Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas Inc.

Hitachi Construction Machinery showcased solutions driving their Path to Zero on mine sites; Zero Emissions, Zero Downtime, and Zero Entry Mines at MINExpo 2024. Attendees witnessed the introduction of the EH4000AC-5 rigid dump truck that redefines capability in its class, the EX-7 excavators that balance innovation with a proven design, and a collaboration with Envirosuite Ltd. to provide intelligent insights for responsible mining.

The next-generation EH4000AC-5 rigid dump truck sets new performance benchmarks for mine site productivity. This truck boasts the industry’s highest payload — 242 tonnes (266 tons) — and reaches a maximum speed of 65 km/h (40 mph) to redefine material handling efficiency. This enhanced capability is a direct result of applying metal fabrication technologies perfected in the design of hydraulic excavators to the truck frame and body.

Durability is built-in with a strengthened suspension that delivers smooth and stable performance. Operators can choose from three driving modes (High Power, Power or Eco) to match the site environment. Eco Mode reduces fuel consumption while High Power Mode maximizes driving performance. The truck has been designed to deliver a lower cost per ton.

The Hitachi AC Drive Control Systems technology enhances stability, performance and maneuverability. Wet brakes in the front and back are paired with an enhanced retarder for superior deceleration performance in the harshest mining environments. The truck delivers more stable braking during long downhill operations with elevated electric braking performance and a new brake pedal, offering both hydraulic and electric braking.

A redesigned cab improves operator comfort with an upgraded center console featuring ergonomic switches and levers. The monitor provides the operator with loading conditions and information regarding safety conditions around the truck.

The EH4000AC-5 was designed with an eye toward the future. The truck can be upgraded to a fully electric specification with batteries and a trolley dynamic charging system that receives power from overhead lines.

Testing battery electric trucks

The first technological feasibility trial of the full battery electric trolley truck is now underway with the truck operating at First Quantum Minerals Ltd.’s Kansanshi deep open-pit copper-gold mine in the Republic of Zambia. First announced in June 2024, the trial of the ultra-large, full-battery rigid frame dump truck aims to verify the basic performance operations — such as traveling, turning and stopping — under actual operating loads and verify battery charging and discharging cycles.

Hitachi Construction Machinery’s Vice President and Executive Officer, President of Mining Business Unit, Eiji Fukunishi, stated, “Mining companies around the world are working to reduce emissions. As an Original Equipment Manufacturer, it is our vision to provide solutions that can reduce our customers’ environmental footprint. The battery dump truck represents the future, not only for the Hitachi Construction Machinery Group but for the mining industry as a whole, and we are pleased to establish this proving ground on an active mine site and work with First Quantum on advancing this zero-emission solution.”

The full-battery dump truck can continuously operate in sites by directly charging from the overhead trolley lines and through the regenerative braking system. This means the truck does not need to stop to be charged.

First Quantum is a leader in trolley system operations. The use of Kansanshi infrastructure and the collaboration with First Quantum makes it possible to fast-track this evolving technology into a commercially viable solution.

Intelligence supports responsible mining

Improving the site environment for the safety and health of workers and reducing the environmental impact on local communities is essential for sustainable resource extraction. Mine sites need intelligent tools to achieve this goal.

The collaboration with Envirosuite is a cornerstone of Hitachi Construction Machinery’s strategy to address global demand around ESG and greenhouse gas (GHG) challenges in mining. Envirosuite is an environmental intelligence technology company that helps mines manage operational challenges to reduce risk and improve productivity. Envirosuite’s powerful solutions combine operational data, evidence-based scientific methods and predictive meteorological models. Real-time monitoring of air quality, dust, noise, odor, vibration and water quality helps operations management make informed decisions.

Hitachi Construction Machinery will combine its mining knowledge with Envirosuite’s industrial technology and the fleet management and digital mining solutions of Wenco, a wholly-owned subsidiary to provide comprehensive insights.

Strengthening the sales and service structure in South America

Hitachi Construction Machinery continues to develop a robust network of dealers with an extensive sales and service system. ZAMine Service Brasil, a partnership between Hitachi Construction Machinery and Marubeni Corporation, will expand the mining business by strengthening the system from new machinery sales to parts and services in the South American market.

