The DX20ZE is the first machine from Develon that comes out of the factory electrically. It is a brother of the diesel machine DX20Z . This electric version runs smoothly and lends itself perfectly to neat finishing, discovered test operator Jan Jacob Bles. The DX20ZE is also very easy to handle with a large bucket.
The importers of Develon Nederland are happy with the new Develon DX20ZE. In the mini excavator segment, there is a lot of demand for electric machines. That was also the reason for the Korean Develon to electrify this machine of the 2 ton class as the first ex-factory. The mini excavators are often used in inner-city areas and there are increasingly emission standards, but also occupational health and safety requirements. Ground workers are now no longer included in the diesel emissions of the excavator.
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The Develon Dealers also see this development, including in the rental sector. 'We have these machines for rent from various Develon dealers and they are constantly gone. We like to keep one here for demonstrations and explanations. We notice that there is a lot of interest and we want to show the possibilities and convince people that they can do the same with it as with a diesel', says Chris Rijk, rental coordinator. 'To introduce people to electric, we have consciously chosen to keep the rental price the same as that of a diesel.'
An advantage is that an electric machine requires little daily maintenance. Test operator Jan Jacob Bles agrees. 'Daily maintenance is simple. With electric machines, the battery must be full and you only really need to check the hydraulics. That is very clearly done here.'
An important question with an electric machine is always what the actual available running time is. The DX20ZE has a battery capacity of 20.4 kW (with 51 Volt). According to Chris Rijk, this is sufficient for six to nine hours of work in practice. The variation lies in the type of work, but also in the way it is used. Jan Jacob: 'You have four different operating modes: an eco, standard, power and powerplus mode. With the powerplus mode you have a considerable consumption. As far as I'm concerned, that mode is not really necessary. You can also choose modes when driving. On the fastest mode, driving is very strong. I've been using it for about an hour myself. If I look at the consumption, then six hours or more seems realistic to me.' A small detail: how full the battery is, is displayed by means of blocks instead of percentages. That is slightly less accurate to read. When charging, those percentages are indicated, including the expected charging time.
Chris also emphasizes the right setting. 'If you are busy digging or finishing, then the power setting is the right choice. But for other work, such as laying pipes, you can better set the setting a bit lower. That saves on the battery.'
The machine is normally charged via 230 volts. The machine is actually equipped for that. 'Charging with 230 volts is plug & play with an easy connection on the side of the machine. Fast charging is also possible, but that connection is in a somewhat unusual place, more or less under the seat. That connection is also not immediately noticeable', Jan Jacob notes. Chris Rijk confirms this from Develon Nederland. 'For fast charging you need a connection of 32 amps and that is often not available in places where these machines are used. Charging with 230 volts also works fine. The battery is fully charged again in eight hours, from 0 to 100 percent.'
The DX20ZE is currently only available in a canopy version. 'This is a factory choice, but other versions seem to be coming soon. The factory is quietly watching the developments, as almost all manufacturers do. The demand for electric currently comes mainly from Scandinavia and the Netherlands.'
“'To introduce people to electric, we consciously chose to keep the rental price the same as that of a diesel'”
There is hardly any difference with its diesel brother on the outside. 'Except that an exhaust is missing.' Jan Jacob's verdict is that it is a machine with a mature appearance.
There is a difference in the way it is operated between electric and diesel. Jan Jacob: 'You start and press the safety lever down. Then you hear the engine running, especially the hydraulic pump. The machine certainly does not make any disturbing noise or any strange whining noises like you sometimes hear. When you pull the lever up again, the power goes off immediately. If you do nothing, nothing is using power. You can also set the machine to automatic for this. If you do nothing, the machine will switch off automatically after a few seconds. I think a disadvantage of this is that you first have to push the safety lever up and down again before the machine starts running again. I personally would not use that position.'
Jan Jacob is very satisfied with the turning itself. 'I think this DX20ZE really turns super. It is certainly nice and smooth and fast and pulls a tight bucket. Finishing is done in no time. I had a tough bucket attached to it for this class of machine, but it could handle that just fine on the widest setting.' The DX20ZE is equipped with an extendable chassis, just like the diesel, that can vary in width from 950 to 1360 mm. The dozer blade can also be widened from 950 mm to 1360 mm with two extensions.
The general experience is that this electric machine is certainly not inferior to a diesel. 'With electric you have direct torque. If you know how to turn it, you have more power than a diesel', says Chris. Jan Jacob's experience confirms that. 'Often an electric has to
machine must be properly tempered because you have a lot of power from that very first moment.'
The joysticks work on oil instead of electricity. 'Many drivers will find that pleasant because you feel more counter pressure', thinks Jan Jacob. 'But I suspect that in a few years it will all be electric anyway to use energy as efficiently as possible.'
Jan Jacob is glad that there is little fuss on the machine. 'Everyone should be able to work with such a machine, without the chance of something breaking. These are machines that only need to have the necessary and nothing else.'
Jan Jacob rates the machine's entry with a 7.5. 'You do have to turn around the joystick. I think that could have been done differently, but then it would also be vulnerable and that is something you have to prevent with these types of machines.' One small thing that he does notice is that there is a plug that is fairly unprotected on the entry side. 'It is a Deutsch plug that is waterproof, but the finish could have been a bit nicer in that respect.'
“Everyone should be able to operate such a machine without the risk of anything breaking”
The DX20ZE is equipped with a hydraulically controlled quick coupler, so the operator does not have to leave his cabin to change tools. An option is an extra function for using a sorting grab. 'That can be done ex works, but often a customer has specific wishes and we at Develon take care of the construction of that extra function.'
The DX20ZE is a Zero Tail model, which means it has a small turning radius, with a round counterweight for safe working in confined spaces. Thanks to a large swing angle for the boom, the machine can handle a wide range of tasks on the job site. The DX20ZE is equipped with LED work lights and the cylinders of the boom, arm and bucket are equipped with protective plates. The tracks are designed to throw sand well, which prevents it from digging in.
Jan Jacob's final conclusion is very positive. 'You can run great on this. You can do your work very tightly. This electric machine is certainly not inferior to diesel.'
This article was created in collaboration with Bouwmachines. View the original article here: Test book: DX20ZE Electric . This article contains more photos of this small powerhouse.
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