Behind The Product: HW155A & HW165A - An interview with Senior Gu Yoongang

Hyundai Construction Equipment presents the upgraded models of previous machines, HW155A and HW165A. Equipped with an eco-friendlier engine that satisfies the new emission standards, the two models express the ambition of the company to create construction equipment that is better in fuel efficiency, easier to manufacture, and more convenient. Learn more about HW155A and HW165A from this interview with Gu Yoongang, a senior in the Global PM (Product Management) & Marketing team.

Q. It's great to meet you. Please introduce yourself.

Good to meet you too. My name is Gu Yoongang, and I work in the Global PM & Marketing team. I am in charge of projects regarding our large wheel excavator products.

Q. I hear that the 2022 HW155A and HW165A are upgraded from their previous models. What models are they?

HW155A and HW165A are improved versions of the 14-ton wheel excavators HW145+ and HW145+ 2PC, which belong to the A series brand that succeeds the HW series.



Q. The company applied a new system to increase the machine's fuel efficiency. What system is it, and what does the system do?

The new system is called the Electronic Positive Flow Control system, also known as the EPFC system. It electronically controls the open center hydraulic system, increasing fuel efficiency. Compared to the previous models without the EPFC system, we have found a 4.5% decrease in fuel use in the newer models.



Q. There seem to be many other upgrades made to the new models.

Of course. The counterweight is 250kg heavier compared to the previous models, and the length of the boom is 10cm longer. Also, the inner diameter of the boom cylinder is 10mm wider, which increases the lifting power of the machines.

Q. What convenience features are added to the new models?

Let me start with the cabin and the driver's seat. The forward and reverse drive switches were placed on the steering wheel as a lever, but we moved them to the RCV lever on the right side of the seat. So, by adding the RCV control option, you can control the machine only using the RCV, without having to move your hand from the steering wheel to the drive lever continuously. This relocation of the drive lever clears the view. The ram lock switch is also placed on the RCV lever switch, making the RCV a convenient multi-purpose lever.

We have added an auto brake feature as well. This relieves drivers from having to press on the brake pedal while performing a task. With this feature, the driver will only have to control the accelerator pedal. Furthermore, the wider now wipes the upper and lower side of the windshield which helps drivers see through the windshield better, and the rider control feature helps you drive the machine more conveniently.

Q. Safety has become a serious concern on construction sites. You must have had a hard time making HW155A and HW165A safer. What safety features do the two models include?

We maintained the AAVM (All-Around View Monitoring) function equipped on the previous models and added a safety radar. The new radar is placed on the rear side of the machine. It recognizes moving objects around the machine and gives an alert by analyzing the distance between the object and the machine, which allows a safer working environment. The alert goes off inside the cabin as well as on the outside, playing a pre-recorded "keep clear" sound to prevent potential accidents.

Q. What would be the biggest advantage of HW155A and HW165A?

It would be the convenience of the machines. As I mentioned earlier, the RCV control function and the auto brake allow a comfort you might never have experienced in other construction machines. The multi-purpose RCV makes your hand stay on the RCV lever and the auto brake frees your feet from pressing the pedal. The auto brake also activates the auto ram lock function, so you would feel a lot more comfortable performing tasks.

Q. Who would be your target demographic for HW155A and HW165A?

As same as before, those who primarily use 14-ton wheeled construction equipment.

Q. What word would describe the two models the best?

An all-rounder. 14-ton wheeled equipment is suitable for any task. You can equip it with forks instead of a bucket to utilize the equipment like a forklift. You can equip it with a grapple to make it a grappler. Equip a mower or a mulcher, it becomes a large weed whacker clearing the site. Being HCE's most convenient 14-ton wheeled machines, HW155A and HW165A will be an all-rounder serving any task you require.

Q. What made you start developing HW155A and HW165A?

The European Union introduced the new Stage V emission standard in April 2022. We had to abide by the regulation, so we started planning for the new models. Also, the new technologies we have developed were not compatible with the conventional models, so we had to create a new design suitable for those.

Q. What were the primary concerns while developing the two models? How did they direct the development?

We focused on three aspects: sustainability, innovation, and safety. We adopted a six-cylindered Cummins engine, which meets our sustainability goals. We added various convenience features to reach our innovation goals. We applied numerous new technologies for the boom suspension, steering stick that can shift angles twice, open design for easier urea solution fueling, tilted engine hood for better rear visibility, and a horizontal wiper wiping all over the windshield. We also included the safety locks, an emergency engine brake button, upper handrails, and the radar to enhance the safety.

Q. Is there any memorable episode during the development?

At first, we were developing HW145A, which was a follow-up model for our 14.5-ton model HW145. But as we progress, we wanted to make something better than a follow-up. We decided to apply a heavier counterweight for increased stability and extend the length of the boom to make the machine more versatile. In the process, the machine became heavier than what we had planned. We thought about what we should do and decided to change our goal. We were now developing a brand-new model, which was later named HW155A. It is a complicated history, but it shows our love and dedication put into this model.

Q. The machines had their trial runs with our customers, and HW155A has already met its first customer. What feedback did you get?

We mostly got positive comments, saying the machine runs very smoothly and our products have been on spot in the recent years. The customers told us that the machines have good mileage, and they cause fewer malfunctions. One of them said "Keep up the good work!", which made us very proud.

Q. Any comment on finishing the development of HW155A and HW165A?

I would like to thank everyone who was involved in the process, especially our fellow members in the sales, development, manufacturing, and other departments. The new models will reach more customers and I will continue to listen to those customers to make HW155A and HW165A the best construction equipment.

Q. What are some goals you want to achieve in the next project?

The European market is the largest market for wheel excavators, but the Korean market is growing as big. So, I would like to bring in zero tail swing excavators only used in Europe and adapt them to the Korean environment.



Q. Any words for customers who are considering purchasing the new machines?

HW155A and HW165A would be the most economical and profitable choices you could make. It has high fuel efficiency, it is stable, and it has great lifting power. The fact that you could equip them with a grapple, a tiltrotator, and other various working equipment makes them versatile machines. With their focus on numerous convenience features, you will be comfortable riding and operating the machines. Please consider HW155A and HW165A. They will make you rich.



You wouldn't ask for more when you meet HW155A and HW165A. They have everything one could hope for in construction equipment: fuel efficiency, productivity, and convenience. Give Hyundai Construction Equipment's ambitious new products a try. We hope you could experience its excellence yourself.