Used Kobelco SK260, SK350 and SK380 Excavator for Sale: China Export Guide

Kobelco's mid-to-large excavators — SK260, SK350 and SK380 — are popular with Africa and Latin America buyers who want Japanese reliability with strong hydraulics for digging and truck loading. Shanghai yards keep SK260D, SK350LC/D and SK380XD units with clear hour meters. This guide compares the three classes, lists what to check on video, and explains how to buy a used Kobelco SK260, SK350 or SK380 excavator from China.

SK260 vs SK350 vs SK380: which size fits?

• Kobelco SK260 / SK260D / SK260LC (about 26 tons): the mid-size workhorse for road and civil contracts. Examples: SK260D (2023, 1844 h), SK260D (2022, 2789 h) and SK260LC #520.
• Kobelco SK330 / SK350 / SK350LC / SK350D (about 33–36 tons): more dig depth and breakout for quarry and heavy loading. Examples: SK350LC (2023, 1196 h), SK350D (2023, 2212 h), SK350LC #575 and SK330-8 (2021, 2323 h).
• Kobelco SK380 / SK390 / SK480 (about 38–48 tons): heavy class for mining support and large truck loading. Examples: SK380XD (2022, 1022 h), SK380XD-10 #462, SK390LC-12 #434, SK480D (2019, 7600 h) and SK480 #431.

Looking at lighter Kobelco first? See our SK210 / SK75 checklist. All current units are listed under used Kobelco excavators.

Compared with a similar-weight CAT or Komatsu, used Kobelco SK260–SK380 units from Shanghai often offer lower FOB pricing while keeping Japanese serial plates and OEM parts availability. Buyers in Kenya, Ghana, Peru and Chile commonly choose this class when they need more reach than a 20-ton SK210 but do not want the freight cost of a 50-ton machine. Confirm undercarriage remaining life on video before you lock the deal — replacing chains and rollers on a 35-ton excavator is expensive once the unit lands at your port.

Video inspection checklist

1. Serial plate, hour meter and monitor in one uncut clip.
2. Cold start, smoke colour and blow-by at working temperature.
3. Hydraulic speed: full-throttle cycles and combined boom, stick and swing.
4. Boom drift with a loaded bucket held in the air.
5. Pins, bushings and swing bearing play.
6. Undercarriage: track tension, sprockets, rollers and shoe height.
7. Travel straight and full speed both ways; listen for track noise.

Shipping from Shanghai

SK260 units usually go on a flat rack or by RoRo; SK350 and SK380 almost always need a flat rack, often with the counterweight removed. Ask for FOB Shanghai and CIF to your port, and check local import age limits with your broker. See our Africa import guide and Latin America guide.

Get a live video

Send the model, budget and destination port, and we will reply with available Kobelco SK260, SK350 and SK380 units plus a walk-around video. WhatsApp / Tel: +86 180 1734 8066 · www.ychs-machinery.com