1. WINTER 2012 • www.DoosanEquipment.com
Product
specs
INSIDE
New products, attachments, applications and user stories from your Doosan dealer
DoMORE
®
Doosan introduces
new articulated
dump trucks
NEW:
Two Doosan
hydraulic
breakers
page15
4. 4 Winter 2012DoMORE
48-hour parts guarantee
Doosan guarantees that customers will have replacement parts for machine-
debilitating situations within 48 hours.* Doosan is able to make this promise
because of its parts distribution center located in Georgia. Read how parts orders
are received, processed and shipped, and see pictures of the facility.
Success stories from across North America
Customer success stories span North America, with testimonials from Alaska to
Massachusetts, and several states in between. Read about a contractor in Juneau,
Alaska, who operates Doosan excavators for construction projects, and then
read how Doosan articulated dump trucks are operated at West Virginia power
plant construction projects. In addition to construction, read success stories from
Doosan customers in agriculture and industrial market segments.
Expanded attachment lineup — new hydraulic breakers
Two new Doosan hydraulic breakers are now available. The DXB100H and
DXB260H hydraulic breakers are approved for use with select Doosan crawler
excavators. See the new product story on page 11 for more details and
product specs.
Visit www.DoosanEquipment.com to find a complete list of Doosan products,
specifications, news and more. See the Web Guide at left for more details.
From the Editor’s Desk
The Spring 2011 issue of DoMORE®
magazine reported on the history of
air quality, the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) non-road emission standards,
and possible technologies to help equipment
manufacturers reach interim Tier 4 and Tier 4 requirements. Part two
of the story appears in this issue, as Doosan shares its strategy for
implementing interim Tier 4 technologies to comply with EPA mandated
emission regulations. Turn to pages 6 and 7 to read the story and see
pictures of the non-road engine solutions.
Doosan
Web Guide
More information about
Doosan products is just
a click away.
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Ryan Johnson, Editor
* NOTES: The 48-hour parts guarantee is subject to carrier delivery restrictions and/or
governmental agency delays. Only units sold by Doosan Infracore Construction Equipment
America through its authorized distributors and delivered to an end-user or authorized
distributor within the United States and Canada will be eligible for this guarantee.
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ipment.com
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New products, attachments
, applications
and user stories from your Doosan dealer
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5. Winter 2012 5DoMORE
New Doosan hydraulic excavators, wheel loaders
and articulated dump trucks come equipped with
an Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM)
Safety Manual. The manuals provide additional
training resources for Doosan equipment owners and
operators to learn how to properly and safely operate
and maintain their equipment. Each manual is easy
to read and includes illustrations to help understand
the machine and how it works. These manuals can
help you and your employees meet your training
requirements and improve productivity.
AEM Safety Manuals are not a substitute for the
machine’s Operation and Maintenance Manual, which
is also provided upon delivery from your Doosan
dealer. If you have an older machine and would like
an AEM Safety Manual, please contact your local
dealer. They are also available on the AEM website
(www.aem.org/store).SAFETY SPOTLIGHT
News
In April 2011, Doosan dealer H&E Equipment Services — one
of the largest integrated equipment services companies in the
United States — delivered 24 Doosan DL200 wheel loaders to
the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT).
Deliveries were made to eight ODOT facilities throughout
the state by H&E Equipment Services locations in Tulsa and
Oklahoma City, Okla. Except for special ODOT yellow paint, all
of the units were ordered with standard equipment.
The machines will be used to load sand, salt and road-building
materials at ODOT facilities. DL200 wheel loaders have an
operating weight of 25,851 pounds and are powered by
143-horsepower, 6-cylinder Doosan DL06 diesel engines.
They are equipped with standard 2.6-cubic-yard buckets.
TOP RIGHT: Staff at H&E Equipment Services in Tulsa, Okla., arrange the delivery of
24 Doosan DL200 wheel loaders to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.
Winter 2012 5DoMORE
Oklahoma DOT purchases
two dozen Doosan wheel loaders
Like every Doosan machine, the DL200
wheel loaders are covered by an innovative
48-hour parts guarantee. The program
guarantees that if a machine-debilitating
part is needed, Doosan will deliver this part
to the end user within two business days or
Doosan will pay for a replacement machine
rental. Visit www.DoosanEquipment.com/48hour
for more details.
DL200s will be used to load sand, salt and
road-building materials
48-hour parts guarantee
AEM Safety Manuals now standard
with new Doosan machines
6. 6 Winter 2012DoMORE
Interim Tier 4
Doosan machines with engines of 75
horsepower or more are affected by iT4
regulations in 2011 and 2012. This entails a
continued reduction in nitrogen oxides (NOx)
and particulate matter (PM). In order to meet
the iT4 regulations, Doosan is utilizing several
technologies for its excavators, wheel loaders
and articulated dump trucks.
Excavators
Doosan crawler excavators and wheel
excavators, from the DX140LC to the
DX520LC, are affected by iT4 requirements
and will incorporate a three-fold approach:
Cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (CEGR), a
Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) and a Diesel
Particulate Filter (DPF). CEGR works well when
the engine runs at a rated engine RPM versus
varied engine RPMs. Since Doosan excavators
typically operate at a full-rated RPM, the
engine operates at a consistent combustion
temperature and reduces NOx. The DOC and
DPF act as after-treatments to reduce PM.
Wheel loaders
Like Doosan excavators, Doosan wheel loader
models between DL200 and DL250 (75 to 175
hp) incorporate CEGR, a DOC and a DPF to
meet iT4 regulations. Models DL300 through
DL550 (175 to 300 hp) use Selective Catalyst
Reduction to meet iT4, with Diesel Exhaust
Fluid (DEF). Doosan DL300 and larger wheel
loaders have increased engine torque; as
much as 23 percent in some models.
Articulated dump trucks
Doosan articulated dump truck (ADT)
engines will utilize SCR to meet iT4 emission
regulations. A new family of Doosan ADTs
has increased engine horsepower and torque.
Read more about the new Doosan ADTs on
pages 8 and 9.
Technology refresher
The technology applied to non-road diesel
engines can be confusing to customers who
are not familiar with the details. Thankfully,
Doosan provides its customers with resources
like this article, product literature and its
website to help explain how the technologies
help reduce harmful air toxins.
Cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation
Cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (CEGR)
works by recycling a portion of the exhaust
gas with fresh air, thereby reducing oxygen
levels in the combustion chamber. Lower
oxygen levels result in lower combustion
temperatures, reducing NOx emissions. A
challenge with CEGR is that it creates more
particulate matter and an after-treatment is
needed. A diesel particulate filter collects the
particulate matter that must be periodically
removed via a regeneration process. This
is accomplished by using heat to burn off
the particulate matter, which combusts at a
temperature of approximately 1100 degrees
Fahrenheit. Passive and active regeneration
processes are utilized to burn off the
accumulated particulate matter.
Engine oil
Doosan machines with the CEGR +DOC/DPF
technologies will require the use of American
Petroleum Institute (API) CJ-4 or low-ash oil.
Low-ash oil helps to reduce the amount of ash
accumulated in the DPF, allowing you to meet
the required service intervals. Oil additives
protect emission control systems, reduce
engine wear and minimize oil consumption.
Selective Catalyst Reduction
Selective Catalyst Reduction (SCR) reduces
NOx using a liquid called Diesel Exhaust
Fluid (DEF). DEF is water and ammonia. The
combination of exhaust with DEF causes it
to react with a catalyst. This reaction turns
harmful NOx into harmless nitrogen and
water vapor. Additionally, SCR systems offer
increased fuel efficiency — as much as 16
percent — due to the engine optimization
that reduces particulate matter.
High-Pressure Common Rail
The high-pressure common rail (HPCR) fuel
delivery systems play an integral part in
the emission reduction process. HPCR is an
advanced fuel-injection system that regulates
fuel pressure and injection timing, both crucial
to improved engine efficiency. This system is
used with Doosan excavators, wheel loaders
and articulated dump trucks. Read about this
online at www.DoosanEquipment.com
Fuel injectors used on Doosan excavators,
wheel loaders and articulated dump trucks are
controlled by the Electronic Control Unit (ECU)
to deliver fuel to the combustion chamber at
the appropriate time, contributing to a quieter
machine and more power.
