Develon has launched the DX235RTF-7 Tunnelling Excavator, an extension to the company’s line-up of Special Application machines. The DX235RTF-7 is based on the company’s DX235LCR-7 reduced radius crawler excavator and is powered by a DL06V Stage V engine, providing 141kW (189hp) of power.
It utilises the successful compact design and minimum swing radius of the DX235LCR-7, but the key part of the machine is the heavy duty Tunnelling Front, offering a new arm and boom design with special kinematics and a tilting function.
The excavator has a total operating weight of 25,689kg and offers a maximum reach of 9260mm. The kinematics of the tunnelling front are designed to prioritize horizontal reach and precision over vertical movement. The special kinematics are based around a boom tilting function, providing a 45°/45° tilt in two directions, the movement of which can be operated via a pedal in the operator’s cab.
The boom and arm configuration is specifically designed for operation in narrow areas, with ranges of movement slightly limited compared a the standard front. It is specifically suited to work in restricted environments, without using the swing movement in narrow areas. This allows the excavator to work efficiently in narrow tunnels with the ability to reach the tunnel face and walls, while maintaining a low profile to navigate tight spaces.
For work in confined spaces, the DX235RTF-7 features a wide range of protective equipment to safeguard against falling debris or contact of the arm with the tunnel ceiling and walls.
Compared to the standard model, the excavator has six LED work lights, four on the front and two on the back, as well as AVM cameras as standard. Other features include PERO rotating piping, centralized greasing points and a dozer blade as an option. The specifications also include a 6.4 tonne counterweight and 600mm wide triple grouser track shoes.