Marubeni Brasil S.A., has been leading mining machinery sales in Brazil since 2017. Marubeni and Hitachi Construction Machinery have been collaborating since the 1970s. They have jointly established and operated mining machinery sales and service companies in Australia and Ukraine. Additionally, Marubeni subsidiaries and affiliated companies have been selling mining machinery from Hitachi Construction Machinery in Peru, Chile, Colombia and other countries.

Learn more about the Hitachi Construction Machinery product line here: https://www.hitachicm.us/industry/mining/

Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas is proud to announce the addition of Antillana Comercial as an official dealer in the Dominican Republic. This strategic partnership makes reliable, high performance construction machinery readily available to customers, starting with select excavator models including the ZX130-5G, ZX200LC-5G, ZX350LC-7G and ZX490LC-7G, ranging from 12,800 kg to 49,700 kg in operating weight.

“Antillana Comercial has been a trusted partner for over 14 years, during which we have been serving mining customers in the Dominican Republic. Expanding our offerings to include construction equipment marks a significant milestone in our enduring partnership, allowing us to better meet the diverse needs of our construction customers,” says Simon Wilson, Vice President of Construction at Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas. “Together, we will continue to build a strong foundation for growth and development in the Dominican Republic.”

The ZAXIS-5G and ZAXIS-7G excavator lines are equipped with Hitachi Construction Machinery’s unique ConSite remote fleet monitoring system. Operators in the Dominican Republic will be able to closely monitor the operational status of their machines and receive immediate alarms if any emergency occurs. Support at Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas headquarters will be able to swiftly and efficiently offer necessary support to make sure the construction equipment is up and running to get the job done.

“This strategic alliance not only strengthens our position in the Dominican market, but also reinforces our commitment to excellence in the construction sector, offering our clients quality products and innovative solutions,” says Mr. Alejandro Rodriguez, Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Grupo Antillana Comercial.

The ZX350LC-7G excavator is equipped with an enhanced HIOS III hydraulic system while the ZX490LC-7G uses a HIOS V hydraulic system to introduce a new level of performance and efficiency. This results in reduced fuel consumption. Operators in the Dominican Republic will be able to optimize their fuel usage by matching their work mode to their site conditions and application.

With this latest announcement, Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas continues to strengthen its presence in the Latin American construction market. Customers in the Dominican Republic can now visit Antillana Comercial to access a range of excavators that meet EPA Tier 2 emission regulations.

Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas Inc. announces expanded product offerings, including construction machinery, in Suriname and Guyana. Previously, Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas exclusively offered mining machinery to the two countries through their dealer: SEMC Hardware.

SEMC has been a trusted mining dealer for over 12 years. Now, Hitachi Construction Machinery is proud to partner with SEMC to serve construction customers. Select excavator models including the ZX240LC-5G, ZX280LC-5G, ZX350LCH-7G and ZX490LCH-7G, ranging from 23,400 kg to 48,600 kg operating weight, will be available to customers in Suriname and Guyana.

“SEMC is a long-time partner of HCMA as a mining dealer and now is also a construction machinery dealer, becoming the first full-line dealer in Latin America. The opportunity to provide more products in these two countries is an important step for the growth of Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas in the region,” says Gustavo Montanhan, business and equipment manager for Latin America with Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas.

The ZX240LC-5G, ZX280LC-5G and ZX350LCH-7G excavators are equipped with an enhanced HIOS III hydraulic system while the ZX490LCH-7G uses a HIOS V hydraulic system to introduce a new level of performance and efficiency. This results in reduced fuel consumption. Operators in Suriname and Guyana will also be able to save on fuel by matching their work mode to their site conditions and application. Work modes can be selected on the excavator screen to make the machines more efficient in different environments.

Work sites in Suriname and Guyana will now be safer with the AERIAL ANGLE system, which uses a monitor inside the cab to display a 270-degree bird’s-eye image of the surrounding area and an image of the area behind the machine. This feature is designed to protect employee safety and equipment investments.

