10 hours ago
I’ve been using the Doosan DH55 for about half a month now, and it has accumulated around 150 hours of work. Here’s a summary of my impressions and comparisons with the Komatsu PC55:
Engine Performance
The engine in the Doosan DH55 is noticeably louder than that of the Komatsu PC55. Even when I push the throttle to the maximum on the older Komatsu PC55 (which has been in use for 4 years), it doesn’t generate as much noise as the DH55.
Fuel Consumption
I find the fuel consumption of the Doosan DH55 to be higher compared to the Komatsu PC55.
Hydraulic System
Since the DH55 is still new, I haven’t had the chance to mount a hammer on it yet, so I can’t make a definitive judgment. However, during operation, when lifting the boom, it generates a relatively loud noise. In comparison, the Komatsu PC55 with a hammer installed operates without any unusual noise.
Fuel Tank Capacity
Both excavators have a fuel tank capacity of 64 liters, but the Doosan DH55 struggles to fill up even with 500 RMB worth of fuel, while the Komatsu PC55 reaches almost full with just 400 RMB worth of fuel.
Cabin and Build Quality
The Doosan DH55’s cabin has rougher build quality. On the first day of use, I scratched my hand on the sunroof, and later during work, I noticed more scratches on the interior. The overall craftsmanship feels unfinished.
On the other hand, the Komatsu PC55 has a more refined finish. However, the build quality of the door locks is questionable. In our area, there were once 12 Komatsu PC55 excavators, but now only four remain. One has the door removed, another has a self-made internal latch, and mine still has a working door lock, although I have to close it from the inside and climb out of the front window to lock it. I’ve had to repair the lock more than 20 times, but I’ve just been living with it. I’ll wait and see how the Doosan DH55 performs in this regard.
Undercarriage and Tracks
Komatsu's undercarriage has been troublesome. Between 3000 and 5000 hours, the tracks would frequently come off, often twice a day. After replacing the guide wheels and four support rollers, the problem was resolved.
The Doosan DH55, however, looks sturdier. The track plates are thicker, and it has protective guards. I expect fewer issues with the undercarriage in the future.
Bucket Durability
At 6000 hours, I had to replace the bucket on the Komatsu PC55 due to intermittent tearing at the front. In comparison, the Doosan DH55’s bucket feels very thin. After just 50 hours of use, I accidentally touched a steel rail, and the bucket hit a pit.
Speed
The Doosan DH55 is noticeably slower, especially in rotation speed. Everything else also feels slower compared to the Komatsu PC55. Even though my Komatsu is now a bit slower than before, I still feel it’s faster than the DH55. (After checking with after-sales, I found that the hydraulic system is working fine, but the flow rate is slightly lower. Any experts out there who can advise how to increase the flow rate without replacing the main pump?)
Lighting
The lighting design on the Doosan DH55 isn’t ideal. The headlights are located below the cabin, and after working a few nights, I found it a bit uncomfortable. I personally prefer the lighting setup on the Komatsu.
Power
In terms of power, I feel the Doosan DH55 is stronger, as it doesn’t tend to lift its tail as much. However, my father thinks the Komatsu PC55 has more power.
Size and Tail Swing
No surprises here—the Komatsu PC55 is better in this category, thanks to its zero-tail swing design. The Doosan DH55, however, is a bit larger, and during the first 100 hours of use, the tail got scraped. When we were short on drivers, I let a driver try it, but after that incident, I decided to operate it myself.
After-Sales Service
One of the standout aspects of Doosan is its after-sales service. It’s been excellent compared to Komatsu. Doosan provides attentive support and calls back after each inquiry. The staff is more customer-oriented and doesn’t have the attitude that some of Komatsu's after-sales personnel have. This level of service is much appreciated.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the Doosan DH55 and the Komatsu PC55 have their pros and cons. The Doosan DH55 offers more power and a sturdier build, but its rough cabin quality, higher fuel consumption, and slower speed make it less appealing in some areas. On the other hand, the Komatsu PC55 shines with its more refined craftsmanship, better cabin design, and superior speed and lighting. However, its issues with door locks and frequent undercarriage problems make it less than perfect.
