Hyundai Construction Equipment paid a visit to Industrial Training Services, operator training site in Billericay Essex, to have a chat with Managing Director Alf Aldridge, to see how he was getting on with his latest Hyundai machine, a 14-tonne HX140LC, which has joined his training fleet! Alf and his team of eight instructors deliver CPCS and NPORS training for construction operators.
Alf purchased the machine from local Hyundai distributor, Ernest Doe with who he had a longstanding relationship, from when he was working in the agricultural sector. This is Alf’s third Hyundai in seven years – all purchased from Ernest Doe, based in Ulting Essex.
The latest excavator has replaced an older 14-tonne machine and joins the Hyundai 25Z 9AK 2.5 tonne mini.
Alf explained that he was looking at all the options, “We did own and run a competitors machine before, but having tried the Hyundai – I liked it very much!”
Alf added, “ The Hyundai was also priced right over the other brand, however, that was not the deciding factor. We had the latest HX140LC on trial here for ten days and the instructors and the candidates on the courses we run spoke very highly of the machine – so it wasn’t just price, it was also the quality of the Hyundai.”
“The Hyundai performs better than its competitor in the same weight category and the fuel economy is better, probably by as much as 10% on our fuel costs. It’s more powerful than the other brand – but what influenced us the most, is it’s a smooth operating machine and is very operator friendly,” Continued Alf.
Alf also reported the cab is very good on the HX140LC, with plenty of adjustment on the seat, which is perfect for operators of all shapes and sizes! He also said that you could work in the machine all day, which they will do whilst training, apart from tea breaks, etc, and feel no fatigue. The machine also benefits from Hyundai’s AAVM camera system, which Alf also rates highly.
He also pointed out that some machines are very ‘jerky’ but the Hyundai was particularly smooth and very good for precision digging.
Alf was particularly impressed with the easy access for maintenance – as the students also learn to do their ’15 minute’ excavator check in the morning as part of the course.
Alf prides himself on providing the machines in excellent order for his trainees, he said: “ A lot of training companies use older machines for their CPCS courses – we like to teach our students on the latest machines as this gives the operator a true insight into the machines working on the jobsite.”
Although talking to one of the students, Tommy Howard, aged 23, who was attending the current ten-day course, reported that brand new kit on site was not necessarily the case!
He explained, “This Hyundai is a lovely machine, my mate Alvin, who encouraged me to get my 360 ticket, his machine he operates onsite is beaten up as hell! This Hyundai is shiny and very comfortable. I thought I would struggle as I have never operated before and was very nervous. But all the controls are gradual and it’s all about finding a balance – I’m very confident in the Hyundai. And hope that when I get to operate professionally I don’t get given a beat-up machine!”
Comments are closed.