Hitachi technology digs in with new ZW140-6 and ZW150-6 Wheel Loaders
Newnan, GA - With its new Dash-6 line of wheel loaders, Hitachi brings together solid machine engineering with the firm’s renowned technology capabilities. The three latest additions to the new-generation line-up demonstrate solid, smart results to give top fleet owners a powerful new choice for everyday performance.
The ZW140-6, ZW150-6 and ZW150PL-6 (Parallel Lift) fill out the range of utility-sized models from Hitachi Construction Machinery Loaders America Inc. (HCMA). An extensive list of upgrades and advanced features responds to customer demands for long term reliability, enhanced operator comfort and control and low operating costs. Hitachi’s efforts were rewarded recently when this series was singled out as the only rubber-tired loaders to earn a spot among this year’s Equipment Today Contractors’ Top 50 New Products for construction fleets.
Recognizing the need for “do-it-all” machines in the 25,000 lb. range, these new loaders deliver the strength and reliability to thrive in long hard-working shifts, fully loaded with a full suite of smart controls for complete versatility in multiple application roles.
The ZW140-6 weighs in at a nominal 25,640 lb. with its 2.7 yard GP bucket. The 26,960 lb. ZW150-6 hoists a 3.1 yard GP bucket. Both are driven by a 141 HP (104 kW) Cummins engine and are also offered with a selection of optional material handling buckets and utility forks. The ZW150PL-6 is a modified version of the ZW150-6, featuring Hitachi’s Parallel Lift arms.
Working hard, working smart
The operator’s right-side console puts Hitachi’s technology experience within fingertip reach. An extensive range of intuitive controls come easily to hand for responsive power, steering and loading functions. Under the hood, Hitachi offers popular smart features such as ride control, telematics and auto power-up. Hitachi’s ConSite reporting program gives fleet managers 24/7 remote monitoring, maintenance and daily operational data plus monthly summary reports. Up front, the multifunctional LED color monitor provides day and night readability for all machine conditions and settings.
The Dash-6 hydrostatic transmission offers two auto modes and one manual mode to adapt to the day’s applications. A shift-to-hold switch overrides automatic settings to hold the transmission in its current gear until the operator presses it again or changes direction. This gives it the extra traction or torque required at that time. A 1st range maximum speed selector offers settings from 4 to 8 mph (7 - 13 km/h) allowing the operator to apply higher rpm at low speeds for maximum hydraulic output for hydraulically driven attachments.
The Approach Speed Control automatically detects the needs of the operator by increasing the front arm speed and maintaining driving speed, allowing improved productivity during short operation cycles without relying on the inching pedal.
The Traction Control System (TCS) reduces tire slippage and Increases tire life. Again, the technology serves to boost productivity under any wet or muddy ground conditions and is especially useful in snow plowing and removal applications.
Extra power on demand
The ZW140-6 and ZW150-6 models are also equipped with Hitachi’s new Power Mode switch, delivering an instant 10% burst in engine rpm. Available in any auto and manual ranges, Power Mode provides immediate access to faster acceleration, more rim-pull and higher breakout force without limiting the loader’s top speed. Operators will typically engage Power Mode to dig into heavy piles, to climb grades under full load and run speed quickly on flat runs. Power Mode also enhances hydraulic flow to increase front arm speed by up to 10% for faster lift cycles.
Cab comfort and control
The Dash-6 cab operator’s compartment comes with a comprehensive comfort and convenience package. The cab is pressurized and has a virtually airtight seal to keep out dust and dirt. The fully adjustable tilt/telescoping steering pedestal is linked to a pop-up pedal that quickly returns the steering pedestal to its start position. Creature comforts include a fully automatic A/C, excellent ventilation and air exchange and a new sound system with roof-mounted speakers.
The best visibility in the business
The new series extends Hitachi’s claim to have the best visibility in the business – a significant advantage for machines that are often roading between work sites. A seamless front window, rounded engine cowling and redesigned ROPS frames allow clean 360° lines-of-sight. The exhaust and intake stacks are relocated to the far rear of the engine cover and mounted inline to minimize their profile in the operator’s view. The rear pillars of the ROPS frame struts are mounted forward and away from the rounded corners of the cab. A rear-mounted safety camera is standard equipment, along with a proximity detection system providing audible and visual alerts for stationary and moving objects up to 20 feet from the loader.
Lifting choices
Hitachi offers three types of lift arms for these models: SLA: Standard Lift Arm, HLA: High Lift Arm, PLA: Parallel Lift Arm. Hitachi’s parallel/tandem hydraulic circuit makes load-lifting and dumping even more efficient. The parallel tilt & lift movement smooths out digging operations while the tandem function prioritizes the bucket while dumping. An automatic return-to-dig function resets the bucket for the next load.
All day, every day
Dash-6 machines are built with a solid foundation to work long shifts for years to come with a robust frame structure, high ground clearance and a resilient cooling package.
Standard equipment includes a reversible, on-demand hydraulic cooling fan, which can be activated automatically or manually. Aluminum wide-fin cooling cores ensure high cooling efficiency as well as extending the service life, free of corrosion.
A new rear grill prevents raw material from entering the radiator compartment and protects it from debris. An exhaust-aspirated air cleaner and integrated pre-cleaner remove large particulate matter from the air inlet, eliminating the need for turbine-type pre-cleaner.
The new models sport improved engine covers that open wide to easily access to grease zerks and daily inspection points. Their Cummins engines mean dependable performance, simple maintenance and readily available parts. Loading arms are mounted with a heavy cross-tube design to resist torsional stresses. A belly guard is also available to prevent damage to the powertrain and driveshaft in the most rugged terrain.
The new leader in Tier 4F
Tier 4 engines only use SCR technology. Hitachi Dash-6 emission controls move ahead of the pack with DPF-free Tier 4 Final power.
Hitachi outpaces the industry in Tier 4 Final solutions for wheel loaders, as first to eliminate DPF and its attendant regen cycles from the ZW-6 power systems. This generation of loaders introduces a clean SCR system using just a simple DEF system, allowing the machines to run efficiently without high engine temperatures and with no concerns about idle times. Fleet managers can look forward to less downtime for engine maintenance and extended engine life to overhaul. Using SCR opens up space in the engine compartment, making life a little easier for service techs.
All told, the new system reduces fuel consumption in loading cycles by about 6%. In long runs, these machines will save up to 19% of fuel costs while operating in power mode and as much as 23% in standard mode. An auto-shutdown feature provides further reduction of fuel and emissions, adding up to cost savings of about 7% across the board during load-and-carry operations.
