Hitachi ZAXIS-7 ultrashort tail-swing excavators allow operators to efficiently complete 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, medium and large excavators, Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas Inc.

Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas Inc. offers several ZAXIS-7 ultrashort tail-swing excavator models tailored to meet this demand. The Hitachi ZX135US-7 excavator weighs in at 31,973 pounds (14,500 kg), has a 19-foot, 7-inch (5.98-m) maximum dig depth and a bucket breakout force of 23,380 pounds (104 kN). The 56,669-pound (25,700-kg) Hitachi ZX245USLC-7 excavator features a maximum dig depth of 21 feet, 8 inches (6.61 m) and a bucket breakout force of 35,520 pounds (158 kN). The ZX345USLC-7 excavator has a 76,955-pound. (34,900-kg) operating weight, a maximum dig depth of 24 feet, 10 inches (7.57 m) and a bucket breakout force of 45,411 pounds (202 kN).

Hydraulic system efficiency on the ZAXIS-7 excavators allows optimized performance while reducing fuel consumption. Each model uses a solution that best matches 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 hydraulic pump power to be reduced 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 needed for digging operations, improving fuel efficiency.

The ZX245USLC-7 and ZX345USLC-7 allow attachment/arm priority to be adjusted 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. The operator can also adjust boom raise priority using the monitor. This can tailor the machine for everything from truck loading to heavy digging.

Proven Isuzu engines power all three models, producing 100 net horsepower (74.9 kW) for the ZX135US-7, 164 net horsepower (122 kW) for the ZX245USLC-7 and 249 net horsepower (186 kW) for the ZX345USLC-7. Economy, power and high-performance modes best match available power to the working conditions while an auto idle system with auto shut-down control prevents wasted fuel.