Kobelco has been launching some seriously big iron of late, and it's been fun to watch. First came the the SK1300DLC-11 demolition excavator with an operating weight up to 302,000 pounds. That monster is designed for large-scale, high-reach building demo, reaching up to 130 feet. Then the company introduced its 512-horsepower SK850LC-11 production excavator. That 85-metric-ton digger targets quarry, mining, and mass excavation work. Click those links to read about both those big boys. Now, Kobelco has returned yet again with another heavyweight.

“The SK650DLC-11 was purpose built to give demolition contractors more capability from a single machine,” said Dan Collins, director of product development for Kobelco Construction Machinery U.S.A., in the release. “By combining multiple front configurations with a shared main boom, a variable undercarriage, and features designed to simplify assembly and transportation, contractors can configure the machine around the demands of the job rather than compromise between reach, tool capacity, and mobility.”

The new Kobelco SK650DLC-11 reaches nearly 93 feet and handles tools weighing up to 13,450 pounds. I can imagine myself operating this demo digger wielding a concrete crusher, steel shear, or giant breaker, spending an afternoon crushing concrete and pulling twisted rebar. Could you?

Where the SK650DLC-11 fits

The SK650DLC-11 joins a growing Kobelco demolition lineup. The North American range includes the SK300 and SK350 straight-boom excavators, plus the SK350D and SK1300D high-reach machines. The new model fits nicely in between the SK350D (94,360 to 96,560 pounds operating weight) and that enormous SK1300D (279,100 to 302,000 pounds operating weight). The new SK650DLC-11’s operating weight lands around 166,400 to 178,100 pounds, depending on how it’s configured. Powering this demo’gorgon is a 463-horsepower Isuzu 6WG1 Tier 4 Final engine.

This excavator/tool carrier is also flexible and transportable. This info comes directly from the press release: “Together, the machine’s multiple front configurations, high tool capacity, hydraulic variable undercarriage, demolition-specific cab, and transport-focused design provide contractors with a versatile platform capable of adapting to a broad range of building demolition applications.”

Four ways to configure the demolition front

Kobelco built the SK650DLC-11 around a versatile boom system. The machine accepts a separate digging boom or a three-piece high-reach front. The “separate digging boom” is a shorter, articulated demolition arm built for heavier tools and close-range work. The four configurations include:

• Separate digging boom: 50-foot, 2-inch pin height with a maximum 13,450-pound tool
• Separate digging boom + insert boom: 59-foot, 9-inch pin height with a maximum 13,450-pound tool
• Three-piece high-reach attachment: 83-foot pin height with a maximum 8,160-pound tool
• Three-piece high-reach attachment + insert boom: up to 92-foot, 7-inch pin height with a maximum 8,160-pound tool.

The SK650DLC-11 boasts easy transport

Large demolition excavators often need to be disassembled to move from job to job, so how easy can you make that process? The SK650DLC-11 weighs approximately 178,100 pounds in its heaviest configuration. Removing the counterweight reduces the base-machine weight to roughly 109,000 pounds. That's quite a drop. The SK650DLC-11 also uses a hydraulic variable undercarriage that can retract to approximately 10 feet, 6 inches wide for transport. Once onsite, it expands to approximately 13 feet, 9 inches.

With reassembly on the brain, Kobelco’s attachment joint system simplifies connection of the main boom and front attachment by allowing the upper pin to be hooked into position before the lower connection is secured hydraulically. A one-touch, bayonet-style system connects the hydraulic lines without tools. Kobelco says the three-piece high-reach attachment uses a "patented cross-cylinder structure" arrangement that lowers its transport height. The company also added attachment stands that serve as storage supports and work platforms.

Demolition cab tilts toward the action

Operators need a clear view when working nearly 93 feet in the air. Kobelco noted that its SK650DLC-11 cab tilts upward (see photo above for proof), improving the sightline during high-reach work. Front and overhead P5A glass adds much-needed protection for the operator. Kobelco also equips the cab with Level II protection and a falling-object deflector.

Then there’s a cab-interference prevention system that helps keep the front attachment away from the operator station. That’s on top of a stability warning system that monitors the machine during work. Inside, operators sit comfortably. They get an air-suspension heated seat, air conditioning, Bluetooth radio, charging port, and a 10-inch monitor. [Flipping through the brochure] ... Here's a cool feature: There’s a public-address system that lets the operator communicate with workers outside the machine. "Lunch truck’s here, guys" 

Demolition features

• Attachment transport and storage stands
• Water-spray system
• Automatic lubrication
• Quick-hitch piping
• Boom and arm safety valves
• Hydraulic variable undercarriage
• Reversible cooling fan
• In-cab hydraulic pressure release
• Eco operating mode
• Unlimited Power Boost for the separate-boom front