The ZAXIS-5G and ZAXIS-7G excavator lines are equipped with the ConSite remote fleet monitoring system, which closely monitors operational status, sends immediate alarms to alert the necessary parties of any emergencies, and offers monthly monitoring reports. Operators and fleet managers in Suriname and Guyana will now be able to connect with support at Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas’ regional headquarters. The team there can dispatch necessary assistance from a similar time zone.

Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas has made great strides in Latin America. With this latest move, the manufacturer is showing its commitment to continue being a trusted brand in the region.

Expanding and strengthening the mining business in the South American market by increasing the opportunity for new machine sales and parts and service provisions.

Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. (TSE: 6305, President and Executive Officer: Masafumi Senzaki; “Hitachi Construction Machinery”) and Marubeni Corporation (President and CEO: Masumi Kakinoki; “Marubeni”) reached an agreement in August to establish ZAMine Service Brasil Limitada (“ZAMine Brasil”), a sales and services company for mining machinery in Federative Republic of Brazil (“Brazil”). Both companies plan to invest 50% to create a special purpose corporation, which will invest 100% in the sales and services company. Going forward, both companies will continue to discuss the specific details to establish of ZAMine Brasil.

The establishment of ZAMine Brasil will expand the mining business in the South American market by strengthening the system from new machinery sales to parts and service provision in the South American market where the mining of copper, iron ore, gold and other minerals is expected to grow.

“Expanding Business in the Americas” is one of the four core strategies stated in the Hitachi Construction Machinery Group’s “BUILDING THE FUTURE 2025” Medium-term Management Plan which started in fiscal year 2023. The North American market has been able to develop a robust network of dealers with an extensive sales and service system. However, in the South American market, which has a strong mining business, expansion had been limited until now.

The Central and South American market accounts for 23% of the global demand for rigid dump trucks and 9% of ultra-large hydraulic excavators*1. Large quantities of copper, iron ore, gold, and other mineral resources are expected to grow in demand, and will in turn see increased mining in the future. Because there are many ultra-large hydraulic excavators from Hitachi Construction Machinery operating in Brazil, the company expects to expand the sales of parts and services and increase the sales of new vehicles.

Marubeni Brasil S.A., a 100% wholly owned subsidiary of Marubeni, has been leading mining machinery sales in Brazil since 2017. Hitachi Construction Machinery decided to establish ZAMine Brasil to strengthen its parts and service system for operating machinery. The company also plans to build a system to provide full maintenance and services to the customer network that Marubeni has nurtured through many years of business in Brazil. Marubeni and Hitachi Construction Machinery have been collaborating since the 1970s. They have jointly established and operated mining machinery sales and service companies in Australia and Ukraine. Additionally, Marubeni subsidiaries and affiliated companies have been selling mining machinery from Hitachi Construction Machinery in Peru, Chile, Colombia, and other countries. The two companies are committed to applying that experience to the establishment of ZAMine Brasil in Brazil.

The Hitachi Construction Machinery Group is restructuring its mining business for all of South America, including Brazil, and aims to achieve a sales revenue of 300 billion yen or more in the Americas from full-scale independent business*2 in fiscal year 2025.

ZAMine Brasil Overview:

Company Name: ZAMine Service Brasil Limitada
Head Office: Minas Gerais State, Brazil
Main Business: Sales and provision of services of Hitachi Construction Machinery Group’s mining machinery
Ownership Structure: ZAMine Latam Holdings Corporation, a special purpose company: 100%


*1: Includes dump trucks with a load capacity of 150 tons or more and ultra-large hydraulic excavators with an operating weight of 190 tons or more. (total unit demand from 2010 to March 2024).

*2: Full-scale independent business excludes OEM sales revenue for Deere & Company. 

 

As Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas continues rapid growth and expansion in the construction and mining markets, there remains a commitment to provide customers with the lowest cost of operation. Parts availability and location are critical to minimizing downtime and lowering shipping costs for customers. Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas is committed to its customers and dealer network with a vast parts inventory spread across its warehouses in the Americas to ensure high parts availability.

To optimize regional dealer and customer support while further strengthening the supply chain, Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas announces the addition of a 173,000 ft2 warehouse in Salt Lake City, Utah. This facility will provide support 7 days a week and expedite quick shipping to dealers and customers in the construction and mining markets. Now, when a machine down event occurs, the western region of North America will have quicker access to parts for their Hitachi machines.

