Develon expands series 9 excavator range

Develon DX300LC-9 crawler excavator (Image: Develon)

With integrated artificial intelligence, the new 32-tonne machine features fully electrohydraulic controls which replaces traditional mechanical pilot controls to deliver up to 8% greater fuel efficiency, according to Develon.

Joining the DX230LC-9, DX260LC-9, DX360LC-9 and DX400HD-9 models, the DX300LC-9 is powered by the DX08 engine providing a net output of 207 kW (278 HP) @ 1800 rpm (SAE J1349) and a maximum torque of 1230 kgf/m @ 1300 rpm.

It has a maximum digging depth (std front) of 7,305 mm and a maximum digging reach (std front) of 10,530 mm. A super long reach version, the DX300SLR-9, extends one metre longer than the previous DX300SLR-7 model.

Develon says the DX300LC-9 offers greater lifting power and a range of operator assistance features.

Advanced Lift Assist displays the machine’s lifting capacity in real time and warns of tipping risks, including when working on slopes or uneven ground. Breaker Assist helps prevent blank firing, while an automatic setting reduces the need to hold down the breaker control.

An onboard weighing system tracks material loaded into trucks, and operators can customise the joystick controls, including stick steer and thumbwheel steering for manoeuvring in confined spaces.

Stephane Dieu, product manager for Develon excavators in Europe, highlighted the DX300LC-9’s range of safety, guidance and machine monitoring features, including the Smart Around View Monitor which uses six cameras, radar sensors and AI-based human detection to provide a 360-degree view around the excavator.

Develon’s E-Stop system can halt swing or travel if it detects a person within a designated danger zone, while Virtual Walls let operators set limits on the machine’s movements near obstacles such as overhead power lines.

Inside the cab, a 12-inch touchscreen provides access to machine settings and operating information. The excavator also offers machine guidance, optional monitoring of major components and a digital key that allows operators to unlock and start the machine through the My Develon app.

In addition, the machine is claimed to use the best soundproofing on the market, providing the lowest noise level of only 67 dBA in the 30-tonne segment, which Develon says is on average 3 dBA lower than the others on the market.

“Thirty-tonne class excavators like the DX300LC-9 are typically used for mass earthmoving and site development, utility and underground infrastructure work, civil and transportation projects, demolition, quarrying and material handling,” Dieu said.

“They are powerful enough to handle heavy digging and demolition yet are easier to transport than machines in the 40–50 tonne range and larger.”