Job Reports
Going where no others have gone before
A new range of short-tail-swing excavators that can get into the tightest spots. For them no job is too small.
In March 2005 Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) NV introduced a complete new range of short-tail-swing mini excavators for the European market. The new range consists of four models: the Zaxis 30U-2, the Zaxis 35U-2, the Zaxis 40U-2 and the Zaxis 50U-2.
With the introduction of the new machines Hitachi has not only improved the already existing Zaxis 40U and Zaxis 50U, it has extended the range with the Zaxis 30U-2 and the Zaxis 35U-2. This will improve coverage of a growing market demand for short-tail-swing mini excavators.
The design of the new short-tail-swing machines is based around four main characteristics: stability, maintainability, durability and operator comfort.
Stability
In order to give the new short-tail-swing excavators optimum stability, a number of stability-improving designs have been applied to the machines. Firstly, the track frame and the enlarged counterweight have been made as heavy as possible to help lower the centre of gravity of both machines. Secondly, the swing post has been designed to be as light as possible and has been placed more towards the centre of the machines. Lastly, a standard additional counterweight can be used when the excavators are operated with a heavy attachment. When the counterweight is attached to a machine, the upper structure only exceeds the track width of the machine by a few centimetres. Without the additional counterweight, the machine is a true zero tail-swing machine.
Maintainability
As with all Hitachi machines, the U-2 series is designed to be trouble-free and require minimal maintenance. All components can be easily accessed. Authorized service personnel can tilt the cabin or canopy to an angle of up to 50 degrees (the widest in its class). This provides access to the main control valve and the swing device. On the right side of the machines a convenient maintenance cover makes the battery, radiator, fuel tank and hydraulic oil tank all accessible. All machines have a unique engine cover that can be opened by sliding it vertically. This is to ensure that the cover opening-radius does not exceed the width of the excavator. This means daily maintenance can be carried out even in a confined space. The engine cover also makes maintenance simpler because it does not block daylight. When the cover is open, the engine oil filter, the engine oil inlet, water separator and air cleaner can be easily accessed.
On the rear, left side of the machine, there is second maintenance cover that provides access to the hydraulic oil pump and the pilot filter.
Durability
The durability of the new machines has been improved in several aspects: the machines have a one-pin system to reduce jerking of the swing post. The upper structure of the machine, on the front left and right corners, has been reinforced with D-shaped protection. Original HN bushings are used at all pin joints on the front attachment to extend lubricating intervals to 500 hours.
Operator Comfort
Excellent operator comfort contributes to the user-friendliness of the new range of machines and ensures that operators retain concentration for longer periods. The new ergonomic design incorporates air conditioning and shock-absorbing rubber mounts for the cabin. All machines with cabins feature air-conditioning as standard, a radio (also standard) and a two-piece door that folds open to remain within the width of the tracks of the machine.
Regardless of cabin or canopy, all machines have a standard auto-idle system, foldable travel pedals and suspension seat with Hitachi logo. An LCD monitor that provides varying important operating information is placed on the right side in the front of the cabin. Operators can check the monitor by looking slightly to the right. Another important feature is the location of the second speeds switch. A switch located on the right console has replaced the existing button on the floor mat. This makes it possible to drive the machine at second speeds by using the pedals. Despite many other minor improvements, the whole purpose of the new shorttail mini excavators is to do the job as quickly and as efficiently as possible. After all, time is money.
