Kobelco blade runners

Reading that article reminds me just how popular those Kobelco blade runners are (from other post in General Industry Questions forum). I see those around a lot now, never saw them let alone a Kobelco machine. Now they're everywhere, especially on big jobsites. Anyone had experience running one of those or any excavator with a large 6 way blade on it? I know that Link Belt and Deere etc. put them on theirs also but don't usually see those being used. What advantages and disadvantages could you guys come up with for that type of excavator?

Blake
WA

I've run a kobelco Ed 180 blade runner ,it was a really great machine. The owner has put about 5000 hrs on it and bought it with about 2000 hrs. He has had no problems with it. I have a hitachi Ex 120-5 with 7000 hrs, it has been a great machine with no problems. I sometimes think I will try 150 blade runner for my next machine. I would try the 150 so I could haul it with my dump truck. I would love to here more about these machines. By the way this is my first post, looks like a great site.

Welcome to HEF ! I've always been curious about the Bladerunner. We have no dealer hear in OKC. I've often though it would be a good site clearing machine as far as trees and demo but just wasn't sure. I don't really expect it to push with or like a regular dozer but as the first machine on the job to pioneer road or clear the site for other equip , I would think it would be perfect.:drinkup

I think a good indication of how well a product is perceived in the market is by its resale value. The resale on a blade runner, both the larger and smaller models is outstanding.

I have never run one although there a couple in this area and we don't have a Kobelco dealer anywhere close.

The only downside to the 150 sized machine (which I think is now classed as a 160 on the newest models) that I see just looking at it is the 135 sized arm. Reach is always a big thing and this machine doesn't have a lot of it for weighing what it does.

However having an excavator with a 6 way dozer on the front with dozer style undercarriage (which no one else has, most are no more than a knock down blade) would make it a great dual purpose machine, keeping ROI as high as possible is always the goal and this machine can do that. Especially for smaller companies that maybe cant justify having a dozer in the yard all the time.

ED180 7000 hrs blade is priceless if you have ever run a mini with blade its 10 times better! fine Grades and carrys grade excellent. that last 2-3yds of dirt,trash you have to chase to pick up just pull it against blade. with smooth bucket only leave a couple shovel fulls. I have moved concrete precast that weighs 30,ooo pds just reach across it lift other side with bucket and push with blade while lifting. when doing demo work and separating, cleaning scrap metal use the blade to hold down pieces .levels you up when on slopes also helps hold you on them. great backfill machine.i have about 12 excavators (1,500pds-85,000pds) this is my favorite .its not as fast as a small dozer but great for small areas (1 acre or less) saves from moving another piece equip. now for the down side it will not stick on a slope side ways or do not (DO NOT) get any where near a soft spot or mud it will go strait TOO THE BOTTOM then that great blade becomes a HUGE anchor .been done that learned the hard way (more than ONCE) the track frame is short and pads 24" with rounded edges so it will travel and turn easy

Good point on the reach. My Ex 120 is a long stick 9.9 ft. How much less is the stick on the blade runner 160?