Heavy Equipment

Hyundai Unveils Loader That Does More Dirty Work

The HL980A consumes less fuel than previous models.

Updated on

April 25, 2022

Hyundai_HL980A — The wheel loader weighs 30,800 kg. PHOTO | Hyundai

Hyundai Construction Equipment has rolled out a giant wheel loader that is designed to do more heavy lifting at a lower cost compared to previously available models.

Branded HL980A, the new machine – which is by far the company’s largest wheel loader – weighs 30,800 kilos and has a 5.00 m³ – 6.30 m³ bucket capacity.

The South Korean equipment maker has fitted the loader with a 351-horsepower Cummins X12 engine, which is designed to be lighter but with amplified torque.

Hyundai CE says the engine consumes less fuel than previous engines. It has an Eco Gauge feature that can be used by operators to monitor fuel consumption in real time.

Operators can use Hi-Mate, Hyundai’s telematics system, to monitor fuel consumption, idle time, and other data. A new HL980A comes with a five-year Hi-Mate subscription.

According to Hyundai CE, the HL980A meets Tier 4 Final emission standards as well as European Stage V by diesel particulate filter and no exhaust gas recirculation.

The new loader comes with an onboard auto-weighing system that automatically displays the load weight when the bucket is lifted to a specific height range.

The weight is logged when the boom is lowered.

Joe Turnage, Hyundai product manager says: “You can track between operators… if you’ve got a different operator, he can hit his setup. He can track how much he’s dumped into trucks or whatever he’s moving.”

The HL980A’s hood has been designed to give the operator a better view of the counterweight and people or other obstacles behind it. This, Turnage says, is something customers had requested.

The wheel loader has a standard rearview camera that is integrated into a 7-inch monitor. An optional all-around-view camera system is available.

“When it comes on the screen, you can see from the top down onto the machine,” he adds.

To facilitate faster brake maintenance, the HL980A – which has a top speed of 40 km/h – is equipped with ZF axles and transmission. This makes it possible for mechanics to access outboard brakes by the wheel hub without having to drop the axle.

The controls of the new loader are electric over hydraulic and can be adjusted via the monitor. The main benefits of these controls are lower cost and reduced maintenance.

The HL980A boasts parallel Z-bar linkage and automatic engine shutdown.

Another key feature of the loader is the bucket which is designed with a wider opening, curved side plates, and enhanced spill guard to minimise material loss while in motion.

HL980A Specs

Operating weight: 30,800 kg	Engine model: Cummins X12
Engine power: 265 kW at 2,200 rpm	Revolutions at max torque: 1400 rpm
No. of cylinders: 6	Bucket capacity: 5.00 m³ – 6.30 m³
Bucket width: 3.45 m	Tipping load: 23,100 kg
Breakout force: 24,670 kg	Travel speed: 40 km/h
Transport length: 9.61 m	Transport height: 3.865 m
Standard tyres: 29.5 R 25	Emission level: V