Hyundai CEA Unveils Prototype Excavator

March 14, 2014

Jean L. Broge

Hyundai Construction Equipment Americas took the opportunity at ConExpo to unveil to North America its R220LC-9 HI-POSS excavator prototype. This concept model, which first debuted at Bauma in 2013, features Hyundai’s next-generation power system that it says provides improved fuel consumption and controllability by the optimal control of electronic pumps and valves.

The HI-POSS (Hyundai Intelligent Power Optimal Sharing and Energy Saving) system maximizes energy utilization through an electronically controlled pump and valve, as opposed to a conventional hydraulic excavator that uses a spool-operated valve. That upgrade results in more precise and effective machine operation for improved fuel consumption and operability.

Hyundai’s HI-POSS system reduces energy consumption by reducing waste flow, such as relief flow, through optimal flow distribution and recycling of waste energy through an accumulator. The technology also allows for more efficient swing start, swing stop, boom down, and main relief flow, which is estimated to provide operators with an improved fuel consumption ratio of 20%.

The HI-POSS system’s use of electronically controlled valves enables independent flow control and allows for tuning tailored to specific applications and operators without the need for installation of additional components. The HI-POSS system allows for the adjustment of the speed ratio between different attachments and matching between joystick signal and single operation speed from a computer or cluster with the appropriate software.

Additionally, Hyundai’s HI-POSS system provides operators with self-diagnosis and easy maintenance through this same technology.

Hyundai’s R220LC-9 HI-POSS excavator is equipped with a 143 hp (107 kW) Cummins Tier 3 QSB6.7 engine. This model has an operating weight of 50,520 lb (22,915 kg), a maximum dig depth of 265 in (6730 mm), and a bucket breakout force of 31,830 lb (130.4 kN).