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Doosan releases electronically controlled DX225LC-7X excavator

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Doosan Infracore North America has added an electronically controlled excavator model with machine-assisted technologies to its next generation of crawler excavators in the United States.

The fully electro-hydraulic control system on the DX225LC-7X crawler excavator enables advanced machine guidance and machine control systems. This includes a 2D and upgradable 3D grading system.

The DX225LC-7X is part of the company’s excavator plans for 2022 and 2023 as it replaces Doosan-5 models. The Doosan -7 Series crawler excavators, including the standard DX225LC-7, feature higher digging forces and lifting capacities and increased fuel efficiency. Diesel engines in the excavators will continue to meet Tier 4 Final emissions standards without diesel particulate filters. 

The larger models will come with D-ECOPower for saving fuel. Models now available for dealers to order include the reduced-tailswing 14-metric-ton DX140LCR-7, the DX225LC-7, the DX255LC-7 and the DX350LC-7.

“Doosan continues to build on the success of its existing excavator platform with more machine features that help our customers improve their productivity,” says Joel Escalante, product specialist. “We’ve enhanced the excavator cab with additional comfort features and now offer an all-around view monitor for even better operator visibility of the jobsite.”

Upgrades to the standard machines are an improvement in efficiency and productivity from previous models. However, he suggests the DX225LC-7X takes control to another level. 

“The reason we put the DX225LC-7X as a different machine is because the DX225LC-7X has a fully electro-hydraulic system,” Escalante says. “What that means is the controls, your joysticks, have no pilot hoses; it’s all electronic.” 

Interior cab of Doosan -7 series excavatorThe redesigned models are built to reduce noise and vibration. Inside the cab is an optional deluxe air-suspension seat that is heated and cooled,Doosan Infracore North AmericaThe technology on the machine includes programmable joystick switches for ease of operation, a fully electronic joystick, a rotary sensor and equipment sensors on the boom, arm, bucket and upper body of the DX225LC-7X, including a laser catcher. This system allows the excavator to provide supplementary assistance with precision functions and tasks and results in greater productivity and efficiency. For the operator, the joystick and pedals are fully electric, but give the operator the same feeling as the regular hydraulic joysticks.

“The difference is that on the standard machines you have pilot hoses sending the signal for a specific function they’re doing to control the bucket the arm, boom, etc.; whereas, on the -7x system, it’s all electrical, and the computer is telling the pilot system and the main control valve what to do the moment the operator starts functioning the joysticks,” he says.

For now, the DX225LC-7X is the only Doosan -7 series model to have this option. With the 22.5-metric-ton machines being one of Doosan’s top sellers worldwide, it made sense for it to be the first model with the electronic controls. Escalante says the company is developing the technology on other models. 

Escalante says Doosan recently had the DX225LC-7X at its demo center, and customers were fascinated by how easy it was to operate. 

“The guys love the way how fast they can set it,” he says. “It is a very user-friendly system.”

Despite being a technological advancement for the Doosan excavators, the controls are a lot easier.

“You don’t need a very skilled operator as long as they understand how to set the system,” Escalante says. He recalled a recent customer, a father, a very skilled operator, and his son, a young operator, were trying out the new machine. The son did better than his father because he knew how to play video games and understood the new system.

“The design behind it is to help the operator be faster while still remaining comfortable and also be more efficient and optimize the machine performance and efficiency,” Escalante says.

Smooth operation

“This system allows a better integration of the 2D and 3D machine guidance and machine control systems with grade assist and slope setting,” Escalante says. Customers can dictate which system to put on their machines. Doosan integrates Topcon, Trimble or Leica or whatever system the customer works with. Cost is reduced for the customers to integrate with whatever system is on their fleet.Doosan -7 series excavator Smart Touch monitorThe multilingual Doosan Smart Touch screen, standard on all -7 Series crawler excavators, displays all important settings and information on one screen.Doosan Infracore North America

“The difference with the DX225LC-7X is that when you activate the grading system, the touchscreen allows you to set the assist mode, which allows the computer to help the operator,” he says. “All the operators must do is pull the arm function, and the machine controls the bucket and boom automatically to maintain the grading or slope. It’s much more precise.”

