Kobelco SK140SRLC-5 Tracked Excavator

The Kobelco SK140SRLC-5 tracked excavator is a 14 ton machine with a reduced radius tailswing, ideal for working in confined spaces. It is powered by a 4-cylinder Isuzu AR-4JJ1XASK-01 diesel engine compliant with the latest emmissions regulations which generates 105hp. Different boom options include monoboom, offset boom and two piece hydraulically adjustable boom.

The latest release from the Kobelco fanshop is a 1:50th scale replica of the SK140SRLC-5 tracked excavator which has been developed and produced by Motorart, following hot on the heels of their previous release, the impressive SK210LC-10 conventional tracked excavator.

The undercarriage is constructed with the upper and lower rollers integrated into the track frame castings while the toothed drive sprocket has visible surface detailing of the bolt heads on the final drive housing.

At the other end of the track frame, the idler wheels are delicately sprung offering just enough pressure to hold the tracks in place, allowing them to rotate rather freely considering the small dimensions of the chain.

A blade has been fitted to the undercarriage and even here, extra detailing has been included, with protective covers over the pistons and the hydraulic feed hoses added, something I have not seen included on other models with a blade.

The safety railing leading to the upper engine area is produced from metal and incorporates a safety mirror.

Black printing is used, not only for the grill slots in the upper engine covers, but also for the anti slip strips leading to the upper area.

The upper body casting captures the short radius design perfectly, with surface engraving of the different panel and door lines standing out. Even here, attention to detail is high with printing used to highlight not only the handles, but also the silver lock barrel which really adds to the realism, coupled with a very even paint finish which allows all the casting details to shine through.

The cabin has a brightly coloured off-white interior with the side and rear interior panelling replicated while the black seat, armrests, joystick controls and foot pedals are all present, complete with the hydraulic cut-off safety lever.

Black printing is used for the window seals and the safety bars on the right side window, again showing great attention to detail.

 

The exterior of the cabin has a front screen wiper, metal grab rail and rear view mirror which has a silver reflective surface.

The range of movement of the boom, arm and bucket linkage is authentically captured with small friction fit pins used for assembling the joints. The only areas which could look better are the silver heads of the pins used for the bucket linkage and these would be better if painted over so they are not as noticeable.

The way the hydraulic lines have been implemented on the model is most impressive, with numerous raised hydraulic lines fitted to the back of the boom with black coloured flexible hoses connecting the lines to the distribution block.

Grey coloured flexible lines are fitted between the boom and stick to simulate armoured hoses and this does look effective.

Another nice feature on the model is the inclusion of the auxiliary hydraulic circuit which terminates with a silver coloured connection, ideal for anyone wanting to add an aftermarket attachment which requires a hydraulic feed.

The SK140SRLC-5 tracked excavator model is exclusive to Kobelco and is available from the Kobelco Fanshop along with other models currently available including the SK210LC-10. Shown below is the SK140SRLC-5 alongside the Kobelco SK210LC-10 showing the size difference