Develon unveil Next Generation ‘dash-9’ excavators
New range aims to set new benchmarks in productivity, safety, and operator convenience
THE centrepiece of the first appearance at Bauma by Develon, formerly Doosan Construction Equipment, was the unveiling of the first models from the company’s new Next Generation ‘dash-9’ smart crawler excavator range, which represents the latest stage in a legacy that can be traced back through five generations of excavators to the Solar range in the 1980s.
Being presented for the first time in Europe, the 23-tonne DX230LC-9 crawler excavator is part of Develon’s static display and the 26-tonne DX260LC-9 model is showing its paces in the demonstration area throughout Bauma.
With the -9 range, Develon are aiming to set a new standard for future products and technologies in construction equipment. Like all -9 models, the DX230LC-9 and DX260LC-9 models achieve this goal by combining 10 ground-breaking technologies that are designed to redefine and set new levels of productivity, safety, operator convenience, and sustainability.
Develon say they have integrated cutting-edge innovations into every aspect of the new -9 models, refining both overall product design and essential functionalities. These advancements enhance daily operations with significantly increased performance, reduced fuel consumption, and ensure industry-leading uptime. The improvements can be categorized into four key areas:
Safety and smart features
Operator convenience and cab comfort
Increased productivity and efficiency
New product design.
The Smart All-Around Viewing Monitor (SAVM) is an AI-based object detection technology to effectively identify both moving and stationary individuals in close proximity to the machine. Upon detection, the system promptly alerts operators through a combination of visual signals and audible alarms on the monitor, ensuring a heightened awareness of the surrounding environment.
The Advanced Lift Assist system provides clear and immediate visibility of the machine’s tip-over possibility, serving to mitigate accident risks and keep the operator focused on driving.
The innovative E-Stop and Virtual Wall functions help prevent accidents by clearly defining the area surrounding the machine into specific zones: a yellow warning zone (Zone 2) and a red danger zone (Zone 1).
The SAVM and E-Stop system utilize six cameras and three radars and work in three stages with a detection range of 13m and 330°:
People detection from 13m range
Warning and slowing down the speed from 6m
Stopping the machine from3 m (swing and reverse).
The E-Stop is an essential safety feature designed to control or halt a machine's movement, such as driving or swinging, in cautionary or dangerous areas, thereby ensuring operator safety. The Virtual Wall feature significantly enhances operation by allowing users to confine the machine's movement within predefined areas where the risk of collision may be heightened.
The -9 machines feature an ergonomically designed user interface that enhances ease of use. One standout aspect is the wide and intuitive 12.8in monitor, available in dual configurations for diverse needs. Additionally, the machine comes with a comfortable seat that has a built-in cooling function, as well as a cab designed for improved visibility.
Develon provide customized solutions through their FEH (Full Electric Hydraulic) system on the -9 models. The operability and controllability of these machines can be fine-tuned according to the unique characteristics of different workspaces and user preferences. This personalization maximizes both efficiency and comfort, allowing operators to access optimized settings even when multiple individuals utilize the same equipment.
Operators have tuning options and can customize joystick sensitivity and more to match their driving habits and job site needs, ensuring a comfortable, precise, and efficient machine handling experience for a variety of attachments and work styles.
Ultimately, Develon are committed to delivering customized solutions that boost productivity and efficiency, tailoring equipment to operational needs and operator preferences for optimal performance and success.
One of the standout features of this service is the Digital Key, a sophisticated Bluetooth combined with high-speed Ethernet network (5G) communication-based tool that empowers users to unlock the cab door, ignite the engine, and adjust the air-conditioning settings from the MY DEVELON app, all without the need for a physical key. This remote-control functionality allows for efficient management of the machine from a distance.
Moreover, the platform allows users to view and analyse operational history, aiding efficient equipment management, especially in fleet or rental scenarios.
Compared with the previous -7 models, the new -9 machines provide a 12% increase in productivity and an 8% reduction in fuel consumption. This enhancement is primarily attributed to the powerful output of Develon's self-developed engine, which significantly boosts digging power and lifting capacity.
The incorporation of a Full Electric Hydraulic (FEH) control system – featuring electronic pumps, electronic main control valves, and electronic relief control valves – has resulted in fuel savings of between 1,700 litres (for the DX230LC-9) and 2,700 litres (for the DX260LC-9) for every 1,500h of operation, compared with earlier models. In addition, the new -9 generation machines are sad to offer superior lifting capacity and machine stability within their categories.
The implementation of Develon's cutting-edge, in-house developed technologies, such as 2D Machine Guidance and Smart Control functions, enhances productivity by helping operators perform their tasks more easily and safely, reducing both time and costs.
The innovative Breaker Assist technology prevents blank firing, which helps protect the excavator and its components while minimizing operator fatigue, leading to increased productivity. Additionally, the Auto Breaker function allows operators to perform breaking seamlessly without the need for continuous button pressing, further reducing operator fatigue.
The Weighing Assist system is designed to accurately monitor production levels and manage volume, ensuring that dumptrucks are loaded to their appropriate capacities. By effectively addressing the problem of overloading, the system enhances road safety and streamlines the operational processes previously required for weight compliance, ultimately leading to increased productivity.
The new -9 models are equipped with Develon’s advanced Prognostics and Health Management (PHM) technology. This technology continuously monitors key components such as hydraulic oil, engine oil, pumps and motors, enabling timely predictions and proactive maintenance.
The external design fully encapsulates Develon’s vision of SMART construction equipment. Notable features include the industry’s first welcome light, strategically placed horizontal beacon lamps at the four corners of the cab’s upper surface, and signature lighting that adapts to the work environment by changing colour.
