Vaughan Homes
Plant and Civil Engineer visited a Vaughan Homes housing development to find out how the company’s new HD Hyundai R35Z-9AK Compact Excavator from Northern Lift Trucks is performing on-site. Vaughan Homes runs a tight operation with around 12 full-time staff, supported by a pool of subcontractors. Ricky Morrow is the company’s Engineer, Site Manager and Head of Plant.
HD Hyundai Compact Excavator
The R35Z-9AK is the second HD Hyundai to join the nine-strong excavator fleet.
“We replaced an older digger with a HD Hyundai HX140 crawler excavator a few years ago and we were so pleased with that…When we needed
Ricky Morrow – Vaughan Homes
to replace a mini digger, we decided to go back to HD Hyundai from Northern Lift Trucks for a new compact machine.”
As the manager on-site and head of plant, Ricky drives all the excavators in the Vaughan fleet. Although he is the dedicated driver of the larger HD Hyundai HX140, he is very familiar with the pros and cons of every machine in the company and, where both HD Hyundai machines are concerned, there haven’t been any cons at all. Talking about operating the R35z-9AK, Ricky says:
“I’m a big fan of the Yanmar engine, it’s smooth and powerful and the hydraulics are so responsive and accurate.
As they say in the digger-driving world, ‘You could comb your hair with it’.
The R35Z-9AK digs well and gets into tight spaces with no problem and is easy on the fuel.”
The Ideal Compact Excavator for a Home Building Project
Vaughan Homes bought the HD Hyundai R35Z-9AK to do all the jobs on a housing development site that require getting into confined spaces, such are close to the house, near the walls, around patios, around pipework, manhole covers and power fitting to do a precision job. This type of machine has to be clean, neat and tidy and very accurate. In this regard, Ricky took the good advice given by Northern Lift Trucks.
The Hyundai R35Z-9AK came with rubber tracks as standard and I wanted to replace them with metal tracks… I was persuaded not to do that and the Northern Lift Trucks folk were quite right. She’s really smooth and causes near to no mess or damage over reasonable ground conditions. That’s important in terms of the amount of cleaning up that needs to be done, and to keep the site looking as well as possible.”
This attribute of working neatly and cleanly is important to Vaughan Homes, which positions itself in the upper segment of the private housing market in Northern Ireland, with the strapline; “The first name in homes and the last word in luxury”.
At the moment, the HD Hyundai R35Z-9AK is working at Vaughan Homes’ ‘Spinners Mill’ development on Carnmoney Road North and Doagh Road at Ballyearl.
Described as ‘tailored family homes cut from a different cloth’, the finished development will consist of 44 homes in a mix of configurations.
Given that some residents have already moved into their homes on the development, the fact that the Hyundai R35z-9AK works quietly and neatly is a bonus.
Moving the Whole Plant Fleet to HD Hyundai
Ricky is certainly happy with the R35z-9AK and with the service from Northern Lift Trucks.
“The compact digger is performing superbly and is an asset to our fleet. So far, she has 1,400 hours on her and hasn’t needed anything other than routine servicing.
“With two HD Hyundai excavators from Northern Lift Trucks in the fleet, I can definitely say they are great to work with, they come with excellent attachments and also very comfortable cabs. They make the job in hand fast, and more efficient in both time and money. They are satisfying machines to operate.”
What’s more, the service and backup support from from Northern Lift Trucks is is excellent. I’m thinking seriously about gradually moving the whole plant fleet to HD Hyundai with Northern Lift Trucks.”
A Closer Look at The Hyundai R35z-9AK Compact Excavator
The HD Hyundai R35Z-9AK has been designed to excel on job sites where space is confined, such as next to buildings, walls and other obstacles. Its compact design provides easy and efficient operation in any limited space work environment, while the zero-tail swing gives the operator unrestricted rotation, greater flexibility and reduced potential for damage to the machine and surrounding property. The R35Z-9AK’s tail swing radius of 870 mm provides easy and efficient operation in any limited space work environment.
The compact excavator is powered by a Yanmar 3TNV88F engine, which represents the most compact multi-cylinder liquid-cooled industrial diesel engine providing smooth, powerful operation while ensuring compliance with the strict European Stage V emission regulations without additional after-treatment tools. This high-performing engine provides enhanced reliability and simplified maintenance. The half-float valve cover and Mo52 coated piston are in addition reducing the noise levels and vibration.
The excavator’s advanced hydraulic system is a standout feature. Designed to achieve optimum precision, it provides the operator with a super fine touch and easy smooth and precise controllability. The responsiveness of the hydraulics enhances operational efficiency, allowing operators to tackle intricate tasks with accuracy and speed. The hydraulic system comes with an auto-idle function as standard and improves fuel efficiency by reducing engine speed automatically when the operator is not using the control levers.
Operator-Centric Cab
The R35Z-9AK cabin has been designed to offer every operator a productive and stress-free working environment. Its ergonomic design will improve performance and lower fatigue. The control levers are easily accessible, and an instrument display keeps the operator informed of relevant machine information. The monitoring system of the R35Z-9AK provides the operator with a wealth of machine status information, including engine oil pressure lamp, battery charge lamp, engine coolant temperature and a fuel gauge.
All pedals are foldable for additional floor space. The footrest, attachment pedal, left and right travel pedals and boom swing pedal are arranged for convenient access. In a 9A series cabin, drivers can easily adjust the seat and wrist-rest settings to best suit their preferred operating position. The left and right control levers are ergonomically located for convenient access. The tiltable left-side control console provides easier entrance and exit from the cab. Storage compartments and cup holders are integrated into the right console and there is an additional storage box with a key lock under the operator’s seat.
Long Life Components Reduce Servicing
The peace of mind that comes with quick, low-effort servicing is also part of the HD Hyundai Effect. The R35Z-9AK is designed for fast, easy maintenance and repairs with convenient access to important servicing points.
The engine hood opens wide to provide easy access for cleaning and routine tasks. All components and materials have been optimised to ensure a long, trouble-free life. With some components, this can extend service intervals, minimise operating costs and reduce machine downtime.
These include bushings designed for extended lube intervals (250 hours), polymer shims for enhanced wear resistance and reduced noise, extended-life hydraulic filters (1000 hours), long-life hydraulic oil (5000 hours), more efficient cooling systems and integrated preheating systems.
A Testament to HD Hyundai Excellence
The R35Z-9AK has garnered positive feedback within the industry, with users praising its performance, reliability, and the overall value it brings to construction projects. This positive reception adds weight to the machine’s reputation in the compact excavator market.
The HD Hyundai R35Z-9AK Compact Excavator combines power, precision, and operator comfort in a compact package. Its versatility, durability, and advanced features make it a standout choice for contractors and construction professionals seeking a reliable and efficient excavator for a wide range of applications. The R35Z-9AK stands as a testament to HD Hyundai’s commitment to delivering quality construction equipment tailored to the evolving needs of the industry.
For more information on the range of HD Hyundai Compact Excavators, contact us today.
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