HYUNDAI HX140AL CRAWLER EXCAVATOR: A REAL BEAUTY OF A BEAST

Derrytrasna-based Fleville Bros has recently bought the latest model Hyundai crawler excavator, the HX140AL, from Northern Lift Trucks. Plant and Civil Engineer caught up with Conor Fleville and machine handler, John Ward, to find out how they like the latest model.

Fleville Bros is a family business incorporated in 2012, based at Derrytrasna outside Lurgan and run by Michael Fleville together with his three sons, Conor, Don and Gary. The business specialises in groundworks, drainage, earth moving and civil engineering – Fleville Bros is a heavy lifter, mover and shaker for both the construction and the agriculture sectors, working throughout Ireland and Great Britain, with some international work in the mix.

Right Make And Right Deal At The Right Time

For Fleville Bros, the purchase of a new machine is focused entirely on the company’s needs at the time. Conor Flevillve explains: “Our fleet would normally number about 30 pieces of kit and we like to regularly update older machines with the latest models – we find that the most efficient way of working. We don’t stick to just one brand or one dealer, though, we make each purchase decision based on what is right for us at the time.”

The Hyundai HX140AL crawler excavator is not the first, nor the only Hyundai in the fleet and, while the Fleville family has been impressed by the Hyundai make and by previous sales experience with Northern Lift Trucks, Conor says the repeat business was based on business needs and model availability at the time.

“The HX140AL is at least the third or fourth Hyundai we’ve had and it’s a brand and machines we're are very happy with – reliable, powerful and takes on the hard work we need to be done in its stride. Likewise, we’ve bought from Northern Lift Trucks before and found them very good to deal with. When we decided it was time to update our fleet, Northern Lift Trucks had the Hyundai in stock so a good deal was struck and we’re very happy with the HX140AL.”

Thumbs Up For Hyundai From John

Fleville Bros have had the new model Hyundai for about three months or, as driver-operator John Ward says, “long enough to do 1,000 hours.” All of those hours have been at the Lismore Comprehensive new build project in Craigavon, working specifically, at the moment, on the new pre-school site under sub-contract to the main contractor, O’Hare and McGovern. John continues: “I’m in the cab full time and the Hyundai is doing everything I need just using the bucket. She’s digging for pipe laying, levelling soil and stones, whatever has to be done and she’s doing it well.

“The last excavator I was driving was a Hyundai too and I can certainly notice improvements in the new model. She seems a whole lot quicker and easier to manoeuvre – the levers are much smoother to operate and overall it’s efficient, fast, smooth and comfortable – a pleasure to work. I would always consider Hyundai to be one of the best makes on the market and the HX140AL definitely doesn’t disappoint.

John continues: “The cab is really comfortable too and, especially days like today when it hitting 20 degrees outside, it’s wonderful to have great air conditioning. I’m well impressed with the cameras too. I don’t know if it’s standard kit, but I’ve got a total of four cameras that give me a complete wraparound view of space and ground around the machine. This Hyundai is ‘nice work’ and I’m enjoying it.”

Operator Needs Are Taken Seriously

John’s praise of his working environment was fulsome and that’s not surprising given the Hyundai cab’s comfort and safety features, which go beyond meeting regulatory standards. An electronic valve and control system has been added to improve safety and utilisation. The opening and closing time of the swing brake valve is controlled according to the sensing and control system. Visibility through the cabin door has been improved as has the handle design, to offer greater convenience when getting in and out of the cabin. The state-of-the-art AAVM (Advanced Around View Monitoring) video camera system that impressed John gives an unobscured 360-degree field of vision for operators and works with the IMOD (Intelligent Moving Object Detection), which informs when people or dangerous

View From The Cab

objects are detected within 5m. Together, they make the Hyundai HX series among the safest excavators on any job site. The cab itself is 13% bigger than its predecessors. The interior design is intelligent and ergonomic, with an 8” touchscreen display similar to a smartphone, providing excellent legibility. The jog dial module can be used to operate the accelerator, remote air conditioner controller and instrument cluster using one ergonomic shuttle-type controller. Designed for efficient operation, pilot pressureoperated joysticks and pedals with detachable levers provide that smother and fatigue-free operation that John noticed has made operations easier and smoother, resulting in faster, more efficient working.

Ready To Build Your World

Hyundai’s introduction to its new model simply states “Our new A-Series HX140AL 14-tonne crawler excavator is ready to help build your world. Its high-performance engine delivers better productivity and fuel efficiency while meeting EU Stage V emissions regulations.”

It would certainly seem to be a heavy-duty performer that can be relied on to perform in the toughest conditions on large construction sites and infrastructure projects.

The Hyundai HX140AL can genuinely claim to be redesigned to be tougher from the ground up. The robust upper and lower frame structure has been tested to endure external shock and heavy workloads and external modifications make it quicker and easier to add attachments. The HX A-series hi-grade, high-pressure hose gives improved heat and pressure resistance and greatly enhanced the durability of the equipment, while the cooling module power boost function, contributing towards the highest productivity in tough working environments. Even the cab structure has been strengthened with integral low-stress steel welding.

HIGH ON EFFICIENCY, LOW ON EMISSIONS

From its upgraded, eco-friendly engine to its advanced control technologies, the HX140AL reaches new heights of productivity and fuel efficiency. The EU Stage V Certified Engine Cummins F3.8 engine delivers 3% more power and 12% more peak torque than previous models. The intelligent control system (IPC) optimises pump flow rate and power at various working conditions, through the individual pump control, helping it deliver the right amount of power, including power boost for lifting) to undertake the task as efficiently as possible, while the automatic engine shutdown significantly reduces idle time. overall operating hours and fuel consumption.

Finally, the Eco gauge helps reduce emissions and running costs by constantly monitoring efficiency. This, together with the new Cummins F3.8 Stage V engine, meets the latest emission legislation while further improving fuel efficiency, providing up to 11% fuel savings

The EU Stage V Certified Engine is a new generation of ultra-low emissions engines that is EGR-free (Exhaust Gas Recirculation). This technology helps to reduce harmful nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions and is satisfying the strictest environmental emission regulation in the world.

Last Word

The Hyundai HX140AL is a crawler excavator with the sheer power to tackle the heaviest of jobs with efficiency, even panache. It has been designed to tackle heavy work effortlessly, for the machine, and for the operator. It’s designed with operator comfort, efficiency and job satisfaction in mind and it’s equipped to be one of the safest excavators on any job site. In short, it’s a real beauty of a beast.

www.northernlifttrucks.co.uk