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+--- Thread: Comparison of Doosan DH55 and Komatsu PC55 Excavators: A User Experience Report (/thread-5527.html)
Comparison of Doosan DH55 and Komatsu PC55 Excavators: A User Experience Report - MikePhua - 06-25-2025
I’ve been using the Doosan DH55 excavator for about two weeks now, with around 150 working hours on it. Here’s my personal comparison with the Komatsu PC55 excavator, which I’ve been using for over 4 years.
Engine Performance
The engine in the Doosan DH55 is noticeably louder compared to the Komatsu PC55. Even when I push the throttle to its maximum on the Komatsu, it doesn’t generate the same level of noise as the DH55. The Doosan is definitely one of the loudest in its class.
Fuel Consumption
From my experience, the Doosan DH55 consumes more fuel than the Komatsu PC55. Although I haven’t done exact measurements, it’s clear that the DH55 is thirstier when it comes to fuel usage.
Hydraulic System
The Doosan DH55 is still new, and I haven’t installed a hammer yet, so I can’t provide a comprehensive review of its hydraulic system just yet. However, when lifting the arm, I noticed it produces a louder sound compared to the Komatsu PC55, which operates almost silently when equipped with a hammer.
Fuel Tank Capacity
The fuel tank capacity of both machines is approximately 64 liters. However, the Doosan DH55 can barely fill up even with 500 yuan worth of fuel, whereas the Komatsu PC55 can get close to a full tank with 400 yuan. This shows a clear difference in fuel efficiency between the two.
Cab Quality
The build quality of the Doosan DH55 is somewhat rough. On the first day, I cut my hand when opening the sunroof. Over time, I also noticed scratches appearing on the cab, which could be a result of poor craftsmanship. In contrast, the Komatsu PC55 has slightly better build quality, but the door locks are notoriously problematic. Out of the 12 units of Komatsu PC55 in the area, every single one has had issues with the door locks. In some cases, the locks failed completely, and owners had to resort to making their own fixes. My own machine still has a functional lock, but I have to lock it from the inside and climb out the window to lock the door, which is very inconvenient.
Track and Undercarriage
The Komatsu PC55 has a weak undercarriage. Around 3000-5000 hours, the machine frequently experienced track derailments, sometimes multiple times a day. After replacing the guide wheels and support rollers, this issue was resolved. The Doosan DH55, however, appears sturdier with thicker track plates and protective guards, suggesting that it won’t face similar issues in the future.
Bucket Durability
The Komatsu PC55 had to replace the bucket after 6000 hours due to wear and tear, with the edges becoming jagged and irregular. The Doosan DH55 bucket, on the other hand, feels quite thin, and after only 50 hours of operation on the railway, I hit a steel rail and dented the bucket. This shows that the Doosan DH55 bucket is more prone to damage in tough conditions.
Speed and Performance
In terms of speed, the Doosan DH55 is noticeably slower, especially when rotating. Even though the Komatsu PC55 has slightly slowed down over time, it’s still faster than the Doosan DH55 in most aspects. I had a technician check the hydraulics, and while everything seemed in good order, the flow rate appears a bit low. I’ve been looking into ways to boost the flow without replacing the pump, and any expert advice on this would be appreciated.
Lighting System
The lighting on the Doosan DH55 is not ideal, especially since the lights are positioned underneath the cab. This made working in the evening somewhat challenging for me. In contrast, I find the Komatsu PC55 lighting to be more effective and comfortable for night operations.
Power and Lifting Ability
In terms of raw power, the Doosan DH55 seems stronger, as it doesn’t frequently exhibit tail lift when lifting heavy loads. My father believes the Komatsu PC55 has more lifting power, but from my perspective, the Doosan performs more consistently under load.
Machine Size and Maneuverability
One obvious difference is the machine size. The Komatsu PC55 has a zero tail swing design, which makes it ideal for working in tight spaces. On the other hand, the Doosan DH55 has a conventional rear tail, which caused some issues during my early operations. A driver who tested the machine for the first time ended up scratching the rear while trying to maneuver in tight quarters. Since then, I’ve taken over driving duties.
After-Sales Service
One of the areas where Doosan excels is its after-sales service. They are very attentive and responsive to customer concerns, and they even follow up with a call after each service. In comparison, while Komatsu has a good reputation, I’ve found their customer service to be less proactive and not as customer-friendly. Doosan has definitely done a great job ensuring that their customers are satisfied.
Conclusion
Overall, both the Doosan DH55 and Komatsu PC55 have their strengths and weaknesses. The Doosan DH55 is a sturdy, powerful machine with a reliable after-sales service, but it has some issues in terms of noise, fuel efficiency, and bucket durability. The Komatsu PC55, while slightly better in terms of cab quality and operational smoothness, suffers from design flaws like unreliable door locks and weak undercarriage.
If you're looking for a machine with solid performance and good after-sales support, the Doosan DH55 might be the right choice. However, if you prioritize comfort and smooth operation, the Komatsu PC55 may still be the preferred option, despite its maintenance challenges.