Doosan Compact Excavators — 2014 Spec Guide
While Doosan is a relatively young construction equipment brand in North America, the organization has a global manufacturing history going back more than 75 years. Doosan compact excavators complement its line of larger crawler and wheeled excavators, and they provide customers with machines that are designed to access and work in confined spaces where larger excavating machines can’t fit. Their power, sophisticated hydraulic systems, compact size, minimal ground disturbance and attachment versatility make them a popular choice for construction, landscaping and underground utility projects, says Doosan.
Doosan introduced its two newest compact excavators — the DX63-3 and DX85R-3 — in 2013. The Tier 4-compliant models were upgraded from earlier model excavators to provide operators with higher-precision controls, greater breakout force and overall enhanced productivity. Improvements from previous compact excavators include a blade float feature, improved multi-function joysticks, color instrumentation panel and auto-shift drive system.
Providing best-in-class, over-the-side lifting performance, says Doosan, the DX63-3 is a 58.6-net hp conventional tail swing compact excavator and weighs 6.3 metric tons. The larger DX85R-3 also has a 58.6-hp electronically controlled diesel engine, is a minimal tail swing excavator and weighs 8.6 metric tons. The DX85R-3 has 5.8 in. of tail overhang and is designed to work in congested environments and tight spaces next to buildings or other obstructions. Bucket force increased from the DX85R-3’s predecessor, improving productivity in trenching and digging applications.
A blade float feature provides Doosan excavator operators the ability to smoothly grade, level or backfill material when traveling backward. Operators control the excavator’s dozer blade with an easy-to-access lever. The excavator’s standard rubber track undercarriage minimizes disruption to existing surfaces and helps the excavator to float across dirt when backfilling material. Auto-shift travel shifts Doosan compact excavators out of high range or low range and back automatically, offering operators travel performance without having to manually downshift. Operators can focus on the direction and speed with this standard feature for the DX63-3 and DX85R-3.
Doosan DX63-3 and DX85R-3 excavators have fingertip boom swing and auxiliary hydraulic functions. This provides operators with improved multi-function capabilities and more floor space for improved operator comfort. Adjusting variable auxiliary hydraulic flow is easily accomplished via a roller switch on the right-hand joystick. A lower button on the right-hand joystick activates continuous auxiliary flow. Independent boom swing control on the joysticks allows operators to more easily position the work group for offset digging.
Similar to instrumentation available for larger Doosan excavators, a multi-language, color, 5.7-in. LCD monitor provides a quick visual of machine vitals. The main screen displays fuel level, coolant temperature, day/time, throttle position and engine rpm. Operators can select auxiliary hydraulic flow modes and rates from the panel.
To maximize uptime protection, boom cylinder guards protect the boom cylinder when the DX63-3 or DX85R-3 excavators are digging. Extended grease intervals on the machines’ work groups minimize maintenance requirements. An auto-idle feature helps operators minimize fuel consumption by lowering the engine rpm if the machine is idle for a predetermined time; it also makes having conversations with employees much easier, thanks to less noise.
Advice to Buyers
“When operators are trenching next to a building, an independent boom swing feature on a compact excavator can save operators valuable time from moving the entire machine when turning to place spoil,” says Brian Bereika, Doosan product specialist. “Operators can select a boom swing range of 50 degrees right or 70 degrees left. This allows for greater maneuverability in tight spaces and against walls.”
