(Photo courtesy of Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas)
The ZW310-7 wheel loader from Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas is part of the company’s new ZW-7 series, which was announced at last year’s CONEXPO-CON/AGG show. The machine, which the company says put a focus on operator comfort that translates to boosted operator productivity, will be offered in a base model and a premium model.
“Operator comfort was a key design priority with our new wheel loaders series. A lot of work went into the cab to make it more comfortable to operate. The new pressurized, quieter cab has easier-to-reach seat-mounted controls, reducing operator fatigue,” said Matt Koester, wheel loader product manager at Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas.
Both the base model and the premium model include a standard, fully adjustable, heated air-ride seat that incorporates a seat-mounted armrest with ergonomic electric over hydraulic controls. The armrest and controls adjust forward or reverse to comfortably accommodate operators of varying sizes.
Both models have Approach Speed Control which gives the operator control of the top speed selected during v-loading. A payload checker allows the operator to weigh and log material moved, and a power up feature anticipates power requirements.
The premium model will include the Aerial Angle peripheral vision camera system to provide a wide, 270-degree bird’s-eye view of the machine’s immediate environment.
Additional updated features include improved traction with a limited-slip differential and a four-speed powershift transmission and lockup torque converter.
An intelligent automatic reversing hydraulically driven fan and wide-fin radiators are included as standard to prevent clogging. Easy-access filters and improved access to components are engineered to simplify daily maintenance.
The ZW310-7 will have ConSite Air to remotely monitor the operational status and alert owners and operators to upcoming maintenance needs, allowing for both remote diagnosis and software updates. The servicing dealer can quickly troubleshoot issues that may arise with the ConSite response team to rapidly resolve issues to keep projects on schedule.
