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Buying guide · 6 min read

Kobelco SK850 LR for Dredging: Operator and Owner Review

The Kobelco SK850 LR is the global standard for heavy long-reach work. Here's the real picture.

Published · Updated
Reading time
6 min
Category
Buying guide
Word count
866+
Last updated
Jun 2026

The Kobelco SK850 LR is a specialist machine for heavy dredging, slope works, and mining-feeder operations requiring extended reach. At 84.8 tonnes and a 510hp common-rail diesel, it's a serious capital commitment but the only credible option for a narrow band of applications.

Where it dominates

  • Surinamese gold-creek mining (Brokopondo and Sipaliwini districts)
  • Guyanese bauxite-belt operations
  • Guinean Simandou-area canal works
  • Mozambican coal-overburden long-reach feeder

Configuration

  • Three work modes (H, D, Eco) selectable from cab
  • EGR + multiple injection system
  • 5.4 m³ bucket capacity — class-leading volume per cycle
  • 2.5m bucket width for high-volume loading
Excavator models referenced in this article

12 model spec sheets for further reading

CAT 320
22.5t
Caterpillar's flagship mid-class crawler — the global benchmark for fuel efficiency and parts availability in the 20-25 ton segment.
View specs →
CAT 336
36.8t
Caterpillar's 35-tonne workhorse — class-leading digging force and lifting capacity for heavy civil and mining-feeder duty.
View specs →
CAT 374
71.8t
Caterpillar's 70-tonne mining-class shovel — the standard for open-pit gold, bauxite, and iron ore loading operations.
View specs →
Kobelco SK210
22.7t
Kobelco's 22.7-tonne crawler — premium build quality with a 10-inch monitor, 3-side cameras, and heated air-ride seat.
View specs →
Kobelco SK850 LR
84.8t
Kobelco's 84-tonne mining-class long-reach — 510hp common-rail diesel with a 5.4 m³ bucket for heavy bauxite and mining.
View specs →
CAT 301.8
2.1t
Caterpillar's smallest mini excavator — sized for landscaping and tight-access utility work.
View specs →
CAT 302.5
2.6t
Compact 2.6t mini for residential landscaping and small utility installation.
View specs →
CAT 303.5
3.4t
Versatile 3.4t mini with standard and long-reach configurations.
View specs →
CAT 304
4t
4-tonne compact crawler for mid-tier landscaping and utility projects.
View specs →
CAT 305
4.5t
Top-of-mini-class 4.5t crawler with three operator-configuration variants.
View specs →
CAT 306
5.8t
Sub-6t small excavator for general construction and utility work.
View specs →
CAT 307
7t
7-tonne small excavator for general construction and landscaping.
View specs →
Brands covered

Brand spec catalogues

CAT
Industry-leading fuel efficiency
Kobelco
Unrivalled in long-reach and demolition applications
Country availability

Excavators available in 2 countries referenced

Suriname
Caribbean
Capital: Paramaribo · Port: Paramaribo · Lead time: 2–4 weeks ex-Paramaribo
Guinea
Africa
Capital: Conakry · Port: Conakry · Lead time: 6–8 weeks via Conakry port
Country-by-brand availability

Combine brand + country

Frequently asked

Questions buyers ask

How do I get a quote for the excavator discussed in this article?

Contact Suriname Excavators via our quote form, phone, or WhatsApp. Share your destination country, project profile, and any specific configuration requirements. We respond with a tailored quote within one business day.

Do you offer financing options?

Yes. Excavator financing is available through manufacturer-backed credit programmes (SANY Capital, Hyundai Capital, XCMG Finance, JCB Finance, Develon Capital), regional commercial banks, and lease-to-own structures. Typical terms are 24-60 months. Indicative terms returned within five business days of receiving project documentation.

How long does delivery to Suriname take?

Delivery to Suriname typically takes 2–4 weeks ex-Paramaribo, including pre-export inspection (3-5 days), ocean freight, customs clearance at Paramaribo (Nieuwe Haven), and final-mile delivery to the project site. Suriname Excavators is headquartered in Paramaribo with direct delivery anywhere in the country. No import duties apply for domestic customers.

Where can I buy Caterpillar excavators across the Caribbean and Africa?

Suriname Excavators supplies Caterpillar excavators to all 24 Caribbean and African countries we serve, with pre-export inspection, configuration to operating profile, and after-sales support included. See our Caterpillar model catalogue and country-availability pages for specifics.

What configurations of the CAT 320 are available?

The CAT 320 is supplied in 2 configurations: 320 (standard), 320 GC. Mid-class construction, road building, and quarry operations. See the full spec sheet for engine, bucket, dig depth, and reach details.

What after-sales support do you provide?

Every machine is enrolled in our service tracking programme: scheduled maintenance reminders, parts pre-positioning, 72-hour field-service response for major mechanical events, and technical hotline access. Parts inventory is held in our regional warehouse for fast dispatch.

Sources & further reading

Authoritative references

Cite this page
APA
Suriname Excavators. (2026). Kobelco SK850 LR for Dredging: Operator and Owner Review. Retrieved 10 June 2026, from https://surinameexcavators.com/blog/kobelco-sk850-lr-dredging-review
MLA
"Kobelco SK850 LR for Dredging: Operator and Owner Review." Suriname Excavators, 10 June 2026, https://surinameexcavators.com/blog/kobelco-sk850-lr-dredging-review.
Chicago
Suriname Excavators. "Kobelco SK850 LR for Dredging: Operator and Owner Review." Accessed 10 June 2026. https://surinameexcavators.com/blog/kobelco-sk850-lr-dredging-review.
BibTeX
@misc{surinameexcavators__blog_kobelco_sk850_lr_dredging_review,
  title = {Kobelco SK850 LR for Dredging: Operator and Owner Review},
  author = {Suriname Excavators},
  year = {2026},
  url = {https://surinameexcavators.com/blog/kobelco-sk850-lr-dredging-review},
  note = {Accessed: 10 June 2026}
}
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