Doosan DH70 Mini Excavator 500-Hour User Report

[MikePhua]

It has been 3 months since I bought the Doosan DH70 mini excavator. During this time, I’ve been operating both the DH70 and my Yuchai 35-6, so the DH70 hasn’t been used extensively. However, I’m now summarizing my thoughts after using it for 500 hours, highlighting its pros and cons for your reference.
Pros:

1. Compact Design: The machine has a simple, compact appearance, and is designed as a short-tail excavator, making it ideal for working in confined spaces.
   
2. Strong Digging Force: The DH70 has impressive digging power, capable of handling most tasks without struggle.
   
3. Fast Rotation Speed: The machine’s rotation speed is excellent, reaching 11 rotations per minute, improving work efficiency.
   
4. Quick Movements: Each action is executed quickly, and the machine is responsive, making it suitable for fast-paced tasks.
   

Cons:

1. Slow Compound Movements: The response time for compound actions is slower than expected, which may reduce efficiency in some tasks.
   
2. Air Conditioning and Window Design: The air conditioning lacks an external air circulation function, and the only window that opens is by the door. Unfortunately, it doesn’t allow the operator to stretch their head out for better ventilation.
   
3. Strong Plastic Smell: The interior of the cabin has a strong plastic smell, which is uncomfortable, especially during long working hours.
   
4. Poor Cabin Design: The cabin design lacks adequate storage space, with only one small compartment. Parts often fall to the cabin floor, and it’s unclear whether this is due to vibrations or excess parts from assembly.
   
5. Loud Noise When Digging Hard Soil: There’s a noticeable "grinding" noise when digging into hard soil, even though the grease has been adequately applied. This remains a concern for both the operator and the machine’s longevity.
   
6. Rotation Noise: After 300 hours of use, there was an unusual noise during rotation. However, the issue disappeared by the 310th hour.
   
7. Engine Oil Consumption: While the engine is from Kubota, it does experience some oil consumption. Regular monitoring and topping up are required.
   
8. Poor Fuel Fill Design: The fuel fill cap is poorly designed, making refueling a hassle. I later installed an electric pump to make the process faster and more efficient.
   
9. No Designated Space for Grease Gun: The machine does not have a dedicated storage place for the grease gun, and it is often left lying on the cabin floor, which is not ideal.
   

Summary:
In 500 hours of use, the Doosan DH70 mini excavator has shown strong digging ability and fast rotation speed, but also has some design flaws, particularly regarding the cabin layout and operational convenience. These shortcomings don’t drastically affect basic work tasks, but over time, they could lead to some discomfort for the operator. Overall, the DH70 offers good value for money in its class, but improvements in certain design elements, such as operator comfort and ease of use, would greatly enhance the user experience. Hopefully, the manufacturer will address these issues in future models.