HYUNDAI LAUNCHES NEW NEXT GENERATION EXCAVATORS AT CONEXPO

On March 3rd, HD Construction Equipment Hyundai North America launched the first five of its Next Generation HX excavator models at CONEXPO-CON/AGG.

FEH, or fully electrohydraulic controls, make these new excavators run more smoothly and increase productivity by at least 22 percent. At the same time, the new, award-winning DX Series Hyundai engines powering these HX models are nearly 10 percent more fuel efficient.

The five new models, the HX230, HX260, HX300, HX360 and HX400, are rated at 186, 226, 277, 300 and 336 net hp (139, 169, 206, 224 and 251 kw), respectively, with operating weights of 52,260; 58,140; 72,800; 81,700 and 92,240 pounds (23,705; 26,370; 33,020; 37,060 and 41,840 kg), respectively, and standard bucket capacities ranging from 1.2 yd 3 (0.92 m 3 ) to 2.66 yd 3 (2.03 m 3 ). Hyundai plans to introduce a sixth Next Gen model to North America, the HX210, later this year.

According to Joe Hodges, Hyundai’s product manager, the Next Generation HX models incorporate productivity-driving upgrades, as well as numerous features that make these models even more comfortable, safer, and easier to service. “Owners and operators alike will appreciate the practical, smart technologies that help these excavators deliver everything you expect from Hyundai and more,” he said.

With the FEH system that comes standard on all Hyundai Next Gen HX excavators, everything from the joysticks to the pumps is electric, so there is none of the hydraulic loss that occurs in traditional systems. This gives the operator faster, more precise control while optimizing electrical power to reduce fuel consumption. Savings vary somewhat by model, but with their new high-performance Hyundai engines, these excavators are at least nine percent more fuel efficient than previous models, while using less DEF.

Precise Controls, Smooth Operation

In addition to the precision and smooth operation provided by the FEH controls, these Hyundai models feature joystick steering, lever controls with spring-strength adjustment, and an optional straight-travel pedal.

Hyundai has upgraded other operator comfort features, including making a wider, heated/cooled seat standard and improving venting for exceptional climate control. Owner-operators may want to take advantage of optional packages that bring HX comfort features on par with those of luxury automobiles.

New, larger-capacity, heavy-duty buckets and arms, standard on all HX models, increase productivity. An optional onboard weighing function estimates and displays the weight of objects in the bucket, enabling the calculation of trucking costs and shipping volumes onsite.

Built for the rigors of the toughest applications, Hyundai Next Gen HX excavators feature strengthened upper and lower structures that have been tested to withstand external shocks and operations under heavy loads. Hyundai has also made the booms and arms more durable by increasing the box size on the booms and redesigning the arm structure.

Extended Service Intervals

“Hyundai has always designed machines with fast, easy maintenance in mind, so our customers can spend more time producing revenue and less time servicing equipment,” Hodges said. “Owners and fleet managers will appreciate that we have extended replacement intervals for engine oil, engine filters, and fuel filters from 500 to 1,000 hours when they use CK-4 engine oil, and extended coolant replacement intervals from 2,000 to 6,000 hours.”