“When we were deciding upon the location for this warehouse it was important for us to be close to our customers. While this requires additional investment and complexity for us, our goal is to improve the speed of delivery to our customers, maintain world class fill rates and be a highly reliable partner”, said Jeremy Dieterle, Vice President, Parts Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas.

Parts and service support are key drivers of total cost of ownership. Investing in regional warehouses allows Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas to continue to lower the cost of ownership for its customers and ensure that downtime is minimized. Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas warehouses cover several time zones across the Americas to ensure parts are readily available when needed.

“Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas is committed to being the best partner with the quickest delivery solution regardless of location,” said Dieterle.

The operation of the Salt Lake City Parts Warehouse will continue to shorten delivery times for customers and demonstrate a continued investment in after-sales support. The warehouse complements an existing supply chain network that stretches from Georgia to Indiana to Illinois and now Utah. Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas has invested in specialized technologies and equipment to efficiently handle all parts from the smallest O-ring to the largest EX8000 mining shovel parts.

Taking customer support to the next level, the supply chain in the Americas is backed by the strength of Hitachi Construction Machinery. Parts from all over the globe can be shipped via plane to our warehouses across the US. This focus on the supply chain is just one of the commitments by Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas to better serve customers and ensure partnerships continue to grow and be successful.

To learn more about Genuine Hitachi Parts visit: https://www.hitachicm.us/support/

Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. (TSE: 6305, President and Executive Officer: Masafumi Senzaki; “Hitachi Construction Machinery”) implemented a full-model change of the EH4000AC-3 rigid dump truck to develop the EH4000AC-5 (nominal payload of 242t, gross machine operating weight of 427t). By applying metal fabrication technologies accumulated through the manufacturing of hydraulic excavators, the company increased the durability and achieved the industry’s highest*1 payload of 242t. After completing field tests at mining sites, the company aims to start sales of the new rigid dump truck in 2025. Hitachi Construction Machinery plans to exhibit the EH4000AC-5 for the first time at MINExpo, the world’s largest mining trade show, to be held from September 24 to 26 in Las Vegas.

The EH4000AC-5 evolved the Hitachi AC drive system cultivated through the current EH AC-3 series models and strengthened the brakes, suspension, and other aspects of the undercarriage to achieve smooth, stable driving and superior deceleration performance even under the industry’s highest payload of 242t. In addition, it provides a comfortable operator space and operating environment which enables the operator to achieve the desired level of maneuvering performance. Furthermore, the change to a fully electric specification equipped with batteries and trolley dynamic charging systems that receive power from overhead lines installed at mines is also compatible with the EH4000AC-5 similar to the current EH-AC3 series models.

Primary features

1. Industry’s highest payload of 242t

Hitachi Construction Machinery utilized metal fabrication technologies accumulated through the manufacturing of hydraulic excavators to increase the body durability and achieved the industry’s highest payload of 242t. The new model increases the payload by 21t compared to EH4000AC-3 and helps to increase the productivity of customer mining operations.

2. Superior driving and deceleration performance

The maximum speed is an industry-leading 65 km per hour*2. At the same time, it provides high productivity to customers with improved traction performance. In addition, it is equipped with a new feature that allows operators to select from three different driving modes (High Power Mode, Power Mode, and Eco Mode) according to the site environment. Operators can select Eco Mode when they wish to reduce fuel consumption or High Power Mode to maximize driving performance for efficient operation. In terms of the deceleration performance, the brake performance was enhanced by changing the hydraulic brakes from front dry brakes to wet brakes and enhancing the performance of the retarder auxiliary brakes. As a result, they demonstrate stable braking force even in harsh mining environments.

3. Improved operability and comfort

The switches and monitors in a cab were completely redesigned to improve operability and comfort. Information regarding the safety conditions around the machinery, loading conditions, etc. is displayed on the monitors to support safe and efficient operation by customers.

4. Consite Mine remotely monitors the status of mining machinery

The EH4000AC-5 is compatible with the Consite Mine service solution which remotely monitors the status of mining machinery. Consite Mine issues two types of reports consisting of “Scheduled Reports” that inform customers of the machines’ operational status via email and a smartphone app and “Alarm Reports” that are issued whenever various sensors detect abnormalities in the machinery. Detecting abnormalities in the dump truck and performing maintenance, inspection, and parts replacement according to the machinery’s condition reduces downtime.

