Hyundai Construction Equipment’s new HL975 wheel loader has made its world premiere at the SaMoTer construction expo in Verona, Italy.
The HL975 weighs in at 26.5 tonnes and is powered by a 247kW Cummins QSG12 diesel engine configured to US Tier 4/EU Stage IV emissions restrictions.
Hyundai says the loader uses high efficiency air handling and advanced combustion, without the need for a cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system. This allows the loader to also use a wastegate turbocharger.
The HL975 has been given a strength boost, with Hyundai saying the durability of the frames and attachments are 1.5 times stronger than the previous ‘generation 9’ Hyundai wheel loaders.
A number of enhancements to improve fuel efficiency have been made on the new model such as automatic engine shutdown on idle, with the length of idle time determined by the operator when selecting work mode.
The ECO gauge frequently checks the machine’s operating state automatically, monitoring fuel consumption and engine torque. This information is then displayed on the gauge to keep the operator informed.
The HL975 also has an ECO accelerator pedal, which when pressed can differentiate between economical operation and power operation and adjusts fuel consumption accordingly. The loader also has a travel speed limiter which can limit the machine’s maximum speed, improving efficiency and effectiveness.
Hyundai says the operator’s cab on the HL975 is 10 percent larger than the previous model and is fully ROPS/FOPS certified. The fully air-conditioned cabin has been soundproofed and has an ergonomic adjustable air suspension seat.
Aside from the ECO gauge, the HL975 also has a seven-inch touchscreen that Hyundai says is similar to that of a smartphone. The touchscreen provides access to features like the radio and built-in Bluetooth hands-free system.
The touchscreen also allows the operator to use the ‘Miracast’ entertainment system that works via the WiFi of the operator’s smartphone and allows the smartphones features to be used on the bigger screen – meaning they can surf the web, use maps or watch videos on the loader’s touchscreen.
At this stage it is unclear when, or even if, the HL975 will be headed to Australia.