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Development design
Development of machinery with longer lifespans and higher fuel efficiency- a primary duty of Hitachi Construction Machinery
The development of environmentally friendly products is extremely important to Hitachi Construction Machinery. We are always trying to reduce the environmental impact a machine has throughout its product lifecycle. We strive to manufacture machinery that will continue to operate for as long and as efficiently as possible.
To reduce operational CO2 emissions
Hitachi Construction Machinery strives to reduce our machines' environmental impact throughout the entire development stage, as well as afterwards when the machine is being put to use. As part of such efforts, we measured and analyzed the quantity of CO2 emitted at each phase of the 20-tonne class hydraulic excavator's lifecycle. This analysis revealed that the quantity of CO2 emitted during actual use by the customer is far greater amount than emitted during the development and testing phase. With this in mind, we started advising customers on how to use machinery more efficiently in order that they would be able to reduce their CO2 emissions.
Ultra-large hydraulic excavator, EX8000
To provide such advice, we use a CO2 emission simulator developed by Hitachi Construction Machinery. With this simulator we are able to measure the quantity of CO2 emissions as if they are being used in authentic, real-world conditions. We can now provide more precise advice by finding which machines lower overall work efficiency and which machines have long idling periods.
Aiming to manufacture machines that do not breakdown
Ultra-large machines used in mines all over the world require a high degree of reliability. Mining excavators are such a machine, because they are often in continuous operation for more than 22 hours a day. Therefore, the biggest duty for Hitachi Construction Machinery is to manufacture machines that do not breakdown. Many ultra-large machines used at mines remain in operation for ten years or more. We endeavor to develop products for which the components fulfill their life expectancy and machines that have lengthy intervals between maintenance checks
At the conclusion of some contracts, we provide an operating ratio guarantee. One of our Indonesian customers spoke highly of us because our machinery had operated for 100,000 hours. We gather our customer opinions through the use of questionnaires and by visiting them. We take our customers' requirements into consideration with each change of model. We are trying to develop machinery that is more resistant to breakdowns.
The machines that are now in operation all over the world are the fulfillment of our employees labor
Takashi Mizumori
Researcher
Technical Research Center
I do not understand why so many people have an image of "destruction" when they think about construction machinery. Machines used in construction work are also used to restore the natural environment and to protect the environment. We devise various means to reduce the impact on the environment when we develop machines. I want people to know about these facts. We, the researchers of the environment, are always eager to fulfill our tasks.
Atsushi Tamane
Senior engineer
Development Center
Mining and Heavy Equipment Division
Along with probably everyone else working at Hitachi Construction Machinery, I make machines with the feeling that these machines are our machines. The number of large machines we manufacture is quite small, and we know which machine was delivered to which customer. We feel great responsibility and attachment toward the large machines in particular. At the time of a change in model, all employees are determined to develop machines that are more resistant to breakdowns and that are better than the previous models and better than machines produced by other companies.
