SURFACE LOADING
A Customers appreciate the robustness and ease of maintenance of
Hitachi, with a high quality product that can turn on the engine
immediately after assembly. The auto-levelling mechanism for the loader
application is Hitachi proprietary technology applied to the 190 t – 560 t
hydraulic excavators and allows for higher digging power especially at the
end of a stroke, to improve work performance. The modular design of the
Hitachi EX-6 series is a unique feature of Hitachi mining excavators,
reducing overall maintenance cost through minimal component stock
requirements. For major spare parts and components, the EX5600 is ‘2x’
the EX2600; and the EX8000 is ‘2x’ the EX3600, allowing customers to
maintain lower stock levels due to the interchangeability of parts across
the machine sizes.
Q During the downturn did you see a lot of machines parked therefore not
a lot of new machine demand? Is this now changing and are you seeing a
pick up in the spare parts and service business?
A During the downturn a number of Hitachi machines were parked and
equipment operating life was pushed in a number of operations. A lot of
equipment is now returning to service or due for major overhauls and this
is reflected in the growing demand for Hitachi parts and services.
Q Are there any major new orders being delivered or about to be delivered
that we could mention whether to mines direct or to contractors?
The new Caterpillar 988K XE electric drive wheel loader
“Compared to the proven 988K, the new loader delivers 25% greater
overall efficiency and as much as 10% more productivity in load-and-carry
applications. The 988K XE employs switched reluctance (SR) electric drive
A Global equipment demand increased above Hitachi’s expectations for
2017-2018. Hitachi are making the most of every opportunity with our
valued customers.
Q To what extent are the excavators part of the automation program and
will the first truck automation customer also use Hitachi excavators in
autonomous or semi autonomous mode?
A Hitachi’s Autonomous Haulage Solution is focusing on truck automation
for the initial product release in 2019, with the fully autonomous haulage
trucks interacting with manned excavators and light vehicles. The vision for
Hitac