Doosan has unveiled its new DX225LC-7, the first of the company’s new generation, medium-sized Stage V compliant excavators. Weighing 23tonnes, the DX225LC-7 is also the first Doosan excavator of this size to feature Doosan’s innovative D-ECOPOWER virtual bleed off (VBO) technology, providing higher productivity and around 7% lower fuel consumption/hour than the previous Stage IV model, as well as smoother controls.
The DX225LC-7 also offers new features that provide major improvements in machine controllability, versatility, operator comfort, uptime and return on investment, as well as increased productivity and robustness.
The new features include a 14% heavier 4.9tonne counterweight for working with heavy attachments such as tiltrotators. The counterweight also contributes to the improved lifting and digging capacities compared to the previous model. The DX225LC-7 also incorporates a 5tonne capacity lifting eye that forms part of the casting for the push link for the bucket attachment at the end of the arm.
The DX225LC-7 also has a new hydraulic system that offers an improvement of around 30% in attachment work, compared to previous models. The new system applies a smart hydraulic logic for optimal distribution of the hydraulic flow rate when both the arm and attachment are working simultaneously. A new priority valve and an additional hydraulic line maintain flow to the attachment, even when the arm is being used.
There is a new Tiltrotator Mode in the DX225LC-7, which ensures an optimised hydraulic flow and helps maximise the accuracy of tiltrotator work by eliminating back pressure. This new mode is a special two-way flow mode, but it is managed by the EPOS like a one-way flow mode, with direct return to the tank in each direction, to avoid back pressure and increase flow and controllability.
Doosan’s D-ECOPOWER technology utilises an electronic pressure-controlled pump within a closed centre hydraulic system that boosts productivity up to 26% and lowers fuel consumption by 7%.
The new DX225LC-7 excavator is powered by the latest Doosan DL06V diesel engine, providing 129kW at 1800 RPM. The engine offers a new solution to exceed Stage V regulations without exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), that boosts the quantity of air available during combustion, increasing temperatures and reducing particulate emissions.
The new DX225LC-7 model is equipped with Doosan’s state-of-the-art DoosanCONNECT wireless fleet monitoring system. The DoosanCONNECT system offers a web-based fleet management solution which is useful for monitoring the performance and security of machines and promoting preventative maintenance.
Meanwhile, Hitachi is launching three improved excavator models said to offer increased performance over earlier models. The new ZX210-7, ZX225US-7 and ZX225USR-7 are Zaxis-7 medium excavators benefit from Stage V compliant engines and fuel savings of up to 11% over the previous models. The machines also benefit from Hitachi’s sophisticated TRIAS III hydraulic system, offering high performance in every application.
Versatility is claimed for the Zaxis-7 excavators, with the ZX210-7, ZX225US-7 and ZX225USR-7 available in a range of configurations. These include a mono and two-piece boom, long (LC) and narrow (LCN) undercarriage options.
The ZX225US-7 has a short swing radius of 1,680mm, and an optional dozer blade. Attachments can be changed quickly using the improved support system on the monitor.
The cab design for the ZX210-7, ZX225US-7 and ZX225USR-7 is said to be spacious, with good visibility and ergonomics. Visibility is helped by the 270° view provided by the Aerial Angle camera system. New LED work lights and a windscreen wiper with an increased sweeping area to assist visibility in poor weather. Easy operation comes from the new console and switches and convenient access to controls. The menu can be navigated quickly on the LCD monitor with the multifunctional controller while the anti-glare screen is easy to view. Features such as the wider engine door and cover openings on the ZX210-7, and new filter layout, larger steps and engine cover on the ZX225US-7 and ZX225USR-7 provide easier and quicker access for daily inspections.
Hitachi remote monitoring systems improve fleet management and give access to vital data through Owner’s Site and ConSite. Both systems send operational data via GPRS or satellite from the excavator to Global e-Service on a daily basis. ConSite summarises the information in a monthly email, and the ConSite Pocket app shows real-time alerts for any potential issues.
