Heavy-duty Doosan DX340LCA hydraulic excavators, designed for efficient operation and high productivity in demanding work environments, are gaining popularity locally in diverse sectors, including quarrying, mining and heavy construction.
“There are currently over 2 500 Doosan machines in operation locally and we expect to further consolidate Doosan’s market position and soon reach the 3 000 unit mark,” says Chris Whitehead, Managing Director at Doosan Construction Equipment.
The company offers a national technical advisory, maintenance and support service through its branches in Johannesburg, Durban and Wolmaransstad; and dealers in East London, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, Middelburg, Kimberley, Rustenburg and Bloemfontein.
“Doosan makes a substantial investment in an on-going development programme to upgrade machines with advanced design features and high performance materials, for optimum productivity, reduced running costs and low emissions,” continues Whitehead. “Users worldwide have the assurance that all Doosan machines offer efficient output power, low fuel consumption, minimal maintenance requirements and extended service life. Features for precise control and enhanced operator comfort are key to product advancement.”
These high-strength excavators have a new 6-cylinder water-cooled engine that is optimised and electronically controlled to boost production
Doosan says that its earthmoving equipment – which includes tracked, wheel and mini excavators, articulated dump trucks (ADTs), as well as wheel loaders and various attachments – has been designed to cope efficiently and safely in Africa’s harsh operating conditions.
The Doosan DX340LCA hydraulic excavators have new technologies that deliver effective control over each machine’s power and also simplify maintenance procedures. As a result, efficiency and machine durability are increased, productivity is improved and operational costs are lowered.
These high-strength excavators have a new 6-cylinder water-cooled engine that is optimised and electronically controlled to boost production, maximise fuel efficiency and ensure harmful emissions remain well below the values required for Tier II engines. Rated engine power is 185kW (247hp) at 1 800rpm and maximum torque is 1 118 N.m at 1 400rpm. Improved cooling performances reduce fuel consumption and minimise noise levels in heavy duty and hot working conditions.
New specifications of the DX340LCA series include an increased maximum bucket size of 2,35m³, a side lifting capacity of 9,33 ton at six meters reach and three meters height, and a maximum digging force of 24,8 ton. Traction has been improved with an 8% increased drawbar pull of 27 ton. Advanced independent electronics has increased reliability of these machines and simplified maintenance procedures.
High-performance materials and advanced computer assisted design techniques
Doosan points out that it uses high-performance materials, combined with advanced computer assisted design techniques, including Finite Element Analysis (FEA), to improve design features of every new series. All materials and components are tested under the most extreme conditions.
The shape of the boom has been re-designed for improved load distribution throughout the structure and, for greater strength, material thickness has been increased to limit element fatigue, increase reliability and extend component life.
A highly lubricated metal is used for the boom pivot to extend greasing intervals to 250 hours. Cast elements are used in the arm assembly and reinforcement is added around the bosses for additional strength and extended service life. High wear resistant materials are used for susceptible elements of the bucket, including the blades, teeth, rear and lateral reinforcement plates and corners of the bucket.
All welded structures have been designed to limit stresses. The lateral chassis is welded and rigidly attached to the undercarriage.
Tracks are composed of sealed, self-lubricating links, which are isolated from external contamination for dependability in all conditions. Mechanically bolted pins lock these racks and the integrated track spring and idler are joined directly for high durability and easy maintenance. Track links have reinforced thickness on stressed regions and the hydraulic track adjuster has a shock absorbing tension mechanism.
An independent, high torque, axial piston motor through a planetary reduction gear drives each track. Two levers or a foot pedal control provide smooth travel and counter rotation.
Doosan highlights that for optimum excavator control, the new e-POS system
Doosan highlights that for optimum excavator control, the new e-POS system (Electronic Power Optimising System) provides a perfect synchronised communication link between the engine’s electronic control unit and the hydraulic system. A controller area network system facilitates a constant flow of information between the engine and hydraulic system, ensuring power is delivered exactly as it is needed.
Advantages of the new user-friendly e-POS system include ease of operation, the availability of power and standard modes for optimum efficiency under all conditions and an automatic auto-idle mode for fuel saving. Regulation and precise control of the flow rate required by the equipment is standard and a self-diagnosis function enables technical problems to be resolved quickly. Maintenance and oil change intervals can be displayed and an operational memory provides a graphic display of the status of the machine.
Easy access to all components, including engine oil filter, radiators and grouped grease inlets
According to Doosan, easy access to all components, including the engine oil filter, radiators and grouped grease inlets, enables quick maintenance procedures and prevents contamination to the surrounding environment. The fuse box is also located in the storage compartment behind the seat, which is a clean environment, with convenient access.
The DX340LCA machines have also been designed with the latest ergonomics for enhanced efficiency, improved safety and greater comfort. New features include a spacious, all weather sound-suppressed cab with a clear all-round view, effective air conditioning and an adjustable seat, with an optional air suspension system to reduce vibrations. The control panel is conveniently positioned for easy use and is simple to read. For improved safety, there are large handrails and a wide step with anti-slip plates, right and left rear view mirrors, a travel alarm and safety glass.
For improved safety, large handrails and a wide step with anti-slip plates, right and left rear view mirrors, a travel alarm and safety glass
Last, but not least, it’s safety first. During leveling procedures, movement of suspended loads and tricky maneuvers, control levers ensure safe and precise operation, Electrical buttons, integrated on the levers, are used to activate the power boost function and to operate additional equipment, like grabs, crushers and grippers. An emergency throttle cable, which controls engine speed manually in the event of a malfunction of the control dial, is mounted in the cab.