Hitachi presents new ZX350LC-7 excavator with clamshell telescopic arm

Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) NV (HCME) introduced a new Zaxis-7 model with clamshell telescopic arm at Bauma this year. The ZX350LC-7 is available with 30m reach and is ideal for removing soil from below ground. Thanks to its enhanced hydraulics, it operates smoothly and efficiently, increasing productivity on complex urban excavation projects. Assembled at HCME’s factory in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, this special application machine has been designed to meet the needs of European customers.

Like all Zaxis-7 medium excavators, the ZX350LC-7 with clamshell telescopic arm (CTA) puts owners and operators in complete control. The Stage-V compliant model has an industry-leading cab with first-class comfort and safety features. Its exceptional reliability, efficiency and productivity provide owners with opportunities to increase profits and reduce costs.

Improve profit

As a cost-effective alternative to cranes, the Zaxis-7 excavator with clamshell telescopic arm can be used to load trucks to swiftly transport material off site. The arm’s high-speed extension and retraction capacity and strong pull-up force mean it requires less swing room than a long-reach excavator, making it suitable for
compact environments.

For added versatility, the ZX350LC-7 30m CTA is equipped with rotation piping for use with swivel clamshell buckets. Operators can control the HCME-manufactured attachment from the comfort of the cab with the AFL switch on the right-hand lever.

The impressive fuel economy of the ZX350LC-7 CTA excavator means that it delivers up to 10% less fuel consumption than the previous model. This is achieved with the help of Hitachi’s industry-leading TRIAS III hydraulic system. Fuel efficiency can be further controlled by using the new ECO gauge, clearly visible on the cab’s multifunctional 8” monitor.

Feel the difference

The state-of-the-art, ultra-spacious cab is the perfect working environment. One of the quietest in the industry, it also has 20% less vibration than the previous generation. New features include the synchronised motion of the seat and console – to reduce operator fatigue – and the adjustable console height. Easy operation comes from the ergonomic design of the console and switches.

Increase safety

Enhanced visibility is essential to improving safety on site. The cab of the ZX350LC-7 CTA is positioned 960mm further forward than on a standard model. It can also slide a further 1,300mm and has an enlarged floor window to provide the operator with a better view of the digging area below.

They can also use the height-adjustable and tilting monitor for the telescopic arm camera to view work on the ground closely. And a dedicated telescopic indicator display has been incorporated into the standard monitor.

Optional LED working lights are located at the front of the sliding cab to illuminate the area below ground. This offers the operator an unbeatable view of the job site in low light conditions, providing greater comfort and safety.

Boost uptime

Tested rigorously at dedicated facilities in Japan, Hitachi Zaxis-7 machines have been built to last. Uptime is maximised by easy maintenance and cleaning features, which save operators and owners both time and money. The two-way disconnect switch makes it possible to shut down power while still enabling the machine to transmit operation data for 72 hours. When the battery is completely disconnected, service or maintenance works can be carried out.

Fleet management

To enable owners to feel in total control of their fleet and workload, Hitachi’s remote monitoring systems, Owner’s Site and ConSite, give them access to vital data and tools. Both systems send operational data via GPRS or satellite from the excavator to Global e-Service on a daily basis. ConSite summarises the information in a monthly email, while the ConSite Pocket app shows real-time alerts for any potential issues.

The quality of the engine and hydraulic oil is monitored continuously by a unique Hitachi innovation. Two sensors detect if the oil quality has deteriorated and data is transmitted to Global e-Service. This innovative feature provides customers with peace of mind on the condition of their excavators, and reduces maintenance and unscheduled downtime.

Bauma debut

“We were proud to present the ZX350LC-7 excavator with clamshell telescopic arm to our customers at Bauma this year,” says Burkhard Janssen, Product Manager Special Applications and New Technologies at Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) NV.

“This latest model shares many of the advantages of our Zaxis-7 medium excavator range, putting owners and operators in control, so they can feel assured of their machine’s performance, and supported by the technological expertise and services that Hitachi provides.”