The DX17Z-7: Develon’s smallest mini excavator yet

When crew members must navigate narrow pathways and tight corners, a new contender emerges, poised to make a big impact despite its small stature: the Develon DX17Z-7 mini excavator. 

The DX17Z-7 weighs about 1,900 kg and is the smallest member of the Develon mini excavator fleet. 

Unlocking potential for landscaping, residential construction and utility work, the DX17Z-7 answers operators’ requests for a mini excavator that can work in tight spaces. 

The DX17Z-7 stands out in the Develon product line due to its compact size and specialized feature of a retractable undercarriage with a collapsible dozer blade. This enables the mini excavator to squeeze into small spaces when needed and provides steady operation when working on slopes.

“Contractors can say ‘goodbye’ to the days of difficult navigation and limited manoeuvrability with the addition of the DX17Z-7 to our mini excavator lineup,” said Andy Jeong, Mini Excavator Product Manager for Develon

“This nimble piece of machinery helps jobs stay on track by tackling the toughest tasks in the tightest spaces. The DX17Z-7 features many of the same premium features as the rest of our mini excavator line, with the added benefits of a compact footprint, retractable undercarriage and collapsible dozer blade.”

The mini excavator is powered by a 16 hp engine. Offering a 1.2 metre track width, the DX17Z-7 can travel between homes on tight lot lines or flush against existing structures in developed areas where larger equipment doesn’t fit. 

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If the machine can access the work area, it has the potential to replace work that was previously done by manual labour with shovels and wheelbarrows. The machine’s zero tail swing design also makes navigating in urban areas and around confined worksites or obstacles easier than ever. Operators can manoeuvrer with confidence next to structures without sacrificing turning, digging or lifting performance.

The new mini excavator features an open canopy cab and a selectable control pattern switch to change between ISO and backhoe patterns, depending on their preference. The change valve is located beneath the floor cover and is easily accessible without the need for any tools. 

The machine comes standard with the new My Develon telematics system that monitors the health, location and productivity of Develon equipment from a user-friendly mobile app and website.

DX17Z-7 design

Unique to the DX17Z-7, the retractable undercarriage and collapsible dozer blade offer versatility and efficiency when accessing and working in confined spaces. The retractable track is easily controlled via an electric switch on the control panel. The fully retracted undercarriage allows the excavator to enter narrow spaces. When fully expanded, the undercarriage provides optimum stability, especially when working over the side. 

The collapsible dozer blade can be retracted or expanded to meet various job site needs. To make grading, levelling and backfilling as easy as possible, the blade float feature allows the blade to follow the contours of the ground without operator input.

Auxiliary hydraulics are configured with flush face couplers to make quick hose connections when using augers, breakers and other hydraulic attachments. Like all Develon -7 Series mini excavators, the DX17Z-7 features a hydraulic quick-coupler-ready design with quick-coupler hydraulic piping installed to the end of the arm. Additionally, the DX17Z-7 has a thumb-ready design to grab and lift objects.

Wear and tear protection

The excavator’s undercarriage design helps protect against wear and tear of all retractable parts. The rubber track undercarriage provides superior flotation and traction on sensitive or soft surfaces and minimizes damage as it travels. 

Standard cylinder guards protect the machine’s cylinders in the event of collisions with other objects. 

As well, onboard diagnostics enable proactive maintenance management to ensure the machine operates at its optimal performance.