Back in black

CablePrice highlighted the environment-friendly features of its new Hitachi Zaxis-3 excavator range when it demonstrated the 12-tonne model to contractors in Nelson in February.

As it did when it rolled out the 16-ton ZX160-3 model at the Contractors’ Federation conference in Rotorua in 2007, CablePrice dollied the ZX120-3 demonstrator in black to underscore its “shift the earth without damaging the planet” marketing theme.

Dubbed the “Little Black Zax”, the machine also sported a silver fern as evidence of its clean-green qualifications. Central to these is the Isuzu engine that has been redeveloped with EGR technology from the ground up to achieve Tier Three performance compliance. The 2.99 litre direct injection AJ-4JJ1X diesel engine has four cylinders delivering 69 kilowatts of power at 2000rpm and 372N of torque.

CablePrice equipment sales manager Andrew Crane says that such is the efficiency of the new engine that in economy mode it has an equivalent power output to the previous engine in power mode with no increase in fuel consumption.

The Zax breaks new ground in safety technologies for the 12-tonne class, beginning with a CRES II cab offering advanced ergonomics for greater operator comfort, and with a reversing camera as a standard safety device. The cabin has been structured to meet the forthcoming International Standards Organisation’s parameters for ROPS, which is still in the process of development and certification.

Among the first at the controls of the new machine in Nelson was local contractor Dennis Chambers of Chambers and Jackett Ltd, and his overall comment on it was that, “They’ve certainly gone up another step from the last ones, which we thought were pretty good”. His company has already taken delivery of a 16-tonne ZX160-3 model, and is still operating two of the earlier 130 models.

“The new 120 is similar to the 130s but they’ve lifted its performance markedly: it’s very smooth operating and very quick,” Chambers says.

“Fuel consumption has dropped from the earlier machine. We worked it only for a short time – probably just a couple of hours in total – but it’s proved itself to be a lot more fuel-efficient. It’s a lot better on the track power too.”

Chambers was also impressed by the machine’s GPS system, which sends an email to head office if it’s moved more than five kilometres.

“With this GPS system we know what it’s doing, where it is, how much fuel is left in the tank and exactly what hours are on the machine.”

Chambers added that the comfort the ZX120-3 offers the operator is a notable advance. “We’re pretty impressed with the way it’s going,” he says.

North Island contractors will be able to take a look at the Hitachi ZX120-3 at the Transport and Heavy Equipment (THE) Expo at Mystery Creek, Hamilton, from March 5 to 7. The machine will still be decked out in its black livery for what CablePrice marketing manager Glenn Croasdale says is a vital opportunity to showcase its environmental friendliness.

“With an increased focus on climate change and reducing emissions, as well as increasing cost pressures faced by contractors in the current marketplace, it’s even more important than ever that we have this opportunity to talk with customers about how our new models can actually save them money,” Croasdale says.

“The new integrated GPS technology helps contractors and operators work smarter, allowing them to improve production efficiencies, minimise potential machine abuse and monitor the machine’s activities,” he says.

CablePrice has booked sites L12, L14, L16, L18 and A1 at the THE Expo, where it will also be showcasing a range of Scania trucks featuring both Euro 4 and Euro 5 compliant emissions technology. Clients will get the chance to test drive both the Scania trucks and the wider range of Hitachi excavators under supervision.

And having starred there and at the Nelson demonstration, the Little Black Zax 12-tonne excavator’s next assignment will be as one of two such machines used by entrants in the Contractors’ Federation’s National Excavator Operator Competition finals at Feilding from March 12 to 14.

“Black Zax will once again demonstrate that Hitachi orange is the new green – painted black.” says Croasdale.