Hitachi Construction Machinery’s strength lies in the fact that we possess a diverse range of touch points at mining sites, and we are utilizing the resources of our Group companies to expand our business areas to include not only the mining process where mining machinery is used but to mineral processing as well. Going forward, we will continue to provide innovative solutions to mining sites across a diverse range of touch points.


*1 As of September 19, 2024, includes rigid dump trucks with a gross machine operating weight in the 400t class. According to a survey by Hitachi Construction Machinery.

*2 As of September 19, 2024, includes rigid dump trucks with a gross machine operating weight in the 400t class. According to a survey by Hitachi Construction Machinery.

Hitachi Construction Machinery zeros in on the future with innovative technology on display at MINExpo in Las Vegas, Nevada. Leading-edge solutions help mine owners address their most pressing concerns: operating costs, productivity, the environment and mine safety. Hitachi Construction Machinery is forging a path toward Zero Emissions, Zero Downtime and Zero Entry Mines to reduce fuel consumption and interruptions for a lower cost per ton while enhancing safety by removing employees from mining operation danger zones.

A Path to Zero Emissions

Hitachi Construction Machinery pioneered the hydraulic excavator beginning in 1965. In 1979, the company entered the mining industry in earnest. Today, the company offers a range of EX-7 wired mining electric excavators that complement conventional EX-7 excavators, helping mine operators lower their total cost of ownership (TCO) while slashing greenhouse gas emissions. EX-7 electric excavators require less frequent servicing and experience reduced machine downtime by eliminating the diesel engine. The EX5600-7 Electric Excavator will be showcased at the booth for visitors to see the advanced electric machinery first hand.

When paired with reliable EX5600-7 excavators, their next-generation EH4000AC-5 rigid dump trucks make for a sustainable and efficient mine site. EH4000AC-5 dump trucks have been designed to reduce fuel consumption while enhancing productivity, reliability, and safety. Work mode selection allows workers to choose the optimal mode based on the mining site environment and operating conditions. In ECO mode, the engine output is lower than the default setting, resulting in reduced fuel consumption. H/P mode provides higher engine output. This model has also been designed with the potential retrofit expansion to trolley diesel and battery systems, making it next-generation capable for reduced emissions. The EH4000AC-5 will be on display at the booth and will boast one of the largest payloads in the industry at 242 tons.

Hitachi mining haul trucks offer a retrofittable trolley configuration that allows drivers to alternate between powering the truck in diesel mode and raising the pantograph to power the truck via overhead catenary lines in Trolley Mode. Trolley trucks simultaneously boost production, reduce operating costs and lower greenhouse gas emissions. They climb uphill slopes at approximately twice the speed of diesel trucks and reduce noise emissions while running in trolley mode. While running in trolley mode, the diesel engine runs less extending the engine life and reducing maintenance costs.

Hitachi Construction Machinery elevates mine site sustainability to the next level with the development of a zero-emission full battery trolley dump truck. Drawing electric power from a dynamic charging system allows continuous operation with no stops for recharging. This dynamic charging system minimizes the weight of the battery solution, maximizing the truck’s payload capacity. The all-battery trolley dump truck utilizes an ABB-supplied onboard battery system and dynamic charging option via pantograph and overhead trolley lines to simultaneously charge the battery and provide energy to power the truck. Regenerative braking also adds charging capabilities to the battery management system.

The drive towards zero emissions requires a holistic approach that extends beyond the equipment. Mine sites operate 24/7 and they need management solutions to reduce environmental impact while achieving sustainable resource extraction. Fleet management and digital mining solutions from Wenco, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi Construction Machinery, and Envirosuite, an environmental intelligence company, provide real-time data to enable responsible mining practices.

Hitachi Construction Machinery offers a full suite of digital solutions to solve environmental and greenhouse gas challenges. Through business partnerships and startups, there is a suite of innovative solutions across the full spectrum of mining operations. One example is analyzing driver operation data and machine emissions to calculate optimal operation routes.

