The Daewoo DH130‑2 Excavator—Sturdy, Detail-Rich, and Field-Proven

[MikePhua]

Overview and Design Strengths
The Daewoo DH130‑2 is a robust mid-sized crawler excavator favored for its balance of power, reach, and maneuverability:

• Manufactured from 1993 (or earlier) to beyond 2005
  
• Operating weight: around 13.3 tonnes
  
• Powered by a Daewoo DB58 six-cylinder engine delivering about 68 kW (~90 HP)
  

Its build quality, clarity of control, and proven hydraulic performance earn frequent praise from seasoned operators.
Technical Specifications at a Glance

• Weight: approximately 13 t
  
• Engine: Daewoo DB58, 68 kW, six cylinders, 5785 L displacement
  
• Dimensions:
  • Operating length ~7.576 m (25 ft 4 in)
    
  • Width ~2.58 m (8 ft 6 in)
    
  • Height ~3.165 m (9 ft 0 in)
    
• Performance:
  • Maximum horizontal reach ~8.774 m
    
  • Dredging depth up to ~6.176 m
    
  • Tear-out force of ~82 kN
    
  • Bucket width ~1.61 m
    
  • Track width: 600 mm
    

Notable Features and Configurations

• Equipped with a ROPS cabin, standard boom, and bucket
  
• Available with extras like air conditioning, cabin adjustment, track width adjustment, and diesel particulate filters, depending on production variant
  

Strengths in Operation

• Many users describe the DH130‑2 as “a really solid and well put together machine” with a smooth straight-six, non-turbo engine and notably quiet yet powerful hydraulics
  
• This fine balance of durability and performance makes it popular in rental fleets, agricultural clean-ups, and general contracting.
  

Maintenance Insights and Common Challenges

• One owner faced a hydraulic issue after a blown fuse: slow and erratic boom and drive functions, despite replacing pumps. The fault traced back to a valve controller, suggesting electrical control components are critical and sometimes tricky to locate
  
• Another known concern is weak tracking when hot, possibly pointing to rotary manifold or seal wear—a diagnostic pathway worth considering
  
• As with any hydraulic excavator, standard wear points include hoses, seals, and hydraulic fluids. Preventive maintenance, like regular fluid checks and filter replacements, help avoid common breakdowns
  

Field Anecdote: Real-World Reliability
One operator shared that even with 7,000 hours logged, a 1995 DH130‑2 maintained remarkable condition and performance. With quiet hydraulics and a dependable engine, it continued tackling trenching, digging, and demolition jobs with minimal issues. He appreciated the machine’s mechanical clarity—ease of maintenance and serviceability added to its appeal.
Parts Availability

• Replacement components remain accessible, including hydraulic pumps, final drives, engine parts, swing components, and more through aftermarket or rebuilt part suppliers
  
• Though parts may ship from Korea, supply networks today ensure most items are obtainable, albeit with some lead time considerations.
  

In sum, the Daewoo DH130‑2 stands out as a reliable, balanced excavator—engineered for solid performance and built to last. While control valves and seals deserve early inspection for mid-life units, the platform continues to hold strong among operators. Want comparison with newer Series 3 models or insights into hydraulic schematic navigation? Happy to dig deeper!