To boost performance and comfort, Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas has added several enhancements to its ZAXIS-5N compact excavators ranging from 1.7 to 6 tonnes.
These compact excavators excel in applications where operating space is limited. A short tail swing radius or ultra-short tail swing radius with swing boom makes it easier to work around buildings, walls, guard rails and other structures.
“The ZAXIS-5N excavators, which include the ZX17U-5N, ZX26U-5N, ZW30U-5N, ZX35U-5N, ZX50U-5N and ZX60USB-5N, continually evolve to stay ahead of customer expectations,” said Kei Matsumoto, Product Manager of Compact Excavators at Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas.
“Our focus is to provide customers with a machine that delivers efficiency, reliability and safety.”
ZAXIS-5N compact excavators are commonly used as tool carriers with a wide range of attachments, increasing job-site versatility. Several features enhance attachment compatibility, including an auxiliary flow rate changer. On the ZX30U-5N to ZX35U-5N, the operator can match the flow rate of the auxiliary hydraulic circuit to the requirements of the attachment with either a low or high setting.
The ZX50U-5N to ZX60USB-5N excavators now feature a multistage flow rate changer that allows the operator to select five different hydraulic flow settings for increased productivity and efficiency.
As well, ready-to-use hydraulic quick coupler piping and second auxiliary hydraulic piping are preinstalled on premium versions of the ZX30U-5N to ZX60USB-5N. The second auxiliary hydraulic piping is beneficial for popular tilting and rotating attachments, making the excavators more versatile.
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The other ZAXIS-5N excavators in the range come with mounting points built in for hydraulic quick coupler piping. This eliminates welding of brackets for quick coupler lines and simplifies piping installation.
An auxiliary function lever (AFL) includes an analog switch, trigger switch and horn for running attachments, such as a breaker or a tool with swing.
A standard wedge lock quick coupler makes attachment hookup a snap and a factory-installed bracket for a thumb cylinder simplifies installation.
A standard dozer blade enables the ZAXIS-5N excavators to grade while providing extra stability. A blade float option on the ZX30U-5N to ZX60USB-5N uses the blade’s weight to help perform easier and faster grading operations. The optional factory-installed angle blade version of the ZX35U-5N to ZX60USB-5N allows for enhanced grading and backfilling ability without the need for a second machine.
Enhanced comfort
Hitachi has also upgraded the ZAXIS-5N excavators with LED work lights that provide enhanced visibility in low-light conditions, improving operator comfort and safety.
Ergonomic hydraulic pilot valve control levers reduce fatigue and provide smooth control.
Hydraulic pilot controls for attachments, boom, swing, travel and blade maximize controllability and ensure smooth operation. Swing boom and foldable travel pedals are positioned for easy operation while allowing plenty of foot room.
Maintenance simplified
The Hitachi ZAXIS-5N excavators provide simplified access for maintenance with a hinged door for access to the side-by-side oil cooler and radiator core and the engine cover slides vertically with less rear projection.
Routine checks, such as engine oil level, are quickly accomplished from ground level. Daily maintenance points are grouped behind easy-access covers, while spin-on filters provide quick, easy access for filter maintenance.
The top of the track frames on all the models ranging from the ZX30U-5N to ZX60USB-5N have been sloped for easy mud removal.
To reduce the cost of repair, the traditional curved glass used in the cab has been exchanged with more easily obtainable flat glass.
Installed on top of the battery, a battery disconnect prevents battery discharge during long-term storage. Maintenance is simplified since there is no need to disengage terminals and cables from the battery.
The excavators are powered by fuel-efficient Yanmar diesel engines ranging from 14.7 to 53.8 hp, and are paired with proprietary hydraulic systems for optimum performance.
“Our hydraulic system is especially great for efficient fuel consumption, and it delivers the speed and power the operator wants,” Matsumoto said.
The compact excavators, from ZX30U-5N to ZX60USB-5N, incorporate power/economy work modes. The power mode provides higher engine speeds for most general digging work, while the economy mode reduces engine speed for lighter digging jobs.
An auto-idling system is available on these models to reduce fuel consumption, emissions and noise.