Path to Zero Mine Entry

Safety is a primary concern when people work close to mining equipment. Limiting employee exposure is possible through mine site automation, such as driverless automated haul trucks.

The Hitachi Automated Haulage System (AHS) combines advanced digital technologies and Wenco International Mining System’s fleet management system (FMS) to enable uncrewed operation of mining trucks at open-cut mining pits. The system optimizes route navigation, acceleration and braking for decreased life-cycle costs.

AHS takes automation to the next level by allowing mixed fleet integration with manned fleets while transitioning from conventional to autonomous operations, open interoperability to optimize across your entire truck fleet and the ability to retrofit existing trucks.

On the path to a Zero Entry Mine Hitachi Construction Machinery is developing a system for semi-autonomous and remote operation of ultra-large hydraulic excavators. Key features of this system are the Digging Assist Function to support the excavation of ore, and the Loading Assist Function to support an optimized loading cycle. Once complete, this system aims to improve operational performance, and mine sites will benefit from reduced operator burden and increased productivity.

Path to Zero Downtime

Reducing downtime and extending product life helps mine sites maintain production rates while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Mine sites can achieve both goals by closely monitoring mining operations and machine health.

With ConSite Mine remote monitoring and remanufacturing services, users can prevent breakdowns and extend the life of their machines. ConSite Mine remotely monitors the condition of large hydraulic shovels and rigid dump trucks, promptly generating alerts when sensors detect abnormalities. One of the features, ConSite Oil, continuously monitors oil conditions to catch issues that occur between oil analysis intervals.

ConSite Mine Plus leverages digital platforms with ecosystem partners to enhance operational efficiency, reduce unexpected downtime and maximize equipment performance. The consolidated digital platform provides customers with a Path to Zero Downtime.

Hitachi Construction Machinery established the Technological Center of Excellence (TCoE) which remotely monitors and supports mine operations 24 hours a day, 365 days a year from Australia. The same information customers get in their mine control room is monitored in real-time. Advanced digital technologies will analyze data to help drive customer solutions.

Check Out a Complete Portfolio of Mine Site Solutions

The highlighted technical advancements represent a small sample of the capabilities available. Hitachi Construction Machinery is dedicated to providing technological and sustainable solutions for mine sites around the world. If you are visiting MINExpo 2024, please stop by Booth 8649 to check out the full offering of products and services that will help advance the sustainable mine sites of the future.

Learn more about the Hitachi Construction Machinery product line here: https://www.hitachicm.us/industry/mining/

The Contractors’ Top 50 Products Awards showcase equipment, technology and products that the construction industry and Equipment Today team have identified as the most intriguing and important of the year. Award recipients are based on nominations from manufacturers, owners, end users and Equipment Today leadership, as well as page-view data on new products featured in Equipment Today and on ForConstructionPros.com over a one-year period.

Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas announced the ZX350LC-7 construction excavator in January 2024. This excavator optimizes comfort so operators can be more productive. They can work longer with less fatigue due to lower vibration levels, increased head and leg room and the convenience of finding the perfect position with a one-touch adjustable air suspension seat synchronized to move with the console.

Operators can stay alert for longer periods thanks to minimized noise and vibration resulting from thicker rear glass and four fluid-filled elastic cab mounts that reduce vibration when traveling. They can also stay clean on the dustiest jobsites with an airtight cab that utilizes a seal between the cab and floor plate.

Panoramic visibility from the operator’s seat helps create a safe working environment. An Aerial Angle peripheral vision camera system provides five different camera views from inside the cab, including a wide 270-degree bird’s-eye view of the machine’s immediate environment.

See the full list of winners.

Today, Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas announced the launch of two Super Long Front (SLF) excavator models: the ZX250LC-7 SLF and the ZX350LC-7 SLF. The 25-ton and 35-ton class machines are engineered to meet the demanding needs of specialized construction sites and come equipped with a genuine Hitachi bucket while offering unparalleled reach and depth capabilities.

The ZX250LC-7 SLF boasts a remarkable ground level reach of 59 feet 8 inches (18.19 meters) and a digging depth of 47 feet 4 inches (14.43 meters), while the ZX350LC-7 SLF extends even further with a ground level reach of 71 feet 11 inches (21.92 meters) and a digging depth of 57 feet (17.38 meters). These capabilities make the new SLF models ideal for a range of applications, including dredging, barge and waterway operations, roadwork, agricultural and dairy projects, and site cleanup.

