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. More articles from Hyundai Heavy Ind. Europe N.V.: | 
