Used Kobelco SK135

Short Answer: Used SK135 prices range from $10,000–15,000 for moderate-hour units (2,000–4,000 hours)** to **$15,000–20,000+ for low-hour units (under 2,000 hours) , with the sweet spot being 2020–2022 models with 2,000–4,000 hours at $12,000–18,000. Units with CE certification may command a premium for European buyers.

Detailed Expert Analysis:

PRICE MATRIX (USD – Based on verified listings):

Year Hours Price Range Best For
2023–2024 500–2,000 $15,000–20,000+ Low-hour, nearly-new
2022 2,000–3,500 $15,000–18,000 Sweet spot – best value
2020–2021 3,000–5,000 $12,000–15,000 Good value, moderate hours
2017–2019 5,000+ $8,000–12,000 Budget-conscious buyers
Real Listing Examples:

Listing Year Hours Price Key Details
Mascus 2023 1,670 $17,259 13.8t, 3-cylinder engine
Mascus 2022 2,000 $15,000–18,000 13.3t, 0.55m³ bucket
Machineryline 2022 3,300 €16,000 (~$17,400) Low noise, good condition
Machineryline 2022 3,000 $18,500 73.5 kW Yanmar, 13.5t
Value Sweet Spot Assessment:

Factor Sweet Spot Recommendation
Year 2020–2022
Hours 2,000–4,000
Budget $12,000–18,000
Why Steepest depreciation absorbed; 4,000+ hours remain; Tier 4 engine benefits
Expert Tip: Units with CE certification are available and may command a premium for export to European markets. Always verify the machine’s certification matches your region’s requirements.

Short Answer: The most critical inspection points are the Tier 4 emissions system (DOC/DPF) on Yanmar engines, undercarriage wear, hydraulic system leaks and seal condition, and the swing bearing. Well-maintained examples are described as “complete set of all original parts, no damage, no broken parts.”

Detailed Expert Analysis:

Based on verified listings, technical data, and industry best practices:

HIGH SEVERITY – Tier 4 Emissions System (DOC/DPF)

The Yanmar 4TNV98C engine uses DOC/DPF after-treatment. Machines used primarily for short-cycle work may have DPF clogging issues.

Inspection Point What to Look For Repair Cost
Emissions warning lights Active fault codes on display $500–1,500 cleaning
DPF service history Has it been professionally cleaned? $2,500–4,000 replacement
Regeneration cycles Are they completing normally?
HIGH SEVERITY – Hydraulic System

Inspection Point What to Look For Repair Cost
Cylinder drift >2 inches in 5 minutes = seal wear $150–300 per cylinder
Oil leaks Around pump, valve block, cylinder rod ends $500–2,000
Hydraulic oil condition Clear amber = good; milky/black = contamination $500–1,000 flush
MEDIUM SEVERITY – Undercarriage

Inspection Point What to Look For Repair Cost
Track links Elongation >3% = replacement soon $2,500–4,000 per set
Sprockets Sharp/hooked teeth $800–1,200 each
Rollers & idlers Seized or leaking seals $200–400 each
MEDIUM SEVERITY – Swing Bearing

Inspection Point What to Look For Repair Cost
Swing left/right Grinding or knocking noises $2,500–4,500 replacement
Grease purge line Metallic debris in expelled grease
Swing brake Holds position on slopes
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist:

Cold start observation – Engine should fire within 3–5 seconds

Check all warning lights – Verify they illuminate briefly on startup then extinguish

Test all hydraulic functions – Cycle boom, arm, bucket, swing, travel

Check for oil leaks – Under carriage, cylinder rod ends, drive motors

Inspect undercarriage – Track sag (20–30mm), sprocket wear, roller condition

Red Flags to Walk Away:

Active emissions fault codes without explanation

Refusal to cold start

Price 30%+ below market

Fresh paint over suspicious areas (hiding cracks or prior damage)

No maintenance records

“No oil leaking. No heavy smoking” claims that cannot be verified

Short Answer: The SK135 is recognized for low fuel consumption and high chassis stability. Powered by the Yanmar 4TNV98C engine producing 73.5 kW (approx. 98–100 HP) with peak torque of 376 N·m at 1,320 rpm, the machine delivers strong low-end power while maintaining economical operation.

