Hitachi Construction Machinery recently announced two new programs aimed to help customers increase productivity and cost-savings. Dedicated to providing customers with efficient, reliable, and durable machines, Hitachi Construction continues to provide the latest technology and product offerings to help customers get the most out of their Hitachi machines.To start, Hitachi recently rolled out options for its grade control technology including 2-D Grade Control and Solution Linkage 3-D Grade Control, which allow an operator to set a grade and hold it. The new factory-integrated technology increases efficiency while also lowering daily operating costs by enabling operators to spend less time getting the grade right the first time.

“We gave a sneak peek of Hitachi’s grade control technology at CONEXPO-CON/AGG last year,” said Justin Steger, Solutions Marketing Manager, Site Development and Underground, Hitachi Construction Machinery – Americas. “It’s thrilling to share this solution with our customers for increased efficiency. We know grade management technology is the future of the excavator industry, and we’re glad to provide a variety of options for our customers.”

With Hitachi’s grade control technology, the machine controls the boom and bucket as the operator handles the arm. This is especially useful as it reduces the need for multiple passes to achieve the correct grade. Likewise, less experienced operators are able to achieve the correct grade more efficiently while a crew member who previously had to check for the grade can now be assigned elsewhere on the worksite.

Solution Linkage 3-D Grade Control with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) controls position and elevation with respect to a global reference while the 2-D Grade Control manages the elevation of the cutting edge in relation to a benchmark. The 2-D Grade Control technology can also be upgraded to 3-D Grade Control, through Hitachi dealers.

“Our 2-D Grade Control and Solution Linkage 3-D Grade Control unite advanced grade technology with the smooth hydraulics and fast cycle times of Hitachi excavators,” Steger said. “It saves time and helps make good operators great.”

With an over-dig protection feature, the new grade control technology also lowers the likelihood of over-excavation by preventing the machine from digging past a defined surface or depth. With the prevention of over digging, operators can finish jobs more quickly, reduce material cost, and save fuel costs, too. The Virtual Front feature hydraulically limits and automatically stops the bucket cutting edge from contacting the front of the machine at a selectable distance. Additionally, operators can set virtual boundaries helping prevent damage when working around jobsite obstacles. Virtual Ceiling, Virtual Floor, Virtual Swing, and Virtual Wall features provide visual and audible alerts to the operator as the machine approaches an adjustable set point, allowing operators to focus on productivity.

Hitachi offers customers four options for grade management technology: 2-D grade guidance, 3-D grade guidance, 2-D grade control and Solution Linkage 3-D grade control. Hitachi’s integrated grade management technology arrives ready to work thanks to factory installation and calibration. The systems are also fully supported by Hitachi dealers. Machine integration helps ensure that key components such as sensors and harnesses are protected – increasing uptime. System data from all options works with ZXLink for analysis, so the machine’s health can be monitored to keep projects on track.

Hitachi grade management technology is available on the ZX210-6, ZX210LC-6, and ZX350LC-6 in the United States and Canada.

Beyond grade control technology, Hitachi also recently announced a new, special financing offer on select ZX models to provide customers with extra savings while gaining the efficiency, reliability and durability that a Hitachi excavator offers. The ZX-tra Offer features low monthly payments, providing customers a path toward equipment ownership and growing their fleets.

“We’re excited to provide customers with the new ZX-tra Offer that allows financial flexibility on the path to machine ownership,” said Greg Bauer, Manager, Tactical Marketing and Production Systems, Hitachi Construction Machinery – Americas. “Hitachi’s compact and reduced-tail-swing excavators provide efficiency, reliability and durability. The ZX-tra Offer enables our customers to take advantage of those machine benefits while empowering them to become machine owners.”

The ZX26U-5, ZX75US-5 and ZX85USB-5 are the Hitachi excavator models that are eligible as part of the ZX-tra Offer, which is running now until October 31, 2021. The ZX26U-5 is eligible with a canopy or cab option while the ZX75US-5 and ZX85USB-5 are cab-only machines. All three models feature a fuel-efficient Yanmar engine that meets EPA Final Tier 4 (FT4)/EU Stage IV emission standards while being easy to maintain.

As one of Hitachi’s smallest excavators, the ZX26U-5’s nimble frame packs powerful performance, enabling it to efficiently work where other machines cannot. Standard auxiliary hydraulic lines with selector valves plumbed to the arm simplify attachment use. Plus, maintenance is simplified with hinged door access and grouped service points.

The ultrashort ZX75US-5 excavator features a reduced-tail-swing design, which is perfect for light residential work and projects in congested areas. With generous flow, arm force and swing torque, the ZX75US-5 helps speed cycles for increased efficiency.

Also great for work in congested areas, the ZX85USB-5 provides productivity in an easy-to-maneuver package. The independent swing-boom allows digging parallel to walls and foundations, and the standard backfill blade further expands versatility.

The ZX-tra Offer is available at participating U.S. Hitachi dealers. Prices and available models may vary by dealer. The ZX-tra Offer is available on qualifying new equipment purchased in the U.S.

For more information, visit your local Hitachi dealer or HitachiConstruction.com.