Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) NV (HCME) presented the ZX38U-5 mini excavator at Bauma 2016. Designed to have a huge impact on earthmoving, utilities, general and road construction projects, it is ideal for working in confined spaces due to its short-tail swing radius. The Hitachi development team created the new Zaxis-5 range of mini excavators after listening to the needs of European customers. The result is a range of exceptionally versatile, comfortable and easy-to-maintain machines, which provide a fast, powerful and fuel-efficient performance on any job site.
The ZX38U-5 can be used with a variety of attachments and has been given several new features to enhance its versatility for a wide range of applications. A low-noise muffler has been fitted to the rear of the cab for quiet operation, which is an increasingly important consideration for urban and residential projects. It has an auto-shift travelling system, which automatically reduces the speed of the excavator according to the travel load. This is useful when the blade is used for landscaping or when the machine is moving up a slope.
Operator comfort was an important factor in the design of the Zaxis-5 mini excavator range. The ROPS-compliant cab of the ZX38U-5 is more spacious than previous Zaxis-3 models. It has a wider seat with an adjustable armrest, expansive legroom, and a larger door and front window for easy access and enhanced visibility. The new multi-function LCD monitor features user-friendly controls and makes information easy to view at a glance.
Maintenance of the new Zaxis-5 mini excavator is now easier thanks to the convenient cleaning features and easily accessible parts. The radiator cover, for example, now has a handle and hinge, instead of bolts, which allows for easy inspection. The durability of the new ZX38U-5 model has also been improved with the addition of strengthened front joints, a reinforced D-frame and a boom cylinder guard, which ensure high levels of productivity and availability.
The fuel-efficient performance of the ZX38U-5 is due to the advanced energy-saving system. This combines the ECO mode, auto idle and isochronous control features of the excavator to significantly reduce fuel consumption. With the additional benefits of lower noise levels and fewer emissions, it allows the new mini excavator to have a reduced environmental impact, in compliance with current EU regulations.
Joep van den Maagdenberg, Product Specialist at HCME, says, “The ZX38U-5 may be among the smaller machines manufactured by Hitachi, but it is still extremely powerful, fast and energy-efficient. It has been designed to exceed the expectations of owners and operators across Europe, and we believe that it will succeed.”
Specifications ZX38U-5
Engine rated power: 21.2kW
Operating weight: 3,770-4,170kg
Bucket capacity (ISO Heaped): 0.10m³
