Kobelco has a strong focus on these critical factors to support the customers in maximum utilization of the equipment. Hence the company’s customer satisfaction index is well ahead of others says SK Jaruhar, Advisor – Support Services, Kobelco Construction Equipment India Pvt Ltd.

How does the BSVI norms give impetus to efficiency? What impact does it have on the cost of the excavator?
The latest emission norms are a major step in the right direction but are not yet applicable to our industry. However, for crawler mounted (tracked) Hydraulic Excavators, the next step is to move to BSIV emission norms by April next year (2021). Even this is a big step from the ongoing stage where practically anything goes. Achieving and meeting these stringent standards necessitates substantial investment in technology. While on one hand, this does improve the overall efficiency of the equipment, it impacts the market acceptability due to the consequent price hike. So, for those taking advantage of the current scenario, it’s a double whammy. Higher investment -> higher equipment cost -> lower sales. It certainly is not a very exciting option.

What are the specific factors which make your excavators efficient on uptime?
The optimal performance of equipment depends on several factors like its design and level of technology, choice and matching of main components, factorization of the site conditions under which it has to work, structural durability, etc. The onsite and local support infrastructure including manpower competency and availability of spare parts play a major role in machine uptime. Kobelco has a strong focus on these critical factors to support the customers in maximum utilization of the equipment. Hence the company’s customer satisfaction index is well ahead of others.

How far hybrid excavators look attractive for Indian conditions?
Technology has always had considerable influence on the development of automobiles and equipment. The urgent need to reduce the carbon footprint has spawned ideas like hybrid technology. It can facilitate the use of electrical/battery power for some select operations only, thereby saving fuel. It is an ongoing process and it may be sometime before we can see the next level of hybrid technology.

Tell us about the plans for your excavator range in terms of innovations.
With an in-house R&D Centre in Kobelco Japan, innovations are a regular feature especially with its focus on listening to the customers. The company is driven by its ambition to offer optimal and innovative solutions to its customers. There are several industry-first features like auto-idle-stop feature for the engine to minimize fuel wastage, hydraulic filter clog sensor and alarm etc. More customer-friendly features are expected in the future. For example, a feature for cutting and finishing as per the required slope angles. Remote controlled equipment is also under development.

Apart from fuel efficiency, what are the other factors which make your excavators most preferred?
Fuel efficiency has always been a hallmark of the company’s excavators. However, the machine can deliver much higher output due to its quick-response actuators, simplified yet efficient hydraulic system, arm and boom regeneration technologies etc. The durability of the machines has been up-scaled to match with the tough site conditions.