Doosan reveals
iT4 technology strategy
iT4 and Tier 4 Update
In the Spring issue of DoMORE®
magazine, significant editorial coverage
was devoted to the history of clean air
and air quality standards. A summary of
the five air quality tiers was explained,
when each tier went into effect and
the corresponding horsepower ranges.
It ended with information about
interim Tier 4 (iT4) and Tier 4
technology options available to
non-road engine manufacturers.
This article will discuss the technologies
that Doosan is implementing to
comply with iT4 emission regulations,
as mandated by the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA).
iT4 machines in North America
In January, Doosan will have iT4-
compliant crawler excavators in
North America. The first machines
available in North America with
iT4-compliant diesel engines will
be DX300LC excavators. Additional
excavator models will follow shortly
thereafter. Doosan wheel loaders
with iT4-compliant diesel engines
are expected to arrive in North
America in March, followed in April
by Doosan articulated dump trucks.
8. 8 Winter 2012DoMORE
Stability and smooth ride
The overriding benefit of Doosan ADTs is
the free-swinging rear tandem bogie, which
keeps the rear wheels in contact with the
ground, and provides a smoother ride in
very rough and soft terrain. This leads to
increased stability as the trucks move
across roadways and jobsites.
The location of the turning ring in relation to
the articulation point is a big advantage for
Doosan ADTs. The Doosan ADT articulation
joint is positioned behind the turning ring
to provide equal weight distribution on
the front axle. This also promotes contact
between the truck’s tires and road surface.
Productivity boost
A unique transmission design in Doosan
ADTs provides smooth and equal gear-
shifting abilities. The Doosan ADT
transmission design includes an interaxle
differential. A single longitudinal differential
lock gives the ADT an optional power
split of 50 percent to the front axle and
50 percent to the rear drivetrain.
More space, better visibility
Doosan’s new ADTs improve upon their
cab with more space and visibility for the
operator. A sloping hood provides an
excellent view from the cab. Additionally,
reduced noise levels (73 dBA), fully
automatic climate control and a rubber
suspension cab mounting provides
improved operating conditions.
A new 7-inch color LCD monitor panel
provides easy-to-read diagnostics and an
automatic backlight dimmer to adjust for
ambient light conditions. The panel also
includes an embedded rearview camera for
improved productivity.
Controllability
Inside the cab is a new fingertip-controlled
body hoist/dump lever located next to the
gear lever. Control of the body hoisting and
dumping is done with minimal operator
strain. The hoist function incorporates a
higher body-up speed and automatic body-
down feature, providing a soft, controlled
lowering of the dumper body, and allowing
ease in operation and control.
Reliable and durable components
The reliability of Doosan’s ADTs sets them
apart from the rest. Doosan accomplishes
this with durable components and proven
manufacturing processes. Specifically
designed engine and transmission
components are thoroughly tested to
maximize the quality of the machines.
Doosan ADTs have a Vehicle Control Unit
(VCU) that acts as the main control center
for the machine. The VCU is linked to the
display in the operator cab and provides
easy viewing of key machine functions. It
communicates with the machine to help
maintain and service it, such as greasing
key components.
New Articulated
Dump Truck
Models
unveiled
numerous product
enhancements to Doosan
excavators, wheel loaders
and articulated dump trucks.
New Doosan
Articulated dump trucks
Doosan introduces a new family
of articulated dump trucks (ADTs)
with improved performance.
Doosan’s new ADTs offer
increased engine power and
torque, higher payloads, lower
fuel consumption, enhanced
operator comfort and faster
travel speeds.
One item to note is the
new branding. The first two
models are the DA30 and
DA40. DA stands for “Doosan
articulated,” while the number
equals the payload capacity in
metric tons.
In keeping with the long-standing
benefits of articulated dump
trucks, Doosan ADTs offer a
flexible and agile undercarriage
that is designed to help increase
ground surface contact with all six
wheels. This provides a smoother
ride for the operator when driving
on very rough or soft terrains.
8 Winter 2012DoMORE
9. Winter 2012 9DoMORE
An increased radiator capacity has improved
the ADTs’ cooling by 30 percent. This allows
the retarder to function under higher
loads while continuing to operate within
normal limits.
DA30 — replaces MT31
The Doosan DA30 articulated dump truck is
powered by a 375-horsepower, iT4-compliant
diesel engine. Its engine has an eight percent
increase in power and provides 30 percent
more torque to help the ADT work in extreme
hauling conditions. With improved fuel
consumption and a top speed of 34 mph, the
DA30 is a leading articulated dump truck.
DA40 — replaces MT41
Powered by a 500-horsepower, iT4-compliant
diesel engine and boasting a 10 percent
increase in engine power and 22 percent
increase in gross torque, the new DA40 is a
hauling juggernaut. With fuel savings in mind,
the new DA40 features an 8 percent reduction
in fuel consumption. The transmission
offers operators eight forward and four
reverse speeds.
Doosan excavators ENHANCED
In conjunction with the new iT4 engines, Doosan is updating its line of crawler
excavators with many enhancements designed to maintain its excellence.
Cooling system
The cooling system for Doosan excavators
has 10 to 15 percent more cooling
capacity. A new variable speed hydraulic
cooling fan regulates airflow through
the oil cooler. The increased cooling
capacity allows the engine to run more
efficiently in the optimum operating
temperature range. The engine and
oil cooling system have separate fans
and are controlled independently. Each
system runs at its optimum temperature
to increase efficiency and extend the life
of components.
Hydraulic pump
More consistent flow from the main
hydraulic pump contributes to numerous
excavator performance enhancements.
To start, swing torque increased by
approximately 8 to 11 percent. Operators
can swing uphill more easily and realize
improved backfill of trenches. Digging
force increased by about 5 percent to
help operators easily power through
in harsh digging conditions. Increased
lifting capacity allows operators to lift
more material with each cycle, and easier
placement of objects, such as pipes.
Improved uptime
A number of enhancements were made
to the undercarriage track tensioning
system cylinder rods and seals in the track
spring and idler assembly to maintain
track tension. Additionally, the track link
profile was improved and the track rollers
have a larger bushing. The drive sprockets
have thicker teeth and an improved
valley profile to increase longevity of the
sprockets and chains.
Improved operator comfort
Changes to the Doosan excavator cab
have improved operator comfort. They
include an updated seat, a new cabin
mount to reduce cab vibration by
20 percent and noise levels by 1.8 dBA,
and improved visibility to the work area.
NEW: 7-inch LCD monitor
A new 7-inch LCD monitor has an
easy-to-read display with critical machine
information. It informs operators of the
engine coolant temperature, fuel level and
hydraulic oil temperature. It also includes
15 different machine warnings. A rear view
camera button enables the operator to
view the machine’s surroundings.
In an effort to maximize excavator and
attachment performance, the operator
can select from up to 10 pre-defined
attachments via the LCD monitor,
ensuring the proper flow and pressure
are programmed.
Maintenance made easy
The following updates provide improved
maintenance for Doosan excavators.
• Master battery cutoff switch: improves
battery life during long-term storage
• Engine cover: improved service access
• Engine oil and main fuel filters were
relocated to the pump compartment
• Fuel filter shut-off valve: ability to shut
off fuel flow to the filter during servicing
• Electronic Control Unit (ECU) relocated
to the machine frame to reduce
vibration and increase service life
Winter 2012 9DoMORE
DX300LC with Geith grapple.
10. 10 Winter 2012DoMORE
Performance
Standard on the new DL550 wheel loader
(coming in 2012) and available as an option
for models DL300 through DL450, Doosan
offers a hydraulic locking differential. This
is an alternative to the standard limited slip
differential. A hydraulic locking differential
provides increased driving power when
one wheel spins or loses traction. The left
and right wheels are hydraulically locked
together to rotate at the same speeds and
receive equal torque. This feature gives
the operator more traction and less tire
slippage. The differential may be locked
manually or automatically based on
ground conditions.
Another option for Doosan wheel loaders
is a torque converter lockup clutch. This
enables the machine to climb grades
easier and faster increasing productivity
as much as 20 percent in certain
stockpiling applications.
The wheel loader lift arm and the tilt lever
(zBar) side plate thickness have increased.
Wheel loader axle upgrades provide more
efficient transfer of power.
