Hitachi Launches Europe’s First Zero-Emission 5t Battery-Powered Excavator
Published: 10/10, 2022
Hitachi Construction Machinery (is meeting the growing need for emission free equipment and strengthening its commitment to the creation of a sustainable future with the introduction of a 5t battery powered excavator. As well as zero exhaust emissions, the first Hitachi branded model in this class delivers lower noise levels, enhanced efficiency, exceptional performance in confined spaces, and has fewer maintenance requirements and less downtime than conventional models.
The new ZX55U-6EB is designed to operate with exceptional maneuverability in confined spaces, as it has inherited the short tail swing of the diesel powered ZX55U-6 model. It is said to also provide equally high levels of performance. Customers will also be able to work on a broad range of projects with the ZX55U-6EB, including urban construction sites, residential building and waste material handling projects wherever the environment is a priority.
Meeting customer needs
Customers can choose between battery-powered operation using 39kWh lithium-ion batteries, and wired operation, which allows the machine to work while charging from a CEE 400VAC three-phase power source. Utilizing both methods ensures operators can use the ZX55U-6EB to work productively and continuously throughout their working day, while enjoying the comfortable cab with air conditioning as standard.
The machine has been designed to provide owners with reduced maintenance costs and downtime when compared to diesel powered excavators. The status of the electric drive system, including battery level and motor load factor, can be monitored remotely. Reduced external sound levels (91dB) allow for greater flexibility for working times and options. Safety is enhanced by the rear camera to monitor the secure connection of the cable during wired operation.
The ZX55U-6EB shares the same concept of the 8t ZE85 electric excavator developed by European Application Center (EAC), a joint venture between Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd and KTEG of Germany. Further underlining its commitments to delivering sustainable solutions, Hitachi intends to expand its battery powered products line up in Europe in the future.
Weka’s New DKS32 Diamond Core Drill
The new DKS32 from Weka is a compact and powerful wet/dry core drilling machine with a soft impact function. The soft impact feature can be easily switched on and off via a rotating sleeve in the front area of the machine. Three mechanical gear steps enable a good variation of the speeds and thus a wide drilling range. In addition to the standard DKS32 model, Weka also offers a faster version—the DKS32 S. Both machines weigh 27.3 lb (12.4kg), without cable, and have a length of 22 in (560mm), without handle.