DEVELON officially unveiled its most advanced machine lineup to date: the -9 Series heavy excavators with a platform built on full electronic hydraulic (EH) technology and integrated artificial intelligence.
The company said the -9 Series excavators represent a fundamental shift in how operators interact with heavy machines, with smart features designed to increase job site safety and precision while lowering the barrier of entry for newer operators.
“With our new -9 Series, the machine is no longer just a tool — it’s an intelligent partner,” said Brian Kim, Heavy Excavator Product Manager at DEVELON. “By combining EH 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 DEVELON -9 Series excavators feature:
- AI-powered safety and intelligent E-Stop: The new smart around view monitor 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 meters 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.
- Electronic hydraulic precision: The shift to EH allows for stick steer travel via joystick thumbwheels. EH controls also allow for greater customization — including joystick sensitivity, response time, and joystick button layout — for operators to maximize precision.
- Smart-ready grading: Every -9 Series excavator is factory-equipped for 2D and ready for 3D systems, featuring built-in IMU sensors for plug and play compatibility with providers like Trimble and Leica.
- 12-inch touchscreen: A vertical, tablet-style touchscreen replaces the traditional monitor. It offers a customizable, split-screen interface where operators can simultaneously monitor 2D/3D grade systems, AI camera feeds, and machine vitals.
The -9 Series excavators also offer greater lifting power, with a new feature that displays the excavator’s current lifting capacity and alerts operators to potential tipping hazards.
| Your local Wirtgen America dealer |
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| Dobbs Equipment (DXC) |
“Our new Advanced Lift Assist uses a color-coded arrow system on the monitor to show operators how to safely work in various terrains,” Kim said. “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.”
In addition, the excavator breaker assist feature prevents blank firing, protecting internal components from unnecessary wear while reducing physical strain on the operator. With auto breaker, constant button pressing is eliminated for smoother operation in demolition applications.
The excavator’s new weighing system helps operators easily monitor production levels and manage volumes to make sure dump trucks are loaded to proper and safe capacities.
The newly designed joystick enhances movement with options like stick steer and thumbwheel steer, in addition to traditional levers and pedals. This flexibility provides smoother, more precise operation tailored to the operator’s preferred style.
| Your local Komatsu America Corp dealer |
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| Linder Industrial Machinery |
At CONEXPO-CON/AGG, DEVELON displayed the DX230LC-9, DX260LC-9, DX360LC-9, and DX400LC-9 excavators. These models will be available at DEVELON dealerships in 2026. The company will eventually expand its lineup of -9 Series excavators to replace the current -7 Series models.
At the show, DEVELON also showcased two new compact track loader models, the DTL26 and DTL30.
For many contractors, the transition to Tier 4 emissions requirements introduced a new logistical hurdle: diesel exhaust fluid (DEF). Managing DEF requires dedicated storage and temperature-controlled handling, adding another layer of daily maintenance.
Powered by the D24 diesel engine, both the DTL26 and DTL30 deliver robust power while remaining under the 74-horsepower threshold for DEF. By optimizing engine efficiency at this level, DEVELON eliminated the need for a selective catalytic reduction system.
| Your local Wirtgen America dealer |
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| Beard Equipment Co - AL |
| Tractor & Equipment |
In addition, with one of the widest cabs on the market according to the company, the new compact track loaders provide an expansive workspace that reduces physical strain and enhances visibility via a standard rearview camera and a minimized A-pillar design.
Both new models are expected to be available at DEVELON dealerships in North America in 2026.
Building on the proven performance of its predecessor, the new DEVELON DA45-7 articulated dump truck (ADT) features a redesigned cabin to enhance operator productivity, comfort, and safety through advanced automation and intuitive technology.
“The most significant update from the previous DA45-5 to the new DA45-7 ADT is a completely reimagined interior layout,” said Jay Patel, Product Manager at DEVELON. “The truck’s interior transitioned from a traditional heavy-equipment feel to a high-end, automotive-inspired environment.”
| Your local Topcon Positioning Systems Inc dealer |
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| Linder Industrial Machinery |
DEVELON also added a new auto-hold brake function for hill assist. The DA45-7 comes standard with a 12-inch touchscreen display monitor.
