BE-MINE and beyond

Hyundai certainly know how to put on a show, as Awesome Earthmover's Dale Hawkins discovered when he travelled to Hasselt in Belgium to witness the spectacular launch of the manufacturer’s new mini excavators which significantly expands the manufacturer’s range of the award-winning A-Series machines.

On a crisp winter morning, we joined a gathering of European industry press and social media influencers at the renowned Be-Mine leisure facility, the historic home to the best-preserved mine site in Europe.

Taking centre stage at the event were Lee Appleby, European Marketing Manager, and Peter Sebold, Product Manager Compact Excavators. We and other guests indulged in what was a sumptuous lunch spread, laid on before the main event: the unveiling of an additional eight mini excavators in the 1.7 to 5.5 tonne range.

Commented Peter Sebold: “The launch of the A-Series mini excavators by HD Hyundai is part of our strategy to have a more prominent presence in the growing European compact segment. Our mini excavators are breaking standards across the sector and setting new levels of performance, comfort, and equipment.”

Added Lee Appleby: “These new machines deliver the highest spec as standard compared to any other mini excavator manufacturer. They come to the market very competitively priced and are available right now in stock from key dealers.” Lee continued: “The machines have new low emission engines, a completely new operator environment, with best-in-class cabs, proportional joystick controls, load-sensing hydraulic systems and come ready to take quick hitches.

“Our launch event here in Belgium has been world class - even the weather played its part. The response and comments we have received from all in attendance have been very positive and encouraging, and we believe this is our opportunity to get a good foothold in the key mini excavator markets across Europe.”

The new compact excavators join existing HD Hyundai mini and midi crawler machines, to form a 12-model range, from the 1.0-tonne HX10A micro, through to the 9-tonne segment HX85A. Five of the mini excavators - the HX17A Z, HX19A, HX35A Z, HX40A and the HX48A Z – are already available, with 2.5-tonne, 3.0-tonne and 5.0-tonne models completing the line-up in the second quarter of 2024.

Those models with a ‘z’ suffix boast a true zero-tailswing design, allowing the machines to work up against walls and other obstructions without risk of striking the bodywork. The zero tailswing machines can be supplied with additional counterweight if required to increase stability during heavy lifting operations. Variable-width undercarriages on the smaller models also deliver maximum stability for heavy digging and lifting tasks.

Safety valves are standard on all boom, dipper arm and dozer blade hydraulic cylinders, ensuring maximum safe working when lifting. The boom arm and bucket cylinders also come with guards to protect the hydraulic rams. All machines can be supplied with optional quickcoupler piping. A float function is now also included in the dozer blade hydraulics, while an optional angle blade is available on HX35A Z and above.

Operators benefit from a large, comfortable cab. An improved air conditioning system is available on larger machines and noise levels have been reduced internally and externally. The cab has Bluetooth connectivity and the machines come with a waterproof 5” digital display. As well as providing operating data, this monitor can be used to programme auxiliary hydraulic flow settings for a range of powered attachments. The screen is also used to set the anti-theft protection code.

The machines use hydraulic joysticks, similar to those found on larger A-Series excavators. Proportional roller switches can be supplied in the joystick heads, for optional auxiliary flow control.

“We believe this is our opportunity to get a good foothold in the key mini excavator markets across Europe…

All models from the HX40A are now equipped as standard with a load-sensing hydraulic system delivering smooth but powerful and precise control. A single variable displacement pump with flow sharing capabilities provides for smooth combined use of multiple hydraulic functions, making the machines easy to control for fine digging and grading work. Hydraulic components have been repositioned, with the main control valve now installed on the right of the machine for service convenience.

Large rear and side engine compartment doors provide easy access to all regular service points, with heavier models offered with a tiltable cab. All filters and fill points can be reached from ground level and there is a lower chassis connection interface for the dozer cylinder hoses to facilitate replacement.

HX-A Series mini and midi excavators can be supplied with HD Hyundai’s Hi-MATE remote management system. This uses GPS satellite technology to provide real-time telematic operating data to machine owners and service departments.

A new mobile app provides machine owners and fleet managers with all the remote information that they require to run machinery more economically and efficiently. Hi-MATE can also be used to set geofence alerts that will automatically notify customers if machines are moved from a predetermined zone without authorisation.

The HD Hyundai mini excavator design has been recognised for its innovation and for the striking Tiger Eye rear lighting theme, with the larger HX35A Z, HX40A and HX48A Z models winning the prestigious Red Dot Design Award. The machines were also commended for their eco-friendly operation and ease of use.

"Prominent influencers at the launch event agreed without exception that Hyundai are breaking standards…"

Praise for the new range and the event itself has come from several prominent influencers, all of whom without exception agreed that Hyundai are breaking standards in the design of this new range of mini excavators. Among them was Austrian Der Anbaggerer who commented: “The thing I liked the most about the new machines is the visibility from the cab. It is really important to have a 360-degree view for both the safety of the operator and those around him. The four-way adjustable dozer blades also make grading a lot easier. Hyundai is clearly breaking and raising standards in the industry.” Added Solène Machinerie, a digital creator from France: “The design of the new range is great. The cabs offer excellent comfort for the operator. These low noise machines would be excellent for working in built up areas in townsand cities without disturbing people, and they are also very easy to handle.

“The launch event was also great as I met some very interesting people; it is always a good thing to hear other people’s point of view. I also learned a lot about the history of Hyundai and was able to visit their headquarters.

Meanwhile, Phil Rzonca, aka A Proper Yorkshire Builder, with more than 100,000 followers on Instagram had this to say: “I’ve been driving machines for a very long time and what I really like about the Hyundai machines is that they are very fast moving, but they can also be brought to a stop quickly which is great for safety and for doing very precise operations in restricted areas.

“Another key feature for me was the adjustable dozer blades which are really helpful in shifting heavy loads of material. Pushing against big piles can slow you down, but with the Hyundai you can do longer dozer runs which is excellent for grading for example.

“I have absolutely loved this event as we were able to get up close to the full range of machines. We also enjoyed a great insight into Hyundai and how they build their machines. I will definitely consider Hyundai in the future, not least because of the quality of the machines. They are comfortable, they are easy to handle, they are safe to use and have plenty of power, so we’ll definitely be looking to add some to our fleet.”

Michael Spink stated: “I’ve had an amazing day at the event from start to finish just seeing how Hyundai operate within Europe. It’s been a lot of fun on site testing out the various machines. These mini excavators are amazing - a great piece of kit. They are stylish, incredibly functional and modern.

“The standout feature for me has got to be the zero tailswing on the Z models. It is a phenomenal feature, not just from a safety perspective but also for work efficiency. I believe Hyundai are breaking the standards for mini excavators in the construction industry. Their level of customer service is outstanding - and they are working very hard to have a net zero carbon footprint which must be good for the world we live in today.”