Lightening the load with Hitachi’s wheel loaders

Hitachi enhances durability and safety of ZW180-6 and ZW220-6 wheel loaders for special applications.

 

To answer the needs of its European customers, Hitachi has introduced a waste handling package for its versatile ZW180-6 and ZW220-6 wheel loaders. This comprises a range of additional features that provide extra protection for the operator and key components, enhancing the safety and durability of the machine, and reducing unscheduled downtime and maintenance costs. In addition to waste handling, the new package is advantageous for demolition and forestry applications.

 

For added protection from falling debris, the medium wheel loaders are fitted with durable guards for headlights and taillights. Seal guards for the wheels prevent material from wrapping around the axles. Steel spiral hose guards protect the hydraulic hoses of the boom and lift arm cylinder.

 

A lift arm cylinder protector prevents damage of the lift arm cylinders, hoses and tubes, when material is trapped between the cylinders and the front frame. An articulation area guard protects critical components, such as the transmission and parking break, from damage due to fallen debris.

 

To enhance the reliable performance of the machine in waste handling and dusty environments, a dust protection screen with fine mesh and automatic reversible cooling fan prevent the radiator from clogging. The rotation of the fan changes every 30 minutes automatically — and a manual option is also available for flexibility.

 

The waste handling package includes an engine pre-cleaner to eliminate dust and dirt, which will also extend the lifetime of the air filter. For added durability and safety, owners can choose from a range of optional guards for the front windshield, bucket cylinder, and the driveshaft and powertrain.

 

 

The medium wheel loaders offer exceptional levels of performance without compromising on efficiency, thanks to low levels of fuel consumption. The EU Stage IV-compliant engine does not require a diesel particulate filter, which reduces maintenance costs.

 

The selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system, also designed to comply with EU Stage IV emission regulations, lessens the wheel loader’s impact on the environment. The SCR system injects urea into exhaust gas to reduce nitrogen oxide from emissions. As waste handling companies occasionally deal with flammable material, the maximum temperature level of exhaust gases is lower on this SCR system. This enables it to meet the high safety standards required in this industry.

 

The quick power switch increases engine output when more power is instantly required, or for driving uphill. The simultaneous movement of the bucket and lift arm ensures an efficient digging operation. The five-speed transmission ensures increased productivity and fuel efficiency while travelling.

 

 

The ZW180-6 and ZW220-6 are among the safest machines in their class. They offer excellent all-round visibility with a 360° panoramic view from the spacious cab and the rear-view camera. The repositioning of the muffler and air filter, and wide-view mirrors, have also enhanced the rear-view visibility.

 

Operators will notice extremely low noise levels inside the cab, thanks to improved sound insulation. To ensure a smooth driving experience on all kinds of terrain, the ride control feature minimises pitching via the movement of the lift arm cylinders.

 

A smooth operation and exceptional control are ensured by the optional Joystick Steering System (for the ZW220-6), which enables operators to reach high levels of productivity with effortless steering. In the cab, the multifunctional LCD monitor with built-in rear-view display also makes life easier, showing vital information at a glance.

 

Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) NV Wheel Loader Product Manager Vasilis Drougkas says, “We have introduced this package for the ZW180-6 and ZW220-6 models to meet the specific needs of any application in which there is a high risk of falling debris. It enhances the durability of the standard models for dusty environments, and prevents damage to components. As a result, it ensures a reliable performance, reduced downtime and lower maintenance costs.”

 

 

 

 

A new Hitachi ZW220-6 wheel loader has been delivered to Leca to support its operations near the community of Avelar, where the Portuguese company has been mixing and exporting clay since 1969. The machine was supplied in June 2018 as part of a package of ten Hitachi machines, with Zaxis-6 medium excavators also being distributed to Leca around its other European plants.

“At the time, we were looking for a central supplier,” explains Industrial Manager Bernardo Mendonça. “We made detailed specifications with precise technical requests and Hitachi presented the most appropriate and cost-effective solution. Our operators were also involved in the selection process and they were delighted with the performance of the Hitachi wheel loader.”

 

 

At the ten-hectare site, the ZW220-6 is being used to mix three different types of clay, as well as feed the main chute that leads to Leca’s central processing plant.

 

To help meet demand, the wheel loader must load 600m³ of mixed material into the system per 20-hour shift. The end result is five different types of porous clay that are exported for use in construction and agriculture.

 

According to Bernardo, the Hitachi wheel loader is perfectly suited to the task: “One of the biggest challenges we face in Avelar is the 24/7 operation, which means that the wheel loader is required to work constantly. For this reason, the high availability and reliability of the ZW220-6 make it the ideal solution.”

 

 

Having spent 28 years at Leca, Production Manager Helder Alves has the highest standards when it comes to construction machinery. The demands put on the ZW220-6 are intense, as he explains: “The wheel loader works continuously for most of the day, so it must be productive. In fact, our entire production cycle relies on it, because all of the clay material is initially handled by the ZW220-6. This job site is an extremely difficult place to work and it is vital that we meet our quota. My experience of the Hitachi wheel loader is that it is better than other machines and performs favourably in all technical areas. The dimensions are ideal for this site; it is user-friendly and the cab is comfortable. In short, we know that we can expect reliability from a Hitachi machine.”