Designed with stability, safety, and controllability at the forefront, both models feature an enlarged counterweight providing operators with enhanced control of the super long arm for steady performance during operations. A dedicated swing motor enhances responsiveness, ensuring precise maneuverability in challenging environments.

Additionally, the versatile dig end dimensions are compatible with a variety of bucket and attachment types, enabling these machines to tackle diverse tasks with ease. The new SLF excavators are engineered to efficiently cover and reach distant, confined work areas, providing superior adaptability on specialized job sites.

With the introduction of the ZX250LC-7 SLF and ZX350LC-7 SLF, Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas continues its commitment to delivering advanced, reliable equipment that meets the evolving needs of the construction industry.

Explore the full line of excavators from Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas here.

Open-pit mines rank among the most demanding environments on Earth, and every day, Hitachi Construction Machinery mining equipment rises to the challenge. At Colombia’s Carbones Del Cerrejón mine, which faces periods of extreme heat and humidity, the Hitachi EX3600-6 Excavator has surpassed expectations, clocking over 100,000 hours of operation—far exceeding its anticipated lifecycle. Achieving this milestone is rare, with less than 1% of machines reaching such limits, yet the Cerrejón mine accomplished it through a robust preventative maintenance strategy.

Assembled in December 2008 at Cerrejón, the EX3600-6 was selected for a life extension trial. The mine’s “Annual Shutdown” strategy was pivotal, focusing on thorough monitoring and evaluation of key structural components. This included critical areas like the bases of all beds, the main frame, the track frame, and the side frames. Components identified with a 20% margin remaining on their average life expectancy were scheduled for major shutdowns every 6,000 hours.

Aligned with this established maintenance strategy, a robust path of predictive techniques is also being implemented for the excavator. These techniques are scheduled at frequencies determined by Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM) methodologies and defined through data analysis, enabling the maintenance of a proactive scheme for timely detection and intervention. The predictive techniques include structural inspection of all principal components, ultrasonic testing at critical points based on historical data from the front attachments, finite element analysis simulations, vibration tests on power transmission components, and the application of thermography techniques as per the inspection strategy.

To enhance this approach, new technologies are being integrated, such as the use of drones to observe the operational behavior of components. These drones generate data that help predict component failure by monitoring temperature trends in hydraulic systems.

Throughout its more than 100,000 hours of operation, the EX3600-6 has maintained an impressive availability rate, averaging between 84.7% and 86.5%, excluding the months designated for major shutdowns—referred to as Annual Shutdowns. Additionally, over the last 36,000 hours of operation, the excavator has demonstrated a reliability metric of 63.3 hours of Mid Time Between Failures (MTBF), further highlighting the effectiveness of the maintenance strategies in place.

The most significant finding from this study is that ensuring the extension of the equipment’s useful life has relied heavily on the creation, monitoring, and execution of specific maintenance activities defined through RCM. These activities have been enriched by various maintenance methodologies, with Lean Manufacturing standing out, a methodology widely used by Cerrejón. The application of these methodologies is encapsulated in the operation chart known as the “maintenance strategy,” which is periodically adjusted and improved based on the fleet’s or specific assets’ failure history.

Furthermore, a taxonomic analysis of the failure hierarchy has allowed for the clear identification of asset vulnerabilities. This process has enabled the establishment of targeted actions to ensure sustainability in performance during the equipment’s operation.

Over its lifecycle, the EX3600-6 required complete replacement only for its side frames—a testament to the effectiveness of Cerrejón’s maintenance regimen. During the annual shutdowns, significant repairs were carried out in the excavator’s internal workshop, including routine reconstruction and car body repairs. Non-structural components were continuously monitored and replaced as needed, ensuring the machine operated at peak performance throughout its extended life.

Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas will be exhibiting at MINExpo 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada from September 24 to 26. Visit them at booth 8649 to see the reliability and durability of Hitachi mining machinery in person. To learn more visit hitachicm.us/industry/mining/.

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