An optional electronic main control valve
allows the operator to set the boom and
bucket stop positions from inside the cab,
providing improved control of the lift arm
and bucket positions. This is particularly
useful when setting return to dig positions
for the boom and bucket, thereby
reducing cycle times in digging and
loading applications.
Reliability and durability
Service intervals on the front lift arm pins
have increased from 50 to 250 hours,
reducing operating costs and downtime.
Tilt cylinder hydraulic hoses have been
rerouted for improved hose reliability,
better hose movement and improved
visibility to the attachment. New options
for Doosan wheel loaders include a
diesel coolant heater and frost plug (block)
heater to improve starting.
Comfort
Doosan wheel loader operator comfort
improvements start with a new door
threshold for easier entry and exit,
and cleaning. Once in the operator’s
seat, a new right-hand control stand is
integrated into the seat assembly. It moves
with the seat suspension for increased
controllability. Lower front corners of the
cab give operators improved visibility.
Electronic steering is available as an option
to help minimize operator fatigue.
New display panel
A new multi-function display panel
provides comprehensive machine system
reporting. It includes a speedometer on
the left, LCD display screen in the center
and indicator lights on the right. Critical
machine information such as engine RPM,
engine coolant temperature, transmission
oil temperature, fuel level, DEF level
(on machines with SCR after-treatment
systems), machine warnings, time, multi-
function gauge and the transmission
selected gear are indicated.
Heating and cooling improvements
A new automatic system allows the
operator to set a desired temperature
to maintain a constant cab temperature.
A 31 percent increase in airflow has
significantly improved the efficiency of the
cabin's heater and air conditioner for better
operator comfort.
Maintenance
Doosan wheel loader operators may
reverse the cooling fan to keep the cooling
system clean. The operator has the choice
of manually reversing the fan by pressing a
switch, or setting it to automatically reverse
based on a preset time.
Visit www.DoosanEquipment.com to
learn more about air quality standards,
iT4 technologies and their integration
in Doosan equipment, and more details
about the newest Doosan machines
and attachments.
Many improvements to Doosan wheel loaders
Much like Doosan excavators, there are many product improvements that will be available with new Doosan wheel loaders.
10 Winter 2012DoMORE
DL500 with
Doosan rock bucket.
11. Winter 2012 11DoMORE
Two-speed control — DXB260H
One of the most impressive features of the new DXB260H
breaker is the two-speed control. The breaker frequency can
be easily adjusted between short and long stroke settings. This
allows the operator to match the breaker frequency to ground
conditions for optimized productivity.
Breaker features
There are five key features of the new hydraulic breakers.
They include a cradle-mounted grease station, energy recovery
system, new valve system, high-quality piston and cylinder,
and blank-fire protection.
A cradle-mounted grease station comes standard for the
DBX260H to deliver continuous grease flow, reducing
bushing and tool wear. This minimizes maintenance costs and
downtime. Additionally, premature wear is prevented with
blank-fire protection, using a cushion of oil on the base of the
piston. For further peace of mind, Doosan stands behind its
breaker quality with a one-year limited warranty.
For maximum performance, an energy recovery system
captures the piston’s rebound energy and uses it to increase
strike power. At the same time, the main control valve system
optimizes strike power. Both the piston and the cylinder
are designed for efficiency, with minimal tolerances to
reduce internal.
Third model: DXB170H
For excavators between 18 and 28 tons, Doosan offers
customers the DXB170H. It is approved for use with Doosan
DX225LC, DX235LCR and DX225LC excavators.
For more information about Doosan hydraulic breakers, visit
www.DoosanEquipment.com or contact your local Doosan dealer.
Doosan expands hydraulic breaker line;
two new models approved for crawler excavators
DXB260H
new Doosan breakers
are ready for action!
New Hydraulic Breakers
Two new concrete-busting, rock-crushing hydraulic breakers are available from Doosan. The new DXB100H and
DXB260H hydraulic breakers — complementing the DXB170H — are approved for use with Doosan crawler excavators.
Breaker Model
Number
Approved
Doosan Carrier
Operating Weight
lb. (kg)
Tool Diameter
in.(mm)
Operating Pressure
psi (bar)
Flow: min.
gpm (L/m)
Flow: max.
gpm (L/m)
Frequency
(bpm)
Impact energy class
(ft.lb)
DXB100H DX140LC 2061 (935) 4.21 (107) 2466 (170) 18.5 (70) 31.7 (120) 750 2000
DXB170H
DX225LC,
DX235LC
and DX255LC
3572 (1620) 5.39 (137) 2610 (180) 26.5 (100) 39.5 (150) 600 5000
DXB260H
DX300LC and
DX350LC
5400 (2450) 6.14 (156) 2610 (180) 39.5 (150) 63.5 (240) 600 8000
NEW
NEW
12. 12 Winter 2012DoMORE
Helping customers stay on schedule, meet deadlines and minimize
downtime is important to Doosan and its dealers. That’s why Doosan
provides parts distribution via a state-of-the-art facility in the Atlanta
metro area. There are tens of thousands of genuine Doosan parts in
stock, readily available for shipment to dealers and customers.
Here’s how Doosan delivers on its 48-hour parts guarantee, backed by
authorized Doosan dealers in North America. All orders are submitted
online by dealers using the company’s dealer portal, saving time and
improving efficiency.
“The dealer portal provides our dealers with all of the tools necessary
to conduct their business with Doosan,” says Gary Stone, parts
operations technical services supervisor. “They can order parts, view
their order history, pending shipments and backorders.”
Stone says the portal is linked to an interactive online parts book that
Doosan dealers can use to look up part numbers and add them to
their purchase orders. The dealer portal also allows dealers to view
pricing and availability on each item prior to placing the order.
While the dealer portal has decreased the need for human interaction
when placing orders, parts technicians are still available to answer
dealer questions. In addition, Doosan maintains an order express desk
that dealers can use to manually place small orders. Many dealers use
this service at the end of the day when they need to submit a last-
minute order prior to the cutoff time for placing orders.
To better serve dealers and their customers, Stone says that Doosan
assigns a priority to each parts order. The highest priority goes to
orders designated MDS, or machine-down situation, and SDS, or
same-day shipping. An MDS order indicates a machine problem
that is not critical enough to require same-day shipping. SDS is a
machine-down situation that is critical enough to require
guaranteed same-day shipment.
Fulfilling the 48-hour parts guarantee
Stone explains how Doosan’s 48-hour parts guarantee works for
machine-debilitating parts used on current-production machines and
one generation previous.To generate a 48-hour parts order, Stone
says, the customer must first identify the need to the dealer. Then, the
dealer must indicate a 48-hour parts order when the order is placed.
“When a 48-hour parts order is received, the dealer portal system
notifies the 48-hour parts administrator prior to the order going into
How Doosan ensures customers have access to critical parts from its
Atlanta-based distribution facility
Delivering on the Doosan
48-hour parts guarantee
Parts Distribution Center
ABOVE: Doosan parts — both small and large — are processed and shipped from the distribution facility.
13. Winter 2012 13DoMORE
See article on the next page for parts strategies.
Doosan dealer places
the order through the
dealer portal.
1
Picker obtains
item and the stock
inventory is updated
automatically.
4
Picker takes item to
shipping for packing and
shipping, and a tracking
number is generated.
5
Most orders are picked
up by delivery services.
Larger items are
considered freight.
6
Order is received by the
shipping supervisor,
who assigns a picker.
3
Order is received and
organized with other orders,
depending on priority.
2
Parts
Ordering
Cycle
the planning and allocation process,” Stone
says. “The administrator then verifies that
the part being ordered is a qualified part
for a qualified machine.”
Only machine-debilitating parts are
qualified for this program. For example, he
says, normal wear parts, such as undercarriage
components, are not qualified parts for the 48-hour
parts guarantee.
Once the administrator determines that the part is qualified,
research begins on availability. If the part is not available from the
North American parts distribution center, it is allocated from the
Doosan parts distribution facility in Korea, Stone says. If it is not
available there, the 48-hour administrator searches for the next
higher assembly that can fulfill the customer’s need. In the
case of a piston assembly from a gear pump, Stone says,
the administrator may search for a subsection of a
pump or a complete pump assembly,
if necessary.
“We do whatever is
reasonably necessary to get the
machine going,” Stone says.
“If the cost is significantly
different from what was
originally ordered, we may
offer a significant discount in
order to lessen the impact on
the dealer and/or end user.”
