The DX100W-7 Develon mini wheeled excavator, the company's first in North America, addresses a significant gap between Develon's mini excavators and larger wheeled excavators. This 25,221-pound machine boasts a maximum digging depth of 13 feet 11 inches, a maximum dumping height of 20 feet 6 inches, and a bucket breakout force of 13,173 pounds.
Powered by a Develon D34 100.6-horsepower engine, the DX100W-7 reaches speeds up to 24 miles per hour. It features three steering, power, and work modes to customize performance for confined spaces. The two-wheel mode enhances agility and handling, the four-wheel crab mode offers precision and maneuverability in tight spaces, and the four-wheel round mode provides a tighter turning radius with increased traction and control on tough terrain.
Andy Jeong, the mini excavator product manager and compact engineer, emphasized the strategic importance of this addition to Develon's compact equipment lineup. "We continue to diversify our product offering to expand our equipment lineup to our dealers and customers," Jeong said. "We anticipate this machine will replace many tractor loader backhoes currently in use in municipal fleets. The reduced-tail-swing DX100W-7 offers enhanced mobility for operators to move much faster between job sites and without the need to transport the machine on a trailer. The machine offers increased reach, flexibility, and range of motion. These are particularly important when operating in urban areas like the Northeast area of the United States."
The DX100W-7's reinforced articulated boom, featuring an additional pivot point, enhances its working range, lifting capacity, and digging force. The articulated boom design allows the arm to retract closer to the machine, reducing the swing radius compared to conventional boom and arm designs. This design also extends the working range, providing increased digging force. The boom swing feature—60 degrees left or right—offers additional flexibility, especially when working adjacent to existing structures. Operators control the boom swing with a thumb-operated switch on the excavator’s joystick.
A notable advantage of the DX100W-7 over tractor loader backhoes is its improved stability and lifting capacity. According to Jeong, this is due to the dedicated excavator design, which is optimized for handling heavier loads and more demanding tasks. The standard dozer blade and outrigger configuration further enhance stability.
Standard features of the DX100W-7 include double tires, the My Develon diagnostic maintenance platform, a high-illumination LED light system, an around-view monitor (AVM) camera system with a 270-degree view, and an overload warning device that alerts operators when the excavator is nearing or exceeding its maximum load capacity. The 1.35-ton counterweight also contributes to improved digging and lifting performance.
The excavator's varied hydraulic capacity allows for efficient hoisting and maneuvering of heavy loads. The standard one-way/two-way switch lever provides hydraulic flow activated through the joystick. One-way hydraulic flow is ideal for attachments like hydraulic breakers and plate compactors, while two-way hydraulic flow is suitable for hydraulic thumbs (clamps), rippers, and grapples.
Operators can adjust the telescoping tilt steering and control pattern switch, allowing them to choose between ISO and BHL patterns. These operator-based machine settings ensure a tailored experience for each user.
Jeong concluded by highlighting the strategic benefits of the DX100W-7: "Better stability and lifting capacity are additional benefits of the DX100W-7 when compared to tractor loader backhoes. The reason is the machine comes with a dedicated excavator design for handling heavier loads and more demanding tasks."
