HD Construction Equipment sees fuel-saving excavator sales surge

HD Construction Equipment's 32-ton next-generation excavator / Courtesy of HD Construction Equipment

By Lee Kyung-min

• Published Apr 15, 2026 4:10 PM KST

In a construction industry squeezed by persistently high fuel costs, a new line of high-efficiency excavators is gaining rapid traction in the Korean market.

HD Construction Equipment said Wednesday that its 32-ton Hyundai HX320 has emerged as a breakout seller, with about 60 units sold since its January debut. The figure represents a more than 50 percent increase over the performance of its predecessor in the same period, as firms increasingly prioritize long-term operating efficiency over upfront equipment costs.

The company said the surge reflects growing demand for machines that combine fuel savings with advanced performance.

The HX320 is equipped with the company’s in-house DX08 engine and an electronically controlled hydraulic system, designed to optimize efficiency while maintaining output. The model delivers peak performance at 1,800 RPM, lowering engine speed compared with earlier versions.

Fuel efficiency has improved by 25 percent, the company said, allowing operators to save about 6.6 million won ($4,500) annually based on 1,500 operating hours.

The excavator is part of HD Construction Equipment’s push into “smart” construction equipment, featuring artificial intelligence-based safety systems, semiautomatic controls and real-time equipment monitoring.

Later this year, the company plans to broaden its portfolio with a 32-ton model under the Develon banner, the brand launched to replace the Doosan Construction Equipment name following its acquisition by HD Hyundai.

This article was published with the assistance of generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.