Full range

Hyundai's Dirk Luyten talks to Simon Duddy about the company's plans for the upcoming CeMAT exhibition

Dirk Luyten, sales manager Europe for material handling equipment at Hyundai is enthusiastic about the upcoming CeMat exhibition (May 2-6 in Hanover).

"CeMat will demonstrate we have a full range of machines," he says. "For LPG, we start at 1.5 tonne and go up to 5 tonnes now.

For electrics, we start from the three wheeler 1.5 tonne up to 5 tonne.We will be showing the new order picker, and reach trucks up to 12m. On the counterbalance side, we start from 1.5 tonne diesel to 18 and 25 tonne diesels." The 50L-7A LPG forklifts feature tier 4 engines and component innovations such as a new front axle arrangement. In the new system, the transmission has been mounted independently from the front axle with an intermediate drive shaft. This eliminates vibrations from the driveline for smoother operation and greater operator comfort. The new solution also has advantages for service work, as the gearbox and front axle are separately accessible.

There is also a new handbrake. It is no longer in the front axle, but has now been located as a wet brake in front of the differential.

This means it is better protected from dust, requires less servicing and is easier to access. Technical modifications to the brakes have also increased the braking power. All models have Operator Presence Sensing System, which detects when the operator leaves his or her seat and neutralises all hydraulic and drive functions.

Two heavy models have been added to the diesel forklift range: the new 180D-7E has a load capacity of 18t with a load centre distance of 900 mm, while the 250D-7E can carry as much as 25t with a centre distance of 1,200 mm.Modern Cummins engines, ZF gears and Kessler axles are the foundation for optimum power and high capacity in all operating conditions.

Both new models have integrated load indicators on the forks as standard. This high precision load indicator (maximum deviation <1%) displays the weight of the load and sounds an alarm if the maximum permissible load is exceeded. There is also a rear view camera as standard, with three more optional. Air conditioning is standard on the new forklifts. Both new machines also have the Hyundai tilting cabin, for easy access for service. Design modifications to all the forklifts from 11t to 25t load capacity have resulted in better view of the mast.

Engineers in the Hyundai development centre are working on the design for the planned new series of electric forklift trucks. As well as seeing current generation electric trucks, visitors to CeMat will be given a glimpse of what the next generation of Hyundai forklifts will look like.

"The trucks are high quality. The electric trucks are made from European components and every machine has two drive motors including the 5 tonne, which makes them turn sharper.We have wet brakes as standard on the whole range," says Luyten.

"We also have the best value for money offering.We are cheaper than most of the A brands and deliver the same quality. The price differential depends on the model but in general, in total cost of ownership we are 5% cheaper."

UK dealers sought As well as showcasing new products and technology,Hyundai sees the show as a prime opportunity to publicise its brand to the industry and to sign up new UK dealers.

"We will be looking for new dealers at the show for a number of territories, including the UK.We want full coverage either through one or a number of dealers. The top priority for dealers is service excellence. Selling the first truck is easy. To keep selling, you must establish long term relationships, which can only be achieved by high quality service from dealers. In terms of support for parts, we have a warehouse in Geel, Belgium.We offer 95% stock availability, 98% for urgent orders. Dealers can order online until 4.00 and have the parts leaving the same day."