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Develon mini-excavator installs glass panes

We are used to seeing countless jobs carried out by mini-excavators, but a novel application in the construction industry involving a new Develon DX20Z-7 model demonstrates a new way of working for many companies in the sector.

The 2-tonne Develon DX20Z-7 mini-excavator was recently purchased by Ciment i Estructures Costa Brava, a company located in Garrigàs (Girona) in Spain. With the DX20Z-7, the company met their need for a mini-excavator that is very compact, powerful and above all versatile.

Ismael Cabrera, Manager of Ciment i Estructures Costa Brava, commented, “In the latest work we carried out with the Develon DX20Z-7 mini-excavator on a house renovation project, the advantages have been multiple thanks to the versatility provided by this machine. The mini-excavator was able to move freely inside the house, even going down the narrow stairs of this single-family home. This has translated into operator comfort, savings in time and costs, and provided a solution where other larger machines were unsuitable.”

When fully retracted to a width of 950mm, the DX20Z-7’s retractable undercarriage allows the machine to fit through tight spaces. But when fully extended to a width of 1360 mm, it provides the excavator with optimal stability. The undercarriage is easily extended and retracted using a switch located on the control panel.

An unusual application
In the home in question, a number of tasks were carried out with the mini-excavator, but the most exciting aspect without a doubt was the installation of approximately 26 panes of glass on the facades and interiors of various sizes, weighing between 320 and 400kg.

To do this, a special suction cup attachment had to be attached for installing the glass. This system attaches easily and safely to the Develon mini-excavator, thanks to its standard adaptation. Normally this type of implement is used on a truck crane, however, being able to access certain windows directly from inside the home has made installation much easier.

Ismael Cabrera added, “We find projects are increasingly more difficult and refurbishments are even more so. In our area, special jobs are very expensive and we have to try to do the work with our own workers and our machines, so that it is profitable. Previously we carried out this type of work with rented machinery. Now we save on hire costs, paperwork and by doing it ourselves we bring it together better and in a more agile way.”

He continued, “In the company, there are four of us who operate the machines and we all agree that the Develon DX20Z-7 mini-excavator is very easy to handle, in addition to being very comfortable for the operator, providing unbeatable visibility, high safety and robustness.”

Ismael Cabrera concluded, “In terms of fuel consumption, we have found it is very low on the DX20Z-7. Another reason for choosing Develon was the service provided by the dealer in our area, Boadella Vallsmadella, together with the support of the Spanish distributor, Centrocar. We consider that having official back-up nearby is important and the most beneficial for our team for a local and personalised service. Our overall rating of the Develon DX20Z-7 mini-excavator would definitely be 10.”

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