Looking to compare a Kobelco vs Komatsu excavator? As one of their most popular excavators, we’ve already pitted Komatsu’s PC200-8 against Caterpillar in our excavator comparison, and now we’re facing the same machine off against the Kobelco SK200-10.
These excavators are comparable in operating weight, horsepower and digging depth. Let’s take a look at how yellow vs blue measure up.
In this article:
Launching the Generation 10 Series (including the SK200-10) only a few years ago in 2016, Kobelco are constantly refining their designs. From tight-access areas to full-scale mine sites, Kobelco strive to manufacture excavators suited to all kinds of earthmoving jobs. They even brought to life the first construction machine in Japan, and from there have found their niche in creating quality excavators.
Darren Morrow from Kobelco dealership Australian Construction Equipment told Australian Mining that the Gen-10’s geoscan monitoring system is a step above.
“It doesn’t matter how big or small the project, fuel efficiency and reliability are equally important in all facets of earthmoving. Geoscan allows performance measures such as fuel levels, service schedules, and working hours to be tracked, which means the business can make informed decisions about machine use and staff allocation,” Morrow said.
With a range of mini, mid and large-size excavators, Komatsu take the lead when it comes to manufacturing excavators, including their own parts, components and engines. Komatsu are industry leaders in hybrid excavator technology, having made the world first hybrid excavator. They also have a high resale value retention rate, having won multiple excavator categories in the EquipmentWatch awards.
| Komatsu PC200-8 | Kobelco SK200-10 | |
| Hits | ||
| The PC200-8’s cab design is what some would call ingenius. It’s wide, has a reclining backrest (hello comfort!), adjustable settings, dual armrests and dual joystick controls.
It’s also very quiet and smooth in the cab, thanks to the viscous damper mounting. The optional automatic air conditioning is also a great plus for those hot Aussie days. This cab is a little more wider and spacious than the Kobelco, which is slightly more narrow. |
The SK200-10’s cab offers superior visibility. The cab is spacious and comfortable, with a (reclining) suspension seat for a nice, smooth ride.
Dual joystick controls, much like the Komatsu, make operation much easier on the operator to reduce fatigue. The colour monitor allows you to set your flows and pressures for aux attachments easily. Great for first-time and experienced operators alike. Best of all, air-conditioning vents are located behind the operator’s seat for maximum cooling and air flow. Nice! |
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| Misses | ||
| The viscous damper in the cab takes some getting used to, but is a great change. | – | |
| Komatsu PC200-8 | Kobelco SK200-10 | |
| Hits | ||
| The PC200-8 runs on a Komatsu SAA6D107E-1 engine, which gives this excavator a good amount of power.
It also has a rust-proof tank, and later models are much more fuel efficient. This is thanks to the operator’s system which allows control over the engine, electronic and hydraulic system. When it comes to servicing, the Komatsu is a great choice. It has long service intervals for the engine oil and hydraulic filters, and tis service points are close to ground level. The PC200-8’s lift capacity is also impressive, thanks to its automatic raised hydraulic pressure. |
The SK200-10 features a powerful HINO engine to give it that extra “oomf”. The Kobelco also has new hydraulic regeneration system. On the boom-down function, the pressure is used to assist the arm out as you’re digging or loading, great for fuel efficiency.
Stepping into the later models, you’ll notice some upgraded work modes which include heavy, standard and economy. These help decrease fuel consumption (by up to 16% when compared with the previous model!). Kobelco decided to move the old placement of the fuel tank to behind the cab, which not only makes refuelling easier, but provides superior visibility from the arm side. Servicing is easy too thanks to the long-interval maintenance, easy cleaning and easily-accessible fuse box and aircon filters. |
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| Misses | ||
| None found—if you know of any, hit us up in the comments below! | Anecdotal feedback is Kobelco machines can have electrical problems after a few years. However this could be isolated or found in overseas models.
If you have any feedback, let us know in the comments! |
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When it comes to quality, we have Kobelco and Komatsu are pretty tough contenders. However, we will have to side with Komatsu for this one. Komatsu manufacture all their own excavator parts, components and engines, so when things go wrong most likely the dealer can get it fixed. While with Kobelco, their excavators are high quality, however some parts and components are sourced elsewhere.
This may not be a huge deal, but it’s worth pointing out for any future maintenance or breakdown servicing requirements.
Komatsu PC200-8 models (all years) range between $15,400 and $172,000, averaging at $75,321 (used).*
Kobelco SK200-10 models are a lot newer (2016), and therefore can go for approx $180,000 (used).*
| Komatsu PC200-8 | Kobelco SK200-10 | |
| Engine | Komatsu SAA6D107E-1, 6-cylinder | Direct injection, water-cooled, 4-cycle diesel engine with turbocharger, intercooler |
| Net Horsepower | 148 | 150 |
| Operating Weight | 20,010 kg | 21,681 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 400 L | 370 L |
| Ground Clearance | 440 mm | 450 mm |
| Digging Depth | Up to 6620 mm (for 2925 mm arm) | 6700 mm |
| Max Reach Along Ground | 9700 mm | 9730 mm |
| Tail Swing Radius | 2750 mm | 2750 mm |
In general, these machines are very closely matched. Either excavator will do what you ask of it—it comes down to what you’re looking for specifically.
If it comes down to price, buying an older Komatsu may be more cost-effective, not to mention you’ll have peace of mind knowing they have been recognised for high value retention. So you won’t have to worry too much about whether it’ll have good resale value. The Komatsu is also slightly lighter, and offers a larger fuel tank. However, has less reach and digging depth, so there’s that to consider.
That being said, the Kobelco is still a great machine that will go the distance. As we usually say, dealer support and after-sales service should be a huge factor in your decision, so make sure you check your nearest dealers and perhaps give both excavators a test!
What do you think of this Komatsu and Kobelco comparison? Let us know in the comments below, or take a look at similar excavators for sale.
*Prices are based on Machines4U listing data provided by sellers/advertisers and are an approximation only. Data is correct up to and at time of publishing. Prices may change and need to be verified with individual sellers.
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