Feedback to the operator is provided through audio and visual displays, including a new 8-inch Smart Touch screen, that are common in the Doosan -7 series. Escalante says the monitor gives operators improved control for intended or designed direction of travel and more precise control of setting bucket-tooth depth, height and slope. 

“Normally when they’re trenching for a sewer system or water piping, it has to have a gradient,” he says. “When they trench this gradient, the slope has to be maintained from 100 yards, 300 yards or much more. With the 3D systems, they set the slope, and the operator just maintains the slope by looking at the screen.”

On the left side of the monitor is a column of color that changes as the depth gets closer to the set level. “When you’re getting close, it goes from orange to green, and the operator knows through the corner of his eye because his eye is on the bucket at all times,” Escalante says. The alarm can also be set to beep to alert the proximity of the proper slope and depth.

Escalante notes that operators can set different parameters for different styles of buckets and just activate that bucket when he switches with a quick coupler. When the DX225LC-7X is delivered to the customer, all the sensors are already calibrated. The buckets the customer uses need to be calibrated, and no specific tools are needed. The system will ask the operator to enter the required measurements to finalize the calibration process, with around an hour needed to calibrate three buckets.

Also, if the job site is using a laser to maintain the depth, the machine has a laser receiver, so the operator doesn’t have to reset the depth every time the machine is moved. “It displays an icon right on the monitor so he knows that he can just continue digging with the same parameters,” Escalante says.

In addition to grading, operators can set a virtual wall to determine placement of surrounding obstacles. 

“If the operator has obstacles on either side, he can set the limits, so the machine won’t swing past that,” Escalante says. The function can be overridden at any time if needed.

The machine also has a weigh and lift assist function to measure and display the current weight of the bucket as materials are being loaded, to warn the operator when the total loading weight is exceeded. Escalante says the sensors are within 3% accuracy to give customers an idea of how much material is being moved with the machine.

Standard fare

The Doosan -7 series excavators enable operators to adjust power modes while using attachments. The four power modes are power plus, power, standard and economy. Work modes are digging and lifting, and two work modes for attachments: one-way and two-way flow.

The two-way flow is for using high-flow attachments. In that mode, power priority is given to the attachment rather than the boom and arm. Operators will also be able to tailor the excavator’s power mode when using attachments.

Escalante says the power plus mode is designed for severe digging conditions and massive truck loading to move a lot of material. 

“Then we have power mode; it’s one level below the power plus, and it’s for extremely deep trenching and truck loading,” Escalante says. 

For general trench digging or pipe laying, there is standard mode. Further, Escalante says, economy mode is ideal for more precise grading to maximize control and efficiency.  

“For new operators, I always tell them use a standard load because the machine is not so fast and so demanding,” he says. “What happens is if you go right to power plus, the machine is going to do what you ask. And what happens is here in North America, the operators have the tendency to go full throttle, and then it’s all brain and muscle versus computer, and we know who wins that battle.” Despite the power and speed increase, the operator ends up being less sufficient and wastes time because he can’t keep up with the machine. “Every time I’m in a jobsite, I see this problem,” Escalante says.Ultrasonic detection sensors on back of Doosan -7 series excavatorsThe AVM camera system can be linked with optional ultrasonic detection sensors for an additional level of awareness of objects behind the machine.Doosan Infracore North America

On each of the Doosan-7 series, there is an optional 360-degree all-around view monitoring (AVM) camera system that displays a full view of the machine’s surroundings. The AVM system pairs with the optional ultrasonic sensors, providing a bird’s eye view of the jobsite and a beeping alarm if the machine gets too close to an obstacle.

“It won’t stop him from hitting anything, but this alarm helps the operator concentrate much better on the attachment because the alarm will tell me when the rear is getting too close to a wall or some other obstacle,” Escalante says. The beeping gets louder as the machine gets closer to an object. The ultrasonic sensors are only available on the standard machines and not the short-radius models.

Doosan also added a new fine-swing mode on the Doosan-7 series in which the operator can turn off the rotation, or slew, brake to prevent material loss from the bucket, especially when lifting. Fine swing, which can be engaged or disengaged manually, gives operators more control.

One option that Escalante says he really supports operators using is the boom float function. “If you don’t have the -7x by having a boom float on the machine, the operator can be very fast and shorten cycle times in all applications,” he says. Currently the boom float is an option, but Escalante would like to see it become a standard feature.

