EH5000ACII

Moline, IL - October 13, 2008

As the excavation and hauling specialist, Hitachi has now made it easier than ever for mining operations to remote-monitor the performance of their Dash-6 Series of Hitachi mining shovels and backhoes.

Mining Monsters

The new Dash-6 mining excavators feature new higher horsepower Tier-2 Cummins engines and an enhanced cab with better visibility, a new air-suspension operator's seat, a new widescreen color LCD multifunction monitor, and new low-effort short-throw levers with electric fly by wire. An updated monitoring system measures 58 items versus 12 from previous models. And starting with the EX2500-6 and larger sized machines, there's a new 45-degree folding-type service stairway for easier access to the upper areas of the excavator.

Also standard with the Dash-6 series is the new Hitachi Global e-Service for easy internet access to vital Machine Information Center (MIC) data. This enables owners to use their own computers to check on critical data without having to purchase any expensive software or go out into the field and do a manual download. So whether someone is operating out of a mine's field office or the mine's global headquarters, Hitachi e-Service makes it possible to remote monitor the health of each Dash-6 excavator. Manual downloads can still be done in order to obtain all of the MIC data. However these complete files can be uploaded into e-Service as well.

The Dash-6 line not only meets Tier-2 requirements, it was developed to slash life-cycle costs and reduce downtime by using advanced technology. A highly sophisticated monitoring system provides instant fault and alarm diagnosis displaying warnings and countermeasures if an event arises.

Since Hitachi has been making large mining excavators for so long, it has developed a wealth of data on providing support of their products. Hitachi has also listened to customers and dealers. As a result, the Dash-6 Series design team was also focused on determining appropriate warning thresholds and providing more accurate replacement intervals for parts with analysis of the monitoring data.

Hitachi mining hallmarks which continue in the new Dash-6 series include long-life undercarriages, extended service components, field proven structures, and well balanced hydraulic systems providing both productivity and reliability. Hitachi's exclusive Auto-Level Crowd mechanism on their shovels increases job efficiency with one-lever control.

The EX1900-6 through the EX5500-6 are available in both front shovel and backhoe configurations. The EX8000-6 is currently available as a front shovel only.

Hitachi Background

Since the introduction of Hitachi's first mining excavators in the 1970s, Hitachi has built an excellent reputation for high productivity, low maintenance costs, and high reliability. In fact, two out of five mining excavators at work in the world today are Hitachi. And, as owner of the legendary Euclid rigid-frame haul-truck line, Hitachi has ensured its Hitachi trucks are perfectly matched to its excavators in quality, performance, and customer satisfaction. They are committed to building long-term, mutually beneficial customer relationships through responsive, flexible product support.

Hitachi Philosophy and Commitment

The Hitachi design philosophy is to design and build equipment that meets three basic customer needs: high reliability, high productivity, and low operating costs. Hitachi also believes in mutual trust — creating long-term partnerships with its dealers and customers in order to minimize unexpected downtime and reduce operating costs.

In order to better serve its mining customers and reinforce its commitment to the mining community, Hitachi has recently completed a new 138-million-dollar state-of-the-industry factory in Japan, near the Hitachi-Naka port. The building itself is 382,122 square feet and is devoted exclusively to large excavators and rigid frame haul trucks. The annual output goal is 165 mining sized excavators, 125 EX1200-sized quarry excavators, and 80 mining-sized haul trucks.

Hitachi works with sales companies and dealers all over the world in supporting Hitachi equipment — either by working with established dealers or, in extremely remote areas, by creating Hitachi-owned support facilities, such as HCMA-Peru, which handles Hitachi service at the Yanacocha Gold Mine. In North America, support is handled through a widespread local dealer network which in turn is managed and supported by John Deere.

Brief specs*:

EX1900-6
Operating Weight:  421,075 lb/191 000 kg front shovel
 423,280 lb/192 000 kg BE backhoe
Engine:  Cummins QSK38-C Tier 2
Power:  1,086 hp
Bucket Capacity:  14.4-15.7 yd3/11-12 m3 front shovel
 5.8-15.7 yd3/4.4-12 m3 backhoe

EX2500-6
Operating Weight:  548,900 lb/249 000 kg front shovel
 548,700 lb/248 000 kg BE backhoe
Engine:  Cummins QSK50-C Tier 2
Power:  1,400 hp
Bucket Capacity:  19.6-21.6 yd3/15-16.5 m3 front shovel
 19.6 yd3/15 m3 backhoe

EX3600-6
Operating Weight:  795,900 lb/361 000 kg front shovel
 791,500 lb/359 000 kg BE backhoe
Engine:  Cummins QSK60-C Tier 2
Power:  1,944 hp
Bucket Capacity:  27.5-30.1 yd3/21-23 m3 front shovel
 29 yd3/22 m3 backhoe

EX5500-6
Operating Weight:  1,142,000 lb/518 000 kg
Engine:  2 x Cummins QSK50-C Tier 2
Power:  2,800 hp
Bucket Capacity:  35.5-40.1 yd3/27-30.6 m3 front shovel
 38 yd3/29 m3 backhoe

EX8000-6
Operating Weight:  1,787,900 lb/810 991 kg
Engine:  2 x Cummins QSK60-C Tier 2
Power:  3,888 hp
Bucket Capacity:  52.3 yd3/40 m3 front shovel

*Specs subject to change without notice.  Please contact your local dealer for the most current information.

For more information about e-Service visit your .

For more information:

Kathy Anderson

Galloway Wallace

P: 405.277.2788

F: 405.277.2257