The undercarriage is arguably the most expensive system on a tracked machine, and for a Kobelco excavator, its proper maintenance is critical to profitability. This complex assembly, which includes tracks, rollers, and sprockets, is a high-wear component that must endure immense loads and constant friction. Neglecting its condition can lead to accelerated wear, poor machine performance, and a...

The day began like any other at our Denver construction site. As I performed my routine inspection, coffee in hand, a piercing metal screech interrupted the morning calm. Even after twenty years, that sound is unsettling. This time, it was our reliable Kobelco crane, a steadfast partner for five years. Cranes communicate if you listen. That day, the Kobelco was clearly sending a message. As I...

Last month, I visited an old friend who runs a crane rental business in Texas. As we walked through his yard filled with towering cranes, he pointed to his newest acquisition—a state-of-the-art automated crane with smart safety features. "Ten years ago, I would've laughed if someone told me I'd be operating cranes with tablet computers," he chuckled. "But here we are, and I can't imagine...