Hyundai Construction Equipment’s recent additions to the mini/ compact excavator series (A Series) that has been noted for lower emissions enhanced hydraulic capabilities and operator comfort became the envy of other leading heavy equipment manufacturers when these models were awarded the prestigious Red Dot Design Award mainly attributed to the Hyundai’s ‘Tiger Eye’ design language.

The award was not only based on the aesthetics of the new excavators, but also based the ‘green’ features of these latest models that sport low emission EU Stage V diesel engines that are acknowledged for the high fuel efficiency.

Other features of these models that stood out from the lot included the load-sensing hydraulic systems that were fitted to the heavier versions, proportional joystick controls, quick-coupler piping and safety features that were incorporated into the valves on the arm, boom and dozer blade cylinders, operator cabin comfort and ease of maintenance.

The introduction of the comprehensive range of 11 compact excavators by Hyundai CE ranging from the 1.0-tonne HX10A micro all the way to the HX85A, which belongs to the 9-10 tonne segment (equipped with double boom) are poised for the excavator for hire rental markets due to the versatility of these machines that could easily compare to the 13.5T/ 15T excavator categories when the excavators are handled by experienced operators.

Apart from that Hyundai was also the recipient of another Red Dot Design Award for the manufacturer’s unmanned construction equipment design technologies according to a HD Hyundai official. According to the official the Future-X concept is a futuristic concept that comes under the purview of the HD Hyundai Xite-Solution which is Hyundai’s heavy machinery manufacturing unit.

The group’s business unit is similar to ‘skunk works’, with the only difference being that this business component is focuses on next-gen unmanned heavy equipment such as excavators that would make a significant difference to safety, productivity and the sustainability of construction sites added the official.

It comes as no surprise that the HD division of Hyundai is at the forefront of some very impressive technology which was showcased during the CES 2024 when a complete version of Hyundai’s AI-powered Concept X excavator was unveiled. The unmanned electric machine was the result of collaboration between Hyundai Construction Equipment (HCE) and Hyundai Doosan Infracore which initially made its debut in South Korea a few years ago.

The machine according to the president and CEO of HD Hyundai Xite-Solution and as well as Hyundai Infracore Young Cheul Cho, the Concept X excavator is fully electric and utilises electric motors and actuators to operate the boom arm and mobility is dependent on four articulating ‘tank feet’ which is in line with the manufacturer’s theme of ‘Xite Transformation’, a vision that is intended to resolve the various issues that humanity is facing.

However, the Concept X excavator caters for niche markets and will not enter general markets such as the excavator for hire markets anytime soon due to the high cost of these machines. See More