A Doosan DA45-7 has been proving its worth in a demanding clay and loam pit, run by Creaton GmbH in Langenreichen-Buttenwiesen in Bavaria, Germany.
Clay and loam pits are traditionally tough workplaces for machines, as access roads are often poor and can only be travelled by vehicles with excellent rough terrain capabilities and enormous power.
The latest addition to the Creaton fleet is a new DA45-7 ADT, powered by the Scania Stage V DC13 13-litre diesel engine.
Doosan explained that although the routes in and out of the Langenreichen-Buttenwiesen clay pit are not too long, at around 500 metres in length, the terrain is ‘extremely challenging’, especially in wet conditions. Soft ground and ascents and descents with gradients of up to 25% are encountered.
The DA45-7 features an articulation hinge positioned behind the turning ring to provide equal weight distribution to the front axle even during maximum steer articulation. This combined with a free-swinging rear tandem bogie ensures equal distribution of weight to each wheel. Doosan said it ‘guarantees’ permanent 6-wheel contact and drive for equal power distribution and ‘excellent’ performance, particularly on difficult terrains such as soft ground, uneven surfaces, very steep slopes, tight turns or a combination of these conditions.
Combined with its engine power of 368 kW (500 HP), Doosan said the machine ‘easily’ manages to transport its 41-tonne payload of material up the steep inclines to the intermediate storage area at the pit, even in wet and extremely slippery conditions.
Quarry Manager Roland Kanefzky said, “The DA45-7 has the best off-road capability of all the brands we tested.
“The previous generation of this model, the DA40-5, has been in service with us for five years and has been very impressive.”
Creaton has equipped the DA45-7 with some special features including wide Michelin 875/65 R29 XADN tyres.
