Hitachi launch new ZW220-5 wheel loader

First ZW220-5 machine in Europe enters service with Norwegian road and railway construction firm

THE first Hitachi ZW220-5 wheel loader in Europe has been delivered to Norwegian company Farbu & Gausen, who specialize in road and railway construction projects, and electricity contracts on a national basis. The new machine has already been dispatched to a limestone quarry close to the company’s base at Kjerknesvågen, located along the Trondheimsfjord on the Inderøy peninsula.

First presented at Bauma 2013, the new wheel loader is designed to satisfy the requirements of European customers for machines with an exceptional level of comfort, as well as excellent productivity, advanced technology, and a range of features for enhanced sustainability, safety and easy maintenance.

Comfort was one of the most important considerations for the design of the new ZW220-5. The cab is more spacious than the previous model because the heated air-suspension seat can slide further back, providing more leg room, while the tilting telescopic pop-up steering column has also been repositioned to create additional space.

Powered by an emission-compliant 7.8-litre, six-cylinder, water-cooled turbo engine, the ZW220-5 features two simple work modes. In Standard mode, the engine speed is controlled, reducing fuel consumption by up to 10% and allowing for smooth and efficient acceleration during loading, regular operations and travelling on level terrain. Alternatively, the P mode offers greater tractive force for heavy-duty excavation and travelling quickly uphill.

The wheel loader also features a new hydraulic circuit, which facilitates the combined operation of the bucket and lift arm for loading, and prioritizes the use of the bucket for unloading.

A variety of easy maintenance features have been incorporated into the design of the machine to ensure maximum availability. For example, the redesigned engine and radiator cover can be opened fully, providing quick and convenient access for daily inspection, while the greasing points, oil levels and fuel filters can all be accessed at ground level.

For operation in dusty environments, the ZW220-5 can be equipped with an optional wide-pitch fin radiator to prevent clogging. Another useful feature for quick routine maintenance is the automatic reversible cooling fan, which allows for easy cleaning of the radiator with its one-minute automatic reverse rotation every 30 operating minutes.

Tadayoshi Aoki, Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) engineer for wheel loaders, said: ‘We believe that the new wheel loader not only meets our customers’ expectations of high quality and reliability, but also provides a safe working environment, a comfortable cab with easy-to-use controls, and overall, a machine that responds quickly and precisely.’