Hitachi Technology Digs in With New ZW140-6 and ZW150-6 Wheel Loaders

Thu November 14, 2019
Hitachi

Hitachi's new Dash-6 line of wheel loaders — the ZW140-6, ZW150-6 and ZW150PL-6 (Parallel Lift) — fill out the range of utility-sized models from Hitachi Construction Machinery Loaders America Inc. (HCMA). An extensive list of upgrades and advanced features responds to customer demands for long term reliability, enhanced operator comfort and control and low operating costs.

Recognizing the need for "do-it-all" machines in the 25,000 lb. range, these new loaders deliver the strength and reliability to thrive in long hard-working shifts, fully loaded with a full suite of smart controls for complete versatility in multiple application roles.

The ZW140-6 weighs in at a nominal 25,640 lb. with its 2.7 cu. yd. GP bucket. The 26,960 lb. ZW150-6 hoists a 3.1 cu. yd. GP bucket. Both are driven by a 141 hp (104 kW) Cummins engine and also are offered with a selection of optional material handling buckets and utility forks. The ZW150PL-6 is a modified version of the ZW150-6, featuring Hitachi's parallel lift arms.

Working Hard, Working Smart

The operator's right-side console puts Hitachi's technology experience within fingertip reach. An extensive range of intuitive controls come easily to hand for responsive power, steering and loading functions. Under the hood, Hitachi offers popular smart features such as ride control, telematics and auto power-up. Hitachi's ConSite reporting program gives fleet managers 24/7 remote monitoring, maintenance and daily operational data plus monthly summary reports. Up front, the multifunctional LED color monitor provides day and night readability for all machine conditions and settings.

The Dash-6 hydrostatic transmission offers two auto 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. This gives it the extra traction or torque required at that time. A 1st range maximum speed selector offers settings from 4 to 8 mph (7 - 13 kmh) allowing the operator to apply higher rpm at low speeds for maximum hydraulic output for hydraulically driven attachments.

The approach speed control automatically detects the needs of the operator by increasing the front arm speed and maintaining driving speed, allowing improved productivity during short operation cycles without relying on the inching pedal.

The traction control system (TCS) reduces tire slippage and Increases tire life. Again, the technology serves to boost productivity under any wet or muddy ground conditions and is especially useful in snow plowing and removal applications.

Extra Power on Demand

The ZW140-6 and ZW150-6 models also are equipped with Hitachi's new power mode switch, delivering an instant 10 percent burst in engine rpm. Available in any auto and manual ranges, power mode provides immediate access to faster acceleration, more rim-pull and higher breakout force without limiting the loader's top speed.

Operators will typically engage power mode to dig into heavy piles, to climb grades under full load and run speed quickly on flat runs. Power Mode also enhances hydraulic flow to increase front arm speed by up to 10 percent for faster lift cycles.

The ZW150-6 loader is one of Hitachi's new "do-it-all" machines featuring its time-saving DPF-free Tier IV Final solution.

Cab Comfort and Control

The Dash-6 cab operator's compartment comes with a comprehensive comfort and convenience package. The cab is pressurized and has a virtually airtight seal to keep out dust and dirt. The fully adjustable tilt/telescoping steering pedestal is linked to a pop-up pedal that quickly returns the steering pedestal to its start position. Creature comforts include a fully automatic A/C, excellent ventilation and air exchange and a new sound system with roof-mounted speakers.

The Best Visibility in the Business

The new series extends Hitachi's claim to have the best visibility in the business — a significant advantage for machines that are often roading between work sites. A seamless front window, rounded engine cowling and redesigned ROPS frames allows clean 360-degree lines-of-sight.

The exhaust and intake stacks are relocated to the far rear of the engine cover and mounted inline to minimize 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 ft. from the loader.

Lifting Choices

Hitachi offers three types of lift arms for these models: SLA: standard lift arm; HLA: high lift arm; and PLA: parallel lift arm. Hitachi's 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 while dumping. An automatic return-to-dig function resets the bucket for the next load.

All Day, Every Day

Dash-6 machines are built with a solid foundation to work long shifts for years to come with a robust frame structure, high ground clearance and a resilient cooling package, according to the manufacturer.

Standard equipment includes a reversible, on-demand hydraulic cooling fan, which can be activated automatically or manually. Aluminum wide-fin cooling cores ensure high cooling efficiency as well as extending the service life, free of corrosion.

A new rear grill prevents raw material from entering the radiator compartment and protects it from debris. An exhaust-aspirated air cleaner and integrated pre-cleaner removes large particulate matter from the air inlet, eliminating the need for turbine-type pre-cleaner.

The new models sport improved engine covers that open wide to easily access to grease zerks and daily inspection points. Their Cummins engines mean dependable performance, simple maintenance and readily available parts. Loading arms are mounted with 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.

The 27,000 lb. ZW150PL-6 loader is built to the same specs as the ZW150, but equipped with Hitachi's parallel lift arms to carry its selection of optional material handling buckets and utility forks.

The New Leader in Tier 4F

Tier IV engines only use SCR technology. Hitachi Dash-6 emission controls move ahead of the pack with DPF-free Tier IV Final power.

Hitachi outpaces the industry in Tier IV Final solutions for wheel loaders, as first to eliminate DPF and its attendant regen cycles from the ZW-6 power systems, according to the manufacturer.

This generation of loaders introduces a clean SCR system using just a simple DEF system, allowing the machines to run efficiently without high engine temperatures and with no concerns about idle times. Fleet managers can look forward to less downtime for engine maintenance and extended engine life to overhaul. Using SCR opens up space in the engine compartment, making life a little easier for service techs.

All told, the new system reduces fuel consumption in loading cycles by about 6 percent. In long runs, these machines will save up to 19 percent of fuel costs while operating in power mode and as much as 23 percent in standard mode. An auto shutdown feature provides further reduction of fuel and emissions, adding up to cost savings of about 7 percent across the board during load-and-carry operations.

For more information, visit www.hitachiwheelloaders.us.

This story also appears on Construction Equipment Guide.