The Kobelco SK135SR-7 is part of Kobelco’s short radius excavator range and sits within the popular 13 to 15 tonne class. This size category is widely used across civil, infrastructure, and commercial construction projects throughout Australia.
If you are considering this machine for hire, here are the main specifications and highlights to understand before booking.
Operating Weight and Machine Class
According to Kobelco Construction Machinery Australia, the SK135SR-7 has an operating weight of approximately 14 to 15.5 tonnes, depending on configuration.
This makes it suitable for:
- Drainage and stormwater installation
- Service trenching
- Subdivision works
- Commercial site preparation
- Medium-scale earthworks
It provides more digging capacity than smaller compact excavators while remaining easier to position and transport than larger 20 tonne machines.
Dimensions and Transport Considerations
Manufacturer specifications indicate approximate transport dimensions of:
- Overall Length: Around 8.0 metres
- Overall Width: Approximately 2.49 metres
- Overall Height: Around 2.9 to 3.1 metres depending on configuration
These dimensions allow the machine to be transported efficiently while still offering strong on-site capability. For contractors planning logistics, understanding transport size is just as important as digging performance.
Short Radius Design
One of the defining features of the SK135SR-7 is its reduced tail swing. The short radius configuration allows operation closer to boundaries, structures and live traffic zones compared to conventional excavators of similar size.
This design is particularly useful for:
- Urban construction
- Road shoulder works
- Projects with limited swing clearance
- Tight subdivision blocks
Kobelco’s SR series is specifically developed to improve manoeuvrability without reducing stability or digging force.
Digging Performance
The SK135SR-7 offers:
- Maximum Digging Depth: Approximately 5.5 metres
- Maximum Reach: Up to around 8.8 metres depending on arm specification
- Bucket Breakout Force: Approximately 105 kN
- Gradeability: Up to 70 percent
These figures confirm its suitability for medium-duty excavation and civil works across Australian job sites.
Hydraulic System
The SK135SR-7 is equipped with a hydraulic system featuring dual variable displacement pumps. This setup supports smooth multi-function operation, allowing the machine to handle digging, lifting and attachment work efficiently.
Hydraulic performance plays a key role in productivity, particularly for trenching and detailed excavation where control and stability are essential.
Operator Environment
The Series 7 range includes updated cabin features designed to improve visibility and usability.
Confirmed features include:
- 10 inch colour monitor with jog dial interface
- ROPS compliant cabin structure
- Integrated 270 degree camera system
Industry coverage from Construction Sales Australia highlights the improved operator layout and visibility in the Series 7 generation.
Where It Fits in a Hire Fleet
The 13 to 15 tonne category remains one of the most requested excavator sizes in Sydney and NSW due to its balance between capacity and access flexibility.
It typically sits between smaller machines such as our
https://hammerhire.com.au/equipment-hire-sydney/excavators/5-5-tonne-excavators/
and larger 20 tonne units used for heavy bulk excavation.
Selecting the right size depends on required depth, access constraints and overall project scope.
Summary
The Kobelco SK135SR-7 is a mid-sized short radius excavator designed for civil and commercial construction environments.
Main highlights based on manufacturer documentation:
- Operating weight of approximately 14 to 15.5 tonnes
- Short radius tail swing design
- Maximum digging depth around 5.5 metres
- Bucket breakout force approximately 105 kN
- Dual variable displacement hydraulic pumps
- 10 inch in-cab monitor and integrated 270 degree camera system
For contractors considering Kobelco SK135SR-7 excavator hire in Sydney, these core specifications provide a clear understanding of where the machine fits within a project.
References
- Kobelco Construction Machinery Australia
https://www.kobelco.com.au/product/sk135sr-7/ - Kobelco Global Specifications SK135SR-7
https://www.kobelcocm-global.com/products/excavators/asia/SK135SR-7_SK135SRLC-7.html - Construction Sales Australia Review
https://www.constructionsales.com.au/editorial/details/kobelco-sk135sr-7-brings-comfort-and-productivity-to-mid-sized-weight-class-142264/
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