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New range of wheel loaders increases capacity, enhances productivity

KEY CONSIDERATION
Operator comfort is considered in the sloped ladder with wide steps for ease of access, double-filtered air conditioning and a high level of sound insulation in the wheel loader

KEY CONSIDERATION Operator comfort is considered in the sloped ladder with wide steps for ease of access, double-filtered air conditioning and a high level of sound insulation in the wheel loader

30th October 2015

  

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Japanese engineering company Hitachi reports that the launch of its new ZW-5 wheel loaders has significantly extended the capacity of its wheel loader range, 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 397 kW ZW550-5 wheel loader, which has an operating weight of more than 47 t and bucket capacity of up to 7.2 m3. Other new models in the range include the ZW370-5, a 289 kW, 34 t wheel loader with a bucket capacity of up to 6.2 m3 and the ZW330-5, a 213 kW, 27 t wheel loader with a capacity of up to 5 m3.

Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia national construction and forestry sales manager Frank Gili says the machines share several features that enhance productivity, ease of operation and maintenance.

Gili further points out that the addition of these larger models makes Hitachi’s industry-leading wheel loader design available to a new range of customers in different applications.

“Similar to the rest of the models in the range, the large wheel loaders 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,” he emphasises.

Hitachi Construction Machinery is part of the global and diversified Hitachi Group and is the distributor of original-equipment manufacturer brands Hitachi, Bell and John Deere.

Efficiency-Productivity Balance
Hitachi wheel loaders and excavators national product manager Hiroyuki Mitsuyoshi further notes that the models have been designed with two work modes to balance efficiency with productivity.

“In standard mode the engine revolutions are controlled for smooth efficient operation in normal conditions, while the power mode offers additional traction for heavy digging or travelling uphill,” he says.

Mitsuyoshi further highlights that a new hydraulic circuit allows for combined lift arm and bucket operation during loading, and prioritises bucket use for dumping. Meanwhile, an anti-drift valve prevents internal oil leakage that can cause creeping of the lift arm.

“The result is a precise, economical machine,” he says.

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,” Mitsuyoshi says.

Moreover, operator comfort is a key design consideration across the range. Operator comfort is enhanced through ride control, which includes automatic mode, he notes.

Other features include 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. Hitachi 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 pillarless 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.

Mitsuyoshi 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
In addition to the new models in the ZW-5 loader range, there are six updates of previous models, which include the ZW140-5, ZW150-5, ZW180-5, ZW220-5, ZW250-5 and ZW310-5.

All offer substantial improvements in fuel economy, compared with their predecessors. Moreover, engines across the range meet US EPA Tier 4 Interim / EU Stage IIIB emission regulations.

Edited by Leandi Kolver
Creamer Media Deputy Editor

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