Evaluating Hyundai Excavators Manufactured in India

[MikePhua]

Hyundai’s Expansion into the Indian Market
Hyundai Construction Equipment, a division of Hyundai Heavy Industries, began manufacturing excavators in India to meet growing demand across South Asia and Africa. The company established its production facility in Chakan, Maharashtra, which now serves as a strategic hub for both domestic sales and exports. This move allowed Hyundai to offer competitive pricing, localized support, and faster delivery times while maintaining core design principles inherited from its Korean operations.
The Indian-built models, including the R110-7, are based on global platforms but adapted for regional conditions. These adaptations include reinforced undercarriages for rocky terrain, simplified electronics for easier field service, and compatibility with locally sourced hydraulic oils and filters.
Terminology and Component Notes
- Excavator: A tracked or wheeled machine used for digging, lifting, and demolition, powered by hydraulic systems.
- R110-7: A mid-sized Hyundai excavator with an operating weight around 11 metric tons, designed for general construction and quarry work.
- OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer): A company that produces parts or machines under its own brand, often with global design standards.
- Warranty Coverage: A contractual guarantee that covers repair or replacement of defective components within a specified time or usage limit.
- Breaker Compatibility: The ability of an excavator to support hydraulic hammers for concrete or rock demolition.
Performance and Reliability of the R110-7
The R110-7 manufactured in India has received positive feedback for its balance of power, fuel efficiency, and hydraulic responsiveness. Equipped with a turbocharged diesel engine and load-sensing hydraulics, it delivers smooth operation in trenching, loading, and breaker applications. The machine’s breakout force and cycle times are comparable to Korean-built units, with minor differences in component sourcing.
Key specifications:

• Operating weight: ~11,000 kg
  
• Engine output: ~85 hp
  
• Bucket capacity: ~0.5 m³
  
• Hydraulic flow: ~180 L/min
  
• Breaker compatibility: 1,000–1,500 ft-lb class
  

Operators report that the machine performs well in hard soil and concrete demolition, with sufficient flow and pressure to drive mid-range hydraulic hammers. The swing speed and arm regeneration system allow for efficient trenching and loading cycles.
Parts Availability and Aftermarket Support
One of the major concerns with regionally manufactured equipment is parts compatibility. Hyundai India has addressed this by maintaining a centralized parts warehouse and offering full support through authorized dealers. Most consumables—filters, seals, hoses—are interchangeable with global models, and critical components like pumps and valves are sourced from Tier 1 suppliers.
Support features:

• Two-year unlimited-hour warranty on new machines
  
• Local dealer network with trained technicians
  
• Competitive pricing on wear parts and service kits
  
• Online parts catalog and ordering system
  

In Sri Lanka, a contractor noted that parts for his Indian-built R110-7 were readily available, and service costs were lower than for imported Korean units. This accessibility has made the Indian models attractive for buyers in neighboring countries.
Import Considerations and Regional Logistics
Importing excavators directly from India can offer cost advantages, but it also introduces risks. Machines purchased outside the local dealer network may lack warranty coverage, and customs clearance can be complicated by documentation discrepancies. Additionally, machines built for Indian emission standards may not meet regulations in other countries.
Recommendations for importers:

• Purchase through authorized dealers to ensure warranty and support
  
• Verify emission compliance and homologation for the destination country
  
• Confirm parts compatibility and service access before committing
  
• Request build sheets and serial number documentation for customs clearance
  

In Australia, machines imported from China without dealer support faced issues with parts mismatch and lack of warranty. Similar risks apply to Indian imports unless properly managed.
Hyundai’s Global Excavator Strategy
Hyundai Heavy Industries began producing excavators in the late 1980s and quickly expanded into global markets. The company’s focus on modular design and shared platforms allows regional factories to produce machines with consistent quality. The Indian facility contributes to Hyundai’s goal of becoming a top-three global construction equipment brand.
Sales data shows Hyundai excavators gaining market share in India, Bangladesh, and the Middle East, with the R110-7 and R140LC-9 being top sellers. The company continues to invest in R&D and dealer training to support its expanding footprint.
Conclusion
Hyundai excavators built in India, particularly the R110-7, offer a compelling mix of affordability, reliability, and regional support. While they share core design elements with Korean models, localized adaptations make them well-suited for South Asian conditions. Buyers should prioritize dealer-backed purchases to ensure warranty coverage and parts access. In the evolving landscape of global equipment manufacturing, Hyundai’s Indian-built machines prove that quality and cost-efficiency can coexist—when backed by thoughtful engineering and robust support.