New Hitachi ZX345USLC-6 ultrashort excavator delivers power and efficiency in tight spaces

Hitachi’s ultrashort excavator lineup in North America continues to grow with the introduction of its most powerful reduced-tail-swing excavator – the ZX345USLC-6.

The new ZX345USLC-6 will offer contractors increased reach, dig forces, bucket capacity and lift capacity, while simultaneously making it possible to work in tight, confined spaces. With generous legroom, the ZX345USLC-6 cab features daylong convenience and comfort and is the only full-size cab on a reduced tail swing machine in the industry.

“As the number of urban renewal projects increase, there is a clear need among contractors for a larger reduced-tail-swing excavator that will help them tackle larger projects in a reduced amount of time. The new ZX345USLC-6 provides powerful performance in congested areas and keeps lanes open on road projects,” said Jonathan Spendlove, product marketing manager for Hitachi Construction Machinery – Americas.

Built with the same toughness as Hitachi’s large mining excavators, the 30-metric-ton ZX345USLC-6 delivers efficiency, reliability and durability.

Efficiency

The ZX345USLC-6 features an exclusive three-pump hydraulic system that provides multifunction performance and the fastest cycle times in the industry.

It also comes with a standard auxiliary function lever (AFL) and control, designed for precise control of all attachments, including thumbs and grapples. The lever enables the operator to precisely and easily move attachments by the “slider” on the right hand of the pilot joystick. Optional auxiliary hydraulic line and proportional reliefs are available, making the machine ready for immediate installation of thumbs or other proportional controlled attachments.

Reliability

The new excavator is equipped with a powerful Certified Final Tier 4 (FT4)/EU Stage IV Isuzu 7.8-liter engine (249 hp) that features integrated, effective engine technologies.

The Isuzu engine employs cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) and selective catalytic reduction (SCR). Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) is injected into the exhaust stream of the engine, runs through a catalyst, and turns the NOx in the exhaust into harmless water vapor and nitrogen gas. The EGR is specifically tuned to further reduce NOx (compared to EPA Interim Tier 4 [IT4]/EU Stage IIIB engines) to meet new emission standards with minimal use of DEF. Additionally, an improved piston design allows particulate matter to be burned in cylinder, so there’s no need for a diesel particulate filter (DPF).

Durability

The ZX345USLC-6 undercarriage has been designed with durability in mind. The heavy-duty undercarriage, designed for a 35-metric-ton machine, provides a low center of gravity, greater stability and increased lift capacity.

D-channel side frames house and protect the highly efficient coolers and FT4 engine. The boom, arm and mainframe are so tough, they’re warranted for three years or 10,000 hours, whichever comes first.

Uptime

Maintenance for the ZX345USLC-6 is minimized with features such as side-by-side cooling cores, a standard battery disconnect switch and ground-level access to filters. Extended service intervals help maximize uptime, and scheduled maintenance is easy to track using Hitachi’s ZXLink™ system, which comes standard equipped on the model.

ZXLink gives owners the power to optimize their operation and maximize profits. With the support of their dealer, owners can use their data to reduce idling time as well as maximize productivity and uptime. Without ever leaving their seat, they have access to fleet location, functions, hours, fuel consumption, alerts and other essential machine data. Owners can also view location and alert information in the field from iOS or Android devices.