Double launch from Doosan

Doosan has launched two new tracked excavators in the shape of the 36 tonne DX340LC-5 and 40 tonne DX380LC-5, which are both certified to Stage IV emission requirements. The company says that the two new machines offer significantly improved performance over the equivalent LC-3 series machines they replace. Lift capacities over the front and side with the DX340 are up by 1% and 5% respectively and by 3% on the DX380.

Both are powered by a Scania DC9 5-cylinder diesel with an output of 237 kW (318 hp) that needs no diesel particulate filter through the use of cooled exhaust gas recirculation and selective catalytic reduction after-treatment. According to Doosan, new features have been introduced that lead to a average reduction in fuel consumption of 6%.

Among these is the new ‘Trip Meter Setting’ screen that allows operators to check fuel consumption daily (or over a desired period) directly from the control panel. The new Auto Shut-Off provides an automatic shut down for the engine when the machine has been idling for a specified time (three to 60 minutes configurable by the operator) and to save more fuel, there is a special Doosan-developed system, Smart Power Control (SPC), to optimise the balance between the pumps’ output and the diesel engine.

PC is standard on all LC-5 models. and monitors both engine and pump power and limits unnecessary outputs depending on whether the work is light or heavy. The SPC can be used with all four work modes (E, S, P, P+). Both the DX340LC-5 and DX380LC-5 feature the Ecopower hydraulic system, which consists of a closed-centre main control valve (MCV) and a pressure-controlled pump. The system functions through the EPOS controller that receives joystick and pedal signals via pressure sensors and main pump flow rate through swivel angle sensors. According to the operator’s inputs, the EPOS controller outputs the requirements to the EPPRVs (Electro-Proportional Pressure Reducing Valve) for the pumps to generate the required flow.

This new electric control of the pump power, combined with the closed-centre MCV, uses the engine’s power more effectively – maximising pump usage and reducing loss of flow and pressure – which results in more powerful performance in combined movements as well as more comfort, smoothness and accuracy.