Detailed Expert Analysis:

CORE SPECIFICATIONS:

Parameter Value
Operating Weight 13,300 kg (13.3 tons)
Engine Yanmar 4TNV98C (Tier 4)
Rated Power 73.5 kW / 2,100 rpm
Max Torque 376 N·m / 1,320 rpm
Bucket Capacity 0.55 m³ (standard)
Max Digging Depth 4,840 mm
Max Digging Reach 7,940 mm
Swing Speed 11.4 rpm
Travel Speed 5.5 / 3.2 km/h (High/Low)
Fuel Tank 220 L
Fuel Efficiency Features:

The SK135’s fuel efficiency is achieved through:

Feature Benefit
Yanmar Tier 4 engine Optimized combustion, reduced fuel burn
Kobelco advanced hydraulic system Precise flow matching to demand
ECO Mode operation Reduces fuel consumption without sacrificing performance
Auto-idle function Minimizes unnecessary fuel burn
Financial Impact Estimate:

At 2,000 annual operating hours with diesel at $1.00/L and estimated fuel consumption of ~7–10 L/h (typical for 13-ton class):

Metric Value
Estimated fuel consumption ~7–10 L/h
Annual fuel cost (2,000 hrs) $14,000–20,000
Fuel tank capacity 220 L – ~22–31 hours continuous operation
User-Verified Performance:

The SK135 is recognized for:

High chassis stability – Confidence on uneven terrain

Low noise and vibration – Reduced operator fatigue

Strong low-end torque – 376 N·m at 1,320 rpm for excellent digging performance

Good travel speed – 5.5 km/h for efficient site mobility

Dealer Condition Notes:

Well-maintained examples are described as:

“Complete set of all original parts, no damage, no broken parts”

“The machine has a complete set of all original parts, no damage, no broken parts”

Short Answer: The SK135 offers excellent value for budget-conscious buyers and remains competitive with newer models. 2022–2023 models feature upgrades including higher specification heavy arm design, reinforced undercarriage, new hydraulic system with enhanced sensing, increased swing torque, low noise/vibration, and LED work lights. While newer models offer refinements, the core SK135 platform remains a solid choice.

Detailed Expert Analysis:

Generational Comparison:

Feature SK135 (Pre-2022) SK135 (2022–2023+)
Arm Design Standard Higher specification heavy arm
Undercarriage Standard Reinforced for durability
Hydraulic System Standard Enhanced sensing, better response
Swing Torque Standard Increased for faster cycles
Noise/Vibration Standard Improved low noise/vibration
Work Lights Halogen LED work lights
Emissions Tier 3 / Tier 4 Tier 4 Yanmar
What Makes Newer SK135s More Attractive:

According to listing descriptions for 2022–2023 units:

Higher Specification Heavy Arm Design – Enhanced digging capability and durability

Reinforced Undercarriage – Improved longevity, better stability

New Hydraulic System – Enhanced sensing capability for better response and efficiency

Increased Swing Torque – Improved cycle times

Low Noise and Vibration – Enhanced operator comfort

LED Work Lights – Better visibility for night work

Is the SK135 Still Worth Buying?

YES, for buyers who:

Have a budget under $20,000

Need a reliable 13-ton machine for urban construction or municipal work

Value proven Japanese engineering

Want low fuel consumption and operating costs

Can perform regular maintenance

NOT RECOMMENDED for buyers who:

Need the latest emissions compliance (Tier 5)

Require top-tier fuel efficiency (newer models are refined)

Have a budget exceeding $20,000 (consider newer models)

Expert Tip: The SK135 platform has evolved with incremental improvements. The 2022–2023 models offer meaningful upgrades in arm strength, undercarriage durability, hydraulic response, and operator comfort. If budget permits, opt for 2022+ models for these refinements. However, pre-2022 units remain solid performers at significantly lower prices.

