Hitachi introduces the ZW180-5 for European customers

Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe has introduced the 15 tonne ZW180-5 wheeled loader that has been designed with the European market in mind, where it says the demand is for highly productive but fuel efficient machines that have a smaller impact on the environment and a lower total cost of ownership.

The ZW180-5 is powered by a 6.7 litre six cylinder air cooled turbocharged diesel developing 126 kW (169 hp) to provide powerful digging performance and high travel speeds but with excellent fuel consumption. The machine features a maintenance free Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) that reduces particulates from the exhaust without the need for a Diesel Particulate Filter. Hitachi says that the new machine uses 10% less fuel than the model it replaces thanks to a five gear transmission and the fully electronically controlled diesel, which combines a high pressure common rail system with the DOC.

The machine has two operating modes, Standard and Power. In standard mode the engine speed is controlled to provide smooth and efficient acceleration during loading, regular operations and travelling on level terrain. The P mode is for when greater traction force is required for heavy-duty excavation and travelling quickly up slopes.

HCME’s Wheel Loader Product Specialist Vasilis Drougkas said: “The ZW180-5 belongs to one of the most popular classes of wheel loaders in Europe, so this highlights its importance to the Hitachi product line-up. We believe this durable new model will be ideal for material handling, agriculture and waste management applications among others. Its fuel-efficient and low-maintenance qualities will also make it particularly appealing for rental companies.”