Next generation excavators from Hitachi: Hitachi launches six new excavators as the beginning of its Zaxis Dash Three series; also new ZTS and compact models

Diesel Progress North American Edition, Sept, 2006 by Dawn M. Geske

Hitachi has recently begun the upgrade of its Dash Two Zaxis excavator series, introducing six new models that make up the Dash Three generation. The new series, comprised of the ZX240LC-3, ZX270LC-3, ZX350LC-3, ZX450LC-3, ZX650LC-3 and ZX850LC-3, are direct replacements of the previous line, integrating Tier 3 engines across the board, faster hydraulics and a new cab design, the company said. In addition, Hitachi has also introduced the Zaxis 75US zero-tail swing excavator and the Zaxis 27u-2, a new addition to its compact excavator range.

The six new Dash Three excavators are just the beginning of a complete redesign for Hitachi of its excavator series. "This series is the culmination of many years of experience and design," said Dave Garton, marketing manager, Hitachi Construction & Mining. "Our new Dash Three excavators are bigger, faster and stronger, and are extremely comfortable to operate."

The Dash Threes extend an operating weight range of 54,244 to 185,520 lb. and have application in trenching, grading and truck loading for small to large contractors, owner-operators and large fleet owners. The six machines are rated 177, 188, 271, 348, 463 and 532 hp, respectively, using new Tier 3 Isuzu diesel engines.

Installed on the ZX240LC-3 and ZX270LC-3 models is the 5.193 L four-cylinder AH-4HK1XYSA Isuzu engine, while the larger ZX350LC-3 features the 7.790 L six-cylinder AH-6HK1YSA engine. The remaining three machines are equipped with Isuzu's 15.681 L six-cylinder AH-6WG1XYSA engine.

A new cooling system has been incorporated on the machines using a parallel side-by-side arrangement instead of an inline assembly, which Hitachi said is designed to operate more efficiently in tough environments and high altitudes. The new design also aids in cleaning and--in the ZX450LC-3, ZX650LC-3 and ZX850LC-3 excavators--incorporates a hydraulically driven on-demand cooling fan to reduce noise, fuel consumption and operating costs, Hitachi said.

New hydraulics on the Zaxis Dash Three excavators have also been improved, which Garton said boosts productivity by up to 8%. "The improved hydraulics are faster at digging and move more dirt per hour. Drawbar pull, swing torque, lift capacity and arm force have improved as well."

By using regenerative hydraulics, Hitachi said it has increased the cylinder speeds without having to design the hydraulic pumps for higher pump flow. Hitachi produces its own pumps and motors for the excavators.

With the introduction of the Zaxis Dash Three excavators, Hitachi has also extended maintenance intervals to 5000 hours on the hydraulic system. Lift capacity on the machines is 8518 to 71,300 lb., with a drawbar pull of 54,857 to 182,223 lb.

Hitachi has also introduced a new redesigned cab on the Dash Three series, providing additional leg room and visibility, which Hitachi said comes from adding 47% more glass. An optional heated air-ride operator seat is available and a multifunction monitor displays all gauges, offering a multilanguage menu with features for setting flow attachment pressure, fluid levels and temperatures. Standard features in the cab include AM/FM radio, 12 V port, hot-cold beverage compartment and cup holder.

Hitachi began production on the Zaxis Dash Three excavators in April. The ZX240LC-3, ZX270LC-3 and ZX350LC-3 models are produced for the U.S. at the Deere-Hitachi plant in Kernersville, N.C. The larger models are produced by Hitachi at its 5.3 million sq.ft, plant in Tsuchiura, Japan.

The launch of the Dash Three excavators also included the introduction of the new Zaxis 75US zero-tail swing excavator which Garton said, "is a go-anywhere, do-anything machine." The 17,714 lb. excavator is powered by a 3.0 L four-cylinder Isuzu CC-4JG1 diesel engine rated 54 hp. Drawbar pull is 12,350 lb. and dig force is 11,220 lb.

Hitachi's compact excavator line was also updated with the new Zaxis 27u-2 compact excavator. This new compact was designed with 50% more drawbar pull, automatic shifting between high- and low-speed travel and a longer arm/counterweight option for a 9.58 ft. dig depth, the company said. A 1.642 L Yanmar 3TNV88 diesel engine rated 24 hp at 2200 rpm powers the 27u-2 excavator, which weighs in at 6393 to 7075 lb., depending on canopy or cab version.

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