Doosan -7 Series quick specs

Doosan DX140LCR-7 excavator reduced tail swing viewThe redesigned rear of the DX140LCR-7 reduced tailswing excavator also gets new styling.Doosan Infracore North AmericaDX140LCR-7

  • Horsepower: 115 hp (86 kW) at 2,000 rpm
  • Operating weight: 33,800 lbs. (15,400 kg)
  • Maximum digging depth: 19 ft. 8 in. (6 m)
  • Maximum digging reach (ground): 28 ft. (8.5 m)
  • Maximum loading height: 23 ft. 3 in. (7.1 m)

Back panel of Doosan DX225LC-7XDoosan Infracore North America

DX225LC-7 and DX225LC-7X

  • Horsepower: 174 hp (129 kW) at 1,800 rpm
  • Operating weight: 52,600 lbs. (23,900 kg)
  • Maximum digging depth: 21 ft. 7 in. (6.6 m)
  • Maximum digging reach (ground): 31 ft. 10 in. (9.7 m)
  • Maximum loading height: 22 ft. 5 in. (6.8 m)

Doosan-studio shotThe DX255LC-7 replaces the DX255LC-5 with the upgrades seen in the Doosan-7 series.Doosan Infracore North America

DX255LC-7

  • Horsepower: 189 hp (141 kW) at 1,900 rpm
  • Operating weight: 59,300 lbs. (26,900 kg)
  • Maximum digging depth: 22 ft. 4 in. (6.8 m)*
  • Maximum digging reach (ground): 32 ft. 10 in. (10 m)
  • Maximum loading height: 23 ft. 1 in. (7 m)

Doosan DX350LC-7 excavator side viewDoosan plans to come out this year with a reduced-tailswing model of its DX350 35-metric-ton excavator.Doosan Infracore North America

DX350LC-7

  • Horsepower: 285 hp (213 kW) at 1,800 rpm
  • Operating weight: 81,791 lbs. (37,100 kg)
  • Maximum digging depth: 24 ft. 8 in. (7.5 m)
  • Maximum digging reach (ground): 35 ft. 11 in. (11 m)
  • Maximum loading height: 23 ft. 6 in. (7.2 m)

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Cat’s Next Generation 255 and 265 Get More Power, Lift Height

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Caterpillar is bidding farewell to its 259D3, 279D3 and 289D3 compact track loaders with the introduction of its new, next-generation 255 and 266 models.

The completely redesigned models debuted at media and customer events at Caterpillar’s Edwards, Illinois, Demonstration and Learning Center last week. The 255 and 265 offer improved engine performance, more lift height, a roomier cab and more standard technology than their predecessors.

“We kept the DNA of the D3 series while reimagining the possibilities of loader performance using voice of customer feedback to lead the way,” says Trevor Chase, product application specialist for Caterpillar. “Both next-generation models leverage the many benefits offered by the vertical lift design. The new Cat 255 replaces the 259D3, while the 265 replaces both the 279D3 and 289D3 machines.”

The CTLs are the last of Cat’s building and construction products to get the next-generation treatment and simplified nomenclature. The first number (2) represents the skid steer loader and compact track loader machine family; the middle number (5 or 6) designates the machine size; and the ending number (5) is the compact track loader identifier. Skid steers will be identified by a 0 end number. Additional new models will roll out in the coming months, the company says.

Caterpillar 265 compact track loader carrying a blockCaterpillarMore power and torque

Cat equipped the 255 with a C2.8T engine and the 265 with a C2.8TA engine, both at 74 horsepower. This gives the new machines a significant boost in torque – 13% for the 255 and 43% for the 256 – over their D3-Series predecessors. The engine and cooling package are mounted lower in the frame for added visibility out the rear window and stability while lifting heavy loads.

Customers attest that the added lift height makes truck loading easier. The 255 offers 10 feet 4 inches of lift height, while the 265 can reach 11 feet high.

“The lift height has made a big difference when loading trucks,” said Derrick Roger, owner of Coast to Coast Lawnscapes, who spent several months testing the 255. “You can get on top of that truck now and empty the bucket; whereas, before you would have to shake the bucket to try to get the material to fall out.”

