The new Doosan DL580-5 Wheel Loader is aimed at heavier work.
If a machine is built for the heavier material handling requirements, such as block lifting, in quarrying or mining applications it needs the highest levels of reliability and durability. These days, of course, brains as well as brawn are required of equipment and Doosan’s new wheel loader scores on both.
The manufacturer has announced a wide range of new features on all six of its large wheel loaders and the latest to join the fray is the top-of-the-range, Stage IV compliant DL580-5. With a bucket capacity of 5.7 m3, it features robust structural components and an advanced sophisticated double circuit axle cooling system. The DL580-5 has an operating weight of 36,030 kg and higher static tipping loads (straight/full turn 40°) of 29,700 and 26,200 kg, respectively. The overall size of the DL580-5 is almost the same as the DL550-5, but the new model is equipped with a series of new features.
For example, the front structure is more rugged, with greater rigidity and strength, and also benefits from reinforced Z-bar kinematics for heavier lifting with few moving parts. This design also helps stabilise the loader, enables rapid bucket movements and keeps the bucket at the right angle position at all times. As with all Doosan DL-5 models, the DL580-5 is also available with a High-lift configuration, with a longer arm enabling higher dumping of materials.
The new model incorporates all of the safety and ergonomic features recently announced for the other models from the DL280-5 to the DL550-5. It also features the new restyling with a change of colour (from orange to dark grey) for the front lift arm, front frame and front and rear axle components on the machines, whilst the more dynamic curved lines of the new styling are designed to reinforce the robustness and power of the range.
The DL580-5 is powered by the Scania DC13 6-cylinder engine producing 283kW (380 HP) of power at 1,800 rpm. Providing a generous maximum torque of 1,765 Nm at 1,300 rpm, up to a 10 per cent reduction in fuel consumption and excellent response, the Scania DC13 engine meets Stage IV emission regulations without the need of a diesel particulate filter (DPF), through the use of cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and selective catalyst reduction (SCR) after-treatment technologies.
Additional Fuel Savings
The engine Auto Idle system when activated saves further on fuel costs by lowering the idle level from 950 to 750 rpm – when the operator does not give any input to the steering wheel, arm and bucket for more than 10 seconds (ideal for applications where there is a lot of waiting time such as truck loading which can be up to 8 per cent of the time). In all DL-5 loaders, the Engine Auto Shut Off shuts down the machine after it has been idling for a specified amount of time (3-60 minutes, configurable by the operator via the control panel). This feature saves on fuel and reduces operating costs.
As well as the powerful Scania DC13 Stage IV engine, the DL580-5 also features automatic 5-speed powershift transmission, heavy duty cooled axles, a high comfort cab, smooth and responsive hydraulics and auxiliary hydraulic connections, together providing a solution for the heaviest jobs that need to be done.
ZF 5-gear Transmission
The ZF 5-gear transmission transfers the power from the engine to the wheels and contributes significantly to the overall reduction in fuel consumption. Engine speed variation is less thanks to smaller gear steps, and lower engine speed throughout the whole drive range reduces fuel consumption. Thanks to higher shift quality, noise levels are lower while driving performance and productivity have been increased.
Like all Doosan wheel loaders, the DL580-5 is equipped with a Torque-converter-lock-up system which, when activated, is switched on automatically. The lock-up provides a direct drive between the engine and transmission, enabling 100 per cent torque delivery without any loss from 2nd gear up to the top 5th gear. This makes the lock-up more efficient, giving faster acceleration on flat ground (10 per cent) and higher climbing ability (up to 20 per cent), together with around up to 15 per cent fuel savings in daily operation. This contrasts with many of the drive systems on other machines, where the lock-up is engaged only in highest gear.
Load-sensing Hydraulic System
Like all latest generation Doosan large wheel loaders, the DL580-5 has a load sensing hydraulic system, whereby the variable axial piston pump generates the flow upon demand in the amount necessary to perform the work. This also gives better traction for penetrating into the stockpile, as less force is necessary to operate the bucket in many situations.
Load sensing hydraulics also minimise loss in the hydraulic circuit during a carrying operation in which the loader is usually running, which is an essential technology for wheel loaders. In response to customer feedback, the load-sensing system has been designed so that the bucket has higher priority when the boom and the bucket operate at the same time and there is limited force available.
Joystick control on the new wheel loader is designed to easily combine several movements at the same time. As an option, 3-lever fingertip control can be provided for smooth and near-effortless control. Both of these controls use electrohydraulic piloting.
The DL580-5 has a boom Kick-out function as standard, which is useful when working in confined spaces or when repeating similar operations in specific work ranges (for example, when a certain dump height must be reached every day). The same system is used to set the bucket automatically to the Return-to-Dig position.
The LIS (Load Isolation System), often called ‘Ride Control’, provides the operator with a smoother ride over rough terrain and enables a more comfortable ride at higher speeds. The benefits are reduced cycle times, higher productivity and better fuel efficiency while performing load and carry applications. LIS also contributes to longer frame and machine life.
The loader also offers a ‘third function’ to power a hydraulic system on a work tool, allowing greater machine versatility in a number of applications. The third function valve’s capacity has been increased significantly to at least 250 l/min discharge.