view from the cab
FIRST HYUNDAI IMPRESSES LANDSCAPING CONTRACTOR After spending some time researching the market, Armagh based Black’s Nursery and Landscaping recently invested in its first Hyundai excavator, a compact zero tailswing R25Z9AK from Northern Lift Trucks. Established in 1988, the company, headed up by Kevin Black, has gained an enviable reputation for its expertise in the landscaping and garden nursery
markets throughout the country with a broad customer base in both the private, public and commercial sectors. As a member of the Association of Landscape Contractors of Ireland, the company has completed a string of ‘design and build’ projects over the years and continues to grow its business and customer base. The versatility of the new Hyundai R25Z9AK compact excavator was one of the key factors in the investing decision, as was, in these days of lengthening lead times, availability - and the fact it was powered by a Kubota engine. “When you are in the market for new machinery, you don’t want to be waiting too long for its delivery,” says Kevin, who adds: “I am also a Kubota fan; their engines are very reliable. The excavator that was replaced by the Hyundai also had a Kubota engine and it never let me down. “Before investing in the Hyundai, I did my homework and didn’t read or hear any bad reports about the brand. There are a lot of bigger Hyundai excavators
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in use around the country, so that also gave me added confidence.”
Zero Tailswing So, what does Kevin like about the Hyundai? “Apart from being powered by a Kubota engine, it is a zero tailswing machine and that is ideal for my type of work, especially when operating close to walls or fences, or on very restricted sites, plus at 2.5 tonne it is very easy to transport from site to site on the back of a trailer, and with just a driver’s license.” He adds: “All the controls are well laid out and close to hand, making it easy to operate – and it came with a full quick hitch, which was a bonus, as my previous machine only had a semi hitch. Now I can switch attachments from the comfort of the cab.” Taking a closer look at the Hyundai R25Z9AK, as Kevin noted, the left- and right-hand control levers are located for maximum convenience. The control switches on the left-hand console are also positioned for comfortable access and enhanced productivity, while a safety lever is installed to prevent unexpected activation
