Kobelco Crawler Cranes: Pioneering Heavy Lifting Technology

Since the early 1930s, Kobelco has become a name synonymous with innovation in heavy lifting technology, and has been a driving force in the crawler crane industry. From its early days, KOBELCO has set high standards for crane manufacturing, blending robust design with cutting-edge technology. Al Marwan Heavy Machinery, proud authorized distributors of KOBELCO in UAE and Oman, plays a pivotal role in bringing these top-tier Japanese crawler cranes to the construction sites. In this article, we'll delve into the world of Kobelco crawler cranes, highlighting their advanced technology and diverse applications. Showcasing how these cranes are reshaping the landscape of construction, marine works, and oil and gas, offering insights into their capabilities and the benefits they bring to various projects.

KOBELCO Cranes through the 20th Century

KOBELCO's journey in revolutionizing the crane industry began in 1953 with the introduction of the 6-ton 10KT and the 10-ton 20KT truck cranes in Japan, marking a significant milestone in their foray into crane manufacturing. This early success paved the way for a groundbreaking partnership in 1955, as KOBELCO signed a technical agreement with P&H in the United States. This alliance was instrumental in introducing advanced crane technologies to KOBELCO's burgeoning lineup, fueling a wave of innovation that would define the company's future.

In 1964, KOBELCO unveiled the 300 series of crawler and truck cranes, showcasing their commitment to broadening their range and capabilities. The innovation streak further accelerated in 1969 with the launch of the T series of hydraulic truck cranes, including the adaptable R150 rough-terrain crane. These models featured lifting capacities from 13 to 60 tons.

In 1984, KOBELCO took a significant leap with the 7000 series, entering the realm of fully hydraulic crawler cranes and setting a new industry benchmark. This was eclipsed in 1993 by the SL13000 super-large crawler crane, boasting a remarkable 800-ton lifting capacity. This model laid the groundwork for the later SL16000J-H, a large, fully-hydraulic 1,250-ton crawler crane, representing the zenith of KOBELCO’s engineering excellence. Each of these groundbreaking releases not only expanded KOBELCO’s portfolio but also reinforced their status as a top Japanese crawler crane manufacturer.

The Crawler Crane: Beyond Heavy Lifting

Unlike tower cranes, which are stationary and often anchored to structures, or mobile cranes, which are more road-friendly with subtypes like rough-terrain and all-terrain, crawler cranes bring something different to the table. They excel in traversing challenging terrains, including uneven, murky, sandy, or rugged landscapes, making them indispensable in diverse construction scenarios.

The ability of crawler cranes to move safely on various grounds is attributed to their track-based travel system, which distributes weight evenly, allowing for safer and more efficient operation on unstable terrains. It's this robust weight distribution design that makes crawler cranes like the 250-ton Kobelco 7250S have a ground pressure as low as 123 kPa. They are especially useful in construction sites outside urban areas, especially in regions with challenging landscapes such as deserts, common in the UAE and Oman.

Moreover, crawler cranes boast impressive adaptability. In some instances, their upper structure can be detached from the crawler chassis and mounted on barges and ships for maritime construction activities. This feature is crucial in offshore construction, such as setting up oil and gas drilling rigs or shipbuilding.

Some other applications that benefit from using the crawler crane would be bridge and road construction, heavy lifting and transport of oversized loads, such as steel beams, concrete blocks, and other large construction materials. They are also pivotal in agricultural projects, utility work like wind turbine installations, and even in complex demolition tasks.

KOBELCO Crane Lineup as Brought to You by Al Marwan

As Kobelco authorized distributors, we offer a range of OEM crawler cranes, each engineered for specific lifting needs. Our lineup includes the CKS800, CKS1350, and the 7250S models, each standing out for its unique capabilities and features:

1. The CKS800: Precision in Compact Form

The CKS800 has an operating weight of 75.1 tons and is powered by a diesel Hino J08E-VM engine, capable of delivering 213 kW at 2,100 rpm. With a fuel tank of 400 liters, it offers substantial operational duration. Its boom extends to 54.9 meters, and the fixed jib can extend its reach to a length of 12.2 meters. The crane's counterweight is 27.2 tons, enabling it to lift up to 80 tons at 3 meters. The CKS800 boasts a full-flow hydraulic control system, ensuring smooth and variable pressure to all winches. The upper structure's precision machining guarantees torsion-free operation, and the cab offers a fully enclosed, high-visibility environment with adjustable seating and safety glass.

2. The CKS1350: Strength and Reach Combined

The CKS1350, with a 135-ton capacity, is designed for larger scale operations. It has a significant operating weight of 136 tons and a robust diesel Hino P11C-VH engine with a power output of 271 kW at 1,850 rpm. Its fuel capacity matches the CKS800, at 400 liters. The crane's boom can extend up to 76.2 meters, and its fixed jib increases its lifting reach with 30.5 meters. A substantial counterweight of 55 tons supports its ability to lift 135 tons at 4.5 meters. This model features four variable displacement piston pumps and a torsion-free precision-machined upper frame. The cab is similarly well-equipped, including an air conditioner for optimal operator comfort.

3. The 7250S: The Height of Lifting Power

The 7250S has an operating weight of 212 tons and shares the same powerful diesel Hino P11C-VH engine as the CKS1350. It features a remarkable boom length of 91.4 meters and a fixed jib lifting capacity of 22.7 tons at 15.0 meters. Its counterweight is a massive 97.1 tons, supporting its ability to lift 250 tons at 4.6 meters. The crane’s design includes a welded lattice construction with high-tensile steel chords and a steel-welded car body with axles. The cab is equipped with an air conditioner, ensuring operator comfort during long operations.

In addition to our primary lineup, we cater to a broader range of construction needs by offering both high-capacity and cost-effective solutions. On request, we supply up to 600-ton cranes for exceptionally large-scale projects, ensuring we can meet even the most demanding lifting requirements. For those seeking value alongside quality, our inventory also includes well-maintained used models such as the 7045, 7055, and 7065. These cranes, while pre-owned, are kept in optimal condition and are ready for immediate deployment, providing reliable performance at a more accessible price point.

KOBELCO crawler cranes stand at the forefront of heavy lifting technology, offering a blend of power, precision, and versatility that meets the demands of modern construction. Each model, from the compact CKS800 to the formidable 7250S, is a testament to KOBELCO's commitment to innovation and reliability. For a closer look at how these cranes can enhance efficiency and safety on your project sites, explore our Kobelco crawler crane catalog and see the difference advanced engineering can make.