R A Swann staying loyal to Hyundai equipment

10 December, 2019

Demolition firm boosts existing plant fleet with new HX160L crawler excavator

HERTFORDSHIRE-based R A Swann Ltd – specialists in plant hire, groundworks and contract demolition – currently employ more than 20 staff, including two full-time mechanics who are responsible for the maintenance/servicing of machines across the company’s fleet.

The business began to introduce Hyundai equipment, supplied by local dealers Ernest Doe, to its mobile plant fleet in 1997 and today the company operates seven Hyundai machines ranging from six to 30 tonnes.

Robert Swann, founder of R A Swann, commented, ‘We have had very few issues with the Hyundai machines and find them very reliable overall. We do all our own servicing and if we are not sure about something technical, the team at Ernest Doe are always very helpful with advice.

‘Our operators really like them and we have all noted the vast improvements the company has made in quality as each new range comes out. They are now much more refined, smoother and more controllable to operate. We felt the biggest leap forward came with the introduction of the HX range in 2016, which we feel puts them right up there with the perceived big brands.’

The demolition contractor recently took delivery of a new Hyundai HX160L excavator, which has been configured to full demo specification featuring both a ROPS/FOPS operator cab and FOG (falling object guard) cage to ensure operators are protected at all times during operation.

The HX160L is powered by a Tier 4 Final emission-compliant Perkins 1204F diesel engine that delivers 128hp at 2,050 rev/min. With a bucket capacity ranging from 0.39 to 1.05 cubic metres, the machine has a maximum digging depth of 6,560mm and a maximum dumping height of 6,390mm.

R A Swann have also opted for the HX160XL unit for its size and versatility. Sitting on 700mm track pads, the excavator has a footprint width of 2,690mm – some 400mm narrower than Hyundai’s 20-tonne machine offerings, which allows it to access gateways where a 20 tonner cannot.