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Since the introduction of the ZE85 electric excavator in 2019, they have certainly not been idle at Hitachi. With the German development partner, there has been frequent testing and running and various customers have been able to provide input. The result is the ZX85-6EB, featuring full Hitachi "branding. As of January, the midi-excavator will also be produced in Amsterdam. Made in Holland. And it can be seen at stand 672 during the Infra Relatiedagen in Hardenberg.
Several major contractors already hired the 8-ton ZE85 midi-excavator for various jobs, and three have already been delivered to customers. That ZE85, which will thus be called ZX85-6EB from January 2024, was developed in-house by KTEG, an alliance between the Japanese manufacturer and the German Hitachi dealer. "It is not a converted existing machine but a digger that has been optimized for emission-free operation. Among other things, this has resulted in the machine being incredibly quiet. For operators running it, that is the first thing that stands out," says Evert van den Broek of Hitachi Construction Machinery.
The years of testing and high demand made Hitachi enlarge the battery pack. "Many customers worked with it in places where charging was far from always and everywhere possible. That's why we switched from three stacked batteries to four stacked batteries. This improves flexibility and usability," reports Evert.
If there is an opportunity to charge, it can be done at charging speeds of up to 145 kW, and with that, the batteries are full after just half an hour for 80%. "We have done everything possible to make the machine work as well as possible. Thanks to the heating and cooling of the battery pack, for example, the battery is kept in optimal condition during charging. Should the need arise, it is even possible to work and charge at the same time. Usually a 400V / 32A power supply is available on a construction site. The ZX85-6EB is prepared to work on a battery or cable or automatically switch between these two power sources. On a construction site, when more machines draw power from one outlet at the same time, it can lead to an unstable power supply. The ZX85-6EB is protected against this. The built-in charger has a maximum 44 kW (63 A) charging capacity. With the 100 kWh battery, the charging time is 105 minutes."
As of January 2024, the machine will be produced at the Hitachi factory in Amsterdam. From then on, the machine will be called ZX85-6EB and feature full Hitachi "branding. Later in 2024, the midi-excavator will also be joined by the electric 2.3-ton ZE23, 5.5-ton ZX55-6EB and 13.5-ton ZE135 crawler excavators.
In addition to the electric models, Hitachi's conventional mini excavators will also be on display at the Infra Relatiedagen. Hitachi has as many as thirteen models between 1 and 9 tons.
The small, compact and extremely flexible machines are easier to transport than their larger counterparts. They are therefore ideal for construction and excavation work in tight spaces, such as indoors, in gardens or in city centers. Mini diggers are widely used by landscapers, pavers and contractor companies for good reason. Combined with a demolition hammer or sorting grapple, they can also be used for demolition and sewer work.
All Hitachi minis are fast, powerful and fuel-efficient, delivering excellent performance on any job site, especially in tight residential areas. The machines deliver high productivity on any job site due to their powerful Stage V engine, short cycle times and an efficient hydraulic system. The advanced energy-saving system combines ECO mode, automatic idling and constant engine speed control to significantly reduce fuel consumption. It also reduces machine noise levels and emissions.
The new Hitachi Zaxis-7 wheeled excavators offer a comprehensive range of features that allow owners and operators to increase profits, comfort, safety and uptime. The smallest model in the series, the ZX135W-7, is based on the larger ZX155W-7 and is equipped with the same engine. It has a compact 360-degree turning radius (1,740 mm at the rear, 1,750 mm at the front), making it suitable for small job sites. The recently developed ZX175W-7 is even more productive thanks to exceptional digging power and lift capacity.
Evert: "The updated cab of the Zaxis-7 is the perfect working environment for operators. It is extremely spacious and offers ultimate comfort and quality, produces less noise and less vibration than the previous generation."
The seat and console move in sync so operators feel less tired at the end of the workday. Operation is easy thanks to the new ergonomic design of the console and switches, easily accessible buttons and features such as cruise control, automatic transmission and the optional ride control system that suppresses front attachment vibrations.
The high-visibility screen and joysticks have added new functions, and the ultra-modern cab features an automatic brake, making work effortless and pleasant.
