Develon debuted the -9 Series line of heavy excavators to the North American market.
The debut is made up of four models: The DX230LC-0, the DX260LC-C, the DX360LC-9 and the DX400LC-9. Develon says these options address customer concerns about operator comfort, fuel costs and job site safety risks. These four models will be available at Develon dealerships this year.
The company will eventually expand its lineup of -9 Series excavators to replace the current -7 Series models offered in North America.
“We’ve built on the success of our existing excavator platform with the new -9 Series machines, which are engineered with a full electric over hydraulic control system, replacing traditional mechanical pilot controls to deliver up to 8 percent greater fuel efficiency,” says Brian Kim, heavy excavator product manager at Develon. “A new smart around view monitor camera system, Advanced Lift Assist, remote smartphone starting, factory 2D grading system and real-time oil diagnostics help keep operators safer and more productive.”
Advanced Lift Assist, a new feature in the -9 Series machines, displays the excavator’s current lifting capacity and alerts operators to potential tipping hazards. Advanced Lift Assist uses a lifting-force table to highlight risk zones during maneuvers and on slopes or uneven ground.
“Our new Advanced Lift Assist uses a color-coded arrow system on the monitor to show operators how to safely work in various terrains,” Kim says. “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 new excavator utilize the smart around view monitor camera system and human detection system, which is made up of six cameras, radar sensors and AI-powered human detection, offering a 360-degree view around the machine. Additional safety features include Active E-Stop, which completely stops all movement if a person comes within 10 feet of the machine, and virtual walls, which allows operators to set digital boundaries to prevent the boom or bucket from striking overhead power lines or underground obstacles.
Matt Quinnell, owner of Advanced Wall Structures in Minnesota, participated in a project with Develon to gather operator feedback on the new excavators.
“Experiencing the prototype crawler excavators was an awesome experience,” says Quinnell, who traveled to South Korea from North America to participate in the project. “There’s a lot of technology in these machines, ranging from alerting operators of a person or different objects in the swing path of the machine to the standard 2D machine control. At the time, I had 13 engineers from Develon asking me questions about the machine. We’d test the function, and then I’d write notes and give them feedback.”
Additional debuts
Develon also launched two new compact track loader models: The DTL26 and DTL30.
The company says the new CTLs address the challenge of incorporating diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) to meet Tier 4 emissions requirements. The DTL26 and DTL30 are powered by a D24 diesel engine, delivering power under the 74-hp threshold for DEF.
“Our customers are looking for opportunities to reduce their operating costs and simplify their maintenance checklists,” says Andy Jeong, product manager at Develon. “By removing the requirement for DEF, we’ve removed a significant pain point for our customers. They no longer have to worry about fluid storage in extreme temperatures or the added expense of an extra consumable. It’s about providing a machine that is ready to work the moment the operator presses a button.”
Develon says the DTL26 and DTL30 are designed for operator comfort. Both machines feature a wide cab, an 8-in. touch screen display, available Smart Assist functions and more.
“A comfortable operator is a productive operator,” Jeong says. “With a premium cab and intuitive controls, we aren’t just helping crews move more dirt; we’re helping business owners attract and keep the best talent by providing them with the best tools in the industry.”
Versatility was another key focus in the development of these new CTLs, according to the company. With an available hydraulic quick coupler, operators can change attachments without leaving the cab. For high-demand applications, high-flow auxiliary hydraulics are available to operate more demanding attachments, Develon says.
Both new models are expected to be available at Develon dealerships in North America this year.