Earthmoving and construction equipment supplier High Power Equipment (HPE) Africa has launched two new series of excavators from automotive manufacturer Hyundai, namely the R480LC-9S range and R330LC-9S machines.

Both series are designed for high performance in tough conditions in various industries, including construction, mining, quarrying and agriculture.

“As part of our commitment to meeting exact market demand and to constantly improving our service standards, the HPE Africa team works closely with customers to gain a thorough understanding of changing conditions in different sectors,” explains HPE Africa marketing manager Lani van der Watt.

“Through the introduction of new construction machines – delivered in required sizes, with specified capacities and necessary performance features – the company ensures customers continue to achieve the highest levels of productivity, cost-effective operation and enhanced safety on site.”

The launch of these ranges allows the company to supply equipment which falls under mass categories or classes that are stipulated by equipment suppliers regulatory body the Construction and Mining Equipment Suppliers Association. This includes the categories 30.1 t and 30 t for the R330LC-9S, and the 45.1 t to 50 t, for the R480LC-9S.

“Previously, HPE Africa participated in these tracked excavator classes – 10.1 t to 15 t, 18.1 t to 21 t, 21.1 t to 25 t, 25.1 t to 30 t, 35.1 t to 40 t, 50.1 t to 60 t and 80.1 t to 90 t. Expansion of our range means customers have access to more machines, with greater capacity options and are able to select the right size excavator, with no compromise on performance.”

Van der Watt adds that the newly launched Hyundai R480LC-9S track-mounted excavators have an operating weight of 49 500 kg, with a 3.2 m3 rock-bucket capacity and a digging force of 266.4 kN.

The machines, with a 62 ℓ fuel tank, have a 600 mm shoe width and are fitted with a 6.55 m boom and 2.40 m arm, with an arm crowd force of 301.7 kN. The hydraulic pump operates at 2  380 ℓ/min.

Van der Watt notes that the tracked excavators are fitted with low-emission, water-cooled QSM11-C 4-cycle diesel engines, developed by power generation product provider Cummins. With power ratings of 263 kW at 1 900 rpm, the engines offer high power, reliable performance and fuel efficiency.

Meanwhile, the Hyundai R330LC-9S excavators, with an operating weight of 32 700 kg, offer a standard 1.44 m3 bucket, a digging force of 205.5 kN and an arm crowd force of 194.2 kN. The excavators, with a 500 ℓ fuel tank and a 600 mm shoe width, are fitted with a 6.45 m boom and 2.50 m arm, and a hydraulic pump which operates at 2  282 ℓ/min.

The R330LC-9S excavators are fitted with Hyundai HCEC_HM8.3 low-emission, water-cooled four-cycle diesel engines, with power ratings of 196 kW at 1 900 rpm.

Other noteworthy features include hydraulic system improvements and computer- aided power, which ensure enhanced performance, smoother operation and precision-control, says Van der Watt. The newly-designed pump compartment controls, as well as functions like two-speed travel, power boost, auto boom-swing priority and a safety lock, offer added benefits.

The strengthened undercarriage improves performance in tough operating conditions, particularly in the mining and quarrying sectors, says Van der Watt.

The durable covers have been specially designed to protect travel motors and hoses against rock damage, while the lubricated rollers, idlers, track adjusters with shock absorbing springs and sprockets, and track chain with double or triple grouser shoes, form part of the “robust” undercarriage.

Van der Watt also points to the buckets, all of which are welded with high-strength steel, and the booms and arms, which are welded with a low-stress, full-box section design, for added strength and durability.

The high-strength operator cab has been designed to increased visibility thereby enabling improved site safety, while the ground-line access to components enables easy maintenance, minimising the downtime of these machines.

Hyundai’s 9-series machines are designed to ensure minimal operating costs and reduced machine downtime.

Van der Watt notes that HPE Africa’s national workshop facilities are intended to assist customers with modifications of machines where necessary, enabling adaptability for specific tasks, such as stump removal, scrap metal handling, railway construction and logging operations on steep terrain. All modifications are customised through close consultation between HPE Africa experts and the end-users.

HPE Africa is the sole distributor in Southern Africa for Hyundai Construction Equipment, as well as for mobile screening and crushing solutions provider McCloskey and crushing and screening units and demolition and site preparation technology provider Soosan hydraulic hammers and quick couplers.

The company supports its product offering with a technical advisory, support and maintenance service throughout Southern Africa.