Two leading global loader manufacturers have launched new models for quarrying and heavy construction customers, while a popular excavator from another major OEM is proving a valuable addition to a South East Asia-based aggregates producer’s machine fleet. Guy Woodford reports.
summer saw the unveiling of the South Korean manufacturer’s new DL580-5 Stage IV compliant wheeled loader.
With a bucket capacity of 6.4m³, the DL580-5 has a similar look to the existing DL550-5 model but features robust structural components and an advanced sophisticated double circuit axle cooling system. The model is said to be an ideal solution for applications such as block lifting and other heavier material-handling needs in quarrying, mining, construction, recycling and industrial applications.
To meet these requirements, the DL580-5 has an operating weight of 36tonnes and higher static tipping loads (straight/full turn 40°) of 29.7tonnes and 26.2tonnes, respectively. The overall size of the DL580-5 is almost the same as the DL550-5, but the new model is equipped with a series of features that make the machine extremely reliable and durable.
The wheeled loader’s front structure is more rugged, with greater rigidity and strength. The DL580-5 has reinforced Z-bar kinematics for heavier lifting with few moving parts. This design also helps stabilise the loader, enables rapid bucket movements and keeps the bucket in the right-angle position. As with all Doosan DL-5 models, the DL580-5 is also available with a high-lift configuration, with a longer arm enabling higher dumping of materials.
The DL580-5 incorporates all new safety and ergonomic features recently announced for the other six large Doosan wheeled loaders, from the DL280-5 to the DL550-5. It also features the new restyling common to all models in the Doosan wheeled loader range. The new styling scheme involves a change of colour (from orange to dark grey) for the front lift arm, front frame and front and rear axle components on the machines.
The DL580-5 is powered by the
The Next Generation 36tonne class excavators from
Delivering high-production performance, the new Cat 336 features standard integrated Cat Connect Technology and the most power and lift capacity of the two models. The result is maximum productivity at the lowest cost.
The new Cat 336 GC is said to combine the right balance of productivity features with reduced fuel consumption and maintenance costs. The result is high reliability and low cost per hour performance.
The new Cat 336 has a claimed industry-leading level of standard factory-equipped technology to boost productivity. Integrated Cat Connect Technology increases operating efficiency by up to 45% over traditional grading operations.
The standard Cat Grade with 2D system provides guidance for depth, slope, and horizontal distance to grade through the standard touchscreen monitor, making operators more accurate. The system is readily upgradeable to Cat Grade with Advanced 2D or Cat Grade with 3D.
Standard Grade Assist automates boom, stick, and bucket movements so operators can effortlessly stay on grade with single-lever digging.
Cat Payload delivers precise load targets and increased loading efficiency with on-the-go weighing and real-time payload estimates without swinging to prevent truck over/underloading.
The E-fence feature prevents the excavator from moving outside operator-defined set points—particularly useful when working beneath structures or near traffic.
Cat LINK hardware and software connect jobsites to the office and provide customers with machine-critical operating information.
By design, Cat Next Generation excavators produce more work per unit of fuel than the models they are replacing — up to 15% more fuel efficiency for the 336.
New Smart mode operation automatically matches engine and hydraulic power to digging conditions, optimising both fuel consumption and performance. Engine speed is automatically lowered when there is no hydraulic demand to further reduce fuel usage.
The cooling system features a new fan that runs on demand to keep the excavator working at the correct operating temperature for maximum efficiency.
With a new electrohydraulic system built for responsiveness and efficiency, the Cat 336 and 336 GC feature a new main control valve that eliminates the need for pilot lines, reduces pressure losses, and lowers fuel consumption. Fewer hydraulic lines on the excavators result in less oil required, lowering long-term operating costs.
Offering extended and more synchronized maintenance intervals, the new Cat excavators do more work at a lower cost and reduce maintenance costs by up to 15% over the previous series.
The new Cat air filter with integrated pre-cleaner and primary and secondary filters has double the dust-holding capacity of the previous design.
The new Cat hydraulic return filter has a 3,000-hour service life — a 50% increase over previous filter.
The fuel system filters are synchronized for service at 1,000 hours — a 100% increase over the previous filters.
The fuel system water and sediment drains and hydraulic system oil level are positioned close together at ground level, making routine daily maintenance faster, easier, and safer.
With a choice of Comfort or Deluxe cab packages, all Next Generation Cat excavator cabs come equipped with standard features like keyless push-button start, large standard 203mm touchscreen monitor with jog dial keys for control, and sound-suppressed rollover protective structures (ROPS).
A tilt-up console for the Deluxe cab design affords easy cab entry and exit. Furthermore, new advanced viscous mounts reduce cab vibration by up to 50% over previous models. A Bluetooth integrated radio with USB ports for connecting and charging phones also brings creature comforts from the home to the operator’s office.
Importantly, large front, rear, and side cab windows enhance visibility; optional 360° visibility (336 only) combines images from multiple machine-mounted cameras to enhance the operator’s sight lines in all directions.
Business is booming at aggregates producer PT. Piramida Utama Perkasa. With demand for building materials outstripping supply, the Indonesian company purchased Volvo´s new EC200D excavator to speed up operations.
“When we heard about the new EC200D we were excited to add one to our fleet,” said Afnan, owner of PT. Piramida Utama Perkasa, based in East Java, Indonesia. “The EC200D’s powerful 4-cylinder engine and fast movements make it an attractive option, helping us move as much material as possible, as quickly as possible.”
Demand for PT. Piramida´s building materials is on the up, particularly while the government pursues its ambitious road-building plans. Since the excavator started work this past August it has helped meet the growing demand, moving over 250m³ of aggregates/day and working for up to eight hours at a time. The EC200D is used primarily to load mineral fragments from crushing machines to waiting trucks.
“Speed is of the essence as our customers’ projects are often time sensitive,” continues Afnan. “The excellent performance of the EC200D means that we can be more productive and stay on top of our deliveries.”
The EC200D features the powerful Volvo D5E Tier 3 engine that delivers 123kW at 2,000 rpm. Coupled with compatible hydraulics, it is designed to operate quickly and with short cycle times. It is configured with a 5.7m boom, 2.9m arm and 0.8m³ bucket, while maximum breakout force is 116kN.
The EC200D launched in Indonesia in the first quarter of 2018. With its flexibility to carry out a wide range of general construction tasks, the machine is proving especially popular, with orders continuing to grow. PT. Piramida Utama Perkasa purchased its EC200D together with two Volvo EC210D excavators from PT. Indotruck Utama, one of Volvo CE’s two distribution partners in Indonesia.
“With the EC200D’s tough and durable design, we expect to reap the benefits of our purchase for many years to come,” Afnan said.
