With a completely newly developed excavator series, Develon is presenting a model that sets new standards in terms of fuel consumption, operating comfort and safety. The market launch in Europe is planned for July. Particularly noteworthy are the energy-efficient hydraulic control, intelligent assistance systems and an all-round optimized cab interior.
A key feature of the new series is the significant reduction in fuel consumption. This is made possible above all by a revised hydraulic system. While conventional systems work with mechanical pilot control, Develon has opted for a fully electronically regulated main valve control system. This innovation enables more precise adjustment of the hydraulic flow to the actual requirements in real time - depending on the position of the joysticks and the engine speed. Hydraulic mapping ensures that the pump only delivers exactly the amount of oil that is actually required. This saves energy without any loss of performance.
Another advantage is the optimized torque curve. The machine's new engine delivers its maximum torque from 900 rpm and keeps it constant up to around 1,700 rpm. This allows efficient work at lower speeds, which also has a positive effect on fuel consumption. According to the manufacturer, the saving compared to the previous generation is around 20% - a significant step, especially for large machines with high energy requirements.
In addition to efficiency, the new development also focused on occupational safety. The machine is equipped with a total of six HD cameras, which together generate a seamless 360-degree image. The associated software evaluates the image data in real time and is able to differentiate between people and objects. As soon as a person is in the danger zone, the machine operator is warned visually or acoustically. This function makes a decisive contribution to avoiding accidents on unclear construction sites.
The camera system is supplemented by three radar sensors, which also enable all-round monitoring. With a range of up to 13 meters, they provide an additional layer of security, regardless of visibility or weather conditions. Especially when working in busy or confusing areas, this system increases responsiveness and prevents collisions or danger to persons.
From the outside, the significantly higher hood is immediately noticeable. It is part of a revised design that specifically improves air circulation in the engine compartment. The higher position allows more efficient heat exchange, which has a positive effect on the service life and performance of the machine - especially under full load or at high outside temperatures. Despite the new design, access to the most important maintenance points remains uncomplicated: All filters are positioned within easy reach, which facilitates daily checks and regular maintenance work. Develon thus remains true to its philosophy of combining service-friendliness with technical innovations.
The operating comfort has also been noticeably upgraded. The cab is designed to the level of modern vehicle interiors. Fully electric joysticks ensure precise control with less physical strain. A central 12-inch tablet with an Android interface acts as a control unit and display instrument. The 360-degree camera, machine parameters and assistance systems can be intuitively controlled and displayed via this. The design of the working environment is much more focused on ergonomic and functional criteria than before - a clear commitment to the well-being of the driver during shift work.
Despite numerous developments in the field of electric construction machinery, Develon continues to pursue a conventional drive approach with the new large excavator. This is due to the lack of charging infrastructure in many areas of application. While mini-excavators can increasingly be operated electrically - not least because the charging process is comparable to that of a car - the requirements for heavy machines are simply not met. The energy requirement could only be met with large batteries, which in turn require special charging solutions. However, especially on large construction sites, in road or infrastructure construction, the machine is often responsible for building the infrastructure in the first place. An electric concept is currently failing due to a lack of practicality and cost-effectiveness.
The new machine comes from Develon - a name that has only recently been established on the international market. The company was previously known under the Doosan Construction Equipment brand. With the rebranding, production will remain entirely in South Korea. The new series marks an important milestone in the transition to the next generation of excavators: more efficient, safer and more user-friendly - without losing sight of the proven quality standards.