What's new on these loaders?
What strikes one first of all is the styling, with the general line of these two loaders being more fluid and more rounded. Whilst the
external appearance of the loaders is aesthetically more pleasing, the operator is the real beneficiary, as it is his requirements for
improved forward & rear visibility that the designers have concentrated on right from the conceptual stage of these new loading shovels.
2 new Common Rail engines are being launched.
These new wheeled loaders with unladen weights of 18 and 23 tons respectively are equipped with new "Common Rail" engines that comply with the new "Stage llla" European emission directives.
These directives establish very rigorous criteria on the limitation of exhaust gas emissions. At the same time other directives have also been introduced and met that relate in particular to noise levels, safety, etc.
The Doosan DL08 engine is installed on the DL300, whilst the Cummins QSL9 provides the power for the DL400.
These two engines are rated at 220 hp (162 kW) and 284 hp (204 kW) respectively.
Both engines are 6-cylinder in-line units with 4 valves per cylinder, which combined with the electronic control of the fuel injection ensures optimal combustion efficiency irrespective of the operating conditions.
There is a choice of two operating modes; power or economy.
Through conveniently located electrical diagnostic ports it is possible to monitor the operating parameters of the engine, check out the transmission control system along with the other electronic systems.
The external noise level of the engine has also been reduced by fitting a dual-walled exhaust muffler and by conducting an in-depth study of the gas flow within the exhaust muffler; it has been possible to reduce external and in-cab noise levels.
These elements plus the reduction in the rotating speed of the cooling fan on each model have ensured that the two new DL models are really quiet machines, with in-cab noise level of both the DL300 and the DL400 being only 71 dB (A).
Due to the fact wheeled loaders frequently operate in dusty environments, these two new models have been equipped with the capability of running the cooling fan in the reverse direction, so that the operator can blow out the radiators of the engine,
transmission and the hydraulics as required.
The DL wheeled loaders provide higher performance.
These two models of wheeled loaders have also been upgraded over the previous models in terms of output. For example, the DL400 has been fitted with variable flow hydraulic pumps to provide faster lifting speed, improved dumping speed and as a result, better cycle times than its predecessor (the Mega 400).
Both the DL300 and DL400 wheeled loaders are equipped with ZF Ergo Power transmissions and limited slip differential axles as standard. The transmission is set up so that it allows the operator to select to work the machine in anyone of three modes:
- Working mode automatic, with the transmission automatically selecting anyone of the 4 available forward gears to ensure the optimum performance for the conditions.
- Travel mode automatic, with the transmission automatically selecting from 2nd 3rd and 4th gears forward. (1st gear being available by use of the kick-down).
- Manual mode, with the gear selection being made by the operator.
The load isolation system has also been improved to provide improved ride comfort in all operating conditions, and can also be selected in anyone of three settings:
- Off, no ride cushioning
- On at all travel speeds
- On only above travel speeds of 5 km/h.
Improved operator comfort
Significant changes have been made in operator comfort
The cabin is roomier with 15% more space and fitted with a higher capacity ventilation system, with an increased number and better-located outlets.
For greater working comfort and better visibility, the operator's position has been altered and as a result the uprights in the front of the cab cause minimal loss of visibility.
Finally, amongst all of the many other small detail changes that have been made to improve operator comfort (and safety), the operator will find as standard:
- Heated exterior mirrors.
- Steering column adjustable for reach and rake
- Air suspension seat with lumbar support adjustment.
All of these help to ensure that the operator is working in a fatigue free environment as possible.
There are two options for the control levers available:
- The mono joystick, which has an integral forward-reverse travel selection switch, plus an additional lever for controlling the standard third hydraulic service.
- Three independent fingertip control levers with integral kick-down button and adjacent forward / reverse switch.
Reduced maintenance and increased service life of certain components are also elements of added value.
An objective that has also been achieved in the design of these new loaders is reducing the amount of maintenance work that is needed.
- The engine oil-change intervals for example have been extended to 500 hours and larger capacity air filters require less maintenance.
- The buckets have also been reinforced to increase their working life and to enable them to be used in a wider variety of applications.
- Improved pivot materials
- New brake disc materials that are extremely hard wearing.
All of these along with other changes mean reduced wear, increased maintenance intervals and can only be beneficial to trade in values.
In summary:
As you will have gathered, the Doosan Infracore wheeled loaders are not machines that have been launched only to meet the European Stage IIIa emissions directives.
Their structures are the result of both detailed computerised structural engineering calculation and analysis, along with intensive laboratory and field-testing to provide these machines with optimal reliability.
They have also inherited all of the best features of their predecessors - the Mega 300 and Mega 400 models.