A new crawler excavator from Hyundai: the HX480 L (49,500 kg)

By MEq August 18, 2016 20:40

Hyundai presented at Hillhead exhibition the new HX480 L (49,500 kg) crawler excavator. The new machine from the South Korean manufacturer comes packed with high-end features that come as standard. One important innovation on the new HX range is the new and larger 8 inch touchscreen monitor – the cluster monitor can display information that mirrors what you would see on your smart phone and is 30% larger than previous models. It’s also easy to read and the main view of the screen can be adjusted according to the preferences of the driver. It can be controlled via touch control and/or new haptic controller. Connecting to a mobile phone is easier than ever with the bluetooth connection to the machine’s radio.

New safety features include Hyundai’s exclusive AAVM (Advanced Around View Monitoring) System for 360°-surround virtual operating view – which displays on the 8-inch cluster– monitor. The system consists of an Around View Monitoring (AVM) system that give a 360°-surround virtual operating view and an Intelligent Moving Object Detection (IMOD) system that senses and warns the operator when objects come within working distance of the machine.
At the heart of the HX480 L is a Scania DC13 084Ac 4-cycle turbocharged air cooled diesel engine which complies with the latest emission standards Stage IV for the reduction of particles and Nox in exhaust gasses rated at 444 HP (331kW). Hyundai has chosen a combined solution with EGR and SCR technology.

The new HX range is fitted with an ECO Gauge which enables the economic operation of the machines. The gauge level and colour displays engine torque and fuel efficiency level on the touchscreen monitor. In addition the gauge indicates the status of fuel consumption such as average rate and the total amount of fuel consumed. The HX480 L can offer a reduction in fuel consumption of up to 9% – depending on the type of operation – in comparison to Hyundai’s 9A-series of machines.

The HX series of excavators have a function that turns the machine off when it enters an ‘idling’ state. Operators can select operating mode and ‘idling’ time depending on work environments. The IPC (Intelligent Power Control) controls power depending on work environments. Its mode can be selected and released on the monitor – in the excavation mode – pump flow can be more cleverly controlled, reducing fuel consumption. The new machines can offer up to 10 breaker and 10 crusher settings, where both flow and pressure requirements for the attachments can be saved on the machine.

Other new options include – Fine Swing Control which can be installed in order to ensure a softer stop of the swing with minimal shock load. A Swing lock is an operator-controlled locking mechanism which cuts off swing pilot signal. A Straight Travel Pedal is also an option – the straight travel pedal reduces operator fatigue while traveling greater distances. Instead of holding down both right and left pedals the operator can easily travel by just holding down one pedal.

The HX480 L provides higher productivity onsite by faster operation and can load trucks up to 3% faster and levels up to 7% faster than the 9A-series. In order to achieve efficient grading, the HX series can apply an optional boom floating control using arm-in and arm-out operation only, allowing stable operation even in high-load work.
HX range have newly designed cabins – a new larger front screen has been incorporated and the driver’s door is now easier to open from the inside with an additional handrail. The interior of the HX cab offers 13% more space for the operator (compared to 9A-series). The cab suspension mount reduces the noise inside the cabin.

The HX machines are also fitted with Hi-Mate, which is a remote management system, developed by HHIE. With one press of the button, users are able to remotely evaluate machine performance, access diagnostic information and verify machine locations. It’s even possible to program a virtual ‘geo-fence’ to prevent the machine from leaving a specific area.
Enhanced reliability features on the HX series include reinforced longer-life pins and bushes coupled with wear-resistant polymer shims and newly designed cab shock mounts with dual shock absorption for reduced vibration and noise, which also improves operator comfort. Serviceability enhancements include ground-level access to the fuel filter and convenient exterior access to the cab air filter. Additional guard rails provide greater safety while performing maintenance and inspections on the upper structure deck.

The upper and lower structure and attachments of the HX series have a far higher durability than demanded on the site, proved through numerous tests, including road tests and virtual simulation. The wear resistance of the bucket has been improved by use of new material. The durability of the arm and boom has been reinforced by 1.5 times (compared to 9A-series).
The new boom and arm for HX480 L has radically enhanced its durability. Principal dimensions have been increased at the most critical section while their total weights were kept the same by means of structural optimization. A completely new welding technique, which was developed to remove the back plate, also contributed a lot to the improvements of the HX480 L. The new attachments have been proved to last at least 1.8 times longer than those for 9-series.