DOOSAN'S new DX380LC crawler excavator is designed and built to give optimum value to the end-user, thanks to increased productivity with improved fuel economy, visibility and operator comfort, as well as reduced maintenance time and cost, says a spokesman for the company.

The long carriage (LC) design, based on the larger DX420LC model, offers high stability and safety in all kinds of operating circumstances, including heavy material-shifting and lifting applications, he adds.

The range of applications for the new unit runs from heavy construction and excavation to development of construction sites, construction and renovation of highways and other civil engineering works as well as mining and quarrying.

The DX380LC is powered by a six-cylinder “common rail” Doosan DL08 turbocharged diesel engine providing 202 kW (275 hp) at a maximum governed speed of 1,900 rpm, while its e-EPOS electronic control system provides optimum power at reduced fuel consumption in all working operations. Emission levels are well below the values required for Phase Three, says the spokesman.

The excavator has an operating weight of 37.9 tonnes, and like the DX340LC, there are three arms of varying length available for it. Equipped with the longest 3,950-mm arm, the DX380LC offers a maximum digging depth of 8,200 mm; the dump height is 7,750 mm and the maximum digging reach is 11,930 mm.

The arm and bucket cylinders are sized to provide enhanced excavating force.

“Digging force over the bucket is 21.7 tonnes, while that over the arm is 17.3 tonnes. Use of power boost increases both forces by about five per cent, the highest forces of any excavator in this class,” the spokesman claims. “Thanks to the high engine power and the high swing torque (12,000 kgfm), the DX380LC can work efficiently on slopes.”
 The maximum swing speed is 9.3 rpm.

There are two travel speed ranges with a maximum speed in the low range of 2.9 kmph and a maximum speed of 4.8 kmph in the high range. Drawbar pull is 31.5 tonnes.

Like all heavy Doosan excavators, the DX380LC has as standard the ‘auto idle’ feature, which – when enabled at the operator’s discretion – automatically causes the engine to drop to idle if the excavator functions are not used for a period of about four seconds.

Another important feature for reduced fuel consumption is the optional new “economy mode” whereby priority is given to minimal fuel consumption.

“The DX380LC combines maximum productivity with the ability to carry out jobs with precision and fingertip control,” he says. “The load-sensing piston pump and the closed centre valve enable exceptionally fine metering of hydraulic flow for smooth, precise control of machine functions, while reducing hydraulic noise. The boom and arm cylinders are cushioned to provide a smooth, end-of stroke operation.”

Being a user-friendly machine, the DX380LC has focused on operator comfort. It has a modern spacious operator cab, equipped with ergonomic controls and instrumentation. Options available to enhance convenience for the operator include a water-in-fuel (WIF) sensor as well as a rear view camera and an 18-cm colour LCD monitor. Special attention has been given to meeting the low noise levels achieved on other Doosan excavators. The noise level at operator ear is 73 dB(A) while the noise level for bystanders is a low 101 LwA.

Furthermore, the DX380LC uses many parts from the larger DX420LC model – parts that have been tested and verified in actual field conditions, thus ensuring increased reliability and less down time, the spokesman points out.

In terms of serviceability, the DX380LC’s engine service intervals are 500 hours and it also shares the extended lubrication intervals of the whole Doosan excavator range. Lubrication is simplified thanks to a centralised front grease point, and the arm grease inlets are grouped for easy access. The water trap and the engine oil filter are both located in the hydraulic pump bay, which is easy to reach from the ground level.