Hitachi unveils redesigned ZX470LC-6 excavator with increased boom, arm speed (PHOTOS)

Updated Jul 20, 2015

Hitachi has added an upgraded excavator to its Dash-6 line by working to up the machine’s productivity and equipping the ZX470LC-6 with an Tier 4 Final engine.

When redesigning the ZX470LC-6, Hitachi says they put saving customers’ time and money at the forefront, so many of the improvements address efficiency issues.

The ZX470LC-6, at 110,804 pounds, has a heavier operating weight than its predecessor, and enhanced boom recirculation that when combined with the machine’s hydraulic boost system, generates more aggressive boom and arm speed. The pressurized fuel system improves fuel injector operation and the fuel recirculation system reduces fuel gelling in cold climates.

The ZX470LC-6’s Isuzu engine uses cooled exhaust gas recirculation, a diesel oxidation catalyst and selective gas reduction, and diesel exhaust fluid injected into the exhaust stream converts the NOx into water vapor and nitrogen gas after running through the catalyst.

The excavator’s improved piston design enables particulate matter to be burned in cylinder, eliminating the need for a DPF.

In addition to updating the engine, the company added features including more handrails, redesigned fuel filter canisters and an added coolant expansion tank. The new handrails offer easy access to the engine and a battery disconnect switch, and grouped service points simplify the daily routine.

Engine and hydraulic oil service intervals of 500 and 1,000 hours, easy-to-clean swing-out access coolers, easy-to-check sight gauges and fluid reservoirs, quick-change remote-mounted filters and convenient fluid sample ports minimize downtime due to maintenance.

Machine durability is addressed through D-channel side frames that house and protect the coolers and engine, in addition to large idlers, rollers and strutted track links on the sealed and lubricated undercarriage.