Hitachi Introduces ZW180-7, ZW180PL-7 Wheel Loaders

Tue March 14, 2023
Hitachi

The 3.5 cu. yd. Hitachi ZW180-7 and ZW180PL-7 wheel loaders feature a 33,047 lb. operating weight. The ZW180-7 offers either standard or high-lift front arms that excel in most bucket applications.

The ZW180PL-7 offers a parallel link arm configuration. It excels in fork and tool carrier applications by keeping attachments parallel with the ground as the loader arms move up or down. This allows operators increased control while loading or unloading items. The parallel link arm configuration also allows much greater visibility when using forks and other attachments.

"With the three front linkage options, these wheel loaders offer the versatility to handle any application, whether the loader is used to move pallets around the yard, load materials into trucks or manage stockpiles," said Matt Koester, wheel loader product manager, Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas Inc.

Both models are powered by a 173 hp (129 kW) Cummins engine.

Tools Enhance Productivity

Approach speed control and an auto power up function raise productivity to new heights. With approach speed control, the travel speed can be adjusted with fewer pedal operations during loading. This reduces operator fatigue and fuel consumption. Travel speed is controlled through the five-speed transmission during short loading operations. Limited-slip differentials also ensure traction in demanding applications.

The auto power up function increases hill climbing performance. It identifies slopes and adds power to prevent the engine speed from dropping when travelling uphill.

New for the ZW180-7, a payload weighing system uploads information reporting productivity to the ConSite telematic system. Operators can check the weight of the load in the bucket from the inside cab monitor and log the material loaded. It offers four modes — tip-off to truck, tip-off to pile, auto-add and manual-add. These modes allow the payload weighing system to manage loads according to their application. In addition, the unit is equipped with a warning function that reacts when the bucket is overloaded, improving safety during operation.

Operator Comfort Reduces Fatigue

Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas Inc. improved the overall comfort of the ZW180-7 and ZW180PL-7 with larger and quieter cabs. A seat-mounted armrest with ergonomic electric hydraulic controls, ergonomically located switches, adjustable seat and mirrors further enhance operator comfort.

An 8-in. anti-glare LCD monitor with Bluetooth radio allows hands-free phone capacity.

Designing cabs with panoramic visibility helps create a safe and comfortable working environment. The position and design of the cab pillars, the layout of the monitor and switch panel have been improved to ensure a wider field of view from the cab.

Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas Inc. takes visibility a step further with its Aerial Angle peripheral vision camera system. It provides a wide 270-degree bird's-eye view of the machine's immediate environment. Aerial Angle includes three cameras mounted on the rear of the machine. Operators can see both the left and right sides of the machine on the monitor inside the cab.

Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas Inc. is always exploring new ways to increase safety on the job site. The latest innovation is an optional rear obstacle detection system with automatic speed reduction on the Hitachi ZW-7 wheel loader product line. It offers rear object detection alerts to improve safety and help reduce potential damage on the job site.

Serviceability Improves Reliability, Uptime

Design enhancements help protect critical components from the environment. An inner element of the engine air filter protects the engine from dust ingress while cleaning the outer element. Even the air conditioner is protected with a sealed internal filter that prevents intrusion of dust into the air conditioner unit.

Airborne debris can become an issue in many wheel loader operations, often leading to decreased cooling system performance. Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas Inc. addressed this with an intelligent automatic reversing hydraulically driven fan and wide-fin radiators which prevent clogging.

Daily maintenance has been simplified with easy access filters and improved access to components.

Using telematic tools to monitor machine health also helps boost uptime. ConSite, which remotely monitors operational status and alerts owners and operators to upcoming maintenance needs, is making a leap forward.

ConSite Air is a new optional add-on that allows the wheel loader to be diagnosed remotely, as well as remote updates of the software. No matter where a machine is located, the servicing dealer can quickly diagnose issues that may arise, leading to increased uptime. A ConSite response team is on standby to rapidly resolve issues as they emerge.

For more information, visit hitachicm.us.

This story also appears on Construction Equipment Guide.