LPG truck centre stage

Hyundai launches first of new 7A series of forklifts and shows off its updated range at IMHX Hyundai Heavy Industries Europe will present an extensive display of its latest, updated range of industrial trucks at the IMHX materials handling exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham in November.

The Hyundai display will include eight models from 1.4 to 16 tonnes lift capacity, including electric, LPG and diesel-powered lift trucks, stackers, pallet and reach trucks, and it will be the first European showing of the 5t capacity model 50L-7A - the first of a new -7A Series of LPG lift trucks.

The company explains: "At our modern and recently expanded research and development centre in Ulsan, South Korea, we have been concentrating on consolidating our industrial equipment range to provide a broad spectrum of choice in all industrial materials handling sectors, meeting the latest environmental requirements and maintaining our reputation for performance and reliability." The full range of Hyundai industrial trucks now provides some 75 models altogether, from 1.4 to 18t capacity, with many variants including diesel, battery-powered and LPG-powered lift-trucks, electric reach and stacker trucks, pallet trucks and a compact platform/tow-truck.

These machines are complemented by a wide range of specialist handling equipment and attachments, and all provide a high level of driver comfort and efficient performance for modern factory and warehouse operations.

New -7A Series The latest model to be introduced is the new top of the LPG range model, the 5t-capacity 50L-7A. This is the first of a new series of -7A LPG models which will include 3, 4 and 4.5t models as well as the 5t machine being shown. Full details of the rest of the range will be available shortly.

Among the main features of the new -7A range are: newly configured engines to conform with Tier 4 emissions standards, and a big change in the drive-line, with a new front axle arrangement. In the new system, the transmission has now been mounted independently of the front axle, with an intermediate drive-shaft. This effectively eliminates any drive-line vibrations for smoother operation and operator comfort.

There is also a new, independent, more easily accessible handbrake.

A new innovation is the introduction of OPSS (Operator Presence Sensing System), which detects when the operator is not properly seated and neutralises all hydraulic and drive functions.

Commenting on these new developments and Hyundai's broader outlook, marketing manager Michel de Weert says: ''We are looking ahead very positively.

Hyundai has invested millions in new research and production facilities in Ulsan to ensure continuity of our product development and treble production capacity in the new, even more efficient main manufacturing plant.

''The objective is to grow our global market share in all sectors of construction, mining and industrial equipment by providing end users the best available choice and building on our reputation for product reliability and value for money.''