Company Announcement - The release of Hitachi’s new ZW-5 wheel loaders has seen the range extend significantly upwards in capacity, bringing the efficiency and reliability of Hitachi wheel loaders to large quarries and the lower end of the mining market. The biggest model in the range is the 397kW ZW550-5, with an operating weight of more than 47 tonnes and bucket capacity of up to 7.2m3. Other new models in the range are the ZW370-5 (289 kW, 34T, up to 6.2m3) and ZW330-5 (213 kW, 27T, up to 5.0m3). Frank Gili, National Sales Manager, Construction & Forestry from Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia says the machines share a number of features that enhance productivity, ease of operation and maintenance.

“The addition of these larger models makes our industry-leading wheel loader design available to a new range of customers in different applications,” Frank says. “Like the rest of the models in the range, those at the big end are all about getting the job done in a way that is as quick and efficient as possible, with no compromise on safety or comfort. For customers in the quarry and mining sectors where work happens around the clock, this level of reliability and ease of use is essential.” Hitachi National Product Manager - Hitachi Wheel Loader & Excavators, Hiroyuki Mitsuyoshi, says the models have been designed with two work modes to balance efficiency with productivity.
“In standard mode the engine revs are controlled for smooth efficient operation in normal conditions, while Power mode offers extra traction for heavy digging or travelling uphill,” he says.

“A new hydraulic circuit allows for combined lift arm and bucket operation during loading, and prioritises bucket use for dumping while an anti-drift valve prevents internal oil leakage that can cause creeping of the lift arm. The result is a precise, economical machine.” The wheel loaders use an automotive-style planetary automatic transmission for smooth shifting while a standard lock-up torque converter provides improved fuel economy and performance during travel.“The auto-style transmission makes these wheel loaders simpler to operate. Standard traction control and torque proportioning differentials get the power to the ground efficiently, reducing wheel spin and extending tyre life,” Hiroyuki says. Operator comfort is also enhanced through ride control which includes automatic mode.

“This not only makes for a less fatiguing ride for the operator, it also reduces bucket spill during travel.” Hiroyuki says operator comfort is a key design consideration across the range, with a sloped ladder with wide steps for ease of access, double-filtered air conditioning and a high level of sound insulation. “These features ensure a quiet, comfortable working environment for the operator, and we’ve also included plenty of storage space, including a cool box for lunch and drinks. The air suspension seat has adjustable lumbar support and a high level of travel to comfortably accommodate even the tallest operators and the wrist and arm rests and side console are all adjustable.”

The front window is pillar less to provide an unobstructed forward view, while to the rear both sides of the counterweight can be seen clearly from the cab, for confidence when manoeuvring in tight quarters. Hiroyuki says maintenance is simple with easy access to key points. “Despite their size, the new wheel loaders are designed for ground level access to daily maintenance points once the covers are raised. The reversible cooling fan can be set to automatic mode in dusty conditions to provide a minute of reverse flow for every 30 minutes of operation and the fan can be reversed manually as required in better conditions. This all makes for easier regular maintenance.”

Updated models
Apart from the new models at the top of the ZW-5 loader range, there are six updates of previous models: the ZW140-5, ZW150-5, ZW180-5, ZW220-5, ZW250-5 and ZW310-5.

The smallest two models have hydrostatic transmissions, but share the Standard and P modes of the larger machines, as well as the improvements to the cab. All offer substantial improvements in fuel economy compared to their predecessors and engines across the range meet US EPA Tier 4 Interim / EU Stage IIIB emission regulations. “We’re pleased to introduce this extended range that brings the latest features and innovations to our customers as well as creating opportunities for new users and new applications,” Frank Gili says.

For more information on the ZW-5 wheel loaders, please visit www.hcma.com.au