The new Hitachi ZW220

Jun 11, 2023

Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas has introduced the new ZW220-7 wheel loader, which is equipped with several new productivity enhancing technologies.

The 4-cubic-yard Hitachi ZW220-7 wheel loader is an efficient loading tool available in both standard and high-lift arm configurations.

The new loader features an 18,613 kg operating weight and is powered by a 210 hp Cummins engine. Power is transferred to the ground through a five-speed transmission and limited slip differentials for effective job site traction.

“The next-generation ZW-7 wheel loaders feature upgraded technology for advanced productivity, enhanced operator comfort, improved serviceability and new safety features with a rear collision detection system,” said Matt Koester, Product Manager for wheel loaders at Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas.

To improve productivity, the new loader is equipped with approach speed control, an auto power up function and a new payload weighing system.

The auto power up feature increases hill climbing performance. It identifies slopes and adds power to prevent engine speed from dropping when travelling uphill.

Approach speed control sets the desired speed the wheel loader will achieve as it approaches a loading point. The operator holds down the accelerator while lifting the load and the machine maintains a slower speed as it approaches the loading point.

The operator taps the brake to bring the machine to a complete stop when it reaches the dump area. With approach speed control, the travel speed can be adjusted with fewer pedal operations during loading. This reduces operator fatigue as well as fuel consumption.

Hitachi’s payload weighing system uploads information reporting productivity to the ConSite telematic system. Operators can check the weight of the load in the bucket from the cab monitor and log the material loaded.

The system offers four modes — tip-off to truck, tip-off to pile, auto-add and manual-add. These modes allow the payload weighing system to manage loads according to their application. In addition, the unit is equipped with a warning function that reacts when the bucket is overloaded, improving safety during operation.

The latest safety innovation from Hitachi is an optional rear obstacle detection system on the ZW220-7 wheel loader. It offers rear object detection alerts to improve safety and help reduce potential damage on the job site.

The ZW220-7 also features emergency steering. The emergency electric pump delivers the necessary oil pressure for power steering even in the case of an emergency. This always allows normal steering, even if the engine fails.

Hitachi improved the overall comfort of the ZW220-7 a with larger and quieter cab. As well, the cab is equipped with a seat-mounted armrest with low effort electric hydraulic controls, ergonomically located switches as well as adjustable seat and mirrors. A 20 cm anti-glare LCD monitor with Bluetooth radio allows hands-free phone capability.

Cabs with panoramic visibility helps create a safe and comfortable working environment. The position and design of the cab pillars, the layout of the monitor and switch panel have been improved to ensure a wider field of view for the operator.

For more visibility, Hitachi’ equipped the loader with its Aerial Angle peripheral vision camera system. It provides a wide 270-degree bird’s-eye view of the machine’s immediate environment. Aerial Angle provides three cameras mounted on the rear of the machine. Operators can see both the left and right sides of the machine on the monitor inside the cab, providing visibility to the sides and rear of the machine.

Design enhancements help protect critical components from the environment. An inner element of the engine air filter protects the engine from dust ingress while cleaning the outer element. Even the air conditioner is protected with a sealed internal filter that prevents intrusion of dust into the air conditioner unit.

Airborne debris can become an issue in many wheel loader operations, often leading to decreased cooling system performance. Hitachi addressed this with an intelligent automatic reversing hydraulically driven fan and wide-fin radiators which prevent clogging.

Daily maintenance has been simplified with easy-access filters and improved access to components.

ConSite, Hitachi’s telematics system, remotely monitors operational status and alerts owners and operators to upcoming maintenance needs. As well, ConSite Air is a new optional add-on that allows the wheel loader to be diagnosed remotely, as well as deliver remote updates of the software. No matter where a machine is located, the servicing dealer can remotely diagnose issues that may arise, leading to increased uptime. A ConSite response team is on standby to rapidly resolve issues as they emerge.