Job Reports
The New ZAXIS-3 Series at Work, with High Appraisal from Job Sites
26 April, 2006
Overview
- Customer Name:
- Tsukahara Contracting Co., Ltd.
- Business field:
- Civil engineering work
- Product:
- ZX470LCH-3 hydraulic excavator
- Region:
- Japan
The ZX470LCH-3 is designed based on the ZX450-3, using long crawlers. This machine can increase production by about 14%, and reduce fuel consumption by about 13%, thanks to the new hydraulic system that increases front speeds, and the new high-powered engine that reduces fuel consumption. This clean engine also complies with the global emission regulations Tier 3 and Stage III, as well as noise regulation.
Solutions
The ZX470LCH-3 is used for ground leveling at factory in Tochigi, Japan. The machine can efficiently load 20 ton dump trucks with the extra-large bucket.
The preceding machine is the EX450LCH-5 that has operated over 10,000 hours in five years, with the availability of over 90%. This remarkable record helped select the ZX470LCH-3. This new machine is expected to work at many job sites in the northern area of Japan. The Hitachi remote maintenance system, using machine operation information, supports profitable operations.
In some cases, the machine is required to work continuously for two or more years at one job site. The toughness and productivity of the machine are the key to overcoming short job schedule.
Customer Comments
Mr. Iwao Tsukawara, president
We made a choice of the ZX470LCH-3 based on comparisons with competitive machines, product demonstration, and information from other companies.
Our hydraulic excavator always works with the fleet of 20 dump trucks. The reduction in downtime is the key to higher production. From this point of view, the Hitachi product is highly appreciated. Almost no troubles arose, except for the replacement of consumables.
Owning a large-sized excavator needs huge capital investment. We made decision to adopt the ZX470LCH-3, bearing in mind suggestions from operators, and the Hitachi prompt servicing and maintenance system involving periodic maintenance and prompt response to troubles.
Mr. Akitsugi Ebine, with years of operator experience, said about his first impression that engine operation was very quiet. This is very important to the operator, and for operation in residential areas. In fact, the ZAXIS-3 series complies with the EU noise regulation in 2006. Its sound level is low, allowing oral communications near the machine in operation.
When getting in the cab, I felt like a passenger car, said Mr. Akitsugi Ebine. The seat held me comfortably. Lever was light and smooth, with appropriate length. Cab was sound suppressed. I felt the Hitachi operator-friendly design.
He also focuses on the productivity of the machine. To achieve most efficient loading onto a 20 ton dump truck, the machine must be positioned at 45° to a dump truck. The ZX470LCH-3 can be easily maneuvered and well balanced. This allows for smoothly combined operations with a short cycle time.
Mr. Akitsugi Ebine, experienced operator
The operator seat made the difference. The engine cover is easy to open, facilitating daily servicing. Cab visibility is improved, especially right-side downward visibility.
Benefits
The preceding Hitachi machine got the job done well. Other Hitachi mid-sized machines are also now working. These Hitachi products are tough and productive, reducing maintenance costs. The ZX470LCH-3 is expected to yield more production with less downtime.
(Photo: Shinya Kojima Original Text in Japanese: Yuji Masuda Translation:TWU)
*For more information, please contact us (Hitachi Construction Machinery).
*Duplicate of articles shown is prohibited without permission.
*The machines may not meet the regulations depending on countries.
