Working in cooperation with Topcon, Hitachi has developed the new Grade Guidance system to help operators complete precision excavation.
Leveraging the latest components and technologies, the factory-integrated Grade Guidance is designed to help Dash-6 excavator operators complete precision-excavation more efficiently.
“We’re thrilled to offer this option to our customers,” said Jonny Spendlove, product marketing manager of excavators for Hitachi Construction Machinery – Americas.
“With the new Grade Guidance option, our customers can dig confidently and enhance their efficiency. Instead of spending time on the guesswork that goes into achieving the right grade, Grade Guidance monitors it in real time, so our customers can get the job done quickly.”
The new option is now available on Hitachi’s ZX210-6, ZX210LC-6 and ZX350LC-6 excavators, and will be offered on additional Dash-6 models in the future.
From trenching and shaping ditches and slopes to digging foundations, Grade Guidance helps improve efficiency on a variety of projects.
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The real-time display of distance-to-grade reduces time to final grade, so jobs can be completed quickly. A real-time grade indicator also allows for grade management without leaving the cab, and reduces the need for a grade checker or grade stakes.
Ready to work
Supported by Hitachi’s dealer network, Grade Guidance is installed and calibrated at the factory, so it arrives ready to work on jobsites. Full integration into the machine’s cab and structures helps shield key components such as wire harnesses and sensors from damage, while also providing joystick use to enable easy fingertip control.
The system is available as 2D Grade Guidance or 3D Grade Guidance. The 2D Grade Guidance — with an optional laser receiver — displays the elevation of the cutting edge in relation to a reference plane. The 3D Grade Guidance is equipped with aGlobal Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) displays position and elevation with respect to a global reference.
ZXLink
System data from both options can be sent to ZXLink for analysis, so the machine’s health can be monitored to keep projects up and running.
ZXLink provides access to fleet location, functions, hours, fuel consumption, alerts and other essential machine data. As well, view location and alert information in the field may be viewed from iOS or Android devices.
In addition to the new factory-integrated Grade Guidance, Hitachi offers an open architecture option that includes sensor mounting brackets to enable installation of a Trimble, Topcon or Leica aftermarket kit.
