Hyundai Lights, Camera…Action.

Things have been busy since we last spoke! A short while ago, Hyundai discussed plans for a huge new launch event for some of their new machines. There would be lights, fireworks and a demo area for people to try any machine they wanted.

In early April, fellow demonstrator Nigel Horton and I travelled to Belgium to begin what would be an almost 3-week trip. There would be two sites used, one being Hyundai’s European head office in Belgium, and the second being a disused cement plant neighboring the border with the Netherlands. We landed and headed straight to the site to begin prep at the cement plant. With an army of brand-new machines arriving on low loaders, we got to work clearing the site.

The plant itself had some fantastic scenery. The quarry had been flooded and turned into a nature reserve, with walks across the site as well as a cafe with fresh food… Which coincidently had plenty of visits from us!

We began stripping the vegetation and debris off the surface, a large, matted area that took most of the day. We then utilised the new HA45A 4×4 Hyundai dump truck to shift everything into a stockpile to be used later.

Over the rest of the week, new machines such as skid steers, mini diggers and loading shovels continued to arrive. Alongside the setup at the quarry, we also had a show to prepare for back in Belgium at Hyundai’s European HQ. This involved a huge lineup of their fleet, including the new HX520A HRD – a high reach demolition machine with 27 meters of arm! Accompanied by music, lights and fireworks, the show would introduce all the equipment in an exciting performance. It was a complex stunt with a high volume of machinery in a small area, making rehearsals challenging but very enjoyable.

Never Shaken always Stirred.

The following Monday, guests began to arrive. Each group was given a 2-day experience. Arriving in the evening to enjoy a dinner, followed by drinks in the Hyundai cocktail bar, and then the big reveal – via a live show.

Following the show, guests headed back to the hotel to rest before the second day of their experience at the quarry. The team and I would enjoy an early breakfast in the hotel and head straight to the quarry. Once everything was warmed up and ready, the coach arrived, and the day began!

A quick live demonstration would kick off the day. Nigel and Bjorn operating excavators on stone piles, and myself on the new 4×4 dump truck quickly weaving between them! The HA45A in its 4×4 chassis configuration is by far the most maneuverable truck I’ve ever operated. The tight turning radius really made a difference, combined with the performance from having one less axle.

After watching the show, guests then had a free roam to try any machine they liked from across the range, with each machine having its own area and setup. For example, the dumper had use of a track where it could reach high speeds, the Skid Steers had an area of finer aggregate to spread and grade, whilst the excavators could dig freely below to rock…Then finally the dozer had a stockpile to spread over a large area with the option of using GPS. 

Dozer Demo Day.

I was looking after the HD130A dozer. Weighing around 15-tonne (depending on spec), it’s the most powerful dozer on the market for its size. The machine came factory fitted with a Leica system, although it could easily have had a Trimble device fitted. Leica joined us for the event, who were great to have. I really enjoyed operating and showing guests the machines’ features, with many ready to try the machine out for themselves.

There was a lot of positive feedback on the visibility. Compared to others on the market with bulkier engine bays and side panels, this machine has an excellent view over the front and sides of the blade.

Neighboring my stand was the new HX260 excavator. This was a really popular machine at the event, being a unique size, it ranks high in the 20-tonne machine class.

The cab of the new HX machines has really come on in recent years. There’s a huge amount of customisation. From the screens, cabin materials and colour, there is even the option of an upgraded sound system. For me personally, it’s now one of my favourites as there really is so much thought for the operator in its functionality.

Across the next 2 weeks, we continued to host guests from Italy, France and Poland, to name but a few.

It was great to meet so many people and talk about how their businesses operate, with every region having different setups, techniques and machine technology.

A really interesting, well organised and attended event…A trip and job I’ll remember for sure!

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