Zaxis-5 models put to the test

The new Hitachi Zaxis-5 range was launched to critical acclaim at the Intermat exhibition in April. Since then, the ZX250LC-5, ZX290LC-5 and ZX350LC-5 medium excavators, and ZX670LCH-5 and ZX870LCH-5 large machines have been delivered to a wide range of customers for their first assignments all over Europe by Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) NV (HCME).

One of the first machines to break cover was a ZX250LC-5 working for Trafikk & Anlegg AS on the E18 road construction project between Sandefjord and Tønsberg in Norway. Andres Sœtre has 30 years’ experience of operating excavators and has worked with two other Hitachi models: a ZX160W and ZX210-3.

“My initial impressions are that the changes between the Zaxis-3 and -5 excavators are all positive,” highlights Andres. “The TRIAS hydraulic system is especially good, as are the swing torque and enhanced performance of the engine. Comfort comes first and the ZX250LC-5 doesn’t disappoint: the seat is comfortable; the controls are within easy reach; and there’s less noise and more legroom in the cab.”

German demolition company KS Engineering already owns two Hitachi ZX350LCN-3s and the new ZX350LC-5 has been brought in to help demolish a former US military base in Augsburg. Owner Manfred Schöllhorn has operated excavators for around 25 years.

“The ZX350LC-5’s superior power and handling characteristics are what we would expect from Hitachi,” says Manfred. “The cab is really comfortable, the interior is very modern and the technology is similar to what you would find in a car. The most impressive feature is the ergonomic design of the control panel and LCD monitor. It is so easy to operate the air conditioning, rear-view camera and other functions.”

Joris Roebben has been operating Hitachi excavators for 20 years and his company (J Roebben) has three Zaxis machines at its disposal. The latest addition to the fleet, a ZX290LC-5, has been utilised for laying pipes on a housing development site in Genk, Belgium.

“Every time Hitachi brings out a new range of excavators, we think this is the best machine yet, but then they do it again,” enthuses Joris. “The ZX290LC-5 is very responsive and easy to manoeouvre. I’ve been particularly impressed by its smooth operation and swing motion, due to the efficiency of the TRIAS hydraulic system. It’s also quiet, which makes it ideal for residential areas, and has excellent fuel consumption.”

Robert Hahn has been working with Schön + Hippelein in the Calcitwerk Heidenheim quarry in Germany for the past two years. Through a career spanning 20 years, he has previously operated two Zaxis-3 excavators (the ZX470LCH-3 and ZX670LCH-3) and is therefore in a good position to comment on the new ZX670LCH-5.

“The ZX670LCH-5 is powerful and offers excellent handling capabilities for loading rocks on to EH750 dump trucks,” explains Robert. “The cab is spacious, there is more than enough legroom and the seat is comfortable. The control panel is similar to that of a car – it is so easy to understand the functionality and operate the monitor. I think the speed of the swing mechanism is particularly impressive, especially during the loading cycle.”

Jan de Nul has bought the largest machine in the new Zaxis-5 range, the ZX870LCH-5, for offloading rocks into the Albert Canal between Antwerp and Liège in Belgium. Frans Maenhout has more than 25 years’ experience as an operator, the past 17 of which have been spent working with Hitachi machines.

“The new ZX870LCH-5 is more luxurious than the previous Zaxis-3 model, with increased legroom and overall comfort,” says Frans. “The colour monitor provides more access to useful information and the ergonomic control panel is much easier to use. The best feature is that it is very precise – when you move the joystick, the excavator does exactly what you want it to do.”