HPE Africa is the proud supplier of Hyundai Mini Excavators across Southern Africa.
When you’re working in confined spaces across South African construction sites, your excavator needs to deliver full-sized performance in a compact package. HPE Africa supplies the complete Hyundai mini excavator range, from the 3.5-ton R35Z-9 to the 15-ton R150LS, giving you machines that access tight spaces without compromising on digging force or operational efficiency.
These machines handle the work that larger excavators can't reach. The R35Z-9 models excel in residential construction, utility installations, and landscaping where you're working between existing structures or along property boundaries. With operating weights between 3,500kg and 6,100kg, these compact units access sites through standard residential gates while delivering bucket digging forces up to 5,250 kgf. If your operation involves deeper trenching or basement excavation in urban environments, the R85S SMART and R150LS provide maximum dig depths of 4,205mm and 5,150mm respectively. These mid-range models combine zero-tail-swing or reduced-tail-swing designs with bucket capacities from 0.32m³ to 0.72m³, which suits contractors handling foundation work, service installations, and site preparation in established neighbourhoods.
The zero-tail-swing configuration on models like the R35Z-9 matters when you're working alongside buildings or in road repair applications. Your operators can swing the boom 360 degrees without the counterweight extending beyond the track width, which eliminates the need for spotters and reduces the risk of property damage in confined areas.
Hyundai's load-sensing hydraulic systems in these mini excavators provide responsive control and smooth operation throughout the digging cycle. The R85A SMART delivers a bucket digging force of 5,250 kgf—comparable to some 10-ton machines—while maintaining the compact footprint needed for restricted sites. This hydraulic efficiency means your operators complete trenching and excavation work faster without the fuel consumption penalties of oversized equipment.
The SMART PLUS systems on models like the R85A and R150LS offer multiple power modes that let operators balance performance with fuel economy. In standard mode, you get optimal digging speed for production work. Switch to economy mode during lighter tasks like backfilling or grading, and you'll reduce diesel consumption by up to 15% compared to full-power operation.
Visibility directly affects both productivity and safety in confined spaces. These excavators position operators with clear sightlines to bucket edges, track positions, and the immediate work area. The R150LS features a riser cabin design that improves visibility by 20% compared to standard configurations, which matters most when you're working near underground utilities or existing structures.
Your excavation depth requirements, transport limitations, and typical application determine which model fits best. Operations focused on residential foundations and utility trenches typically work efficiently with the HX60G—these models provide 3,150mm and 3,760mm maximum dig depths while remaining transportable on standard trailers without special permits.
When you're handling basement excavations or deeper service installations, the R85S SMART delivers 4,205mm dig depth with an operating weight of 8,100kg. This strikes the balance between digging capability and the portability needed for multi-site contractors working across Gauteng or Western Cape residential developments.
For contractors managing larger commercial site preparation or substantial foundation work, the R150LS provides 5,150mm maximum dig depth and bucket capacity up to 0.72m³. This model suits operations that need mini excavator maneuverability combined with the production capacity to handle commercial groundwork efficiently.
Transport logistics affect your operating efficiency as much as machine performance. The R35Z-9 weighs 3,500kg and measures 1,500mm wide with rubber tracks, which means you can transport it on a light trailer behind a bakkie and access sites through standard residential gates.
Mid-range models like the HX60G and R85S require 3.5-ton trailers but still maintain transport dimensions that don't require police escorts or special route planning. These machines move efficiently between sites across Johannesburg, Pretoria, or Cape Town metropolitan areas without the transport complications of larger excavators.
The R150LS needs standard heavy equipment transport, but its reduced-tail-swing design still provides better maneuverability than conventional 15-ton excavators when you're working in established commercial areas or along existing structures.
We maintain comprehensive parts inventory for the entire Hyundai mini excavator range at our facilities. These compact machines require regular maintenance—hydraulic system service, undercarriage inspections, and engine care—and we recommend establishing preventive maintenance schedules that match your operating intensity. Our technicians understand the demands of multi-site construction operations and work with you to minimize downtime.
The simplified maintenance design on these machines reduces service time compared to competitors. Engine compartments provide ground-level access to filters and service points, which means your operators can complete daily checks without climbing on the machine. This design consideration reduces the risk of service-related delays between jobs.
When you're ready to discuss which mini excavator configuration matches your excavation requirements and site access limitations, our equipment specialists provide assessments based on your actual operational parameters. We'll help you determine the right model based on your typical dig depths, transport capabilities, and the confined-space challenges you face across South African construction sites.
