Develon Expands Revolutionary Series 9 Excavator Range

The new larger DX360LC-9 and DX400HD-9 models follow the path of innovation set by the DX230LC-9 and DX260LC-9 

Develon has expanded the company’s Series 9 Smart Crawler Excavator range with the launch of the new larger DX360LC-9 37 tonne and DX400HD-9 42 tonne models, adding to a new unique and innovative excavator platform built on full electronic hydraulic (FEH) technology and integrated artificial intelligence. The new models join the 23 tonne DX230LC-9 and 26 tonne DX260LC-9 models revealed for the first time at the Bauma 2025 Exhibition and launched across Europe during last year.

Powered by the Develon DX08V engine providing an output of 227 kW (304 HP) @ 1800 rpm (SAE J1995) and a maximum torque of 1230 kgf/m @ 1300 rpm, the DX360LC-9 has a maximum digging depth (std front) of 7512 mm and a maximum digging reach (std front) of 11,113 mm.

The Develon DX08V engine is a new feature, replacing the previous Scania engine, at the heart of the DX400HD-9, providing an output of 254 kW (341 HP) @ 1800 rpm (SAE J1995) and a maximum torque of 1460 kgf/m @ 1300 rpm. The DX400HD-9 has a maximum digging depth (std front) of 7512 mm and a maximum digging reach (std front) of 11,113 mm.

New Groundbreaking Design

Develon Series 9 excavators represent a fundamental shift in how operators interact with heavy machines. For example, by moving from hydraulic pilot controls to a sophisticated FEH system, Develon has unlocked a suite of smart features designed to increase job site safety and precision while lowering the barrier to entry for newer operators.

Like all Series 9 machines, the new DX360LC-9 and DX400HD-9 models achieve this goal by combining 10 (ten) ground-breaking technologies and will redefine and set new industry levels of Productivity, Safety, Operator Convenience and Sustainability.

“This represents much more than just adding our next generation of excavators – it’s about setting a new standard for the whole industry,” says Stephane Dieu, Product Manager for Develon Excavators in Europe. “With our new Series 9 range, the machine is no longer just a tool — it’s an intelligent partner. By combining FEH controls with AI-powered safety and a tablet-style interface, we are giving our customers a level of control and site awareness that was previously impossible.”

The Intelligence Behind the Power

Develon Series 9 excavators feature several industry-leading innovations:

• AI-powered safety and intelligent E-Stop: The new smart around view monitor (SAVM) camera system uses artificial intelligence to identify humans in the work zone. With the addition of a new radar system that detects objects up to 6 m away, the machine can automatically trigger an intelligent E-Stop to halt the excavator’s swing or travel if a person is detected in the danger zone set at 4 m distance.
• Operators can set Virtual Wall digital boundaries to prevent the excavator boom or bucket from striking overhead power lines or underground obstacles.
• Full electronic hydraulic (FEH) precision: The shift to FEH allows for stick steer travel via joystick thumbwheels. FEH controls also allow for greater customization, including joystick sensitivity, response time and joystick button layout, for operators to maximize precision.
• Smart-ready grading: Every Series 9 excavator is factory pre-equipped for 2D and ready to be upgraded to 3D systems, featuring built-in IMU sensors for ‘plug and play’ compatibility with providers like Trimble and Leica.
• 12-inch touch screen: A vertical tablet-style touch screen replaces the traditional monitor. It offers a customizable, split-screen interface where operators can monitor 2D grade systems, AI camera feeds and machine vitals simultaneously.

Introducing a New Era of Earthmoving

Develon is taking job site productivity to the next level with the Series 9 range. These next-generation crawler excavators provide smart technologies and performance and versatility features to help operators work smarter and more efficiently. Together these provide up to 10% greater fuel efficiency and up to 7% increased engine output to allow operators to move more material with less overheads.

“We’ve built on the success of our existing excavator platform with the new Series 9 machines, which are engineered with a full electric over hydraulic control system, replacing traditional mechanical pilot controls to deliver up to 10% greater fuel efficiency,” says Stephane Dieu. “A new smart around view monitor camera system, Advanced Lift Assist, remote smartphone starting and factory 2D grading system help keep operators safer and more productive.”

Increased Operator Productivity

With greater lifting power, the Series 9 boosts excavator operators’ productivity throughout the workday. Advanced Lift Assist, a new optional feature in the Series 9 machines, displays the excavator’s current lifting capacity and alerts operators to potential tipping hazards. Advanced Lift Assist is an industry-first technology that uses a lifting force table to highlight risk zones during manoeuvres and on slopes or uneven ground.

“Our new Advanced Lift Assist uses a colour-coded arrow system on the monitor to show operators how to work safely in various terrains,” says Stephane Dieu. “This factors in the machine’s tilt to verify safety even when operators are working on slopes, allowing operators to work confidently without the risk of rollover.”

The excavator breaker assist feature prevents blank firing, protecting internal components from unnecessary wear while reducing the physical strain on the operator. With auto breaker, constant button pressing is eliminated for smoother operation in demolition applications.

The excavator’s new optional weighing system helps operators easily monitor production levels and manage volumes to make sure dump trucks are loaded to the proper and safe capacities. Plus, the new stick steer feature lets operators steer the tracks using the joystick, which simplifies movement in tight spaces.

The newly designed joystick gives operators the ability to personalize controls for maximum comfort and ease. It enhances movement with options like stick steer and thumbwheel steer, in addition to traditional levers and pedals. This flexibility ensures smoother, more precise operation that is tailored to the operator’s preferred style, making every task easier to manage.

Advanced Prognostics and Health Management (PHM) technology is used to continuously monitor critical components like hydraulic oil, engine oil and main pumps. This smart system predicts maintenance needs to help minimize downtime and lower service costs. The premium option includes the controller, pressure sensors, vibration sensors to provide diagnosis, and abnormality detection functions for the main pump, swing motor and swing reduction gear.

Available through the My Develon fleet management app, a Bluetooth^®-enabled digital key lets operators unlock the cab and start the engine without a physical key.

For more information about DEVELON, please visit https://eu.develon-ce.com/en/ or respective dealers: Bulgaria www.develon.bg, Hungary https://dmker.hu/, Romania www.ircat.ro.