(Photo courtesy of Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas)
ZAXIS-7 compact excavators from Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas are engineered to efficiently complete tasks on urban job sites. The ultra-short-tail swing radius allows the machines to be used in confined spaces, a feature that facilitates digging next to walls and guard rails with swing boom model ZX85USB-7.
Power for the machines is provided by turbocharged Yanmar diesel engines, while power and economy work modes tailor the machine’s performance to the task. Power mode provides higher engine speeds when extra horsepower is needed, while economy mode reduces engine speed when performing normal work.
A standard auto idle system automatically reduces the engine to idling speed when all control levers are left in neutral for longer than four seconds. When the levers are moved again, the engine speed immediately resumes to the pre-selected engine speed.
Compact excavators are commonly used as tool carriers with a wide range of attachments that increase job-site versatility. An optional attachment replacement support system simplifies swapping work tools. Attachment flow settings can be adjusted from the monitor and the operator can name and store up to 12 settings. An auxiliary function lever (AFL) is available with an analogue switch, trigger switch and horn for running attachments such as a breaker or an attachment with swing.
An additional counterweight can be selected for better stability in certain applications.
A standard blade float feature allows the blade’s own weight to smoothly grade with simple control-lever operation. There is also an optional angle blade with blade float.
Cab space on the machines has been significantly enlarged versus the previous generation, with more head clearance when opening the front window and a low cabin floor height that provides improved access.
In addition to panoramic visibility, the Aerial Angle peripheral vision camera system provides a wide 270-degree bird’s-eye view of the machine’s immediate environment. The operator can quickly and easily select from five views on the monitor. A camera allows the operator to see the area right below the counterweight.
An air suspension seat provides all-day comfort while the soft pad-style armrests can be adjusted for height and angle without tools. An eight-inch (20.32-cm) antiglare LCD monitor provides visibility even in bright surroundings. The monitor also controls the Bluetooth radio. A five-volt USB power supply allows the operator to charge a smartphone or portable audio device. A hot and cold storage box routes air from the air conditioner to store up to a 16-ounce (500-ml) bottle.
Standard LED work lights provide visibility in challenging conditions. The work lights continue to light up for 30 seconds after the power is turned off for increased safety when exiting the cab at night.
The ZAXIS-7 series features enhancements to critical components such as the arm and boom. Tighter pinhole tolerances in the boom and arm aim to reduce any side wobble, and a V-shaped cylinder guard helps protect the boom cylinder from objects that may fall from the bucket. To prevent damage to the upper structure, a D-section frame skirt and increased plate thickness improve upward impact resistance. The side plate thickness of the blade has been increased to withstand external shocks.
The machines offer a wide opening rear engine cover for maintenance access. The filters and fuel/water separator are grouped in the pump room for easy ground level inspection and replacement and features such as remote swing-circle lubrication are designed to simplify daily maintenance.
Routine checks, such as engine oil level, are quickly accomplished from ground level and all service points can be reached through the access panels. Alerts of hydraulic oil and fuel filter replacement timing are communicated through the multifunction monitor.
An onboard ConSite system remotely monitors operational status and alerts owners and operators to upcoming maintenance needs. A new optional feature, ConSite OIL, monitors engine and hydraulic oil conditions to proactively catch issues before any fault codes are triggered in the machine.
ConSite Air allows the excavator to be diagnosed remotely. It also allows remote updates of the software. The servicing dealer can remotely diagnose issues that may arise, leading to increased uptime.