The 255 delivers 36% more tilt breakout, 26% higher lift breakout force and a 24% increase in rated operating capacity (ROC). The 265 also delivers 19% higher tilt breakout force and 22% higher lift breakout force.

Standard hydraulic pressure has been increased to 3,500 psi, allowing the 255 and 265 to operate all Cat Smart Attachments with the standard auxiliary hydraulics provided.

If demanding attachments require additional hydraulic flow, customers can have their Cat dealer activate the high flow functionality on the machine or remotely via software update. This makes it possible for the CTLs to hit 30 gallons per minute of flow at the standard system pressure.

A High Flow XPS factory option increases auxiliary hydraulic system pressure to 4,061 psi for both models, while also increasing the hydraulic flow to 30 gallons per minute for the 255 and 34 gallons per minute for the 265.

The torsion suspension undercarriage delivers better operator comfort, track wear and material retention, plus the stiffer design results in smoother graded surfaces, Cat says. A new 12.6-inch bar-tread narrow track option is available on the 255.

A more spacious cab

Cat says it has increased the cab width by 2.75 inches without making the machines wider and the footwell-to-ceiling height by 1.8 inches. The larger cab gives operators an additional 1.5 inches of hip room and 1.1 inches more width between the joysticks.

A range of new mechanical and air-ride suspension seat options are available, including a ventilated and heated seat. A new automatic temperature control allows operators to set a specific temperature. Relocated vents help cool or heat the machine quickly.

The standard package includes the same 5-inch LCD monitor as the D3 Series CTLs, which offers Bluetooth connectivity and functionality for the rearview camera feed, creep, job clock, and maintenance reminders.

Customers can upgrade to a new 8-inch advanced touchscreen monitor, like the display found in Cat’s next-generation mini excavators and small loaders. It delivers advanced radio control and supports the 270-degree multicamera option. The advanced monitor pairs with the advanced joysticks for integrated control of all machine functions and adjustments.

“You can adjust the movement – or the aggressiveness or the conservativeness – of how your tracks and lift arms work through your advanced touchscreen display,” Dante Thomas, skid steer and CTL marketing manager, said. “And you can control of all of your display functions from the advanced joysticks. There are buttons with enter and select functions on those joysticks that you’re able to change any functionality that is possible.”

Cat also redesigned the entry, making the 255 and 265 easier to enter and exit. The cab door can be opened even when the lift arms are not fully lowered to the frame stops. It can be removed without tools in less than one minute.

Advanced technologies

Calling the 255 and 265 “one of the most attachment-friendly machines on the market,” Thomas says both the standard and advanced monitors can run Cat Smart Attachments, such as the dozer and grader blades and backhoe.

“It has attachment recognition that when you plug the attachment into the machine, it recognizes which attachment is connected. It adjusts your joystick pattern, so it gives you intuitive and simple control,” says Thomas.

The available Cat Product Link Elite system tracks machine hours, location, asset utilization, provides fault code details and delivers advanced monitoring and machine health, that is remotely accessible via VisionLink. In addition, Product Link Elite provides remote flash and troubleshooting capabilities and quickly enables the remote activation of the SEA High Flow feature.

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Quick Data: 2023 Top-Selling Wheel Loaders and Auction Trends

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Quick Data is a snapshot of new and used wheel loader sales trends from Randall Reilly’s EDA equipment financing data, TopBid auction price service and EquipmentWatch market trend reports.

Demand for wheel loaders has softened with new and used financed wheel loader sales down year-over-year from August 1, 2022 to July 31, 2023 according to Randall Reilly’s EDA equipment financing data.

Financed new wheel loader sales dropped 10%, while used financed wheel loader sales fell by 15% compared to the same period last year.

Cat (22.4%), Deere (21.0%) and Komatsu (12.4%) held their positions year-over-year as the top three sellers of new financed wheel loaders. Top models sold included the Deere 544 P-Tier (401), Deere 624 P-Tier (380) and the Komatsu WA270-8 (364).

[Watch: “A Really Solid Machine” – Test Run of Komatsu’s WA475-10 Wheel Loader]

Cat (28.5%) and Deere (22.9%) also snagged the No. 1 and 2 positions for the highest number of financed used units sold, with Case (14.7%) claiming the third spot. On the date we examined the data, the top-selling models were the Case 321F (340), Cat 926M (164) and the Case 621G (159). 

