There is a time-honored advertising and public relations tenet that I think holds a big dose of truth: "Perception is reality." 

That said, has anyone been introducing more new excavators than Develon? Are they not producing every size class under the sun? Sure seems that way, and we're not even mentioning the compact excavator line.

On the heels of the DX230LC-9, DX260LC-9, DX360LC-9, and DX400LC-9, comes the 33-metric-ton DX300LC-9, built to combine heavy-duty production with intuitive tech.

The DX300LC-9 joins the Dash 9 Series lineup that will eventually replace the Dash 7 Series models offered across North America.

Right now, there are 17 Dash 7 models still being offered in North America. If you count the Dash 7 and Dash 9 units together, that's 22 excavators from roughly 107 horsepower all the way up to 638 horsepower.

Ultimate guide to grade control for excavators

“[We continue] to build on the success of our Dash 9 Series lineup of crawler excavators with more machines that help our customers improve their productivity, precision, safety, and uptime protection,” says Brian Kim, crawler excavator product manager. 

“These machines are equipped with a fully electro-hydraulic control system and deliver up to 8% better fuel efficiency. A suite of integrated technology, including a 360-degree smart around view monitor camera, optional Advanced Lift Assist, remote smartphone start, factory 2D grading, and real-time oil diagnostics, keeps operators working safely and productively,” Kim says. 

Excavators in the 30-ton size class are typically used for mass earthmoving and site development, utility and underground infrastructure work, civil and transportation projects, demolition, quarrying, and material handling.  

“This excavator size is considered the ‘sweet spot’ for production-heavy jobs,” says Kim. “They’re powerful enough to handle heavy digging and demanding demolition tasks, yet easy to transport on a standard lowboy trailer.”

Let's look at the tech

Develon excavators seem to get smarter with every series, and the Dash 9s are no exception. Key technologies include:

●      Advanced Lift Assist: Displays real-time lifting capacity and warns operators of potential tipping risks. This feature uses a dynamic lifting-force table to highlight hazard zones on slopes and uneven ground.

●      Breaker Assist: Prevents blank firing to protect internal components from wear, while the auto breaker setting removes continuous button pressing to reduce hand fatigue.

●      Weighing System: Tracks production levels in real time to ensure that dump trucks are loaded quickly, safely, and to exact weight limits.

●      Customizable Joystick Controls: Simplify movement in tight spaces with stick steer and thumbwheel steering options. Operators can personalize controls alongside traditional pedals to match their preferred operating style.

●      12-Inch Smart Touch Screen: High-resolution display with customizable split-screen views manages functions like heating and cooling, selectable power modes, and hydraulic flow for attachments. Upgrade to a dual-monitor setup to manage up to four functions simultaneously.

●      Integrated 2D/3D Machine Guidance: Standard 2D machine guidance and machine control systems take the guesswork out of grading and digging, with full compatibility for optional 3D systems. The 3D systems are required for complex, multi-dimensional, and large-scale projects where the jobsite terrain changes continuously.

●      Advanced Prognostics and Health Management (PHM) Technology: Standard monitoring tracks the engine oil, hydraulic fluid, main pump, and swing motor health to help reduce machine downtime. The premium PHM option adds targeted vibration and pressure sensors for real-time diagnostics on the excavator’s swing motor, main pump, and reduction gear.

Last but not least, jobsite safety features

The DX300LC-9 surrounds crews with an active safety shield of AI cameras, radar, and automated controls that work together to catch hazards and stop accidents before they happen. The DX300LC-9 includes the following safety features:

●      Smart Around View Monitor (SAVM) Camera System and Human Detection System: Six cameras, radar sensors and AI-powered human detection provide a 360-degree view around the machine. The SAVM camera system is an option for all Dash 9 Series excavators.

●      Develon E-Stop: This system automatically slows the excavator when it detects a person within 13 feet and brings the machine to a complete stop when someone is within 6.5 feet.

●      Virtual Walls: Set digital boundaries to prevent the excavator boom or bucket from striking overhead power lines or underground obstacles.