Performance of Hyundai Front End Wheel Loaders 

Heavy-Duty Production: HL757-9S, HL760-9S, HL775-9S 

Production loading operations demand machines that balance power with reliability. The HL757-9S runs a Hyundai HE6.7 engine producing 129 kW gross power. Its 2.7 m³ bucket capacity and 14,000 kg operating weight place it firmly in the production loader category. 

The HL760-9S switches to a Hyundai HM8.3 engine rated at 160 kW. Operating weight jumps to 17,600 kg with a 3.1 m³ bucket. This model handles truck loading duties in quarries and mines where consistent cycle times drive productivity. The breakout force reaches 15,950 kg—enough to penetrate compacted bank material without excessive wear on bucket components. 

Moving up the range, the HL775-9S instals a Cummins QSM11 engine producing 224 kW gross power. The 4.5 m³ bucket capacity matches it to loading 30-35 tonne trucks efficiently. Operating weight sits at 24,100 kg, providing the stability needed when handling heavy loads at height. 

All three models share the 9S series cab design with automatic climate control, adjustable suspension seats, and the advanced 5.7-inch colour monitor. The monitor displays hydraulic system status, transmission gear selection, and fault codes—helping operators identify issues before they become failures. 

Hydraulic Performance Data 

The hydraulic systems use open-centred tandem circuits with pilot-operated controls. Load-sensing technology adjusts pump flow to match demand, reducing parasitic power losses that waste fuel. Operators notice smoother joystick response compared to fixed-displacement systems. 

Boom kickout and bucket positioner functions come standard. These automatically stop boom lift or bucket rotation at preset points, preventing overfilling and reducing spillage during truck loading. 

Flagship Model: HL780-9S 

The HL780-9S tops the Hyundai construction equipment range with a Cummins QSM11 engine producing 260 kW gross power. The 5.1 m³ bucket capacity and 29,500 kg operating weight place it among the largest wheel loaders operating in South African mines and quarries. 

This machine loads 40-50 tonne trucks in 3-4 passes, maintaining cycle times that keep trucks moving without excessive waiting. The breakout force reaches 24,820 kg—higher than some excavators in its weight class. Operators working in blasted rock or dense clay appreciate this capability. 

The wheelbase stretches to 3,700 mm, providing stability when lifting heavy loads. Rear axle oscillation of ±13 degrees (26 degrees total) helps maintain traction and ride comfort on uneven haul roads. The hydraulic system pushes 471 litres per minute through the circuits—essential for moving the large cylinders quickly. 

The HL780-9S includes heavy-duty axle options and an axle cooling system for extended operation in high-ambient temperatures. South African summers push equipment hard, and these features prevent overheating during 10-12 hour shifts. 

The fuel tank holds 450 litres, typically sufficient for a full shift with periodic refuelling. Actual consumption varies dramatically based on cycle length, material density, and operator technique. Skilled operators consistently achieve better fuel economy than specification testing suggests.

What are the different sizes of Hyundai loaders? 

Hyundai offers eight wheel loader models ranging from compact to heavy production machines. The sizing follows a logical progression based on bucket capacity, operating weight, and engine power—each model targets specific applications and production requirements. 

The smallest model, the HL635VL, weighs 10,400 kg with a 1.7 m³ bucket. This compact loader fits operations with space constraints or lower material volumes. The HL665VL doubles the engine power and increases bucket capacity to 3.0 m³ whilst maintaining reasonable fuel consumption. 

Mid-range models include the HL730-9S (9,700 kg, 1.8 m³), HL740-9S (11,550 kg, 2.1 m³), HL757-9S (14,000 kg, 2.7 m³), and HL760-9S (17,600 kg, 3.1 m³). These machines serve construction, aggregate, and smaller mining operations where versatility matters more than raw production capacity. 

Production loaders comprise the HL775-9S (24,100 kg, 4.5 m³) and HL780-9S (29,500 kg, 5.1 m³). These heavy machines match well to truck loading cycles in quarries and mines where consistent throughput drives profitability. 

The size progression allows operators to match machines precisely to their requirements without overpaying for capacity they won’t use. A quarry loading 20-tonne trucks doesn’t need an HL780-9S, just as a mining operation loading 50-tonne trucks can’t achieve target production with an HL730-9S. 

Model Selection Guide 

Selecting the appropriate loader size depends on several factors: 

• Truck capacity – Loaders should fill trucks in 3-5 passes for optimal efficiency 

• Material density – Heavier materials require larger machines for equivalent volume 

• Cycle distance – Shorter cycles favour larger buckets; longer cycles need balanced capacity 

• Site constraints – Available working space may limit maximum machine size 

• Fuel budget – Larger machines consume more fuel, even when underutilised 

HPE Africa’s technical team helps customers analyse these factors before recommending specific models. The analysis considers not just current requirements but anticipated growth or changes in operation. 

