The launch of the new Hyundai HG190 gives High Power Equipment (HPE) Africa, the official Hyundai distributor in the region, its first foray into the motor grader segment. The HG190 complements an already wide range of Hyundai equipment, including tracked and wheel excavators, wheel loaders, skid steer loaders and backhoe loaders.
The launch also coincides with an upward looking construction industry. The model arrives at a time when construction contractors in the region are looking forward to the anticipated market rebound as governments prepare for significant investments in infrastructure development to resuscitate COVID-19 hit economies.
MD Ross Collard is upbeat about the prospects of growth for the Hyundai motor grader in southern Africa. He believes that the model will leverage the prominence of the Hyundai brand in the local yellow metal equipment industry, as well as the good support from HPE Africa.
“Through the launch of the Hyundai HG190 motor grader, the local market now has access to a wider range of Hyundai construction equipment from HPE Africa. All Hyundai machines are supported by our dedicated technical and aftersales teams,” says Collard. “The launch also presents an opportunity to supply Hyundai machines to an extended customer base.”
The HG190 is suited to an array of industries, including road works, general construction, mining, quarrying, agriculture and landscaping. Key design focus areas include low fuel consumption, high productivity, stability, reliability and precision blade control to ensure flat/level and smooth surfaces.
The Cummins 6CTA8.3 turbocharged engine is said to realise high productivity and low fuel consumption. The mechanical inline fuel injection system provides precise throttle control, thus delivering high work speeds with high horsepower. Working in harmony with the ZF-technology powershift transmission, the Cummins engine ensures maximum fuel consumption in all working conditions.
The Hyundai HG series’ drawbar is composed of a strong A and U-shaped frame for increased durability and precise blading control. The moldboard provides optimal curvature that helps move all soil types quickly and efficiently. The wide tyres (17.5-25 12 PR L3) ensure high machine stability. The heat-treated rotating ring structure is equipped with a turntable of four inner gear guide types, which ensure a smooth 360-degree rotation.
The conventional motor grader controls of the past weren’t that simple to learn and intimidated new operators. However, Hyundai has addressed the critical shortage of qualified operators by offering enhanced features to simplify grader operation.
An important feature in this regard is the dual (lever and pedal) throttle control, which eases the operation of the machine. The throttle control system includes a hand lever that is electrically connected to a proportional directional hydraulic valve. Rotation of the hand lever controls actuation of an engine speed actuator and thus the speed of the engine. A foot pedal is connected through a three position spring-centred hydraulic valve to the engine speed actuator. The direction of flow of hydraulic fluid through the three position spring-centred hydraulic valve is controlled by the position of the hand lever. When the hand lever is set at the lowest speed setting, rotation of the foot pedal in a first direction increases the engine speed. When the control lever is set at the highest speed setting, rotation of the foot pedal in the first direction decreases the speed of the engine. Thus, the foot pedal operates both as a decelerator or an accelerator depending on the position of the hand lever.
A comfortable operator is a productive one, says Collard. With that in mind, the spacious and ergonomically-designed cabin boasts low noise and excellent visibility, while the large rear window and side windows offer a wide view in all directions. “For improved safety, the spacious cab has been designed with a side pillar layout for greater all-round visibility and a well-positioned blade linkage provides an unobstructed view of the moldboard and front tyres,” says Collard.
