Hitachi: Maximising efficiency, uptime and safety on demolition sites

Three special application machines have been developed by Hitachi to maximise efficiency, uptime and safety on heavy-duty and demolition projects.

The two multi-carrier models – ZX400MC-7 and ZX600MC-7 – are supplied with up to four front equipment options and are built to meet the requirements of all demolition projects. They can complete the tasks of several machines on site, which simplifies planning, and minimises transport and personnel costs. They also improve performance and safety for operators.

Based on standard Hitachi Zaxis-7 models, with Zaxis-7 technology and Stage V-compliant engines, they were developed with Kenki Technology Group GmbH (KTEG). “Hitachi is addressing the specific requirements of certain industries,” says Burkhard Janssen, European Department Head Special Applications and New Technologies at Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) NV. “We are constantly listening to the needs of our customers, particularly regarding improvements to productivity and efficiency on site.”

Thanks to a larger boom and bucket cylinders, and a one-class-higher reinforced linkage, the ZX390TC-7 can carry five-tonne working tools, such as hydraulic shears for crushing that would normally be used by larger machines. It is equipped with a full hydraulic control system, suitable for use with all working tools, which can be changed within seconds from the operator’s seat. For added stability, the ZX390TC-7 has a robust 25cm longer undercarriage than the standard ZX350LC-7, and is supplied with an additional 1.4-tonne counterweight. To ensure the safety of operators, the machine has side impact protection and a demolition-spec cab with FOPS guard level 2, front window protection and high-spec P5A safety glass. Safety is also enhanced by the exceptional visibility from the cab, particularly from the 270-degree bird’s-eye view provided by the Aerial Angle camera system.

Sharing some of the features of the ZX390TC-7, the larger ZX400MC-7 and ZX600MC-7 multi-carrier models are built to meet the requirements of all demolition projects. They are each supplied with up to four front equipment options, including: a monoboom and two-piece boom; and the ZX400MC-7 can have a high-reach demolition front of 21m or 24m, while the ZX600MC-7 can be equipped with a high-reach demolition front of 26m or 30m, and a telescopic boom enabling a high reach of 34m.

They will boost profits for owners by enhancing efficiency on every project. Like the ZX390TC-7, they are equipped with a full hydraulic control system, suitable for use with all hydraulic attachments. Both the boom and the working tool can be changed quickly and conveniently from the operator’s seat thanks to Boom Quick Connect and Tool Quick Connect technology. This unique and award-winning feature allows the front equipment to be changed within two minutes by one person (instead of 90 minutes and two people for a conventional type of boom-change system), saving time on the job site. Having the flexibility to choose between booms enables operators to work with the optimum attachment for the job, ensuring a better performance. The triple boom raise cylinders, extendable undercarriage for 360-degree working, and a longer track frame, also enhance the versatility of both machines.

The especially reinforced demolition cab is equipped to keep operators safe while carrying out demolition work in challenging environments. The FOPS level 2 and front window protection, plus P5A glass, for example, will protect the operator from falling debris. The operator has excellent visibility thanks to the tilting cab on the MC machines (tilting the cab to 30 degrees). Camera systems show multiple views from the cab, including of the attachment, side and rear of the machine, and a 270-degree view of the surrounding environment. Safe working and stability are ensured by the load moment indicator and alarm system, as well as the extendable undercarriage and additional counterweight. “We believe these models will help to save our customers time and money, and significantly improve machine performance and safety for operators,” says Burkhard Janssen.