VIDEO: Hitachi ZX-5 excavators break cover

Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia (HCA) has unveiled its newest excavator line-up, the ZAXIS-5 mid-range excavators, with operating weights ranging from 14.5 tonnes to 85 tonnes.

Officially launched on the Sunshine Coast (Qld) in August 2016, the new rigs were designed and refined off the back of customer demand and the result is more efficient and comfortable machines, Hitachi says.

The ZX-5 offers 13 models in total, ranging from the 14.5-tonne ZX130 with 98hp, to the 85-tonne ZX890 offering a power output of over 500hp.

"The Hitachi mid-sized excavator range is our bread and butter in HCA," says HCA General Manager for Construction & Forestry Sales, Frank Gili.

"We've been known to have the most powerful excavator on the market, especially among our customers."

He adds HCA managed to sell and deliver several ZX-5 units even before they hit the market.

"The demand for these machines has forced us to pre-sell the Dash 5 range before they were officially launched, meaning some of our customers already had a taste of it beforehand," he says.

A key improvement of the ZX-5 series is a refined hydraulic system, which HCA says offers better control and overall efficiency.

"Equipped with the innovative TRIAS or redesigned HIOS III hydraulic systems, the ZX-5 series will provide higher yields with better fuel consumption compared to the previous model," Gili says.

"The result is simply lower fuel costs with no compromise on productivity, which over time makes a big difference to total cost of ownership."

The new TRIAS three-pump three-valve hydraulic system features a new chassis that has been reinforced with strengthening brackets for extra durability.

Operator comfort was also high on Hitachi's priority list when designing the machine, with the new cab offering more creature comforts including a heated suspension seat and an ergonomically redesigned console.

"The seat and console can now slide further back, offering expanded leg space and a more comfortable working environment for the operator," Gili says.

A large multi-function LCD monitor screen in the cab displays all necessary data including fuel levels and machine diagnostics, as well as a rear view camera for better visibility and safety while operating the machine.

An innovative attachment support system, operated via the LCD monitor, allows operators to save multiple work modes for different attachments to save time during operations and increase productivity.

"As far as maintenance goes, all areas for inspection and service are now more accessible than before, which is just clever thinking," Gili adds.

The ZX-5 range is powered by US Tier 4 and Euro Stage IIIB compliant engines for reduced fuel consumption and emissions.

"This shows Hitachi's ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability."