Doosan Excavators for Wharf & Quarry Work in Poland
In Szczecin in Poland, a new Doosan DX300SLR-3 extended boom excavator has been purchased by SzczeciÅ„skie Kopalnie Surowców Mineralnych S.A. (SKSM S.A.), which is using the new machine on the Regalica trans-shipment wharf in Szczecin, primarily for unloading aggregate from barges. The latest purchase from the Doosan range of Stage IIIB compliant excavators introduced to the Polish market two years ago, the DX300SLR-3 excavator was supplied by Grausch & Grausch Maszyny Budowlane Sp. z o.o., the exclusive Authorised Dealer for the Doosan construction equipment range in Poland.
The DX300SLR-3 excavator has an operating weight of 31 tonne and is powered by a 6-cylinder Doosan DL08K 159 kW turbo-charged engine with Common Rail injection and a displacement of 7.6 l. The Electronic Power Optimising System (e-EPOS) used in the hydraulic system performs automatic RPM reduction and diagnostics functions, and ensures optimum power and fuel savings.
The machine is equipped with a one-piece, 10 m boom and a 7 m digging arm, which ensures a maximum digging depth of 13.78 m and a reach of 17.39 m. The chassis of the new excavator is more durable and provides greater stability. The type X frame and the type D backbone frame increase the strength of the machine.
The operator’s cab is very comfortable, featuring a vibration damping construction with excellent soundproofing (70 dBA compared to 73 dBA in the previous model) and is fitted with automatic climate control (5 modes and a temperature sensor) and a large (7 inch) colour LCD display making it possible to select the operating mode, and machine diagnostics, as well as state-of-the-art joysticks ensuring higher comfort for the operator and precise machine control. Moreover, the excavator is equipped with a pneumatic suspension seat allowing multiple adjustments, a CD player and a rear camera. The cab also provides more space than that on previous generation machines, ensuring considerably better conditions for the operator.
Jacek Ogórek, Director of Factory Production Control at SKSM and Regalica SKSM S.A. wharf, explained: “The aggregate is transported in barges from the Bielinek quarry near Cedynia and unloaded at the Regalica wharf into the storage yard. The new Doosan excavator removes the load from barges to form heaps, the extended boom enabling quick unloading of the barge, because the machine does not have to move or manoeuvre frequently. The excavator with a regular boom would take twice as long to do the same job. In addition, from what we have observed, the operator has a more comfortable working environment compared to the previous generation machines; for example, the seat suspension has been improved, among other things.”
This is confirmed by Grzegorz Pociej, one of the operators, who said: “I had operated the previous machine for about four years, and I was happy with it, but the new one has some additional advantages. The reach of the previous one was much shorter, so we had to drive it around a lot, but now with the new excavator, I hardly ever have to move it. It takes me three and a half hours to empty a 460 tonne barge.”
JarosÅ‚aw Gutt, who is both the foreman and an operator, is also happy with the purchase: “The cab is quieter than in the previous generation machine, for sure,” he explains. “It has more work lights which enable it to operate in the evening and early in the morning. The seat is comfy, and heated, which is useful when it's cold outside, as we work in the winter too, until the River Regalica freezes over. The additional wiper in the lower part of the windscreen also comes in handy. Before, we had to wipe this area with a cloth. And on the joystick, as well as the buttons, we also have an additional comfortable slider for rotating the bucket.”
The Szczecin company also uses other Doosan products, including DL420-3 and DL300-3 wheel loaders, as well as two older DX excavator models. One of the latter had been operating at the Regalica wharf, from where it has since been moved to work in the quarry alongside the other machine. Despite the much tougher operating conditions in the quarry compared to those in the wharf, one of the Doosan excavators has been working for over 14,000 hours, whilst the one moved from the wharf has done a total of 10,000 hours. It was no surprise then that the company purchased its new excavator from the same manufacturer.
“Let us be clear that a good purchase price, as well as the efficient and rock solid service provided by the dealer, Grausch i Grausch, were also arguments in favour of the product,” Jacek Ogórek added.