Hyundai Construction Equipment Europe has unveiled the first two models in the Next Generation of crawler excavators. The 36-tonne HX360L and 40-tonne HX400L are powered by Hyundai’s own award-winning DX08 diesel engine and feature a host of innovative new technologies to make operation easier and safer, and to boost productivity for customers.

• Award-winning Hyundai DX08 diesel engines deliver power and economy
• Full electro-hydraulic controls improve operating efficiency
• Innovative optional bucket weighing system available
• Easy access and 1,000-hour engine oil and filter service intervals cut costs
• SAVM intelligent camera system with E-Stop improves safety

Power and Economy

The six-cylinder Hyundai DX08 engine is a clean-sheet design that develops up to 341hp (254kW) and a powerful 1,460Nm of torque. A two-stage turbocharger contributes to a 23% higher power output than previous generation engines, with durability built-in through robust design. The EU Stage V/Tier 4F engine is constructed of high-strength materials with wear resistance to all major drivetrain components.

The result is improved performance and economy, with lower operating costs. The engines boast an 8% fuel efficiency gain over older designs. Oil filter and engine oil change intervals have been extended to 1,000 hours of operation, reducing cost and cutting downtime. The engine meets EU Stage V emissions regulations without the need for costly Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) and Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) cleaning intervals are extended up to 8,000 hours.

Built around a common 1.25-litre cylinder capacity, the DX08 and four-cylinder DX05 engine families were crowned Diesel of the Year 2025. Utilising an ECU and software developed in-house, the Hyundai engines have been tailored to meet the specific requirements of excavator use.

The Next Generation excavators boast a completely new design, with improved Rexroth hydraulic pumps, plus in-house swing and travel motors. The HX360L and HX400L are the first Hyundai excavators to feature full electro-hydraulic (FEH) control of main pump flow and the individual control valves. This precise control of hydraulic output, through the use of EPOS (Electronic Pump Optimising System) and a virtual bleed-off valve, improves responsiveness for the operator and reduces fuel consumption.

The machines are designed for use with buckets of 2.3m3 capacity, on a 2.9m dipper arm. The HX400L boasts a 7.4-tonne counterweight, 1,000kg heavier than previously, to deliver maximum stability and counter the additional front-end performance that is on offer. A straight boom option will be offered for the first time for demolition customers.

Operator Control

The Next Generation cab delivers a new level of operator comfort and control. Premium leather seating is available, with heating and cooling functions. There are two 12.8” high-definition monitors on offer and the electro-hydraulic lever and pedal controls allow the operator to set every individual hydraulic function’s response and speed to suit their own preference.

FEH controls send an electrical signal to the control valves, delivering faster, more accurate operation of hydraulic functions. There is no back pressure or energy loss, as the exact oil flow and pressure is delivered when required, resulting in a fuel efficiency improvement of up to 8% over hydraulic servo levers.

The system also makes it possible for the operator to travel the machine using a single foot pedal, reducing effort and fatigue. The left or right joystick can be programmed to steer the machine, in both forward or backward travel.

An optional digital key allows keyless entry and starting of the excavator from a smartphone. Other options include a weighing function, that automatically calculates the material in the bucket, allowing the operator to more accurately load road-going trucks. 2D machine control and machine guidance can easily be controlled from the joysticks and there is a Virtual Wall setting that can be used to present ceiling, wall and floor limits, to increase efficiency, productivity and safety.

A Lift Assist option provides the operator with a map of four quadrants, that show where it is safe to move a load when lifting. Advanced Lift Assist provides increased accuracy with the working zone split into eight areas.

Increased Safety

Hyundai’s popular AAVM (Advanced Around View Monitoring) has been upgraded to SAVM (Smart Around View Monitoring). In place of the previous four camera system, the new machines boast six cameras, including three embedded into the counterweight. With the help of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the system automatically detects human presence within the operating area, with images shown on the large monitors in the cab.

There is also a Radar Object Warning System, with three wide-angle radars capable of detecting people and objects. When an object is detected, the system automatically activates visual and audible warnings. An E-Stop function uses the radar system to control deceleration, eventually stopping the machine during excavator movement, if the operator fails to react to the warnings. A four-corner beacon set-up ensures maximum machine visibility in all light conditions and from all angles.

Additional safety systems include six LED working lights, a white noise alarm, cab roof guard, cab welcome lights and an external microphone, to allow the operator to warm other workers on site.

Service Savings

Wide opening access panels provide easy service and maintenance, with engine oil and oil and fuel filter intervals extended from 500 to 1,000 hours. Coolant changes are set at 6,000 hours and DPF ash cleaning is at 8,000 hours, reducing downtime and boosting productivity. The machines have a reversible cooling fan, making it easier to remove debris from the cooling radiators on dusty job sites.

Prognostics and Health Management (PHM) technology delivers real-time monitoring of machine condition and can help to predict future potential problems, in time to proactively service or maintain the machine. The excavators have Hyundai’s Hi-MATE telematic system as standard, delivering usage reports, maintenance notifications, location and theft protection.

The HX360L and HX400L mark the start of a complete crawler excavator overhaul for Hyundai. Rather than simply making improvements to existing models, the company is breaking the mold with a totally new, ground-up excavator design. With Hyundai engines and hydraulic components, increased structural strength and robust design, the Next Generation excavators look set to move the tracked excavator market to a new level of productivity, controllability and efficiency.