Doosan Bobcat launches new High Track excavators

By MEq June 20, 2017 16:14

Doosan Bobcat EMEA has launched the new DX160LC-5 HT and DX180LC-5 HT Stage IV compliant High Track crawler excavators, complementing the company’s best-selling standard configuration DX140LC-5 14 tonne and DX180LC-5 18 tonne mid-range excavators.

The new High Track models are designed to meet the needs of customers requiring a combination of higher ground clearance, a reinforced track frame and a strong traction system with reinforced upper rollers for work in harsh environments and on projects where larger travelling distances are involved. The new High Track models are particularly suited to the forestry industry, where the higher ground clearance, durable travelling system and the traction force allow them to move with ease over rough terrain, negotiate obstacles such as fallen tree trunks and to pull trailers loaded with wood.

High ground clearance
The new DX160LC-5 HT excavator combines the upper structure from the DX140LC-5 14 tonne model with an 18 tonne class high track undercarriage system, increasing the ground clearance from 410 mm in the DX140LC-5 to an impressive 615 mm. The DX180LC-5 HT is an enhanced version of the DX180LC-5 excavator, incorporating a reinforced structure and a carefully re-engineered, high performance braking system, offering the same ground clearance of 615 mm, compared to 460 mm in the DX180LC-5.

Part of Doosan’s new generation ‘LC-5’ range of machines meeting the latest Stage IV emission regulations, the DX160LC-5 HT and DX180LC-5 HT are powered by the Perkins 1204F engine, which combines reduced fuel consumption with the power and torque of larger engines with a smaller displacement. The Perkins 1204F engine provides an output of 81.6 kW (109 HP) and 94.9 kW (127 HP) at 2000 rpm, respectively, in the DX160LC-5 HT and DX180LC-5 HT. The Perkins engine uses an electronically controlled, high-pressure common-rail fuel system (2000 bar) – which reduces particulate matter emissions from the cylinder – and a waste-gate turbocharger. The Perkins 1204F engine also guarantees trouble-free operation by meeting Stage IV emission regulations without the need for a diesel particulate filter (DPF), through the use of cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and selective catalyst reduction (SCR) after-treatment technologies.

New systems and functions have also been incorporated which reduce fuel consumption. For example, the current fuel consumption can be read directly on the LCD panel, and the engine can be shut off automatically after a pre-set time when the machine is not being operated. In addition, to save fuel, Doosan has developed a proprietary system – called SPC (Smart Power Control) – to optimise the balance between the pumps’ output and the diesel engine.
Further fuel efficiency results from the electric fan clutch on the excavators which drives the cooling fan at optimum speed. Based on coolant, hydraulic oil, cooled charged air temperatures and target engine speeds, the fan speed is controlled electrically – resulting in much lower fan noise and better fuel efficiency.

Increased comfort and controllability
The features offered as standard in the operator’s cab in the DX160LC-5 HT and DX180LC-5 HT are among the best in the market. Already excelling in spaciousness and ergonomics, the cab has been further refined for outstanding operator comfort and ease of operation. The cab offers super controllability with a novel system that enables attachments to be operated from either the joystick or a two-way pedal. Being able to switch control of the auxiliary lines between the joystick and the two-way pedal greatly lessens any discomfort that may be caused by extended or repetitive use of the joystick alone to control attachments (such as a shear or a breaker). It is also helpful when precision is required – as the operator can keep full control of the excavator via the joystick while using the two-way pedal for attachments.

For additional convenience, the controls for the auxiliary lines on the joysticks have been repositioned, with the rotation and shear rollers positioned for left/right movement. The joysticks have also been shortened to reduce the effort required to operate them and an additional pedal for straight travel has now been installed on the left of the main travel pedals, a very useful feature when travelling straight over longer distances.

New gauges, functions and menus have been added to the control panel, including a new AdBlue gauge. A new quick menu bar has been installed which allows key functions to be accessed quickly, without having to go through all the menus and validations. A side-view camera is available as an option and the control panel allows the views from both the rear and side view cameras to be combined on the same screen, simply by pressing a button on the control panel. For more safety when using the cameras, a menu bar now stays open so that the operator can keep an eye out for warning symbols and the levels of key gauges.
The auto-idling rpm on the DX160LC-5 HT and DX180LC-5 HT automatically increases from 800 rpm to 1100 rpm when the temperature goes below 10 °C. This boosts the efficiency of the heating inside the cab.

Lower Total Cost of Ownership
To further maximise durability and reduce noise, the new models are equipped with EM (Enhanced Macro-surface) bushings, which are also much more effective than regular bushings when greased. Air pre-cleaners are fitted as standard on the new excavators, to blow much of the dust, dirt, insects, rain and snow out of the air intake, to ensure cleaner air is sent to the engine air filter. This extends air cleaner servicing intervals, enhancing uptime and productivity. Doosan has also added protection to the inner cab air filter and redesigned the cab air-conditioning filters for easier replacement.

To avoid permanent engine damage, an acoustic alarm has been added to call the operator’s attention to ‘water in fuel’. If the operator ignores the signal after several alerts, the engine and pump are automatically derated. In addition, to make it easier for operators to understand the importance of warnings and to communicate the proper warning codes, pop-up menus appear with detailed information with easier to identify warnings.

The Engine Emergency Stop Switch has been relocated on the side of the seat so that it is directly accessible from ground level, for faster access in case of emergency. A new comfortable grip has been fitted to make opening and closing the door easier. Star-shaped anti-slip plates ensure that the steps stay much cleaner and more effective and to meet new EU regulations, safety bars are standard on both models.