Bauma Blasts #3 (Develon)

Continuing our Bauma Blasts series of easily digestible news snippets, and in this post focusing on the new -9 excavators from Develon.

Develon, formerly Doosan Construction Equipment, chose Bauma to unveil the first models from the company’s new Next Generation ‘-9’ Smart Crawler Excavator range. The Next Generation -9 range represents the latest stage in the Korean manufacturers proud legacy that can be traced back through five generations of excavators that began with the Solar range in the 1980s.

These machines are not the result of some cosmetic makeover, they are totally new models designed from the ground up. Two new models were showcased for the first time in public, and the 23-tonne class DX230LC-9 was the focus of a ceremonial reveal attended by senior Develon management on the first morning of Bauma.

The DX230LC-9 was on static display while the larger 26-tonne DX260LC-9 was being put through its paces on the adjoining demo plot, and was also utilised as part of the reveal process of the DX230LC-9.

With the -9 range, Develon is 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 (ten) ground-breaking technologies and will redefine and set new industry levels of Productivity, Safety, Operator Convenience and Sustainability.

These machines include a number advanced safety features including the Smart All-Round Viewing Monitor (SAVM) which includes AI-based object detection technology, which can identify both moving or stationary individuals who are in close proximity to the machine.

There is also the Advanced Lift Assist system which will warn operators of any risk of a tip over incident.

The new E-Stop and Virtual Wall functions further help to prevent accidents. To help ensure safety, the area surrounding the machine is clearly defined into specific zones: a yellow warning zone (Zone 2) and a red danger zone (Zone 1). The SAVM and E-Stop system utilize 6 cameras and 3 radars and work in 3-stages with a detection range of 13 m and 330°.

The new cabs are quite stunning offering superb levels of comfort. The seat caught my eye immediately, it has the look and feel of something one might find in a high-end luxury saloon car, and features heating and cooling functions.

A wide and easy to use 12.8-inch full colour monitor is fitted and the screen can be navigated by using the multi-function jog dial.

Premium quality joysticks come as standard and all buttons and controls also have a feel of high-end quality about them.

Develon provides customized solutions through its FEH (Full Electro Hydraulic) control system on the -9 models. The operatability 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, option-arm balance, boom-swing balance, and more to match their driving habits and job site needs. Develon’s solutions ensure a comfortable, precise, and efficient machine handling experience for a variety of attachments and work styles.

I am hoping to get access to one of these machines in due course for a full report in Earthmovers Magazine, definitely one to look out for in the future.