The new crawler excavators combine FEH controls, increased power and AI-driven safety systems to improve productivity, efficiency and operator confidence
Following their European premiere at bauma, Develon’s -9 Series excavators are now arriving in North America following their domestic debut at ConExpo.
In Las Vegas, the company showcased four -9 models, the DX230LC-9 (23,000 kg), DX260LC-9 (27,400 kg), DX360LC-9 (38,218 kg) and DX400LC-9 (43,410 kg) which are designed to boost operator comfort, while reducing fuel costs and jobsite safety risks.
The next-generation crawler excavators provide smart technologies and performance and versatility features to help operators work smarter and more efficiently.
“We’ve built on the success of our existing excavator platform with the new -9 Series machines,” said Brian Kim, Heavy Excavator Product Manager at Develon.
The new excavators are equipped with a full electric over hydraulic (FEH) control system, which replaces traditional mechanical pilot controls to deliver up to 8 per cent greater fuel efficiency.
“One of the biggest changes is the move to FEH controls,” Kim said. “Moving to that system allows for easier integration of the smart features that we’ve added.”
More productivity
The -9 Series machines deliver up to a 20 per cent increased engine output, allowing operators to move more material with less overhead.
The DX230LC-9 and DX260LC-9 excavators are powered by Develon’s DX05 engine. The four-cylinder, 5-litre engine delivers up to 230-hp and 955 foot-pounds of torque at 1,400 rpm.
The six-cylinder, 7.5-litre DX08 powers the DX360LC-9 and DX400LC-9 excavators. The Tier 4 Final engine generates 341 hp and a maximum 1,400 foot-pounds of torque at 1,300 rpm.
With greater lifting power, the -9 Series elevates excavator operators’ productivity throughout the day.
For example, Advanced Lift Assist, a new feature on the -9 Series machines, displays the excavator’s current lifting capacity and alerts operators to potential tipping hazards. Advanced Lift Assist is an industry-first technology that uses a lifting force table to highlight risk zones during maneuvers and on slopes or uneven ground.
“Our new Advanced Lift Assist uses a colour-coded arrow system on the monitor to show operators how to safely work in various terrains,” Kim said. “This factors in the machine’s tilt to verify safety even when operators are working on slopes, allowing operators to work confidently without the risk of rollover.”
The Breaker Assist feature prevents blank firing, protecting internal components from unnecessary wear while reducing the physical strain on the operator. With Auto Breaker, constant button pressing is eliminated for smoother operation in demolition applications.
Develon has also equipped the new excavators with a new weighing system to monitor production levels and manage material volume.
The new stick steer feature allows operators to steer the tracks using the joystick, which simplifies movement in tight spaces. The newly designed joystick gives operators the ability to personalize controls. It enhances movement with options like stick steer and thumbwheel steer, in addition to traditional levers and pedals.
Smart comfort
The Develon -9 Series excavators include several new smart solutions to improve operator comfort and control.
“That’s the operator’s office on long workdays, so we want them to be as comfortable as possible, so we completely redesigned the cab to have a luxury automotive feel,” Kim said.
The -9 Series machines are equipped with a 30-cm touchscreen monitor to access machine information and manage various functions. A dual monitor option is also available
“The monitors are fully customizable, and you can have split screen functionality,” Kim said.
The Develon excavators are equipped with Smart Control 2D and Machine Guidance 2D as standard features.Operators can take the guesswork out of grading and digging with these standard machine features. The new excavators will be fully compatible with an optional 3D smart control and machine guidance system.
“There’s so many benefits to using this system, from faster cycle times to fewer overcuts to reduced rework. It also eliminates the need for a grade checker in the trench so you’re improving your jobsite safety,” Kim said.
PHM technology
For predictive maintenance, Advanced Prognostics and Health Management (PHM) technology continuously monitors critical components like hydraulic oil, engine oil and main pumps. The smart system predicts maintenance needs to help minimize downtime and lower service costs.
A premium PHM option includes the controller, pressure sensors, vibration sensors to provide diagnosis, and abnormality detection functions for the main pump, swing motor and swing reduction gear.
Enhanced safety
The -9 Series excavators are equipped with a smart around view monitor camera system and human detection system that is comprised of six cameras, radar sensors and AI-powered human detection to provide a 360-degree view around the machine.
“The AI powered human detection system that can actually distinguish between humans and other objects in the area,” Kim said. “If someone enters within 13 feet of the machine’s swing radius or travel path, the machine will automatically decelerate on its own. If they continue to move closer and get within 6.5 feet of the machine, it will come to a complete stop.”
As well, Virtual Walls allows operators to set digital boundaries to prevent the excavator boom or bucket from striking overhead power lines or underground obstacles.
Available through the My Develon fleet management app, a Bluetooth-enabled digital key lets operators unlock the cab, start the engine and adjust the air conditioning, offering machine control from any distance without a physical key.
Develon will eventually expand its lineup of -9 Series excavators to replace the current -7 Series models offered in North America. The first four models previewed will be available at Develon dealerships this year.
