DISA Equipment has introduced the new Develon DB100AS-2KM backhoe loader to the southern African market, expanding its range of earthmoving equipment for construction, municipal, agricultural and infrastructure applications.
The new DB100 series forms part of Develon’s extensive earthmoving equipment portfolio, designed to deliver high productivity, precise control, versatility, operator comfort and long service life.
According to DISA Equipment, the new backhoe loader is designed to meet the needs of equipment owners seeking a balance between loader productivity, excavation precision and road travel efficiency in a single machine.
Engineered for demanding operating conditions, the DB100 series delivers increased breakout force, enhanced traction and extended reach in both loader and backhoe applications. Power comes from a 96 hp Kirloskar mechanical engine compliant with EU Stage II emissions standards, providing reliable performance and efficiency in challenging environments.
The hydraulic system delivers smooth, responsive operation across both loader and backhoe functions, combining strong breakout force with precise control in a variety of working conditions.
Four-wheel drive is standard, while planetary gears on the front and rear axles are designed to withstand heavy-duty operation. Oil-immersed wet-disc service and parking brakes help minimise contamination and extend service life.
With forward travel speeds of up to 40 km/h, the DB100AS-2KM enables efficient movement between job sites. A manual synchro-shift transmission is fitted as standard.
Performance and versatility
The DB100 series offers a backhoe working depth of up to 4 770 mm in the standard side-shift configuration, increasing to 5 830 mm with the optional telescopic dipper. Maximum digging height is 5 980 mm in the standard configuration and 6 890 mm with the telescopic extension.
The loader has a rated dump height of 2 960 mm and a hinge-pin height of 3 610 mm, while the specified payload capacity is 2 000 kgf.
The machines are designed to deliver efficient performance across a broad range of earthmoving tasks. The boom configuration provides clear visibility into the trench, helping operators work around buried infrastructure, including utility lines, sewer pipes and water mains. An integrated safety bar and locking pin incorporated into the bucket-cylinder assembly provide an additional operator-safety feature.
Operational efficiency can be further enhanced by optional features such as Smooth Ride Control, which reduces loader bounce when travelling over uneven terrain. Adjustable Flow Control optimises power delivery during highway travel, while pilot controls and the optional telescopic dipper improve precision and versatility during excavation.
Operator comfort and safety
The operator cabin has been designed to provide good visibility and convenient access to controls. A one-piece curved front windscreen and large side windows offer clear sightlines, while the sloping bonnet improves visibility of the loader cutting edge.
The ROPS/FOPS-certified cab features an adjustable steering column, a suspension seat and ergonomically positioned controls. An electric switch allows the operator to engage the parking brake conveniently from within the cab.
Optional climate control provides heating, demisting and air conditioning, with multiple air vents positioned throughout the cabin to improve operator comfort.
A high-strength, rigid loader frame contributes to durability and lifting performance, supporting reliable operation in demanding working environments.
Simplified maintenance
Ease of servicing is another key design consideration. A tilt-up hood provides convenient access to the engine compartment, while ground-level greasing points simplify routine maintenance. A visible hydraulic oil sight gauge allows quick fluid-level checks, and the single-layer radiator cooling system makes cleaning easier.
These features are intended to simplify daily inspections and routine servicing, helping operators maintain machine availability and reduce maintenance-related downtime.
Attachments for diverse applications
A comprehensive range of purpose-designed attachments extends the versatility of the DB100 series across different industries and applications.
Loader options include general-purpose and multi-purpose buckets, fork variants with load capacities of up to 1 200 kg, log forks, sugarcane grabbers, biomass buckets and a 600-litre concrete mixer.
Backhoe attachments include trenching and light-duty buckets, as well as a hydraulic rock breaker designed for oil flow rates of between 60 and 90 litres per minute.
This range of attachments enables equipment owners to configure the machines for specific tasks, broadening their application beyond conventional loading and excavation duties.
Meeting local market requirements
The introduction of the Develon DB100 series addresses local demand for a durable, high-capacity backhoe loader capable of handling diverse tasks in challenging operating conditions. The machines combine digging depth, breakout force and road travel efficiency with a mechanical engine and transmission configuration that avoids unnecessary electronic complexity.
According to DISA Equipment, on-site testing in demanding environments has highlighted the stability of the four-wheel-steer configuration and improved material retention provided by Smooth Ride Control during site travel. Ground-level access to service points is another practical design consideration, helping simplify routine maintenance.
Beyond backhoe loaders, DISA Equipment’s Develon portfolio includes excavators, articulated dump trucks and wheel loaders. The company also supplies and supports a range of Everdigm attachments, including hydraulic breakers suitable for excavators in the 5- to 100-tonne class.
DISA Equipment complements its equipment offering with application advice and equipment-selection support. Its branch and dealer network provides technical assistance, access to branded spare parts, repair and maintenance services, and Develon Operator Machine Orientation Services to help customers get the most from their machines.