Hitachi has expanded its wheeled excavator range with the addition of the short-tail ZX135W-7. It has a compact 360-degree swing radius (1,740mm to the rear and 1,750mm at the front) for exceptional performance in confined areas such as urban road construction sites wherever space is limited.
Owners can increase their profits thanks to low fuel consumption and the efficient operation of the new wheeled excavator across a variety of applications. The industry-leading HIOS V hydraulic system increases front speed and delivers up to 7 per cent less fuel consumption than the previous Zaxis-6 range. The ZX135W-7 has the same engine as the larger ZX155W-7 model, ensuring a powerful performance.
Attachments can be conveniently transported with the optional trailer support package and they are easily changed using the enhanced attachment support system.
In the Zaxis-7 cab the seat and console have a synchronised motion, designed to ensure that operators feel less tired at the end of the working day. Features include cruise control, automatic transmission and the optional ride control system that suppresses vibrations from the front attachment.
The cab offers a superior view of the job site to protect operators and the machine from potential hazards. Visibility is boosted by an exceptional 270-degree view with the Aerial Angle camera system. Operators can choose from six image options on the monitor to view the immediate environment. Their vision through the cab’s front window is also improved by the slim steering column with wider adjustment angle and smaller steering wheel.
To enable operators to work more confidently the unit is fitted with new features such as LED work lights, a windscreen wiper with an increased sweeping area, and larger mirrors. For additional safety, the upper structure and front attachment will lock in place when the machine is in the correct position for driving on public roads.
Meanwhile, the single-piece undercarriage that benefits from greater oscillation, enhanced outrigger hydraulics and fenders protecting the upper structure from dirt.
Another Sunward mini
Sunward says that its new 1.7tonne mini-excavator with cab - or canopy – is aimed at the public works, small-site construction and landscaping sectors.
Sunward, a specialist in mini excavators, now offers no fewer than seven models in the mini segment - from 0.8 to 3.5tonnes. The SWE 17F’s engine conforms to the latest European Stage V emissions control legislation as do all models in the range.
Sunward has chosen to equip its latest model with a Yanmar 3TNV80-SSSU engine. The company has extensive experience of the Yanmar TNV Stage V 3-cylinder power unit as it is also fitted to the brand’s SWE 18UF and SWE 20F models. The engine contributes to the reliability, comfort and profitability of the new model thanks to its reduced fuel consumption, noise and vibration.
With a net power output of 13.4kW and a weight ranging from 1,640kg with a canopy to 1,780kg with a cab, the SWE 17F is both powerful and lightweight.
With economy in mind, the SWE 17F features automatic switching from high to low range whenever traction and ground conditions demand, meaning operators enjoy a smoother ride when manoeuvring and using the blade. When climbing a gradient or negotiating an obstacle, for example, the SWE 17F’s speed range selection system automatically engages the slow range to boost traction as resistance increases; it automatically switches back to the high range to allow faster travel when conditions normalise. Because operators do not have to select the speed range manually, they can better concentrate on the job in hand.
With a view to protecting the engine, the SWE 17F also boasts an automatic alarm coupled with an automatic engine stop feature that kick in if the engine becomes too hot or low oil pressure is detected.
Sunward has chosen a HENGLI hydraulic pump, travel motors and swing motor. HENGLI pumps and hydraulic components are famous for their efficiency, compact size and excellent reliability.
HENGLI’s acclaimed variable displacement axial piston pump is located under the machine’s hood. With a flow rate of 67.2 l/min and an operating pressure of 245 bar (24.5 MPa), this pump gives operators excellent breakout and digging force, ensuring efficiency in all working conditions.
With its exceptional breakout force (over 21kN at the bucket and 12kN at the dipper), the SWE 17F can compete with other machines in its class.
When it comes to digging, the special design of the SWE 17F’s boom cylinder gives the machine a reach of almost 4m.
The variable width undercarriage can be adjusted from 990mm to 1,360mm for maximum stability and operator comfort under all working conditions and for all operations: lifting, loading, backfilling and digging.
Solid-tyre evolution
Evolution Wheel’s EWRS-HS series solid skid steer tyre is the hard surface version of the EWRS-AT series all-terrain tyre. The solid EWRS-HS is ideal for surfaces such as concrete and asphalt making them perfect for new construction, paving and recycling operations.
Evolution Wheel, based in Winnipeg, Canada, engineered the EWRS-HS series for severe duty applications where tyre wear is the biggest concern; They redesigned the tread pattern to maximise surface area. The EWRS-HS has double the surface area of the EWRS-AT Series – now 66%, to spread out the weight of the machine. This lowers the pressure per square inch on the concrete while extending its wear life significantly.
Evolution Wheel also says the EWRS-HS series has the deepest tread on the market, 41.28mm (52/32"). The deeper the tread, the more it can wear which increases longevity. These two features allow the tyre to last three to five times the lifespan of a traditional pneumatic tyre.
Solid tyres have a bad reputation for being rough on machines and the operator driving them. To combat this, the EWRS-HS tyre has a specialised core geometry that allows them to compress like a pneumatic tyre but without the bounce.
The tread design also allows the machine to skid smoothly so the operator can push the machine harder and increase productivity. Like all Evolution Wheels tyres, the EWRS-HS is a segmented tyre. This allows the operator to service the tyre right on the job site with just a 19mm (¾”) wrench, replacing the damaged segment within minutes.
Swap in, swap out
In a joint development with Honda, Komatsu has launched – in Japan – the PC01E-1, the equipment maker’s first electric micro-excavator, powered by portable and swappable batteries.
Komatsu and Honda have developed the PC01E-1 by successfully electrifying the PC01 conventional micro excavator through the incorporation of the Honda Mobile Power Pack, essentially a swappable mobile battery pack. The electric version is powered by Honda’s eGX electrified power unit.
Importantly, it is conveniently charged with only a 100V system. The new simple and stylish control panel displays the battery charge-level in letters in the centre of the monitor screen.
The battery box is installed in the rear of the machine. It weighs 340kg, lower than the 350kg maximum load capacity of Japanese mini trucks. Dimensions for transportation are: length 2,370mm, width 580mm and a height of 1,100mm.
