Bell Equipment is broadening its partnership with Japanese excavator specialist, Kobelco Construction Machinery Co. Ltd (Kobelco), with the introduction of three compact mini excavator models ranging from 5,5t to 13,5t to complement the six standard machines that were launched in June 2017.

On display at bauma CONEXPO AFRICA 2018 in March and available from April, the mini excavator range includes a 5,5t (SK55SRX), a 7,5t (SK75SR) and a 13,5t (SK135SR) machine. Bell Equipment's Product Marketing Manager, Stephen McNeill said: "All three models feature a short rear swing that reduces the turning radius for superior manoeuvrability in limited spaces, making them ideally suited to the compact construction and forestry industries. With Kobelco leading the industry in terms of short rear swing excavator innovation we are confident that these machines will gain strong market acceptance locally, particularly since the 5,5t and 7,5t segment is growing in southern Africa and the 7,5t and 13,5t machines are well-matched for forestry applications."

McNeill adds that the mini excavators all share the same machine-efficient technology as their larger counterparts, enabling them to meet Kobelco's design intent for greater performance capacity and improved cost efficiency while taking due care for the environment.

The Intelligent Control System (ITCS) is an advanced computerised system that provides comprehensive control of all machine functions, enabling a machine to respond to sudden changes in hydraulic load to ensure that the engine runs as efficiently as possible with a minimum of wasted output.

Unique innovation to Kobelco's SR machines is the proprietary Integrated Noise and Dust Reduction Cooling System (iNDr) comprising of an airtight engine compartment with a single, offset duct that connects the air intake to the exhaust outlet. The design, together with the generous use of insulation material, minimises engine noise while the iNDr filter in the intake aperture prevents dust penetration, for a quieter, cleaner engine. It also supports the performance of the cooling unit and enhances ease of maintenance.

The two digging modes - H mode for heavy duty and higher performance and S mode for normal operations with lower fuel consumption - promote the philosophy of more work with less fuel. To further save fuel, and reduce emissions, the standard Auto-Idling-Stop feature (AIS) shuts down the engine automatically when the engine is on standby. The hour meter also stops to help retain the machine's asset value.

The rectangular cabs are ROPS (Roll Over Protective Structure) compliant and have been designed to offer the operator a quiet environment with a reclining seat, plenty of room and superior visibility. Large analog gauges with large print displays and glare-reducing visors are easy to read regardless of working conditions.

Easy access and ground level maintenance also promotes quick and efficient daily checks and routine servicing.

In addition to displaying the smallest excavators in its range, bauma CONEXPO AFRICA 2018 also provided an opportunity for Bell to exhibit its largest excavator, the SK850LC, for the first time. McNeill said: "We are excited by the SK850LC as we believe we are well positioned going forward by having such a robust and quality machine that is an ideal loading tool for our large trucks."

Joining the SK850LC on the Bell stand to showcase the standard excavator range, featuring long carriages, were the SK210SK and the SK380HDLC models. "Our standard Kobelco models have been extremely well received by the market and are running seamlessly. They have been a pleasing success across all industries with their efficient performance and productivity and we expect our mini excavators to expand on this achievement and enable us to further deliver on our customers' equipment requirements," concludes McNeill.

Bell Equipment and Kobelco celebrated their new partnership at bauma CONEXPO AFRICA 2018 by performing the customary Japanese kagami-biraki, or barrel breaking ceremony, to represent harmony and good fortune.

There was a great turnout for the Japanese themed evening where Bell executives joined Kobelco representatives in performing the customary Japanese barrel breaking ceremony, which represents harmony and good fortune.