Hitachi introduces trio of Dash 7 ultrashort tail swing excavators 

Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas has introduced three new ultrashort tail swing excavators to its Dash 7 series.

The ZAXIS-7 ultrashort tail-swing excavators allow operators to efficiently work in congested urban environments without sacrificing performance. The reduced tail swing eases job site maneuverability and increases application versatility.

"As the number of urban projects continues to increase, there is clear demand among operators for larger reduced-tail-swing excavators. These excavators can work in congested areas while keeping lanes open on road projects," said Patrick Baker, Product Manager for medium and large excavators at Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas Inc.

The ultrashort tail swing excavators include the ZX135US-7, ZX245USLC-7 and the ZX345USLC-7.

The Hitachi ZX135US-7 excavator weighs 14,500 kg and has a 5.98-metre maximum dig depth and a bucket breakout force of 23,380 pounds. The 25,700-kg Hitachi ZX245USLC-7 excavator features a maximum dig depth of 6.61 metres and a bucket breakout force of 35,520 pounds.

As the largest of the three ultrashort tail swing excavators, the ZX345USLC-7 excavator has a 34,900-kg operating weight, a maximum dig depth of 7.57 metres and a bucket breakout force of 45,411 pounds.

Hydraulic system efficiency on the ZAXIS-7 excavators allows optimized performance while reducing fuel consumption. Each Dash 7 model uses a hydraulics solution to best match its size and application. For instance, the ZX135US-7 includes HIOS IV technology that ensures a responsive boom, arm and bucket.

The ZX245USLC-7 uses next-generation TRIAS III technology that provides quick response to all control inputs while minimizing losses in the system. The ZX345USLC-7 relies on proven TRIAS II technology that ensures efficient use of available power.

The ZX245USLC-7 features a new arm roll-in metering control valve that allows a reduction in hydraulic pump power when the arm is operated with a low load. When digging, the roll-in metering control valve reduces hydraulic pressure loss to the tank. This decreases the pump power required for digging operations, improving fuel efficiency.

The ZX245USLC-7 and ZX345USLC-7 allow adjustment of attachment or arm priority on the monitor to match the attachment or the operator's preference. When the attachment and arm are operated at the same time, the operator can adjust whether the speed of the attachment or the arm should be prioritized.

As well the operator can adjust boom raise priority using the monitor. This can tailor the machine for everything from truck loading to heavy digging.

Isuzu engines power all three ultrashort tail swing, producing 100 hp for the ZX135US-7, 164 hp for the ZX245USLC-7 and 249 hp for the ZX345USLC-7. Economy, power and high-performance modes match available power to the working conditions, while an auto idle system with auto shut-down control prevents wasted fuel.

Hitachi has equipped the three excavators with a larger cab with increased head clearance. A one-touch adjustable air suspension seat is synchronized to move with the console. As well, noise has been minimized by increasing the thickness of the rear glass. Improved airtightness of the cab keeps the dust out, even when the air conditioner is started.

A 20-cm anti-glare LCD monitor provides visibility, even in bright surroundings, while LED lights provide visibility in challenging conditions.

For operator convenience, switches have been collectively installed on the right side with easy access to those frequently used.

For panoramic visibility, Hitachi created its Aerial Angle peripheral vision camera system. It provides a 270-degree bird's-eye view of the machine's immediate environment. The operator can select a view on the monitor quickly and easily that best suits the situation. A rear-view camera allows the operator to see the area right below the counterweight.

The ZAXIS-7 excavators feature enhancements on critical components such as the undercarriage and boom. On the undercarriage, the lower roller design helps prevent mud compaction, protecting oil seals. The upper and lower rollers also feature improved idler sealing.

Hitachi also strengthened the boom end and boom foot with bushings installed in the brackets.

Design enhancements help protect critical components from the environment. An inner element of the engine air filter protects the engine from dust while cleaning the outer element. Even the air conditioner is protected with an internal filter with a seal that prevents dust from entering the AC unit.

The ConSite full data toolkit, which remotely monitors operational status and alerts owners and operators to upcoming maintenance needs, is making a leap forward.

"ConSite now actively checks engine and hydraulic oil, along with other parameters, so operators can see a problem before its even a fault code. This increases customer uptime," Baker said.

ConSite OIL is standard on the ZX245USLC-7 and ZX345USLC-7 and an option on the ZX135US-7. It monitors engine and hydraulic oil conditions to proactively catch issues before any fault codes are triggered in the machine. This helps drive uptime by catching oil degradation before damage to critical systems can occur. This allows operators to focus on the work that needs to be done.

ConSite Air allows the excavator to be diagnosed remotely, as well as remote updates of the software.