The bucket of an awe-inspiring crawler excavator collected nearly $20,000 in donations for the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) at Kobelco Construction Machinery USA’s ConExpo-Con/AGG booth. Kobelco created only five limited edition SK350LC crawler excavators wrapped in a patriotic/military design as part of a WWP fundraiser, and displayed one at the recent Las Vegas construction industry trade show.

Thousands of ConExpo-Con/AGG attendees stopped by the Kobelco booth and had their photos taken with this machine wrapped in graphics including the American flag, silhouettes of soldiers and logos from all five armed force divisions. The $19,317.75 donated by booth visitors over five days joins the $100,000 Kobelco will donate to this non-profit organization that supports a full range of programs and services for this generation of injured veterans and their families.

"We thoroughly enjoyed seeing the impact this machine had on visitors to our booth at ConExpo-Con/AGG, and we are humbled by their generosity in helping us support this very important cause," said Ron Hargrave, vice president of operations, Kobelco. "Everyone at Kobelco appreciates those who joined us in our effort to support a cause that helps military members and their families."

The dealers who purchased these limited edition SK350LC crawler excavators are Abele Tractor & Equipment Co. Inc. (Albany, N.Y.), Baschmann Services Inc., (Elma, N.Y.), Mid Country Machinery (Fort Dodge, Iowa), Scott-Gallaher Inc. (Roanoke, Va.) and Southeastern Equipment Co Inc. (Cambridge, Ohio). Southeastern sold its unit to Shelly & Sands Inc., headquartered in Zanesville, Ohio, a company specializing in infrastructure and highway construction in the Midwest.

Wounded Warriors

The WWP serves veterans and service members (along with their families) who incurred a physical or mental injury, illness, or wound, related to their military service on or after Sept.11, 2001. WWP’s nearly 20 programs and services are uniquely structured to holistically nurture the mind and body while encouraging economic empowerment and engagement. Established in 2003, the WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla. For more information, visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

Kobelco SK350

Kobelco’s SK350 belongs to the newest class of hydraulic excavators that comply with U.S. EPA Tier IV emission standards. In addition to optimized fuel efficiency, the SK350 features a new engine model with reduced environmental impact, unique technology that reduces pressure-loss resistance, and unparalleled work performance due to powerful digging strength and a wide digging range.

The SK350 boasts an 81,800 lb. (37,100 kg) operating weight powered by a 270 hp (201 kW) 2,100 rpm engine. Its bucket capacity is 1.57 to 2.50 cu. yd. (1.2 to 1.9 cu m) SAE, with a maximum arm crowding force of 37,100 lbs. (160 kN). Features such as ample leg room, excellent visibility, comfortable seating, easy access to maintenance points, a rear view camera and Kobelco’s new ROPS (Roll Over Protective Structure) compliant cab combine to ensure a safe and comfortable operator experience.

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