“But if we don’t have or can’t locate
the part and, for example, a complete assembly is not available, we
give the customer the use of another machine,” Stone says. “Starting
the day after the 48-hour parts guarantee period expires, we’ll pay for
the rental of another machine until the part is signed for.
“The 48-hour parts guarantee is designed to give our dealers and
their customers the confidence they need to purchase our machines,”
Stone says.
For more information on the Doosan 48-hour parts guarantee,
visit www.DoosanEquipment.com/48hour
NOTE: The 48-hour parts guarantee is subject to carrier delivery
restrictions and/or governmental agency delays. Only units sold by
Doosan Infracore Construction Equipment America through its authorized
distributors and delivered to an end-user or authorized distributor within
the United States and Canada will be eligible for this guarantee.
Winter 2012 13
14. 14 Winter 2012DoMORE
Develop parts strategies
to save time and money
While Doosan and its local dealers
provide you with a safety net
of support, you should develop
strategies to help avoid unnecessary
downtime and expedited parts
shipments, both of which can be
very costly. Here are tips to help
you maximize machine uptime and
reduce shipping costs.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
When you acquire a new Doosan machine, talk to
your dealer about the recommended parts stocking
list for that model. This list should include items such as
belts, hoses, filters, critical lights, electrical components,
sensors, seal kits and cylinders, among others.
If you perform some or all of your own machine
maintenance, consider stocking frequently used
service parts yourself. Get to know your machine and
its maintenance intervals or ask your dealer to help
you.Then prepare by having stock on hand.This is also
true if you are working far away from your home base
— and your dealer — or you are working in a remote,
hard-to-reach area.
If you have a machine problem, try to identify your
parts needs early in the day. The last two hours of
the day are generally the busiest for the Doosan parts
distribution center.Your dealer has a better chance of
getting the part you need shipped the same day if you can
have the problem diagnosed before noon, for example.
Although breakdowns can happen at any time, keep in
mind that Mondays and Fridays are usually the busiest
days of the week at the Doosan parts distribution center.
Because the Doosan parts distribution center is
located in the Eastern time zone, you and your dealer
should be aware that the cutoff time for parts orders
may be in the early or mid-afternoon, depending
on your location. For example, the cutoff time for
emergency orders is 6 p.m. Eastern time. So if you are in
the Pacific time zone, the cutoff time to place emergency
orders is 3 p.m.The cutoff time for 48-hour parts
orders is even earlier. Because of the logistics involved
in researching these orders, the cutoff time is 4 p.m.
Eastern time or 1 p.m. Pacific time.
Perform major machine repairs and maintenance
during off-season months. Generally, try to do this work
immediately after the construction season ends to avoid the
busy spring and summer months at your Doosan dealer’s
parts counter.
Before operating your machine or performing
maintenance for the first time, be sure to thoroughly
read and understand the Operation and Maintenance
Manual. If you have any questions, contact your
authorized Doosan dealer before proceeding.
15. Winter 2012 15DoMORE
The cover story of the June 2011 issue of
Construction Equipment magazine featured
a Field Test titled, “The Long and Short of
Excavator Design.” The Field Test compared a
Doosan Reduced Tail Swing DX235LCR with a
Conventional Tail Swing DX225LC.
Editor Walt Moore worked with Doosan and two
operators to perform a series of tests to compare
the two Doosan crawler excavators. The tests
were done at the Doosan Real Operation Center
(ROC) near Tucson, Ariz., where Moore measured
the excavators based on common applications:
trenching, truck loading and lifting. He also
evaluated the excavator’s swing-speed and
fuel consumption.
You can read the Field Test in its entirety
on the following six pages. Read about the
test operators, see pictures of the Doosan
excavators while they were being evaluated
and see results of the tests to show which
excavator performed better.
Doosan excavators
put to the test
Doosan excavators
put to the test
Construction Equipment ®
magazine conducts a Field Test on two Doosan crawler
excavators to compare a Reduced Tail Swing to a Conventional Tail Swing model
Special Feature: CE Field Test
About Construction Equipment
Construction Equipment ®
magazine was established in 1949. It is highly regarded as one of the leading sources of information
for the construction industry. Published monthly, its editorial content serves construction contractors, materials producers and
other owners and operators of construction equipment. In-depth editorial reports include Product Evaluations, Buying Files and
Field Tests — like the Doosan Field Test reprinted in this issue of DoMORE®
magazine. Complementing the print edition is a
website that includes a blog from Editorial Director Rod Sutton, new products as they’re released and an article library from past
issues.The Construction Equipment editorial staff has been recognized for editorial excellence for 28 consecutive years with a
number of significant awards. Rod Sutton is in his 10th year with the publication.
NOTE:
Field Test reprinted
with permission
of Construction
Equipment magazine.
TURN TO READ THE REPRINT OF THE CE FIELD TEST
15
16. 16 Winter 2012DoMORE
E
veryone agrees that reduced-tail-swing
excavators are great for working in con-
fined spaces, such as taking up just one
lane of traffic (not two) on road jobs, or in
situations that place the machine against
a wall, fence or other obstruction. But some ex-
cavator buyers question if reduced-tail-swing
models are as capable as their conventional-tail-
The Long and Short of
Excavator
Design
Our in-the-dirt comparison of Doosan’s reduced-tail-
swing and conventional-tail-swing models had a
few surprises
C o v e r S t o r y FIELD TEST FIELD TEST FIELD TEST FIELD TEST
DX225LC/DX235LCR
Excavators
By walt moore,
Editor
swing counterparts. “Okay, I can work next to
a wall with a reduced-tail-swing machine, but
won’t I have to compromise overall digging and
lifting capability to gain that benefit? Does it
make sense to pay more for a less-capable ma-
chine just to work in tight spaces?”
Good questions. Construction Equipment
editors had the same thoughts, so we welcomed
Park the DX225LC and DX235LCR tail-to-tail and their
design difference becomes strikingly apparent. Note
that the DX235LCR has a bit more vertical reach when
using the same boom and arm.
17. Winter 2012 17DoMORE
Photos;GeorgePfoertner
the opportunity to work with Doosan to compare
the relative performance characteristics of the two
excavator designs. The comparison involved run-
ning the reduced-tail-swing DX235LCR side-by-
side with the conventional-tail-swing DX225LC.
Doosan considers the recently introduced DX-
235LCR to be the DX225LC’s reduced-tail-swing
counterpart.
You might be asking if a legitimate “apples-
to-apples” comparison can really be made between
two such models, given that their designs differ so
significantly. The DX235LCR, after all, has just 3
inches of overhang, compared with 4 feet 1 inch
for the DX225LC when both are using 31.5-inch
shoes. Plus, the DX235LCR is heavier by nearly
5,000 pounds.
But, that said, when both are fitted with their
standard boom (18 feet 8 inches), standard digging
arm (9 feet 6 inches), and identical buckets (as
were the test machines), digging envelopes are
similar, with maximum digging depths within 2
inches of each other.
Both also use the same 5.9-liter Doosan DL06
six-cylinder diesel, although net horsepower is
higher for the DX235LCR (166 versus 148). Both
also use the same components in their implement-
hydraulic system, but the DX235LCR does pro-
duce slightly more hydraulic flow (116 versus 110
gpm) and slightly more main-relief pressure in
(5,263 versus 4,978 psi).
It was a judg-
ment call, but we
think we came as
close as possible to
an apples-to-apples
comparison from a
specification stand-
point. Chad Ellis,
Doosan’s product manager, made the point that re-
duced-tail-swing machines in most excavator man-
ufacturers’ lines tend to be more “power dense”
than their conventional counterparts—that is, to
some degree, these models pack more horsepower
and more hydraulic capability into a much smaller
upper-structure package that has significantly
more mass.
On site
The on-site comparison included typical exca-
vator applications—trenching, truck loading and
lifting—and we also made a swing-speed compari-
son to determine if the dynamics of the two designs
might affect that aspect of operation. In addition,
fuel-consumption data collected during trenching
allowed calculating the fuel efficiency of
both machines.
