A closer look at Develon’s DL280-7 wheel loader - Equipment Journal

Feb 24, 2025

When developing its DL280-7 wheel loader, Develon paid close attention to creating a machine that would maximize safety.

Building upon the previous -5 model, the Develon DL280-7 wheel loader is a high-performing earthmoving machine ideal for many of today’s construction sites.

At World of Concrete, the loader was displayed with a with a 3-cubic-yard bucket.

“Upgraded features in -7 Series machines include strong ZF heavy-duty axles and larger bucket capacities, for select models, to carry more and maximize productivity,” said Bill Zak, Develon’s Wheel Loader Product Manager.

To improve visibility, Develon has equipped the loader with its exclusive Transparent Bucket, a feature that is now standard. The Transparent Bucket equips two cameras at the top and bottom of the loader. The images — viewed on the in-cab monitor — are combined in real time using a curved projection method that eliminates blind spots.

“When we came out with the Transparent Bucket, it was an option for us. We said, well, wait a minute, this is safety feature. Why would we not want everybody to have it?” Zak said.

While the glass in the -5 models stopped around the dashboard of the cab, Develon extended the cab’s glass on both sides to the floor in the -7 models to further improve visibility.

“The redesigned cab in our next-generation wheel loaders provides 14 per cent more glass for enhanced visibility and operator comfort,” Zak said.

For safety, the DL280-7 also features tie-off point around the cab, a backup alarm, object detection system, a rearview camera and the optional around view monitor (AVM) camera system. AVM also uses several cameras around the machine that are stitched together to create a 270-degree view around the back of the loader.

“We have the view of the glass, physical view through the glass, Transparent Bucket view, and our around view monitor in the back,” Zak said.

“So that’s unparallelled visibility.”

The machine has a dump height of 2.8 metres and is available in a high-lift configuration for additional dump height and reach.

As well, a durable box frame provides optimal balance, lifting capacity and load distribution. The frame’s articulating design enhances structural rigidity and extends the machine’s lifespan.

As part of the -7 update, Develon also boosted horsepower to 189.1 hp from 172 hp.

“I have not had one person come on one of these machines and say they were underpowered,” Zak said. “Everyone says, ‘these things have awesome power’.”

Additional performance features include standard ride control for added comfort, reduced cycle times, higher travel speeds, less material loss and higher productivity when loading and carrying material.

The wheel loader’s limited slip differential allows the wheel with the most traction to receive the proper torque, providing superior tractive effort and manoeuvrability in tough terrain.

Standard premium features for the DL280-7 also includes an auxiliary hydraulic spool, ZF heavy-duty axles, the My Develon fleet management system (telematics), smart key and a Smart Touch display.