KOBELCO said it has found a new engine supplier to replace the Hino engines that failed to meet EPA standards. The supply glitch has resulted in the company laying off 100 employees at its plant in Moore, South Carolina, on May 1 as it suspends production of several of its excavators.
The company said excavator production at other plants is not affected by the engine supply problem.
“We are happy to announce that agreements are in place and an engine supply solution for KOBELCO USA model excavators and cranes has been solidified,” said Jack Fendrick, COO/VP in a prepared statement. “Our focus is to not only provide an ample supply of our full line-up of machines with certified engines as soon as possible, but to do so in a manner that maintains the KOBELCO quality and performance that has been the cornerstone of success for our dealers and our customers.”
Yanmar will supply engines for the SK170, SK210, SK230SR, SK260, and the SK270SR KOBELCO excavator models. Isuzu will supply engines for the SK300, SK350, SK380SR, SK390, and the SK500 excavator models. Isuzu will also supply engines for the KOBELCO CK 800, CK 850, CK 1100, CK 1200, CK 1600, CK 2000, and CK 2750 crawler cranes.
Parts for the KOBELCO excavators and cranes that are currently operating with Hino engines in North America will remain readily available from KOBELCO dealers.
Source: KOBELCO Construction Machinery USA
