Hitachi ZX55U-5 excavator 2024 Review

Even though Hitachi’s ZAXIS-5 mini excavator range has been around for quite a number of years, it is still much-revered in the local market and does not look out of place among its newer counterparts.

When it was released all those years ago, it was a big step up from its predecessor models, featuring upgrades on all fronts including serviceability, durability, comfort and fuel efficiency.

The ZX55U-5 is the second largest in the ZAXIS-5 mini excavator range, with an operating weight of about five tonnes depending on the configuration of the machine, and it has a short tail-swing.

We had the opportunity recently to take a closer look at the five-tonner at a worksite in suburban Melbourne to see how it holds up in the competitive mini excavator market.

The ZX55U-5 weighs between 5.0 to 5.4 tonnes, depending on the configuration of the machine. With a width of 2m, it’s a compact unit ideal for work in urban and residential areas where space is at a premium.

A key aspect of the ZX55U-5 is its short-tail swing design, meaning there is only a slight overhang of the machine’s body past its undercarriage when rotating, which is an important trait to have when working in tight confines.

The ZX55U-5 has a maximum dig depth of 3.8m, a maximum reach of 6.07m, and a rated breakout force of 37kN.

Powering the ZX55U-5 is a proven four-cylinder Yanmar water-cooled, direct-injection engine with an output of 37.8hp at 2400rpm.

A big upgrade on the ZX55U-5 over the previous models is a new energy and fuel-saving feature which regulates engine speed to suit the tasks at hand.

Two work modes are available – ECO for lighter tasks to conserve fuel, and a PWR (Power) mode for maximum power for heavier-duty applications.

An auto idle function automatically reduces engine speed to idling seconds after the control lever is moved to neutral, further saving fuel.

The fuel tank has a capacity of 70 litres, holding plenty for hours of work.

The ZX55U-5 offers two configurations – a fully enclosed cabin or a four-pillar ROPS canopy.

A 0.15-cubic-metre GP bucket comes standard with the unit.

Like all of Hitachi’s machines, the ZX55U-5 comes fully kitted and plumbed from the factory and ready for work.

The dozer blade, another standard inclusion with the ZX55U-5, has a box section structure that makes it highly durable. There are openings on the stays of the blade to allow mud to flow through when working in muddy conditions.

Wide open spaces around the undercarriage and box blade ensure no dirt and mud will clog up underneath the machine and affect the operation.

Rubber shoe tracks with widths of 400mm come standard while grouser shoe and pad crawler tracks are available as options.

TheZX55U-5 we inspected has a fully enclosed cabin with air-conditioning, radio and a few extra comfort features compared to the ROPS version.

Climbing into the cab was made easier thanks to a lowered foot step and rubber floor mats with ridges to prevent slipping. The floor mats are easily removable for cleaning purposes.

Cabin space is ample; it’s not the largest by any means but enough to stretch and move your legs and feel comfortable in the seat for hours of operation.

The hydraulic pilot control joysticks follow the ISO control pattern for operation, with the left joystick controlling machine swing and dipper and the right controlling the main boom and bucket.

A simple monitor displays machine conditions such as fuel level, time, hours and travel mode with work light, overheat, engine oil pressure and fuel level indicators. Operators can also select their preferred work mode (ECO or PWR) from the monitor.

A heated and adjustable suspension seat takes out any bumps and jolts from the operation, keeping operators energized and focused on the task at hand.

Hitachi ensures its machines are built to the highest safety standards and the ZX55U-5 is no exception. Both cab and canopy feature ROPS- and FOPS-certified structures to ensure the operator is protected from falling objects or in the event of a tip over.

There are also multiple safety features in the cabin to keep operators as well as their workmates safe, including an electric horn, seatbelt, travel parking brake, swing parking brake and a pilot control shut-off lever which shuts off the engine when the lever is not down and in the lock position.

The excavator’s main hoses are sheathed by hose protectors and the boom cylinder is covered by a guard to prevent damage during operation and to help prolong the life of the machine.

The five-tonner features the Hitachi High-performance Hydraulic system, or HHH, that has been designed to offer smooth control of the machine regardless of load.

In conjunction with the energy-saving work modes, the HHH reduces fuel consumption while maintaining productivity, Hitachi says.

I hopped into the seat of the ZX55U-5 to validate that claim and came away extremely pleased with just how smooth the hydraulics were and how operating the machine required very little effort. A slight touch of the joysticks will move the corresponding parts very efficiently, with no lag in the operation.

There are also no rude shocks and jolts when moving the levers, which can happen in other machines when there is a fair load out the front or if the operator is not very experienced.

This helps tremendously in reducing operator fatigue, so they don’t head home at the end of a long shift with a sore back or arms.

Hitachi has designed the ZX55U-5 to be easy to maintain, with main components all grouped together under protective covers.

The covers all open wide for easy access to components for daily checks.

Should a technician require better access to the engine or other parts for repair or servicing, the entire cab of the excavator can be tilted back for that purpose.

A toolbox comes standard with the ZX55U-5 for operators to store their tools or cleaning devices.

Hitachi is one of the most popular construction machinery brands in Australia and it isn’t hard to see why.

Having driven both the new generation ZAXIS-7 and this older ZAXIS-5 unit, I can attest that their performances are on par, with smooth hydraulics being a common and prominent theme.

After all, bells and whistles and creature comfort mean nothing if the excavator is a pain to operate.

The ZX55U-5 is not a flashy machine; it is pretty simple, especially inside the cab, but it has enough to ensure it does what it needs to, and it does a pretty good job at that.

It gives power when required, without guzzling fuel unnecessarily.

Overall, the ZX55U-5 is a solid performer in the mini excavator segment and will likely continue to be a popular choice among contractors or fleet owners, until the next iteration rolls in.

Operating weight: 5.0-5.4 tonnes

Engine power: 37.8hp at 2400rpm

Maximum digging depth: 3.8m

Maximum digging reach: 6.07m

Maximum dump height: 4.3m

Bucket capacity: 0.15-cubic-metres