

3. Advanced Hydraulic System

Kobelco Smart System — auto-adjusts pump flow to match demand
Load-Sensing (LS) hydraulic system — precise control, less energy waste
Auto-Idle — engine automatically idles when not in use

4. Cab Comfort

Feature	Detail
Cab Type	ROPS/FOPS certified, spacious & quiet
Air Suspension Seat	Fully adjustable with armrests
Air Conditioning	Standard with heating
Display	7-inch LCD multi-function monitor
Joystick Controls	Pilot-operated with fine-touch response
Noise Level	~68 dB(A) — one of the quietest in class
Visibility	Large glass area, rear-view camera available

5. Safety Features

✅ ROPS/FOPS certified canopy
✅ Rear-view camera
✅ Auto-lubrication system
✅ Emergency stop switches
✅ Anti-theft immobilizer system

🛠️ Attachments & Versatility

The SK135 is highly versatile with quick coupler compatibility:

Attachment	Application
🪣 Standard Bucket	General excavation
🔨 Hydraulic Breaker (Hammer)	Demolition, rock breaking
🔧 Hydraulic Thumb	Grappling, sorting
🪚 Tilt Rotator	Precise placement, grading
🔩 Auger / Drill	Piling, foundation work
🪵 Grapple	Log handling, scrap
🧹 Bucket Rake	Landscaping, grading
🏗️ Compaction Plate	Compaction work

📊 Performance Comparison (vs Competitors)

Spec	SK135SR-5	CAT 314	Komatsu PC138	Volvo ECR145
Weight	~13,500 kg	~14,200 kg	~13,900 kg	~14,100 kg
Power	~86 kW (115 HP)	~74 kW (99 HP)	~74 kW (99 HP)	~86 kW (115 HP)
Fuel Efficiency	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cab Comfort	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Resale Value	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐

🏆 Kobelco SK135 is widely regarded as one of the most fuel-efficient and operator-friendly machines in the 13-ton class.

💰 Approximate Pricing (2024 estimates)

Market	Price Range (USD)
New (SK135SR-5)	$120,000 – $155,000
Used (2018–2022, 3,000–6,000 hrs)	$65,000 – $105,000
Rental (daily)	$400 – $700/day

(Prices vary by region, configuration, and dealer)

✅ Strengths (Pros)

✅	Description
&	Best-in-class fuel economy
🪑	Excellent operator comfort & low noise
🔧	Low maintenance cost, high reliability
📈	Strong resale value
🌍	Widely available parts & service network
🎯	Precise hydraulic control

⚠️ Limitations (Cons)

⚠️	Description
🏋️	Not the most powerful in class (vs CAT/Volvo)
📦	Limited availability in some markets (mainly Asia, Middle East, Australia, parts of Europe)
🔨	Short-radius version has limited reach for large-scale work

🌍 Markets & Availability

Region	Availability
🇯🇵 Japan	✅ Very strong (home market)
🇨🇳 China	✅ Widely available
🇦🇺 Australia	✅ Strong presence
🌏 Southeast Asia	✅ Very popular
🌍 Middle East	✅ Strong
🇪🇺 Europe	✅ Available (selected markets)
🇺🇸 North America	⚠️ Limited (mainly via dealers)

🎯 Ideal Applications

Application	Suitability
🏗️ General construction	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🛣️ Road building & maintenance	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
💧 Utility / Pipeline work	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌳 Landscaping & grading	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🏚️ Light demolition	⭐⭐⭐⭐
🪨 Quarrying	⭐⭐⭐ (better to go SK140+)
🏠 Residential excavation	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

🔚 Summary


Best For	Contractors who value fuel savings, comfort, and reliability over raw power
Class	13–14 ton mid-size excavator
Key Selling Point	🏆 Lowest operating cost in its class
Reputation	"The fuel-saving king" 👑

💡 Bottom Line: If you're looking for a reliable, fuel-efficient, and comfortable mid-size excavator for general construction work, the Kobelco SK135SR-5 is one of the top 3 choices in the world — right alongside the CAT 314 and Volvo ECR145.

Would you like more details on any specific aspect — like hydraulic flow rates, attachment compatibility, or comparison with a specific competitor? 🚜