[ TEST DRIVE ]
Cherry Ellis behind the controls of the
Hyundai Robex 520LC-9S hydraulic
crawler excavator
HYUNDAI’S 520LC-9S
EXCAVATOR
offers unsurpassed productivity
It’s big, it’s robust and when you approach the Hyundai Robex 520LC-9S hydraulic crawler
excavator you know you are going to be able inrease the productivity on your site at a very
economical rate. Cherry Ellis visited High Power Equipment Africa’s office in Jet Park, the sole
distributor of Hyundai earthmoving equipment, to put the machine to test.
I
already felt comfortable and at
home when I entered the cab, it’s
spacious and offers a wider field of
view for any operator. This is
extremely important, working on
busy sites like mines and quarries, the
operator can keep an eye on any other
equipment around the machine, which
enhances the safety aspect on site. The
well balanced designed cab offers the
operator a clear view of the boom and
bucket to focus on the work at hand.
As with the majority of opposition
machines, the operator can adjust the
seat, console and armrest to best suit
their personal operating preferences. I
found this feature to be very helpful as
it offers a comfortable working
8 | HIRE SA | MAY 2017
environment with less stress.
Inside the cab is an advanced new
cluster with a wide LCD colour screen
and toggle switch, which the operator
uses to select power and work modes,
self diagnostics, an optional rear view
camera, and a maintenance check list is
also visible on screen. The start up
machine security and video functions
are all integrated into the cluster to
make the machine more versatile and
user friendly.
Starting the engine
The excavator is powered by a six
cylinder, turbo charged, four cycle air
cooled Cummins QSM11-C engine, which
Hyundai says is built for power,
reliability, economy and low emissions.
The engine meets the Tier II emissions
regulations. I can surely comment on
the power and reliability, by choosing
the correct working mode, the machine
had no problem digging a trench in
arduous conditions, it’s definitely power
at your finger tips.
The excavator offers three
working modes:
• The Power Max (P) mode maximises
machine speed and power for
mass production;
• The Standard (S) mode provides
a reduced, fixed rpm for optimum
performance and improved fuel
economy;