Available in both two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive, Discovery Series excavators deliver “exceptional dig for the dollar” and have proven to be excellent cleanup tools in the Gulf Coast, Bahamas and Caribbean following the 2017 tropical storm and hurricane season.
In a collaboration between Gradall and Freightliner engineers, the excavators use a Freightliner M2 undercarriage with an automatic transmission and a Cummins 6.7 liter engine with 220 gross hp and 520 lbs of foot torque, enabling them to be driven at 55 mph and move quickly around in disaster recovery locations.
The famous Gradall telescoping boom tilts 220° without any loss of power, and can be equipped with a variety of attachments including grapples, mowers, tree limb shears and buckets designed for excavating, pavement removal and grading. Using the unique boom movements, the Discovery Series excavators can efficiently handle road repair, culvert replacement, landscaping, mowing, canal cleanout, debris cleanup and excavation and grading – tasks that used to require many machines.
The triangular boom has two overlapping sections that telescope out up to 24 feet, 11 inches at grade – more reach and range than can be achieved with a tractor loader backhoe or mini excavator. The telescoping boom movements also enhance Gradall’s traditional low-working-profile advantage. Unlike the booms on mini excavators and tractor loader backhoes, Discovery Series excavators can work under bridges, in tunnels, under trees and in other low-overhead situations.
Discovery Series mobility means there’s no need for an extra truck and lowboy trailer to haul an excavator to job sites. The excavator also remains mobile both on and off pavement with a two-axle chassis, a reinforced frame and a modified rear suspension. Repositioning along a road or over the length of a ditch is handled from the upper cab at speeds up to 7 mph.
With a compact, near-zero tail swing, Discovery Series excavators can easily handle ditching and grading work along two-lane roads with only minimal traffic flow interruption. For full working stability, the excavators have front axle lockout cylinders and do not require outriggers, even when working at either side or to the rear of the machine.
The advanced Bosch Rexroth designed hydraulic system has pressure-compensated, load-sensing valves with reliefs on all circuits. This system supplies the right amount of hydraulic power for the job at hand while also conserving fuel.
From the roomy upperstructure cab, a switch allows the operator to choose the Gradall, Deere or SAE joystick pattern. The cab includes standard comfort and convenience features like heating, air conditioning, dual reading lights, radio and a storable front window.
Product support for Discovery Series models is available from the extensive networks of Gradall and Freightliner distributors.
