DEVELON debuts next-generation excavators in CONEXPO unveiling

This week, in front of a capacity crowd at the CONEXPO-CON/AGG Festival Grounds, DEVELON officially unveiled its most advanced machine lineup to date: the -9 Series heavy excavators. The reveal, followed by a press conference in the afternoon, marks the North American debut of an excavator platform built on full electronic hydraulic (EH) technology and integrated artificial intelligence.

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

“Today isn’t just about a new model year; it’s about a new standard for the industry,” says Brian Kim, heavy excavator product manager at DEVELON. “With our new -9 Series, the machine is no longer just a tool — it’s an intelligent partner. 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.”

Intelligence Behind the Power

The DEVELON -9 Series excavators feature several industry-leading innovations.

• AI-powered safety and intelligent E-Stop: The new smart around view monitor (AVM) 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 (EH) precision: The shift to EH allows for stick steer travel via joystick thumbwheels. EH controls 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 touch screen: A vertical tablet-style touch screen replaces the traditional monitor. It offers a customizable, split-screen interface where operators can monitor 2D/3D grade systems, AI camera feeds and machine vitals simultaneously.

On display this week are the following new DEVELON -9 Series excavators: DX230LC-9, DX260LC-9, DX360LC-9 and DX400LC-9. The new DX230LC-9 excavator is part of the demo area in the CONEXPO exhibit. Visitors to the DEVELON exhibit can see the machine in action at five 10-minute narrated demos: 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., Tuesday through Friday.