Overall, both machines have performed well, but the after-sales service from Doosan stands out as a significant advantage.
Engine Performance
The engine in the Doosan DH55 is noticeably louder than that of the Komatsu PC55. Even when I push the throttle to the maximum on the older Komatsu PC55 (which has been in use for 4 years), it doesn’t generate as much noise as the DH55.
Fuel Consumption
I find the fuel consumption of the Doosan DH55 to be higher compared to the Komatsu PC55.
Hydraulic System
Since the DH55 is still new, I haven’t had the chance to mount a hammer on it yet, so I can’t make a definitive judgment. However, during operation, when lifting the boom, it generates a relatively loud noise. In comparison, the Komatsu PC55 with a hammer installed operates without any unusual noise.
Fuel Tank Capacity
Both excavators have a fuel tank capacity of 64 liters, but the Doosan DH55 struggles to fill up even with 500 RMB worth of fuel, while the Komatsu PC55 reaches almost full with just 400 RMB worth of fuel.
Cabin and Build Quality
The Doosan DH55’s cabin has rougher build quality. On the first day of use, I scratched my hand on the sunroof, and later during work, I noticed more scratches on the interior. The overall craftsmanship feels unfinished.
On the other hand, the Komatsu PC55 has a more refined finish. However, the build quality of the door locks is questionable. In our area, there were once 12 Komatsu PC55 excavators, but now only four remain. One has the door removed, another has a self-made internal latch, and mine still has a working door lock, although I have to close it from the inside and climb out of the front window to lock it. I’ve had to repair the lock more than 20 times, but I’ve just been living with it. I’ll wait and see how the Doosan DH55 performs in this regard.
Undercarriage and Tracks
Komatsu's undercarriage has been troublesome. Between 3000 and 5000 hours, the tracks would frequently come off, often twice a day. After replacing the guide wheels and four support rollers, the problem was resolved.
The Doosan DH55, however, looks sturdier. The track plates are thicker, and it has protective guards. I expect fewer issues with the undercarriage in the future.
Bucket Durability
At 6000 hours, I had to replace the bucket on the Komatsu PC55 due to intermittent tearing at the front. In comparison, the Doosan DH55’s bucket feels very thin. After just 50 hours of use, I accidentally touched a steel rail, and the bucket hit a pit.
Speed
The Doosan DH55 is noticeably slower, especially in rotation speed. Everything else also feels slower compared to the Komatsu PC55. Even though my Komatsu is now a bit slower than before, I still feel it’s faster than the DH55. (After checking with after-sales, I found that the hydraulic system is working fine, but the flow rate is slightly lower. Any experts out there who can advise how to increase the flow rate without replacing the main pump?)
Lighting
The lighting design on the Doosan DH55 isn’t ideal. The headlights are located below the cabin, and after working a few nights, I found it a bit uncomfortable. I personally prefer the lighting setup on the Komatsu.
Power
In terms of power, I feel the Doosan DH55 is stronger, as it doesn’t tend to lift its tail as much. However, my father thinks the Komatsu PC55 has more power.
Size and Tail Swing
No surprises here—the Komatsu PC55 is better in this category, thanks to its zero-tail swing design. The Doosan DH55, however, is a bit larger, and during the first 100 hours of use, the tail got scraped. When we were short on drivers, I let a driver try it, but after that incident, I decided to operate it myself.
After-Sales Service
One of the standout aspects of Doosan is its after-sales service. It’s been excellent compared to Komatsu. Doosan provides attentive support and calls back after each inquiry. The staff is more customer-oriented and doesn’t have the attitude that some of Komatsu's after-sales personnel have. This level of service is much appreciated.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the Doosan DH55 and the Komatsu PC55 have their pros and cons. The Doosan DH55 offers more power and a sturdier build, but its rough cabin quality, higher fuel consumption, and slower speed make it less appealing in some areas. On the other hand, the Komatsu PC55 shines with its more refined craftsmanship, better cabin design, and superior speed and lighting. However, its issues with door locks and frequent undercarriage problems make it less than perfect.
Overall, both machines have performed well, but the after-sales service from Doosan stands out as a significant advantage.
