New trucks cut a dash
October 1st 2007

Hyundai has bolstered its Dash 7 range with four new diesels and six LPGs. The firm says the trucks, which range from 1.5 to 3.3 tonnes, have all the attributes to deliver top performance and productivity

The heart of the new diesel forklift trucks is the proven V3300 Kubota engine with an output of 47 kW, while the new LPG forklifts are equipped with a 37 kW HMC (Hyundai Motor Company) Beta engine. Not only do they develop an impressive engine output, they are also and above all famed for their durability and high degree of reliability.

Both engines thus represent true added value in the new Hyundai forklifts. They provide the forklift not only with the necessary power to carry out normal tasks, but also enough in reserve to drive special attachments that demand greater output.

The modern, large-volume hydraulic system of the Hyundai forklift trucks is also a considerable advantage in this respect.

The engines have made the new generation of forklift trucks even faster.

This is apparent in the lifting, lowering and tilting of the mast as well as travel. Not only do the machines enjoy noticeably increased acceleration performance, they also tackle gradients with ease: up to 21.8° for the diesel forklift and up to 15.4° for the LPG forklift. On level surfaces they cruise effortlessly at speeds of up to 21.6 km/h.

But whatever the speed, safety can never be compromised. For this reason, the lowering speed of the mast with a full load is carefully monitored and regulated by a special valve, so that there is no chance of any damage being caused by it being lowered too quickly. The forklift trucks can also be fitted with the optional OPSS (Operator Presence Sensing System). This dedicated control system makes it impossible to move the mast in any way such as lifting, lowering or tilting if the driver is not sitting in his usual position.

The increased tilt angle of the mast is also responsible for more effective working.

A tilting of 6° forward and 10° backward allows the driver to carry out his loading and unloading work safely and quickly. The wet disc brakes of the new "-7" generation of Hyundai forklift trucks produce a significant increase in braking performance.

For example, when travelling down a 20 per cent slope, 45 per cent less force is required on the pedal to achieve braking.

Another advantage of the wet braking systems is that their maintenance intervals are five times further apart than for conventional brakes.

The Hyundai design engineers have paid particular attention to driver comfort. The seat and the steering console that also houses the instruments are easy to adjust to suit each particular driver perfectly. This means that all of the controls are easy to reach, which not only provides greater safety when working, but also prevents premature fatigue and therefore improves driver productivity. A small lever on the left hand side of the steering console allows the driver to change the direction of travel comfortably and quickly. For safety reasons, the engine can only be started when in neutral position. The control levers for the movement functions are located within easy reach and require only the lightest touch to operate. Last but not least, the design of the mast has been changed with its significantly wider field of vision offering a better view to the front.

Hyundai has retained its robust principle of construction, which is based on the design of all components having the greatest possible load capacity and durability. The transmission and axles perform their work reliably and quietly under even the most difficult conditions.

Engine and transmission are installed horizontally and at a level in the dimensionally stable subframe that virtually rules out damage even when the vehicle is travelling over rough surfaces. The generous ground clearance is also an important factor in this respect.

Naturally, easy maintenance has also been taken into account. Every Hyundai machine as to be ready for use at all times and therefore servicing has to be carried it out as efficiently as possible. For this reason, for example, the air filters are monitored electronically. A sensor alerts the driver when the filter is blocked, so that he can replace it before significant damage can occur. All of the checkpoints are easily accessible, so that the routine check can be carried out quickly. This keeps the machines ready for use and ensures a long service life.

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