During this period, there were more buyers of new loaders in Florida (955) than in any other state. Buyers of new wheel loaders were also prevalent in Texas (893) and Illinois (665). Those states were also top buyers of used financed machines, with 712 units sold in Texas, 413 in Florida, and 412 in Illinois.

EDA data is compiled from state UCC-1 filings on financed construction equipment. EDA continually updates this data as information comes in from each state.

[Related Content: A Rundown of the Latest Wheel Loaders for 2023]

Used Wheel Loader Market

Used wheel loader prices rose 10.1% for the 12-month period from August 1, 2022 to July 31, 2023, according to Randall Reilly’s EquipmentWatch market trend data.

The average price for a used wheel loader was $137,465 in July 2022 compared to $151,367 in July 2023. The average age of used wheel loaders fell slightly during the period, dropping from 8.8 years to 8.3 years.

EquipmentWatch Used wheel loader price and age chartEquipmentWatchThe average age and price were calculated on 153,356 resale listings during the period in the EquipmentWatch database.

Over the last 12 months, prices for used wheel loaders have in general increased, with the largest gains in October 2022 (6.5%) and February 2023 (2.9%).

EquipmentWatch defines fair market value (FMV) as the monetary value of an asset that can be expected in a transaction with a single seller and single buyer, neither of whom is under any compulsion or time restriction to complete the transaction. FMV for heavy equipment is most closely associated with the private resale market, as opposed to the public auction market.

Wheel Loader Auction Prices

Caterpillar also dominated the auction charts, accounting for 18 of the top 20 wheel loaders sold in terms of price for the 12-month period of September 1, 2022 to August 31, 2023. Deere and Komatsu were the only other manufacturers to appear on the list.

The top auction price spot went to a 2021 Cat 966M with 2,188 hours. It sold for $400,000 at a Ritchie Bros. auction in Orlando, Fla., on September 21, 2022. The second-highest price paid was $315,000 for a 2019 Cat 980M with 7,836 hours at another Ritchie Bros. sale in Atlanta, on December 1, 2022. Rounding out the top three was a 2018 Deere 944K with 8,941 hours. It sold for $290,00 at a J.M. Wood Auction Co. sale in Montgomery, Ala., on March 21, 2023.

In total, there were 358 wheel loaders sold at auctions tracked by Top Bid during this time, with an average price of $99,747. (This does not include any units sold for less than $5,000.)

EDA, Top Bid and EquipmentWatch are owned by Randall Reilly, parent of Equipment World.

[Related Content: Heavy Equipment Auctions Set for Second Half of 2023

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Video: A closer look at Rokbak articulated dump trucks

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Volvo Construction Equipment bought Terex’s off-road truck line in 2014, and six years later, it rebranded its articulated haulers under the Rokbak name.

On this episode of The Dirt, we hear from Paul Douglas, Volvo vice president of rigid haulers, who explains the differences between the old Terex line and the Rokbak trucks. He also gives a hint at some of the new things coming from Rokbak, including redesigned cabs and replacing the current trucks with new models. There’s also the possibility of a new size truck to hit the market.

Rokbak, as with other construction equipment brands, is working toward a zero-emissions future. On this episode, he explains where the articulated dump truck market is heading in terms of alternative fuel. He adds that customers will see big changes in emissions and engines in the next five years, with the ultimate goal of reaching zero emissions within 10 years.

So to learn more about Rokbak and what the brand has in store for the future, check out this episode of The Dirt.  

Equipment World serves up weekly videos on the latest in construction equipment, work trucks and pickup trucks – everything contractors need to get their work done. Subscribe and visit us at equipmentworld.com!

In This Episode:

  • 00:00 – Rokbak Articulated Haulers
  • 00:30 – Is Rokbak More Reliable Than Terex?
  • 03:22 – Brand New Cab
  • 06:10 – More Changes to Upcoming Rokbak Trucks
  • 09:20 – What Will Rokbak Do in the Next 2-5 Years?
  • 11:24 – What Alternative Fuel Will Rokbak Haulers Use in the Future?
  • 14:53 – Final Thoughts

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