27.02.2013 / Zaxis-5 models put to the test
The new Hitachi Zaxis-5 range was launched to critical acclaim at the last Intermat exhibition. 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.”
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.”
