New machines raise much controversy

At the Doosan Quarry Days, the new DA30 articulated hauler literally raised a lot of dust. On the bone-dry terrain of the Czech quarry, the new wheel loader DL280-5, its bigger brother DL580-5 and the brand new Doosan DX225SLR-5 excavator with extra long reach also drew attention. Both dealers with their customers, as well as journalists were allowed to put the machines to the test.

The Doosan Quarry Days are sort of the equivalent of the Matexpo Demo Days, but from one company: Doosan Construction Equipment. Just about all small, medium and large machines from the South Korean equipment manufacturer's program were set up in a quarry an hour's drive from the Czech capital, Prague. Wheel loaders, mini, midi and large excavators on tracks and on tires, plus last but not least two articulated dump trucks. The DA40 in the "old" version, the smaller DA30 in an improved version partly for the European market. The main innovation is in the suspension. It now consists of a self-levelling air suspension to absorb shocks better, especially when driving without a load. The jitteriness of before is now largely gone and that is very noticeable in the cabin. Incidentally, there have also been improvements: for example, the DA30 has a standard Grammer Actimo XXL seat with its own independent pneumatic and scissor suspension to absorb low frequencies well. The cab itself has been redesigned for greater comfort and ergonomics. The dashboard received a new layout, more serviceable material and a nicely finished display.

Fewer maintenance points, fewer types of oil, low fuel consumption and longer service life should reduce operating costs while increasing efficiency and operator comfort.

The new version of the DX225LC-5 crawler excavator is more fuel-efficient and received a more comfortable cab.

Wheel loader DL580-5 received advanced dual-circuit axle cooling system for difficult applications.

Improved crawler digger
The new version of the DX225LC-5 crawler excavator features a Stage IV type DL06P engine, according to the company, "one of the most reliable and economical engines ever produced by Doosan." The innovations should yield total fuel savings of 9 %.
These include the new "trip meter settings" screen, which allows the operator to check fuel consumption via the dashboard. Furthermore, the Smart Power Control (SPC: smart power control) specially developed by Doosan has been applied. This can optimally match the output of the hydraulic pumps and engine power. The adjustable automatic engine shutdown (3-60 minutes idle) saves fuel and warranty hours.

The cab has been made larger and the joysticks shorter, so less force is needed to operate them. An additional pedal has been added especially for straight travel. DoosanConnect is standard as a remote monitoring system. Incidentally, the system is standard on all new Doosan Stage IV excavators (from 14 tons), all new Doosan Stage IV wheel loaders and the new generation of Doosan Stage IV articulated haulers, the quarry revealed.

The improved DA30 articulated dump truck goes forward.

Two wheel loaders
The new DL280-5 wheel loader has a special design for waste handling, recycling and industrial applications. It is the latest addition to the 12-ton to 35-ton series. The 16-tonner is characterized in practice by a large breakout force of 145 kN, a high tipping load and large engine power: 128 kW (172 hp) with corresponding torque of 804 Nm at 1400 rpm. The front lifting arm of the Z-beam kinematics is driven by a closed hydraulic system. Its axial piston pump has an output of 210 l/min.

The cabin is state-of-the-art and has a fully adjustable Grammer seat with vertical and horizontal suspension and heating. The air in the cab is filtered twice to stop all particles smaller than 2 microns. Safety has been improved by a new railing around the cab roof, the large step and a platform in front of the cab. In addition, convex side mirrors, important in waste handling and recycling, have been installed and a rear-view camera has been provided. The maximum travel speed is 38 km/h.

The existing DL550-5 wheel loader has gained a stronger brother in the DL580-5 with a more robust, rigid and sturdier front construction. The newcomer is equipped with an advanced dual-circuit axle cooling system for tough applications such as block lifting, as well as other heavy-duty jobs in industry, construction, recycling, mining and quarrying. The 36-tonner has higher static tipping loads of 29,700 and 26,200 kg at straight/full turn of 40 degrees, respectively. As with the DL280-5, the cab has been greatly improved, with more comfort, better all-round visibility and greater safety.

Overview of the quarry.