Hitachi Construction has made an extended entry into the excavator market with its largest model, the Zaxis-7, revealed with a super-long boom and arm and heavier counterweight than its standard models.

The Zaxis-7 is the company’s latest addition to its product range which ranges from eight to 50 tonnes, and from 10m to 22m reach.

The long-armed machine has been released first in Europe through Hitachi Construction’s Dutch division.

The ZX490LCH-7 HE16LD is ideal for excavation work as well as dredging rivers and lakes, bank maintenance and lighter, slope-finishing tasks.

Its proportions of the boom and arm mean the 49-tonne model can also be used for loading, as trucks can be conveniently positioned close to the machine.

Made by Hitachi in Japan and then assembled at its factory in Amsterdam, this special application machine has been designed initially to meet the needs of European customers.

Like all Zaxis-7 large excavators, the ZX490LCH-7 super long front (SLF) puts owners and operators in complete control.

Hitachi said that the Stage-V compliant model has an industry-leading cab with first-class comfort and safety features. Its exceptional reliability, efficiency and productivity provide owners with opportunities to increase profits and reduce costs.

The company said productivity on site will rise because of an improved production of 7 per cent (in PWR mode) for the ZX490LCH-7, which has the same size engine as the larger ZX690-7 model.

An improved front speed for loading also increases productivity as a result of a new hydraulics system which is fine-tuned for optimum control of super-long-front  applications and also reduces fuel consumption.

The fuel efficiency of Zaxis-7 large excavators can also be controlled by using the new ECO gauge, clearly visible on the cab’s multifunctional 8-inch monitor.

Aside from reducing costs, the machine’s improved fuel economy has a positive impact on environmental performance. The ZX490-7LCH SLF is Stage V-compliant thanks to the combination of the SCR (selective catalytic reduction) system, DOC (diesel oxidation catalyst) and CSF (catalysed soot filter).

Hitachi has also emphasised comfort with its state-of-the-art, ultra-spacious cab aimed Ito offer operators ultimate comfort and quality, with reduced noise and vibration levels.

New features include the synchronised motion of the seat and console – to reduce operator fatigue – and the adjustable console height with three positions.

The adjusted boom and arm speed (hydraulic flow) allows for a smooth performance, while easy operation comes from the ergonomic design of the console and switches, and the hi-res anti-glare 8-inch screen is also easier to view.

Job site safety is enhanced by the exceptional view from the Zaxis-7 SLF excavator. Operators can control their own safety, as well as that of those around them, thanks to the Aerial Angle camera system.

It provides a 270-degree bird’s-eye view and users can choose from six image options to see the machine’s immediate environment. When working in challenging conditions, new LED work lights and a windscreen wiper with an increased sweeping area further improve visibility.

To ensure optimum stability, the ZX490LCH-7 SLF has an heavier HD- counterweight (9.8 tonne) and 500mm extendable undercarriage. When the undercarriage is retracted, this also contributes to easy transport.

Hitachi said the new machine has been tested rigorously at dedicated facilities in Japan and the Zaxis-7 machines have been built to last and maximise uptime.

New engine parts enhance reliability, oil leakages are less likely and the durability of the trackframe has been improved. The robust undercarriage of the ZX490LCH-7 prevents potential damage.

Easy maintenance and cleaning features on all Zaxis-7 large excavators save operators and owners both time and money. The fuel filter is now integrated with the water separator, for example, and the larger radiator improves heat dissipation and is easier to clean.

To enable owners to feel in total control of their fleet and workload, Hitachi’s remote monitoring systems ‘Owner’s Site’ and ‘ConSite’ give them access to vital data and tools.

Both systems send operational data via GPS or satellite from the excavator to Global e-Service on a daily basis. ConSite summarises the information in a monthly email, while the ConSite Pocket app shows real-time alerts for any potential issues.

The quality of the engine and hydraulic oil is monitored continuously by a unique Hitachi innovation. Two sensors detect if the oil quality has deteriorated and data is transmitted to Global e-Service. This innovative feature provides customers with peace of mind on the condition of their excavators, and reduces maintenance and unscheduled downtime.


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