Hyundai’s next-generation HX excavators deliver double-digit gains in productivity
HD Construction Equipment Hyundai North America has introduced the first five models in its next generation HX excavator lineup.
The new machines, which made their debut during ConExpo, deliver productivity increases of at least 22 per cent, while improving fuel efficiency by nearly 10 per cent.
“Owners and operators alike will appreciate the practical, smart technologies that help these excavators deliver everything you expect from Hyundai and more,” said Joe Hodges, Hyundai’s Product Manager for Excavators.
The new next generation HX excavator lineup includes:
- HX230 (186 hp and a 23,700-kg operating weight)
- HX260 (226 hp and a 26,370-kg operating weight)
- HX300 (277 hp and a 33,020-kg operating weight)
- HX360 (300 hp and a 37,060-kg operating weight)
- HX400 (336 hp and 41,840-kg operating weight)
The new excavators are equipped with standard bucket capacities from 0.92 cubic metres to 2.03 cubic metres.
As well, Hyundai plans to introduce a sixth next gen model to North America, the HX210, later this year.
FEH system
All Hyundai next gen HX excavators are equipped with fully electrohydraulic (FEH) controls. 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 electric power for reduced fuel consumption.
The next gen excavators are equipped with Hyundai’s new DX05 or DX08 engines. The combination of FEH controls and the new engine reduces fuel and DEF consumption.
“That gives you the ability to be more fuel efficient and enables the machines to produce power that matches the need of the operator,” Hodges said.
In addition to the precision and smooth operation provided by the FEH controls, the Hyundai excavators feature joystick steering, spring-strength adjusted lever controls and an optional straight-travel pedal.
Strength focused
Built to thrive in tough conditions, Hyundai’s HX excavators feature strengthened upper and lower structures that have been tested to withstand external shocks and operations under heavy loads.
“Where Hyundai has an opportunity to stand apart is our history with steel works. We’ve improved production with different tempering and different heat treatments to ensure a longer life for your wear components, and less wear on the track chain and rollers,” Hodges said.
Hyundai has also made the booms and arms more durable by increasing the box size on the booms and redesigning the structure of the arms.
“All of this is in service of larger standard buckets which leads to increased productivity across the board,” Hodges said.
Alongside the new FEH controls and engines, Hyundai designed and equipped the HX excavators with new main control valves, new drive motors, swing motors and cylinders, creating a machine that is manufactured in-house.
“We’re driving our own ship when it comes to aftertreatment and maintenance,” Hodges said.
“We have the ability to be a one stop shop for all our customers and dealer network.”
For maintenance, Hyundai has 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.
“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.
In the cab
Hyundai has upgraded numerous operator comfort features, including making standard a wider, heated/cooled seat and improved venting for climate control. Optional packages are also available to match the excavator cab’s comfort levels with luxury automobiles.
An optional onboard weighing function estimates and displays the weight of objects in the bucket to enable calculating trucking costs and shipping volumes onsite.
Other standard tech features on the Next Gen HX excavators include Equipment Health Monitoring that enables real-time monitoring of equipment conditions to predict potential failures and avoid machine downtime, an e-boundary safety and productivity feature that can warn the operator when they approach pre-set boundaries and a white noise alert tone that uses a wideband frequency to warn people on the jobsite of the machine’s presence. The sound quickly dissipates compared to other buzzers, reducing noise complaints.
These new machines come with a five-year subscription to Hyundai Connect, the upgraded version of Hyundai’s proprietary Hi MATE remote-management system. This includes location tracking and theft prevention, maintenance notifications and fleet monitoring.
Optional technologies include 330-degree advanced detection to the sides and rear of the machine, with visual and audible warnings to alert the operator and slow or stop the machine if an object enters the warning zone.
As well, Smart Around View Monitoring works off of six cameras and applies AI to automatically detect people passing or working around the machine during operation.
