Hitachi releases ZW220-6

Hitachi Construction Machinery Loaders America, Newnan, Georgia, has released the ZW220-6. It is the first of Hitachi’s midsized wheel loaders in the Dash-6 Series and is equipped for a full range of duties, the company says.

It ships at 38,910 pounds, is powered by an efficient 200-horsepower Cummins Tier 4F engine and delivers 34,170 pounds of breakout force. The heaped bucket capacity of 4.2 to 4.7 cubic yards can reach loading heights up to 13.5 feet.

Technology and productivity

In its Dash-6 fleet, Hitachi offers smart technology features, such as ride control, telematics, auto power-up and a liquid crystal display (LCD) color monitor. Hitachi’s Global e-Service combines with its ConSite reporting program to give fleet managers 24/7 remote monitoring, maintenance and daily operational data, plus monthly summary reports.

Dash-6 models have a range of features that target operators’ needs for responsive power and control.

Cab comfort and control

The Dash-6 cab operator’s compartment is pressurized with a virtually airtight seal to keep out dust and dirt, Hitachi says. The tilt/telescoping steering pedestal is linked to a pop-up pedal that quickly returns the steering pedestal to its start position. The company says air conditioning, ventilation and a sound system create a comfortable work environment for long hours on the job.

The transmission offers two automatic 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, giving it the extra traction or torque required at that time.

The ZW220-6 also provides Hitachi’s new Power Mode switch, putting a 10 percent burst in engine revolutions per minute. Available in auto and manual ranges, Power Mode provides extra acceleration, rim-pull and breakout force without limiting the loader’s speed. Operators will typically engage Power Mode to dig into heavy piles, climb grades under full load and run speed quickly on flat runs. Power Mode also enhances hydraulic flow to allow the bucket to be lifted quickly for faster cycle times.

Hitachi says its parallel/tandem hydraulic circuit makes load lifting and dumping even more efficient. The parallel tilt and lift movement smooths out digging operations, while the tandem function prioritizes the bucket when dumping and an automatic return-to-dig function resets the bucket for the next load.

E-Stick hydraulic steering

Offered as an option, Hitachi says its E-Stick steering system is an electric control over a hydraulically controlled joystick. Controlled by a fingertip lever mounted just in front of the armrest, this new steering system takes over the wheel to allow fine control of the machine’s movements with minimal effort.

Visibility features

The ZW220-6 offers a seamless front window, rounded engine cowling and redesigned ROPS (rollover protection structure) frames allows a 360-degree line of sight. The exhaust and intake stacks are relocated to the far rear end of the engine cover, minimizing 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.

Additional features of ZW220-6

The ZW220-6’s standard equipment includes a reversible, on-demand hydraulic cooling fan that can be activated automatically or manually. Aluminum wide-fin cooling cores are designed to ensure high cooling efficiency and to extend the service life. A rear grill prevents raw material from entering the radiator compartment and protects it from debris. An exhaust-aspirated air cleaner and integrated precleaner removes large particulate matter from the air inlet, eliminating the need for turbine-type precleaner.

The loading arm on the ZW220-6 features a heavy cross-tube design to resist torsional stresses. A belly guard also is available to prevent damage to the powertrain and driveshaft in the most rugged terrain.

Switching DPF to SCR

By eliminating diesel particulate filters (DPF) and the required regen cycles from the ZW220-6 power system, Hitachi is now providing Tier 4 Final solutions for wheel loaders. Hitachi Dash-6 machines introduce a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system using just a diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) system. This allows the machine to run without high engine temperatures and without concerns about idle times. Fleet managers can look forward to less downtime for engine maintenance and extended engine life to overhaul, the company says.

An auto shutdown feature provides further savings on fuel and emissions, adding up to about a 7 percent reduction in fuel cost during load-and-carry operations.

Telematics with Hitachi’s Global e-Service allows ZW220-6 owners to monitor their loaders remotely for machine performance, daily operational reports and remote diagnosis and schedule maintenance dates. The results also are provided automatically in monthly email summaries with Hitachi’s ConSite program.