Change has been a major theme for Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas (HCMA).
A subsidiary of Hitachi Construction Machinery (HCM), Tokyo, the American operations are based in Newnan, Ga., a location that is undergoing a $50 million expansion to include new offices and a customer center, along with a training facility for technicians and warehousing.
In August 2021, HCM and John Deere dissolved their 33-year joint venture agreement for the manufacturing and distribution of excavators in North, Central and South America. On March 1, 2022, HCMA officially began leading the Hitachi brand’s construction and mining equipment sales and service support efforts.
On May 19, 2022, the company introduced three new excavators during a press event at the Callaway Resort & Garden in Pine Mountain, Ga. It’s a prelude of more products the company plans on bringing to the North American market.
Simon Wilson, HCMA vice president, sales, says the equipment rental industry is a key strategic avenue the company will continue to pursue as equipment rental continues to grow in North America.
“It is important that every one of these machines is designed to last for that rental customer,” Wilson says. “With the excavators being such a critical component of earthmoving, for us, the exciting
part is being able to engage directly.”
Wilson says engaging with both the large and small rental companies is important, along with increasing its rental and used equipment market presence. Another tool the company uses is ConSite, a full data toolkit that tracks performance metrics such as idle time, operating time and fuel efficiency along with location services in real-time.
“We’re invested,” Wilson says. “I think the industry will see more of our focus into that segment (rental) as we just make sure we’re doing it the right way.”
Rob Orlowski, director, product management and engineering, says the new excavators provide durability along with spacious cabs, better operator visibility, user-friendly controls and flat cab glass that is less expensive to repair. At the media event, the company featured the following products:
ZX50U-5N compact excavator
Net power: 36.3 hp
Operating weight: 10,560 lbs.
Maximum dig reach: 19 ft. 7 in.
Maximum dig depth: 11 ft. 7 in.
Orlowski says a backfill blade on the ZX50U-5N allows the excavator to fill or grade while an optional all-hydraulic blade angles 25 degrees left or right. The cab includes a new, adjustable armrest along with folding travel pedals and user-friendly controls.
ZX210LC-6 construction excavator
Net power: 163.6 hp @ 2,000 rpm
Operating weight: 50,265 lbs.
Maximum dig reach: 32 ft. 7 in.
Maximum dig depth: 21 ft. 11 in.
ZX26U-5N compact excavator
Net power: 20 hp
Operating weight: 5,560 lbs.
Maximum dig reach: 15 ft. 2 in.
Maximum dig depth: 8 ft. 6 in.
The ZX26U-5N is designed for trenching as well as residential and other types of landscaping.
“It’s a very compact machine,” Orlowski says. “Think if you are working along your foundation. The swing boom can get right along and be parallel to the foundation of your house. Anything residential, you can really get into those tight spots. It has great hose protection. That’s really important so that stuff doesn’t get damaged when you use it in rental.”
Orlowski says the controls are operator friendly and the serviceability is good.
“All of the different service points are together,” Orlowski says. “You’ve got hydraulic oil and fuel filters together.”