SOURCE: Quarry | June 16, 2025
Holcim has introduced a new Kobelco excavator at its Sunrock Quarry, with early results pointing to productivity gains.
Holcim’s Sunrock Quarry is one of the biggest quarries in Queensland, located in Beerburum north of Brisbane. For more than four decades, it has acted as a major supplier for construction projects in the region.
From here, Holcim supplies significant tonnes of crushed rock and scaled rock per year.
To sustain a high level of production requires reliable equipment, so when the site needed to replace an ageing excavator, it turned to Kobelco.
Holcim’s Sunrock Quarry production manager, Lachie Mills, said the decision to trial the Kobelco excavator marks a shift for the business, which has traditionally relied on other original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
“We replaced a 30-tonne machine with the SK520XDLC. It has improved how quickly and efficiently we can perform certain tasks,” Mills said.
“The machine itself is quiet, clean, and very smooth. It’s significantly improved productivity on site. We’ve seen an increase.”
A key feature of the new machine is its ability to run a rock hammer in addition to the XMOR bucket, which is able to be changed efficiently thanks to its hydraulic quick hitch, allowing operators to manage oversized material more effectively and maintain consistent material flow.
The excavator is currently being used across a range of tasks, including development work, rock hammering and feeding mobile plant.
The SK520XDLC features a mass excavation boom and arm, allowing it to utilise a higher volume bucket compared to a standard 50-tonne excavator, providing a substantial increase in quarry efficiency and productivity.
Fuel use averages around 27 litres per hour, which has been well received for a machine of this size. These practical, operator-led benefits are making it a strong fit for quarry work.
In quarry applications, operators value machines with high operator comfort and controllability, and the Kobelco SK520XDLC is proving to tick those boxes.
The SK520XDLC’s hydraulic system uses Kobelco’s Intelligent Total Control System, known as ITCS, technology, a pilot operated, positive control system that delivers responsive and precise control of implements, even when multi-functioning.
The smooth hydraulic system makes the SK520XDLC easier to control, whether using a hammer or loading out material, while the stability of the machine supports more precise tasks around the rock face.
Operators appreciate how predictable it feels, especially when moving between different jobs on site.
Comfort has been another positive of the machine, with low noise levels and minimal vibration making a noticeable difference over longer shifts. From a day-to-day perspective, the machine keeps up with production demands with minimal operator input, keeping operators focused and productive.
Ease of use has also been a critical factor in the machine’s early success.
“Machine usability is key for us,” Mills said. “We have a very diverse range of operators on site, so usability and adaptability are important factors when we look for new equipment to bring on site.”
Feedback from operators has been consistently positive, with several highlighting the machine’s smooth operation and low noise levels.
“We’ve had three or four different operators use it now, and they’ve all mentioned how quiet it is, how nice it is, how smooth it is,” Mills said.
Mills noted that reduced vibration and improved cab comfort have also contributed to operator satisfaction and efficiency.
“The vibrations are very minimal,” he said. “The cushioning in the cab makes a really big difference, especially when you’re doing fine-tuning work and hitting rock.”
Tracking performance has also stood out, with operators reporting smoother movement through the pit compared to other machines.
“It doesn’t jolt or jump as it’s tracking around,” Mills said.
The inclusion of a quick hitch system has further improved efficiency, allowing for rapid attachment changes.
“When we need to change from the hammer to bucket work, it’s so simple and easy to change them around, especially with the quick hitch,” Mills said.
Holcim has also highlighted the importance of OEM support in the successful rollout of the new equipment.
“The team at Kobelco and BrisVegas Machinery provided an on-site handover, and working with them has been very good,” Mills said.
“The support from the technical team has been amazing, and they provided detailed information for our management and leadership teams.”
As the Sunrock Quarry continues to operate at high output levels, the introduction of the SK520XDLC-10 appears to be delivering both operational and operator-focused benefits.
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