Product feature: Doosan DX490LC
There are not so many new 50-tonne excavators sold in Northern Ireland on an annual basis but a newfound interest in bigger, more economical machines is pushing customers in that direction
Based near Seaforde in County Down, Alpha Quarry Products Ltd provides the normal range of stones, floor screeds, ready mixed concrete, and concrete blocks from this site plus a block yard near Newcastle.
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The latest Doosan DX490LC 50-tonne excavator
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Run by joint managing directors, husband and wife team Paul and Jeanette Stevenson, the busy quarry services customers near and far with a fleet of tipper, artic, and concrete trucks that are always on the go.
One of the most important tasks in the quarry is ensuring the crusher is fed with freshly blasted rock for breaking down and processing into all the various sizes customers require. That vital task had previously been performed by an older 47-tonne excavator but it was showing signs of wear and was due to be replaced.
Proven performance
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Machines hard at work near Seaforde in County Down
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With a number of Doosan machines already working in the quarry, Paul decided to invest in a new Doosan DX490LC 50-tonne excavator as the brand was already proving itself and performing well.
Paul says, "We were already running three Doosan wheel loaders in the business. "We bought our first Doosan 450 loader in 2015 followed by a Doosan 350 model one year later. As the business was growing, we required another machine in 2017 and added a Doosan 550 loader to the fleet.
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The latest DX490LC is deemed reliable and fuel-efficient
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"These machines were all performing very well for us, which was giving the brand a good name. We normally use only two excavators in the business and decided on trying a Doosan when the decision was taken to upgrade the old excavator.
"We purchased a new Doosan DX490LC in July 2018, as it ticked all the boxes when it came to our buying requirements. The back-up and service from the local distributors also helped with the decision to buy Doosan.
"It is our intention to run this excavator for at least three years to see how it performs before considering any replacement," says Paul.
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The new model has a maximum digging reach of 12.130mm
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The latest DX490LC is deemed a powerful excavator that’s very reliable and fuel-efficient. It has an improved hydraulic system, which uses the engine’s power more effectively, maximising pump output and offering more comfort, smoothness, and accuracy.
Powered by a Scania 380hp six-cylinder engine, Doosan says the DX490LC has increased digging power, lifting capacities, and traction force, which all boost the machine’s performance. Doosan also says the Scania engine uses six to 13% less fuel than the Stage IIIB machines.
Longer maintenance intervals on this latest Doosan DX490LC should mean more time on the job and thus increased profits.
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All round visibility is excellent
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This model measures 3.340mm overall in width and is 3.700mm high, with an official operating weight of 49.5 tonnes. It has an impressive maximum digging reach of 12.130mm, a maximum digging depth of 7.800mm, and a maximum digging height of 11.100mm.
In the cab, the operator can enjoy one of the most spacious cabs in the market, with low noise and vibration levels and excellent all-round visibility aided by a rear camera and large side mirrors.
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The DX490LC sits wider on the tracks, making it more stable to operate
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The excavator’s undercarriage is manufactured with high-quality, durable materials, with all welded structures designed to limit stresses. To ease servicing, the track rollers are lubricated for life and the idlers and sprockets are fitted with floating seals. There’s a hydraulic track adjuster with shock-absorbing tension mechanism to ensure best performance.
Operator comfort
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Johnny Irvine
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Alpha Quarry Products Ltd excavator operator Johnny Irvine has been with the company for almost three years and is thoroughly enjoying his time behind the controls of the Doosan DX490LC.
"This big Doosan really has plenty of power from the engine," says Johnny. "The machine handles every task with ease. It has superb reach, which is handy when filling the crusher and reaching out to fill the bucket in the pile of stones.
"Because it sits higher than the previous excavator, I can see more around me, which is also another benefit when filling the crusher hopper.
"All round visibility is excellent, thanks to the cab design and the rear camera, which adds to the safety element of the Doosan.
"Another benefit of the DX490LC is that it sits wider on the tracks than the last brand excavator did making it more stable to operate on-site.
"So far, I really am impressed with the Doosan. When you’re spending hours per day in a machine, it has to be operator-friendly and safe, and that’s exactly what this Doosan DX490LC is," he says.
Doosan Construction Equipment is marketed in New Zealand by AB Equipment. For more information contact, abequipment.co.nz.
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