Overall results were interesting. We were left
asking whether the comparative numbers collected
FIELD TEST FIELD TEST FIELD TEST FIELD TEST FIELD TEST
Tr u c k L o a d i n g
DX225LC DX235LCR
Production Advantage 6.5% —
Bucket-Fill Advantage 3.5% —
Cycle-Speed Advantage 3.0% —
Test operators James Thomas, left, and Byron “Corky”
Turner both own their own excavating/grading
businesses in the Atlanta, Ga., area.
18. 18 Winter 2012DoMORE
during testing might apply—in a general way, at
least—to the product lines of other excavator
manufacturers. We’re of the opinion they would.
We convened during the second week of
April at the Doosan Real Operation Center (ROC)
located just outside Tucson, Ariz. The “we” in-
cluded Ellis, CE editors, and others from Doosan,
including Shane Reardon, product trainer; Aaron
Kleingartner, segment application marketing man-
ager; and Bruce Kim, product support specialist,
who installed auxiliary fuel tanks on the two ma-
chines and checked that idle speeds and main-re-
lief pressures were correct.
The two most important participants in the
DX235LCR/DX225LC evaluation, however, were
James Thomas and Byron “Corky” Turner, both
expert operators and both with their own excavat-
ing/grading businesses in the Atlanta, Ga., area.
Although each had many hours in an excavator
seat, neither had operated a large reduced-tail-
swing machine.
Weather was as close to perfect as it probably
gets in Tucson, mid 70°F, cloudless skies and low
humidity. The material in which the machines
worked was heavy, hard, desert soil: sand and
gravel mixed with clay and patches of caliche,
the latter being hard deposits formed by the
cementing action of calcium carbonate. Estimated
weight was 2,800 pounds per cubic yard.
Test units
As noted, both machines used the same 5.9-
liter Doosan engine, an inline-six-cylinder, Tier-
3-compliant model using a Bosch common-rail
fuel-injection system and an internal exhaust-gas-
recirculation system,
which employs a slight
valve-opening overlap
during the exhaust/intake
cycle. Doosan also makes
its own hydraulic compo-
nents—pumps, valves and
motors (both swing and drive)—and, said Ellis,
Parker hoses and fittings are used throughout to
facilitate replacement.
Both machines have three power modes—
Economy, Standard and Power—and two working
modes—“Digging” for general excavation,
loading and lifting and “Trenching” for
swing priority.
As noted, booms, digging arms and buckets
were identical for the machines. Buckets were
1-cubic-yard Geith models (Geith is a Doosan
brand), 36 inches wide with teeth and
side cutters.
The machines use identical undercarriages
with the same track length (14 feet 7 inches), and
both test units were fitted with 31.5-inch (800-
mm) shoes. The undercarriage features heavy-
duty links and rollers, as well as a one-piece recoil
mechanism designed to maintain consistent track-
chain tension. Both upper frames use D-section
construction, giving them added strength, said
Ellis, compared to C-channel-type construction.
Operating weight was 48,722 pounds for the
DX225LC and 53,572 pounds for the DX235LCR;
the DX235LCR’s added weight resides almost en-
C o v e r S t o r y FIELD TEST FIELD TEST FIELD TEST FIELD
Tr e n c h i n g
DX225LC DX235LCR
Production Advantage — 12.0%
Bucket-Fill Advantage — 16.0%
Cycle-Speed Advantage 4.0% —
Fuel-Efficiency Advantage — 10.0%
L i f t i n g
DX225LC DX235LCR
Over-End Advantage 9.0% —
Over-Side Advantage 3.0% —
19. Winter 2012 19DoMORE
tirely in its heavier counterweight. Cab size and
appointments are essentially the same for both
models, which were both equipped with new
ROPS-certified cabs.
Truck loading
During the truck-loading comparison, the
first test event, the machines were set in their
Power and Digging modes. Both operators used
each machine to seven-pass load a tandem-axle
dump truck multiple times. The machines dug
from a loose-material pile, swung 180 degrees,
and dumped over the end of the truck.
We timed the operators as they worked, then
weighed the truck on a near-by truck scale after
each seven-pass cycle to determine payload.
Using this data, we calculated an hourly produc-
tion rate for each machine. The DX225LC turned
in a production advantage of around 6.5 percent.
The data allowed us to calculate an average per-
bucket load (bucket-fill) and an average cycle speed
for each machine. Comparing these figures, we de-
termined that the DX225LC’s production advantage
resulted from the combined effect of loading an av-
erage of 3.5 percent more material per bucket and by
cycling some 3.0 percent faster.
After the truck-loading test, we solicited the
operators’ impressions and comments about the
relative performance of the machines. Both agreed
that loading reach and height were no problem for
either machine, that both machines were essen-
tially equal in digging power, that visibility was
equal, and that the DX235LCR might have a
slight edge in its return-to-dig motion. Both were
convinced, however, that the DX225LC felt more
flat-footed than its reduced-tail-swing
counterpart.
Trenching
During the trenching comparison, each ma-
chine worked for approximately an hour, digging a
bucket-width wide to a nominal depth of 8 feet.
Between them, the two excavators opened nearly
550 linear feet of trench. The hour’s working time
for each machine was divided between the operators.
The machines worked in their Power and
Trenching modes.
TEST FIELD TEST FIELD TEST FIELD TEST FIELD TEST FIE
Perfect weather, lots of room, and tough desert soil made the Doosan Real Operation Center near Tucson, Ariz., an ideal test site.
20. 20 Winter 2012DoMORE
We timed each op-
erator on each machine
and counted total cycles
for each run. Before
each run, we weighed
the auxiliary fuel tank by lifting it slightly and in-
serting a small electronic scale beneath. At the con-
clusion of each run, we again weighed the tank to
determine fuel used. This gave two fuel-consump-
tion numbers for each machine, allowing us to cal-
culate an hourly fuel-usage average.
We measured the trenches by taking depth and
width measurements at 3-foot increments, then cal-
culating an average depth and width to use with
measured length to determine the approximate vol-
ume of material excavated.
The results were unexpected, compared with
those from the truck-loading exercise. The DX-
235LCR out-produced the DX225LC by about 12
percent. We determined that the reduced-tail-swing
machine’s bucket-fill was about 16 percent more on
average than that for the DX225LC. But the DX-
235LCR, as in the truck-loading test, cycled a bit
slower—by about 4 percent this time—thus
accounting for the net production advantage of
12 percent.
Even more unexpected was the DX235LCR’s
fuel efficiency (material moved per gallon of
fuel). The reduced-tail-swing machine proved
some 10 percent more fuel-efficient than
the DX225LC.
Our sit-down with the operators after the
trenching exercise seemed to uncover a possible
explanation for the disparity between the trenching
and truck-loading numbers. Their comments made
it apparent that they began to feel more comfort-
able with the reduced-tail-swing machine during
trenching, and that during the truck-loading test,
their expectation that the DX235LCR would be
less capable resulted in their working it
more cautiously.
“You get used to running it [the DX-
235LCR],” said Thomas, “and it runs better than
the 225. I still think the 225 is just a bit more sta-
ble, but there’s absolutely no problem with the
235. I think the 235 also was smoother on the
swing; yesterday I’d probably have told you the
225 was smoother. You get used to the 235—I
don’t know what it is—I just changed my
opinion.”
Turner had similar comments: “When I was
swinging around to the truck in the first test, I
knew the 235 wasn’t going to tip, but you have the
perception that it’s a smaller machine than the
225 and needs to be handled easier. But the longer
you run it, the more you realize that it’s respon-
We asked Thomas and Turner to give their candid
opinions of the DX235LCR’s routine serviceability. Both
agreed that the reduced-tail-swing machine would
present no difficulties when checking fluid levels or
changing filters.
S w i n g S p e e d
DX225LC DX235LCR
Speed Advantage 3.0% —
In the swing-speed
comparison, we timed the
machines as they swung a
2,500-pound weight uphill
when positioned on a
10-degree incline.
C o v e r S t o r y FIELD TEST FIELD TEST FIELD TEST FIELD
21. Winter 2012 21DoMORE
sive and stable. The 235 has a slightly different
feel when you’re operating, but you soon get com-
fortable with it and work it just as you would a
conventional machine.”
For what it’s worth, after watching these two
machines dig for an hour, we’d say that one was as
flat-footed as the other—just based on looking for
track lift. It’s our opinion that when the operators
began to use the DX235LCR to its potential, the
machine’s edge in hydraulic power began to pay off
in more efficient bucket loading.