What is the bucket capacity of Hyundai Wheel loaders? 

Bucket capacity ratings follow SAE standards with both heaped and struck measurements. Heaped capacity assumes material fills the bucket and piles above the top edge at the material’s natural angle of repose. Struck capacity measures only material level with the bucket top edge. 

The HL635VL offers 1.7 m³ heaped capacity (1.5 m³ struck). This suits materials like loose soil, sand, and crushed aggregate in the 1.6-1.8 tonne/m³ density range. The bucket fills easily without excessive breakout force requirements. 

Moving through the range: 

• HL665VL: 3.0 m³ heaped / 2.5 m³ struck 

• HL730-9S: 1.8 m³ heaped / 1.5 m³ struck 

• HL740-9S: 2.1 m³ heaped / 1.78 m³ struck 

• HL757-9S: 2.7 m³ heaped / 2.3 m³ struck 

• HL760-9S: 3.1 m³ heaped / 2.7 m³ struck 

• HL775-9S: 4.5 m³ heaped / 3.8 m³ struck 

• HL780-9S: 5.1 m³ heaped / 4.3 m³ struck 

Material density dramatically affects actual payload. A 3.0 m³ bucket holds 3.0 tonnes of dry sand (1.0 tonne/m³ density) but 5.4 tonnes of wet aggregate (1.8 tonne/m³). Operators must consider both bucket volume and machine tipping load when handling dense materials. 

Hyundai provides bucket selection charts in specification sheets showing appropriate sizes for different material densities. Using buckets larger than recommended risks exceeding tipping loads or overloading the hydraulic system. Conversely, undersized buckets reduce productivity and increase cycle counts unnecessarily. 

Optional Bucket Configurations 

Standard buckets come with bolt-on cutting edges and either one-piece or multi-piece tooth configurations. Optional buckets include: 

• Light material buckets – Increased volume for low-density materials 

• Rock buckets – Reinforced construction for blasted material 

• Cutting edge buckets – Smooth edge without teeth for finished surfaces 

• Quick coupler systems – Tool-free bucket changes 

The Hyundai Soosan parts inventory at HPE Africa includes replacement teeth, cutting edges, and bucket components. Keeping spare wear items on hand prevents extended downtime when replacements are needed. 

Advanced Technology Features 

Modern Hyundai loaders incorporate technology that improves productivity whilst reducing operating costs. The Hi-Mate remote managing system provides real-time machine monitoring through GPS and telematics. Fleet managers track location, fuel consumption, operating hours, and fault codes from any internet-connected device. 

The system sends alerts when machines require service or when operators exceed programmed work boundaries. This prevents unauthorised use and helps schedule maintenance during planned downtime rather than emergency breakdowns. 

Inside the cab, the 5.7-inch colour monitor displays critical information without overwhelming operators. The screen shows engine RPM, transmission gear, hydraulic oil temperature, and coolant temperature simultaneously. Fault codes appear with plain-language descriptions rather than cryptic number sequences. 

Three engine operating modes (Power, Standard, Economy) let operators balance performance against fuel consumption. The system monitors load and automatically adjusts engine speed to match demand, preventing unnecessary fuel burn during light-duty work. 

Automatic transmission controls reduce operator workload compared to manual shift patterns. The system reads ground speed, engine load, and hydraulic demand to select optimal gear ratios. Kick-down buttons on the joystick provide manual override when operators need immediate power response. 

Operator Comfort and Safety 

The 9S series cab design prioritises all-day comfort. The rounded front glass provides 17% more visibility than previous generations, helping operators see bucket position and avoid obstacles. Tinted glass reduces glare whilst maintaining visibility. 

Climate control systems feature 11 air vents with independent temperature adjustment. Operators working in 40°C+ summer heat or near-freezing winter mornings maintain comfortable cab temperatures throughout shifts. Defroster vents on front and rear windows prevent condensation that blocks visibility. 

Suspension seats with adjustable air or mechanical systems reduce whole-body vibration transmitted through the machine. The steering column tilts and telescopes across 40 degrees and 80 mm, accommodating operators of different heights without compromising reach to controls. 

Sound suppression brings cab noise levels below 80 dB(A)—within acceptable limits for extended exposure. Operators communicate by radio and hear backup alarms without excessive background noise interfering. 

ROPS/FOPS (Roll-Over Protective Structure / Falling Object Protective Structure) certification comes standard, providing protection during rollovers or impacts from falling material. The cab structure undergoes impact testing to verify protection standards are met. 

Maintenance and Service Access 

Hyundai designed the 9S series with service access as a primary consideration. The rear engine cover swings open over 45 degrees on gas struts, exposing the engine compartment without tools. Ground-level access to daily service points eliminates climbing for routine checks. 