Short Answer: Kobelco recommends scheduled maintenance at regular intervals with critical procedures including engine oil and filter changes every 250 hours, fuel filter replacement (critical for Yanmar common rail engines), and hydraulic system inspections. Common repair costs range from $150–300 for cylinder seal kits** to **$2,000–3,500 for hydraulic pump rebuilds.

Detailed Expert Analysis:

Recommended Maintenance Schedule:

Interval Tasks Critical Notes
Daily Check engine oil, hydraulic oil, coolant; grease pivot points; inspect tracks and hoses Core components should remain intact if serviced
250 Hours Change engine oil & filter; replace fuel filter; inspect air filter Fuel filter is #1 priority for Yanmar common rail engines
500 Hours Replace hydraulic return filter; inspect hydraulic system; check track tension Clean oil essential for system longevity
1,000 Hours Replace hydraulic oil; full drivetrain inspection; DPF check Consider oil analysis to extend component life
2,000 Hours Major component inspection; consider pump rebuild Plan ahead to avoid downtime
Common Repair Costs Reference:

Component Estimated Cost (USD) Typical Interval
Cylinder seal kit $150–300 per cylinder As needed – common wear item
Main hydraulic pump rebuild $2,000–3,500 8,000–10,000 hours
Track link set (both sides) $2,500–4,000 4,000–6,000 hours
Swing bearing replacement $2,500–4,500 8,000–10,000 hours
Travel motor rebuild $1,500–2,500 each As needed
DPF cleaning/service $500–1,500 3,000–5,000 hours
Hydraulic oil flush & replace $500–1,000 1,000 hours
Sensor replacement $100–300 As needed – wiring wear common
Tier 4 Emissions System Maintenance – Critical Note:

The Yanmar 4TNV98C Tier 4 engine uses a DOC/DPF after-treatment system. Proper regeneration is essential:

Issue Cause Solution
DPF clogging Short-cycle operation (regeneration incomplete) Forced regeneration or professional cleaning
DPF warning light Soot load too high Drive machine at high RPM to initiate regeneration
Reduced power DPF blocked or sensor failure Dealer diagnosis required
Maintenance Tips from Listings:

“Complete set of all original parts” – Machines with all original parts indicate responsible ownership

“No damage, no broken parts” – Look for this claim in seller descriptions

“Regular maintenance records available” – Well-documented service history adds 10–20% to value

Post-Purchase Priority Checklist:

When buying a used SK135, immediately perform:

Full fluid and filter change – Engine oil, hydraulic oil, final drive oil, all filters

DPF inspection – Check soot load; perform regeneration if needed

Hydraulic system inspection – Check for active leaks; test cylinder drift

Track tension adjustment – Set to manufacturer specification (20–30mm sag)

Diagnostic system check – Clear all historical codes and monitor for reappearance

Expert Bottom Line: The SK135 is designed for serviceability. Regular oil changes and fuel filter replacements are the most important maintenance tasks for extending the machine’s 8,000–12,000 hour service life. For used buyers, the priority should be verifying past maintenance was performed on schedule and checking for common Tier 4 emissions system issues. Prioritize machines with “complete set of all original parts, no damage, no broken parts” – this indicates careful ownership.

Summary Table: Kobelco SK135 At a Glance
Parameter Value
Operating Weight 13,300 kg (13.3 tons)
Engine Yanmar 4TNV98C (Tier 4)
Rated Power 73.5 kW / 2,100 rpm
Max Torque 376 N·m / 1,320 rpm
Bucket Capacity 0.55 m³ (standard)
Max Digging Depth 4,840 mm
Max Digging Reach 7,940 mm
Fuel Tank 220 L
Swing Speed 11.4 rpm
Travel Speed 5.5 / 3.2 km/h
Gradeability 35°
CE Certification Available on select units
Used Price Range (2020–2022, 2,000–4,000 hrs) $12,000–18,000
Used Price Range (2023–2024, 500–2,000 hrs) $15,000–20,000+
Common Issues Tier 4 DPF, undercarriage wear, hydraulic leaks
Typical Lifespan 8,000–12,000 hours