Expertly engineered
The extensive range of construction machinery on the HCME stand at Bauma this year included six special application machines designed to meet specific industry needs.
Challenging applications such as demolition, dredging, and below-ground excavation have specific demands that specially adapted excavators are designed to meet. In partnership with KTEG, HCME showcased six special application excavators at Bauma, each one expertly engineered and factory modified to make light work of difficult tasks.
Among these was the ZX250LC-7 super long front (SLF), which is assembled at the HCME factory in Amsterdam. It is created specifically for dredging, loading and slope-finishing. The boom and arm design combines strength and flexibility for the machine’s extended working range of 18 m.
“It was important for us to present the ZX250LC-7 SLF excavator to our customers at Bauma this year,” says Akarsh Shetty, Product Manager Special Applications and New Technologies at Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) NV. “It serves as a reminder that within its standard portfolio, Hitachi offers the widest super long front product range in the industry, from 9.5 to 50 tonnes, and from 10 to 22.7 m reach.” Ideal for removing soil from below ground, the ZX350-7 with clamshell telescopic arm (CTA) is supplied by Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. in Japan. Available with 30 m reach, its enhanced hydraulics ensure it operates smoothly and efficiently, increasing productivity on complex urban excavation projects.
“The clamshell telescopic arm offers high-speed extension and retraction, combined with a powerful pulling force, enabling it to work effectively in confined spaces,” explains Akarsh. “Unlike standard or long-reach excavators, it requires minimal swing room, making it an ideal solution for compact areas.”
Designed for performance and safety
The remaining four special application machines on the HCME stand are produced in Germany by KTEG, the joint venture between Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. and Kiesel Technology Entwicklung GmbH.
These included the 390HR-7, which is based on a Hitachi ZX350, and equipped with a hydraulic extendable undercarriage, additional counterweight and tiltable demolition cab. The fixed mounted 23 m high-reach boom allows an attachment weight of 3.5 tonnes, which makes it a productive, safe and uncompromising demolition machine.
Also on display was the versatile multi-carrier KMC400P-7, which can be equipped with various fronts including high-reach demolition, super long front, tele-dipper, classic earthmoving or even crane application fronts. The Boom Quick Connect system allows a boom change within minutes out of the cab, which makes it the most flexible, productive and safe machine in the market.
The largest special application machine was the 180-tonne KMC1200S-7, winner of a World Demolition Award. Ideal for large and challenging projects such as powerplant demolition, it delivers optimum productivity as it can be used with maximum tool weight at any height e. g. 3 tonnes at 51 m; 5 tonnes at 44 m; or 15 tonnes at 28 m.
In addition to these demolition-orientated machines, a 490-7 2PB was also presented at Bauma. This machine complements the Hitachi line-up in the 55-tonne class, offering an extended working range due to the two-piece boom configuration. In combination with the reliable and powerful Hitachi base machine, the KTEG 490-7 2PB provides a strong and safe performance.