Coolant sight gauges, transmission oil level indicators, and hydraulic tank levels are visible without opening panels. Fuel filters, oil filters, and grease fittings locate where technicians can reach them quickly. This design reduces service time and encourages proper preventive maintenance. 

The hydraulic system uses 5,000-hour oil change intervals when using approved fluids. This extended interval reduces fluid costs and downtime compared to older equipment requiring 2,000-hour changes. Oil analysis programs help verify fluid condition between intervals. 

Transmission and axle oils similarly extend to longer service intervals through improved sealing and filtration. The total maintenance cost per operating hour decreases as service intervals lengthen—assuming operators perform scheduled maintenance correctly. 

HPE Africa’s service network provides trained technicians familiar with Hyundai equipment. Parts availability through local inventory reduces lead times compared to importing components for each repair. The company stocks common wear items like filters, belts, and hydraulic hoses for immediate supply. 

Common Maintenance Items 

Regular maintenance keeps loaders running efficiently: 

1. Daily checks – Engine oil level, coolant level, hydraulic oil level, tyre condition, visual inspection 
2. 50-hour service – Grease all pivot points, check air filter, inspect hoses and connections 
3. 250-hour service – Engine oil and filter change, fuel filter replacement, transmission filter inspection 
4. 500-hour service – Hydraulic filter replacement, brake system inspection, cooling system check 
5. 1,000-hour service – Detailed inspection, fluid sampling, axle oil check 
6. 2,000-hour service – Transmission oil change, detailed component inspection

Following the manufacturer’s service schedule prevents premature failures and maintains resale value. Operators who defer maintenance typically face expensive repairs that exceed the cost of proper preventive service. 

Fuel Efficiency and Operating Costs 

Fuel consumption represents a significant portion of loader operating costs. Hyundai addresses this through multiple technologies working together—low-RPM engines, efficient hydraulic systems, and operator-selectable power modes. 

The Weichai and Cummins engines incorporate common-rail fuel injection and turbocharging. These technologies improve combustion efficiency whilst meeting emission standards. The engines develop peak torque at relatively low RPM (1,300-1,500), allowing them to work effectively without revving to maximum speed constantly. 

Load-sensing hydraulics adjust pump output to match demand. When the operator isn’t moving hydraulic functions, pump flow reduces and the engine doesn’t work against full system pressure. This seemingly minor detail reduces fuel consumption by 5-10% over fixed-displacement systems that run at full pressure continuously. 

The remote-mounted hydraulically-driven cooling fan operates only at speeds necessary to maintain proper temperatures. At idle or during light work, fan speed reduces, saving engine power that would otherwise turn the fan unnecessarily. The system can also reverse automatically to clear debris from coolers. 

Actual fuel consumption varies based on application: 

• Light loading with short cycles and loose material – Better than specification 

• Heavy excavating in compacted material – Near specification figures 

• Long travel distances with minimal loading – Reduced consumption 

• Idle time between work cycles – Significant waste

Operators who minimise idle time, match engine mode to workload, and maintain steady cycle rhythms achieve the best fuel economy. Fleet managers using Hi-Mate data often identify operators who consistently perform better or worse than average—allowing for targeted training. 

Real-World Applications 

Hyundai loaders serve diverse applications across South African industries. In aggregate quarries, machines like the HL775-9S and HL780-9S load crushed stone into trucks for transport to concrete batching plants and road construction sites. The large buckets and powerful engines maintain production targets even when material density varies. 

Construction sites use mid-range models like the HL740-9S and HL757-9S for stockpiling excavated material, loading trucks, and placing fill. These machines provide enough capacity for efficient work without the fuel consumption of larger loaders. 

Agricultural operations employ compact models like the HL635VL for handling grain, moving feed, and general farm tasks. The smaller size allows operation in existing buildings and around other equipment without excessive space requirements. 

Mining operations—particularly smaller mines and contract mining companies—rely on the HL760-9S through HL780-9S range for ore handling, waste removal, and stockpile management. The machines run multiple shifts daily, where reliability directly impacts production targets. 

Similar machines serve coal handling facilities, scrap yards, logistics centres, and municipal operations. The versatility of wheel loaders makes them useful across industries—each application slightly different but all requiring reliable material handling. 

Integration with Excavators 

Many operations run both Hyundai excavators and wheel loaders, creating efficient material handling systems. Excavators dig and load trucks or stockpile material. Loaders then handle stockpile management, load smaller vehicles, or move material within the site. 

This combination allows each machine to work at its strength. Excavators excel at digging below their working level and loading high-sided trucks. Loaders handle stockpile work efficiently and provide mobility for varied tasks around a site. 

Parts commonality between Hyundai excavators and loaders simplifies inventory management. Filters, fluids, and some hydraulic components interchange between machine types, reducing the spare parts investment needed to support a mixed fleet.