But how do you account for the reduced-tail-
swing machine’s fuel-efficiency advantage, given
that both use the same engine and that the DX-
235LCR has more horsepower? Part of the explana-
tion might be that the reduced-tail-swing machine,
with its slightly more hydraulic capacity, digs some-
what easier and labors less in tough digging. Some-
one in the group advanced the theory that perhaps
the compact mass of the DX235LCR takes less
power to swing than the elongated upper of the
conventional machine, resulting in less fuel burned
per cycle. Interesting thought; could be some logic
in that.
Lifting
For the lifting test, we first chained together
old mining tires, loaded them on a trailer behind a
big pickup, then ran truck, trailer and load across
the truck scale to determine how much the ma-
chines would be lifting: 11,500 pounds.
With Thomas operating both machines in the
lift comparison, he increased the lift radius until
the rear roller just began to lift from the track chain
(for over-front lifting) and until the rollers just
began to lift from the chain when lifting over the
side. At those points, we measured the radius. The
DX225LC out-lifted the DX235LCR by an aver-
age 9 percent over the front and by an average 3
percent over the side.
“Surprisingly, they were pretty much the
same,” said Thomas. “The 235’s rollers lifted just a
bit sooner than the 225, but performance was
nearly equal between the two until that point.
You’d think that 235 would have been much less
capable than the 225, but it wasn’t.”
Give and take
Taking a long view of the information collected
during the comparison and considering comments
from the operators, a number of conclusions seem to
surface. Perhaps most revealing was the observation
that reduced-tail-swing machines must prove them-
selves to the operator. Only an extremely open-
minded person could look at the two machines
parked tail-to-tail and not conclude that the conven-
tional machine would be more capable.
Yet, test data for the two Doosan machines
indicate otherwise. The reduced-tail-swing ma-
chine’s production advantage when trenching was
a surprise, as was its fuel-efficiency advantage.
True, the conventional machine was a better lifter,
but only marginally so. And if an operation in-
volved intense truck loading, the conventional ma-
chine might be a more productive choice, but
again, only marginally so.
We can only speak for the Doosan models we
had on site, but in this instance, the decision be-
tween a conventional-tail-swing machine and a re-
duced-tail-swing machine would not hinge on a
choice between capability versus compact size.
Rather, the decision would be simply whether the
compact dimensions of the reduced-tail-swing ma-
chine are worth an approximate 10-percent pre-
mium in purchase price.
Soil at the test site was a mix of sand, gravel and clay interspersed with hard deposits
of caliche. It was a challenging material for the test units.
TEST FIELD TEST FIELD TEST FIELD TEST FIELD TEST FIE
22. 22 Winter 2012DoMORE
SJS Excavation
The rugged topography that encompasses
Juneau, Alaska (pop. 31,275), is a spectacular
scenic panorama for the more than 1
million tourists who visit this exceptionally
picturesque capital city via cruise ships
every year. Shrouded by majestic, jagged
mountains and dense rainforests, this
sophisticated and vibrant city — built
primarily on a landfill of tailings from a
local mine that was once the world’s largest
producer of low-grade ore — is the only state
capital in the nation not accessible by road.
For contractors like Bruce Griggs, who has
managed SJS Excavation for the past 15
years — the excavation company founded by
his father-in-law, Sid Smith, in 1978 — the
gnarly, mountainous terrain is a challenging
menace — for at least six months out of the
year. Griggs, an accomplished downhill skier
and entrepreneurial daredevil of sorts, credits
his passion for skiing as the primary factor
that prompted him to pursue a career
in construction.
“It’s because of being a ski bum that I got
into the construction trade,” Griggs says.
“I worked my way through college doing
construction, and found I loved the artistic
side of dirt work. And since construction is
a seasonal gig here, we work our tails off in
the summer and then take winters off. That’s
when I head to the slopes.”
Griggs had already attempted his own
construction company when his father-in-
law suggested he come work with him. The
arrangement turned out to be a good one,
joining Griggs and his wife, Mary Frances,
together as an operational business team in
addition to being longtime soul mates.
“I’m the most fortunate guy ever to be able
to work with both my wife and father-in-
law,” Griggs says. “I have learned so much
from him. He had one of the first excavators
in town, is 77 years old, and still runs it and
the Doosan excavators today. I’ve gotten
more into speculative development lately
and he has been right there to support us.
I feel honored being able to carry on his
great legacy.”
Proving ground
Like most relationships that endure over
time, the Doosan and SJS Excavation
connection originated from a foundation
based on trust. Griggs had established a long-
founded business connection with Miller
Construction Equipment — also a family-
owned and operated business with Juneau
roots — when Andrew Miller, general
manager and Griggs’ primary sales contact,
approached him about giving a Doosan
excavator a try.
For years, Miller Construction Equipment
offered a number of equipment brands other
than Doosan, so the construction-related
interests in this close-knit community seized
the opportunity to rib the Millers about
adding another brand of equipment. Like
Griggs and his father-in-law, the Millers had
also established a solid reputation, so a lot of
the ribbing really stemmed from curiosity
about Doosan on the part of the locals.
“Miller Construction Equipment has been
in business here for a long time,” Griggs
says. “They are reputable and know their
customers, so everyone took notice when
they starting selling the Doosan brand.
Before that, I’d say Doosan had been viewed
with some skepticism compared to other
equipment we were more familiar with. But
I knew the Miller family so well personally I
felt they probably knew something the rest
of us didn’t.Turns out, they did. The Doosan
line has sure held up.”
Shortly after the DX line of excavators was
introduced, Miller approached Griggs and
encouraged him to check out one of the
models. Griggs was in the middle of a very
difficult 27-acre subdivision project that
Juneau contractor Bruce Griggs relies on Doosan excavators to “move mountains”
and negotiate the jagged, rock-laden and often muddy Alaska terrain
SJS Excavation
22 Winter 2012DoMORE
23. Winter 2012 23DoMORE
included the removal of more than 160,000
cubic yards of rock, so he took Miller up on
the offer and rented the DX225LC model
for a trial run.
“It was like, wow, way nice,” Griggs says.
“The DX225LC was so solid, and the cab
and controls … everything about it was
awesome. I ran it for three days and knew
I had to have one. That was four years ago,
and today the machine has close to 5,000
hours on it and is still going strong. Quite
impressive given that it’s all either mud or
rock up here.”
Multiple operators —
minimal concerns
In addition to equipment sales, Miller
Construction Equipment is also a sizeable
contractor. With a diverse collection of
operators working several different jobs,
individual models within their fleet are often
subjected to multiple users — a situation
that, over time, can take a toll on machines.
“Any contractor will tell you that it’s
preferable to have dedicated operators,”
Griggs says. “Unfortunately, this is more the
exception than the rule. Equipment gets
worked very hard here. It is continuously
subjected to rock or mud, or both. When
you see a piece of Miller equipment with
more than 5,000 hours on it, without any
breakdowns, having been worked as hard as
it has by so many different operators, you
know it’s a good machine.”
As a complement to the DX225LC he
purchased more than four years ago, Griggs
added a Doosan DX140LC to the SJS fleet
this past year. Recognized for delivering
excellent performance in the 12 to 14
metric ton size class, the DX140LC has
an efficient engine and durable hydraulic
system, highlighted by the Electronic
Power Optimizing System (EPOS). The
EPOS feature provides the option to adjust
operating modes — Standard, Economy or
Power — based on working conditions to
optimize fuel consumption and operational
performance. This mode is especially useful
for heavy-duty jobs that require maximum
torque and faster cycle times due to tough
conditions and jobsite work requirements.
Comfort improves productivity
Of all the many features he appreciates about
the Doosan excavation equipment they
own, Griggs feels the benefits derived from
operator comfort are all too often taken for
granted. Both the DX140LC and DX225LC
are equipped with a spacious cab designed for
maximum visibility and optimal ergonomic
comfort. In addition, the sound-suppressed
cab keeps machine noise low, helping to
reduce operator fatigue.
Winter 2012 23DoMORE
Continued on page 24
24. 24 Winter 2012DoMORE
The reclining height- and weight-adjustable
suspension seat (standard) includes a headrest
and adjustable armrest that allow different
operators to select the positions that are most
comfortable. And easy-to-operate joystick
controls make precise machine movements
easy, while supplementary buttons are
available for control of additional equipment.
