Keith Cook Construction has added a Kobelco SK130LC-11 to its fleet, choosing the 15-tonne excavator for its fuel efficiency, smooth control and operator comfort. Supplied by Molson Equipment, the new machine is already proving its value on tight housing sites across the West Midlands.
A building reputation
Keith Cook Construction is a family business through and through. Based in Oxfordshire, they’ve been delivering groundworks and civil engineering services for over three decades, supporting a wide range of housing and infrastructure developments across the region. From site preparation and foundations to drainage and access roads, the company has earned a reputation for doing the job properly and without fuss.
Founded by Keith Cook, the business has grown steadily over the years thanks to a focus on consistency, reliability and strong relationships with clients. Many of their projects come from repeat work and word-of-mouth, something that speaks volumes in a sector where trust and track record count for everything.
Upgrading the fleet
The team at Keith Cook Construction are no strangers to operating heavy machinery. Over the years they have built a fleet based on what actually works on site, rather than brand loyalty alone. And with workloads increasing and site conditions becoming more demanding, the time had come to upgrade one of their key diggers.
The Kobelco SK130LC-11 excavator was a clear fit from the outset. Sitting in the 13-tonne class, the SK130 actually weighs in over 15 tonnes, a sign of the build quality that makes it so well-suited to general groundwork tasks. This gives the operator enough power for tough digging, with the balance and strength to take on lifting demands, all while being compact enough to work efficiently on tight or busy sites.
The perfect balance of power and performance
Powered by a Stage V Isuzu engine, the SK130LC-11 excavator offers a perfect balance of performance and low fuel consumption, something the Kobelco range is renowned for in the industry. And with the cost of fuel and CO2 emissions being a key focus for both business owners and their clients, this is yet another in the long list that has made the Kobelco SK130 such a popular machine.
Since arriving on site, the SK130 excavator has been put straight to work on a housing development supporting foundation prep, trenching and drainage works. Its quiet running has already made a strong impression, especially on sites where work is close to neighbouring properties, or where operators are in the cab for extended hours.
Maintenance has also been made easy. Daily checks and service points are all accessible at ground level, and the excavator’s layout is designed to minimise downtime. For businesses that rely on their kit turning up and getting stuck in, this kind of reliability makes a real difference.
Molson delivers on sales, service and support
The SK130 excavator was supplied by the UK dealer for Kobelco, Molson Equipment, who have worked with Keith Cook Construction on previous purchases. That existing relationship played a big role in the decision-making process, making the whole process smooth and straightforward, from the initial enquiry to final delivery.
Molson’s local team provided a demo machine and walked through the excavator’s capabilities before the deal was finalised. Having that honest, on-the-ground support gave the team at Keith Cook Construction confidence that they were choosing not just a solid machine, but the right one for how they work.
Once on site, Molson’s aftersales support has continued to offer fast turnaround on any queries, easy access to parts and the kind of backup that helps all contractors stay productive without delays.
Looking to the future
Like many family-run firms, Keith Cook Construction is looking to the future with steady growth in mind. As more housebuilding work comes through and client expectations rise, the company is focused on maintaining its reputation for quality and delivery.
Adding the SK130LC-11 Kobelco excavator is part of that plan; investing in machines that support efficient working, reduce downtime and keep operators comfortable and productive.
While every machine is only as good as the team running it, having the right tool for the job still counts. For Keith Cook Construction, the Kobelco excavator has already shown that it is capable, reliable and built with real-world work in mind.
In a sector where time, cost and trust all matter, Keith Cook Construction continues to do things the right way, investing in the tools and people that keep jobs moving.
The addition of the Kobelco SK130LC-11 isn’t just about having a new excavator on site; it’s about building a fleet that reflects the company’s values in being reliable, efficient and ready to deliver.
