by Richard Cosgrove | Tue 08 Jul 2025
Major performance upgrades on Develon wheel excavators
DEVELON, formerly Doosan Construction Equipment, has announced a number of upgrades for the company’s wheel excavators from 14-21 tonne which significantly boost performance, improve safety and enhance operator convenience. The upgrades have been introduced on the five medium-heavy models from 14 to 19 tonne, all of which are now new ‘K’ class models, including the DX140W-7K, DX160W-7K, DX165WR-7K, DX170W-7K, and DX190W-7K. The upgrades on the largest DX210W-7K 21 tonne wheel excavator will be available in July 2025.
Like the DX170W-7K, engine power for both the DX140W-7K and DX160W-7K models is now provided by the Develon DL06V Stage V engine, resulting in an 11% increase in output to 113.6 kW (152 HP) at 2000 RPM, matching that in the DX170W-7K.
The DX165WR-7K reduced radius model is powered by the Perkins 1204J engine, offering 102.1 kW (137 HP). Completing the range, the DX190W-7K and DX210W-7K are again powered by the Develon DL06V Stage V engine, providing 129.8 kW (174 HP) and 141 kW (189 HP) at 1900 RPM, respectively.
In the new DX140W-7K and DX160W-7K models, there is an updated main pump system, increasing the flow supplied to the travel components. In these models and the DX165WR-7K, there is also an improved travel motor for a wider range of displacement and an enhanced transmission system to release more torque to the axles. This has raised the travel speeds possible on roads and hills (without the loss of any power) and also an improved overall travel acceleration and traction force.
Inside the new cab space, operators now benefit from a larger 12-inch Gauge Panel, upgraded from the previous 8-inch version. Featuring a full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 px and powered by the Android 10 operating system, the display offers crisp, high-clarity visual images. The new split-screen functionality enables the integration of multiple functions on a single interface, improving operational efficiency. The enhanced screen visibility reduces eye strain and fatigue, while delivering vital information more clearly - ultimately supporting safer and more informed machine operation.
To meet the EN474:2022 safety standard, a rear/right view is always displayed while the machine is in operation, regardless of the driving or working mode, provided that the camera offers a view to the rear/right. A Side & Rear view camera option ensures both camera screens are always visible simultaneously, whether in half view or full view.
There is also a new Smart All-Around Viewing Monitor (SAVM) option, whereby the Top View is always displayed simultaneously when selecting Rear, Right and Right Corner Views to comply with EN474 legislation. The term ‘Smart’ indicates an improved AVM specification with added person detection for enhanced safety on top of the existing AVM option specification, utilising footage captured by four cameras, to reveal workers on site close to the machine.
The AI-based technology in the SAVM system is able to effectively identify both moving and stationary individuals in close proximity to the machine. Upon detection, the system promptly alerts operators through a combination of visual signals and audible alarms on the monitor, ensuring a heightened awareness of the surrounding environment.
As well as the SAVM capability, there is a radar option installed on the upper structure monitored from the cab. While the previous WEX-7 models have an ultrasonic sensor, the WEX-7K models have a rear radar sensor. Maximum detection range has been increased to 6 m (from the previous 2.7 m), with a yellow warning zone from 3 to 6 m and a red danger zone below 3 m. In the DX165WR-7K, due to interference from lower attachments, such as the dozer blades, this model can only provide cautions across distances from 3 to 6 m. Only people around the equipment are detected and marked with a triangle symbol.
All the new WEX-7K models offer an undercarriage/trailer hitch ready option, which provides a configuration to attach a trailer for loading and unloading attachments, for example. The functions provided by this option include a Trailer Hitch mounting (Dozer/Outrigger); a Trailer Hydraulic Brake connection line (Rear Brake branch); a Lower Harness Line configuration for the Trailer Lamp connection and Trailer Dump Up/Down and Tail Gate Open/Close functions.
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