“I don’t know about other guys, but I am
more than willing to admit that as an owner-
operator, comfort is a big deal to me,” Griggs
says. “Comfort, a nice cab, easy-to-operate
controls … it’s all important. We have the
light package, air suspension seat, portable
music player input, CD stereo system …
I guess you could say loaded, and still paid
thousands less than I would have for a ‘plain
Jane’ model made by competitors. But
while all the comfort is nice, ultimately the
machine has to be reliable. We don’t have a
full-time mechanic, so minimal breakdowns
are very important to us.”
According to Griggs, the quotes he received
from dealers offering competitive models
with comparative specifications to the
Doosan DX140LC “weren’t even in
the ballpark.”
“I think a lot of people confuse price with
value,” Griggs says. “There’s a predisposition
that less expensive models equate to inferior
quality and durability. I certainly haven’t
found that to be the case with Doosan. I’ve
told all my fellow construction buddies that
if they want to pay an extra year’s worth of
payments for a machine that’s not as good,
go right ahead. A couple of them who were
thinking about buying a new machine came
back to me, asking to check out my Doosan
excavator. Now, they’re noticing.”
It’s a jungle out there
The majestic, rugged mountains that
surround this charming capital city are
blanketed by vast rainforests, making road
construction next to impossible and, where
feasible, extremely costly. That, along with
its remote location, restricts travel access
from the outside into Juneau to airplane or
water vessels only. So dense are the immense
trees that even the most adventurous of
hikers are discouraged from exploration.
Griggs, however — whom locals have coined
the “earth artist” — derives tremendous
gratification from conquering the jungle,
and delights in being the one responsible for
making his customers’ dreams come true.
“I have three different types of buckets for
each excavator,” Griggs explains. “Each
bucket is designed to do different things.
I remember one time — working on an
extreme excavation — prepping the site for
a lady’s new dream home, switching out the
buckets all the time. She had been watching
intently, curiously, every time I changed
buckets, to see what I would do next. Finally
she came up to me and said, ‘you really are
an excavation artist. Every time you change
the bucket it’s like you’re changing a
paint brush!’”
Griggs takes a great deal of pride in what
he does, and feels fortunate having the
opportunity to create the tranquil setting
for the dream homes of so many … not to
mention, as an accomplished skier, getting to
spend winters on the slopes nearby.
“I’m a very lucky guy,” Griggs admits. “I get
to do what I really enjoy doing — personally,
recreationally and professionally. I live in a
spectacular setting, surrounded by honest,
hard-working people, and the opportunity
to carry on the legacy of my father-in-law
… all while helping make the dreams of my
customers come true. Now just how much
better could it get?”
SJS Excavation owner Bruce Griggs (back) appears with his family. Pictured are his twin daughters Johanna (top with dog) and
Gabriell; wife Mary Frances; and father-in-law Sid Smith (front left).
24 Winter 2012DoMORE
The DX225LC
was so solid, and the
cab and controls …
everything about it was
awesome. I ran it for
three days and knew I
had to have one.
— Bruce Griggs, SJS Excavation
25. Winter 2012 25DoMORE
ALPCO Recycling Inc.
Doosan products
prove their mettle
ALPCO Recycling Inc. in Macedon, N.Y., was into recycling
before recycling was cool. As a result, they have established
themselves as a fixture in this New York community and the
surrounding area.
In business since 1960, ALPCO offers a variety of recycling
services designed to keep non-renewable resources and raw
materials out of overburdened landfills. The family-owned
company collects, processes and transports thousands of tons
of recyclable materials every year.
Among the innovations at ALPCO’s facility is a convenient
residential drive-through that allows members of the
community to drop off recyclables and household waste
without ever having to get out of their vehicles. ALPCO also
accepts e-waste such as televisions, computers, printers and
monitors, and works with a regional agency to make sure that
these items are recycled in a proper manner.
Heavy metal masters
On the commercial and industrial side of their business,
ALPCO accepts and recycles both ferrous and non-ferrous
metal. Ferrous metals include iron and steel while non-ferrous
metals include aluminum, copper and brass. ALPCO sorts
and processes these metals in various ways to ready them for
shipment to mills.
ALPCO also offers its commercial and industrial customers
a full line of roll-off containers ranging from 10- to 40-cubic-
yards. It also owns, operates and maintains its own truck fleet
consisting of van trailers, sanitary compactors, flatbed trailers,
roll-off containers and boom trucks. Much of what goes into
the roll-off containers is sorted in ALPCO’s yard and recycled
into new products and materials.
Doosan equipment plays a big role in sorting, demolishing
and loading recyclables at ALPCO. The business currently
owns two Doosan excavators and a wheel loader. They are all
kept busy.
“We’re very hard on the equipment,” admits Al Plumb, co-
owner of ALPCO Recycling along with his wife, Janelle. “When
I buy a piece of equipment, I run it to work, and it works.
“We put more hours on equipment than most people,” he
says. “We start at 6:30 a.m. and run until 6:30 p.m., seven days
a week. The machines work hard all day long. It’s the way we
have always been.”
Doosan products hold up
Despite the long hours and non-stop schedule, the Doosan
products have held up well.
“Everybody likes the Doosan machinery. I don’t think there’s
been hardly any downtime,” Plumb says.
ALPCO currently owns two DX340LC excavators. One is
equipped with a hydraulic shear that cuts materials, such as
car frames and steel I-beams. The other is set up as a material
handler with a cab riser and a grapple that loads trucks with
recycled material.
“We process scrap metal and then load it out and send it to mills
or foundries,” Plumb says. “The material handler loads 250 to
300 tons per day. Plus, it’s used to rip motors out of cars.”
Working alongside the excavators is a DL250 wheel loader
with special solid tires and a grapple.
“The DL250 works in our construction demolition recycling yard
all day,” Plumb says. “It pushes loads back and sorts material.”
ALPCO acquired the machines from Monroe Tractor &
Implement in Henrietta, N.Y. Plumb says ALPCO has been
working with Monroe Tractor since 1969.
“We’ve stuck with Monroe Tractor because they get the job
done,” Plumb says. “They always have all the equipment and
the service. Our job is critical here because we don’t have
extra machines. When one of the operators calls me and tells
me they’re down, that’s a priority.”
recycling FACILITY
committed to REDUCING WASTE
ALPCO Recycling Inc. owner Al Plumb combines two
Doosan excavators and a Doosan wheel loader to
efficiently sort, lift, pile and load recyclable materials.
26. 26 Winter 2012DoMORE
Central Valley Ag Transload
The 400-mile-long Central Valley of California is one of the world’s
most productive agricultural regions, supplying about a quarter of the
food America consumes.
Agricultural enterprises operating in this fertile area between the
Sierra Nevada range and the coastal mountains need plenty of power
— man and machine — to meet the demands of the marketplace.
Mike Barry has both.
He started Central Valley AgTransload, a company that off-loads rail
cars of grain from the Corn Belt, warehouses the grain and distributes
it to processing plants and farms throughout the west. His 60
employees, including 18 equipment operators, supply the manpower.
A fleet of 14 wheel loaders are on site to handle a number of chores,
including moving the grain from the warehouse to as many as 200
outbound trucks a day.
Barry is also owner and president of Central Valley Ag Grinding, a
15-year-old firm that recycles wood and organic material that comes
from construction jobs and yard waste and turns it into landscaping
materials, livestock bedding and fiber for a variety of markets.
Wheel loaders kept busy
Since starting the Oakdale, Calif., transload facility, Barry has relied
on wheel loaders to handle the grain, and averages 3,000 to 5,000
tons a day. He has owned several major brands of wheel loaders and
keeps them busy six days a week.
“I’ve tried them all,” he says, “and in my opinion, they are comparable
in many ways. They all do what I need them to do.”
Barry purchases one or two wheel loaders every year. When his long-
time skid-steer loader dealer, Bobcat Central in Stockton, Calif., took
on the Doosan line of equipment, he decided to take a look at the
Doosan machines.
“I had no previous experience with Doosan,” he says, “but I had
confidence in the dealer and I was really comfortable with the
warranty. I like it when a company is willing to back up and support
its products. The Doosan warranty is outstanding. I also like the
48-hour parts guarantee.”
Trio of Doosan wheel loaders
powers agricultural enterprises
Doosan machines help keep grain moving through the western United States
A Doosan DL250 wheel loader empties a bucket of almond shells into a storage bin.
27. Winter 2012 27DoMORE
All of Barry’s most recent wheel loader purchases have been high-
production Doosan units — two DL300s and a DL250. “When
you consider the investment, warranty and other factors that are
important to me, you know why I bought the Doosan wheel
loaders,” he says. “They are an excellent value for the price.”
DL300
The DL300 is powered by a turbocharged 217-horsepower Doosan
diesel engine and has a standard bucket breakout force of 36,419
pounds. Four forward speeds range from 3.9 to 21.4 mph; the three
reverse speeds range from 4 to 14.3 mph.
DL250
The DL250, with a standard bucket breakout force of 29,101
pounds, is driven by a turbocharged 163-horsepower Doosan diesel
engine. Four forward speed options range from 4.1 to 21 mph; three
reverse speeds range from 4.4 to 14.6 mph.
When evaluating wheel loaders — which Barry is poised to do given
that he currently owns four different brands — a good, durable and
dependable machine such as the DL250 stands out. “I don’t want
too many fancy electronics” he says. "I want equipment that has
easy-to-operate instruments and is simple to maintain. I don’t like
to see machines in the shop.”
Easy to maintain
The Doosan wheel loaders feature easy monitoring of critical systems,
including convenient sight glasses for all fluids, quick access to all
filters and the ability to access all grease points from ground level. All
of this makes his Doosan wheel loaders easy to maintain and perform
routine repairs.
“My operators like the Doosan wheel loaders,” Barry says. “They are
impressed with the breakout force, lifting power and cycle times.
All those factors make a big difference when you are continuously
unloading and loading material. They also like the excellent visibility,
which is very important with all the activity taking place, and the
comfortable cab that can be easily adjusted to operator preferences.”
His Doosan DL300 wheel loaders are dedicated to the transloading
business. Hour after hour they scoop up grain in the 5-acre
warehouse and load the 40-foot, 25-ton capacity trucks that head out
to livestock farms and feed processing plants throughout the west.
The DL250 works at the nearby Central Valley Ag Grinding facility.
“We use it for a little bit of everything, including loading trucks and
moving material to the screening and grinding equipment,” Barry
says. “It has no problem handling whatever comes in, including heavy
brush and lumber, which can be difficult to move around.”
As Barry surveys what has been called the “organized chaos” all
around him — rail cars dumping grain into a conveyor system
on one side of the warehouse and trucks taking it out the other
side — he knows the value of manpower and machine power
working together.
“It’s quite a sight when everything is up and running,” he says.
I had no previous experience
with Doosan, but I had
confidence in the dealer and
I was really comfortable with
the warranty. I like it when
a company is willing to back
up and support its products.
The Doosan warranty is
outstanding. I also like the
48-hour parts guarantee.
— Mike Barry, Central Valley Ag Transload
TOP: Mike Barry is the owner of Central Valley Ag Transload and three Doosan wheel loaders.
BOTTOM: Mike Barry’s newest Doosan wheel loader is a DL300. Combined with a high capacity
bucket, the DL300 efficiently loads trucks at Central Valley Ag Transload.
28. 28 Winter 2012DoMORE
R & D Trucking
While the coal-fired electric-generating
facilities in West Virginia provide power to
that state and several other areas as well, they
are also the economic engine driving many of
the businesses associated with the industry.
“With five power plants within 30 miles, the
impact on my company is significant,” says
Rick Buzzo, owner of R & DTrucking of
Morgantown, Inc., Granville, W.Va. “A few
years ago, when one electric company pulled
out, we thought the area would really suffer.
Then a new seam of coal was discovered and
another company came in.”
Power plant construction
One firm that hires R & DTrucking is an
excavating company that does work for
power plants. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) regulations require the plants
to address the discharge of wastewater into
lakes, rivers and other waterways. As a result,
truckloads of material, such as gravel, ash
and clay, are moved to create ponds that
store wastewater from coal combustion.
R & D has a fleet of 27 dump trucks,
including five newer Doosan MT41
articulated dump trucks, available to do this
type of work.
“Normally one of these projects begins
every other year, but due to the new EPA
regulations, these efforts are high priority,”
Buzzo says. “They usually last from one to
two years. However, we are often limited to
six or seven months of work because of
the weather.”
Stopping ability is, of course, one of the most
important aspects of the work, which takes
place on mountain terrain often 1,000 to
1,500 feet from top to bottom.
“The excavation company is a production
outfit, so my trucks are constantly moving
in a circle,” Buzzo says. “They have 800- to
1,200-ton excavators that fill a truck with
ADTs take on fast-paced production hauling
Productivity is key for Doosan articulated dump trucks
28 Winter 2012DoMORE
29. Winter 2012 29DoMORE
three or four bucket loads and you are
quickly on your way again, back down the
mountain. This goes on for five 10-hour days
and one 8-hour day each week.”
Needless to say, Buzzo needs a top-notch
fleet of trucks to keep up with the grueling
pace. In the last two years, he added the
MT41s, purchased from Gibson Machinery,
the area Doosan ADT dealer with stores
in Neville Island, Penn. (Pittsburgh), and
Oakwood Village, Ohio (Cleveland). The
new MT41s replaced some older models of
another brand he had been using.
Doosan ADTs pass the test
“Due to the high cost of labor, the company
that hires us for the power plant work
wanted me to look at a larger size of truck,”
he says. “I had been using 30- and 35-ton
units, but they suggested I look in the 40-
ton range. I knew nothing about Doosan
before I tested the MT41s on a fast-paced
production job. The results were impressive
— they had power, moved quickly and
didn’t break down. The company that we
were working for gave the Doosan trucks a
‘thumbs up.’”
Buzzo, who has been in trucking since 1975,
saw some features on the Doosan units that
were very appealing for the type of work
he does.
“When a pond is built, it looks like a big
bowl with drainage pipes installed all the way
around it,” Buzzo says. “Another brand of
articulated dump truck I was using was not
cut out for this type of work. The suspension
system was often damaged. The MT41 has
a much better suspension system. It has no
problem maintaining contact with
the ground.
“The Doosan trucks are lighter and shorter
than our 35-ton trucks, which means they
are easier to move around,” he says. “Being
able to transport them on a lowboy meant
we did not have to purchase a new semi-
tractor and trailer.
“My drivers report that the cab on the
MT41 is much more comfortable than our
other trucks,” he says. “When you sit in there
for 10 hours a day, a wider, roomier cab is
important. So, too, are the low noise levels
and low cabin vibration levels.
“I really like the power of the MT41. We
need them to go up to the top of the hill
and not bog down. With some of our older
trucks, you don’t always have the feeling that
you are going to make it to the top.”
Buzzo says that his trucks take on a full range
of jobs from easy to difficult.
“Working inside a power plant is very easy
on the trucks,” he says. “You cannot drive
more than 7 mph and you will always have
a spotter with you. A truck working inside
will likely get about 15 loads a day. They
won’t want to overload you because nothing
is supposed to spill. “Outside is a different
story. They want you moving all the time,
carrying about 100 loads a day. The pace
is fast.”
When working in the mountains, Buzzo
says his drivers need to have “their nerves
in place and confidence in their equipment.”
By adding Doosan ADTs to his fleet,
he is confident that both concerns will
be addressed.
Excavators help build
rental business
Equipment sitting idle is not something
Rick Buzzo wants to see. So when any
of his trucks or excavators are not on
a job, he has them available for rent.
That’s a business he wants to grow.
A pair of Doosan crawler excavators —
a DX180LC and a DX420LC —
are helping build his rental enterprise.
“Customers who rent them really
like the machines, especially the
comfort, visibility and digging power,”
says the owner of R & D Trucking of
Morgantown, Inc.“They want them
back the next time they need an
excavator.That’s a good endorsement.”
Buzzo expects that his Doosan
excavators will pay for themselves in
the first three years of rental.“After that
I expect to put another five years on
the machines, and for them to be
really profitable.”
I really like the power of the MT41. We need them to go up to
the top of the hill and not bog down. With some of our older
trucks, you don’t always have the feeling that you are going
to make it to the top. — Rick Buzzo, R & D Trucking of Morgantown
Winter 2012 29DoMORE
Rick Buzzo, owner of R & D Trucking of Morgantown
