The Hitachi EX1200-6 is equally at home in quarries, mines, and mass-excavation projects. In addition to the change to a Tier-II engine, a number of productivity-related improvements enhance this model’s performance in the field, according to the manufacturer.

More Productive

Swing torque boom-lifting force has been increased by eight percent, traction force by 14 percent. Bucket and arm-digging forces have been increased by 3.5 to 6.3 percent. A larger swing bearing, a longer boom cylinder, and a larger bucket capacity boost productivity as well. The front linkage has been redesigned to allow the front to excavate closer to the machine, improving performance when working with dump trucks. Operating weight has increased by about three percent.

Three special work-mode switches allow the operator to select boom-priority, swing-priority, or normal mode. Activating the boom-mode switch to reduce lifting and pulling on the body, reduces vibration and increases the wear life of the machine, according to the manufacturer.

More Reliable

The track, side, and mainframes have been strengthened to meet greater production demands. The number of balls in the swing bearing has been increased, yielding about a six-percent boost in the load-carrying capacity of the excavator. Track links are larger, as are the upper and lower rollers. The undercarriage is larger, too. The oil cooler and radiator are separated to provide an effective heat balance. Inline hydraulic oil filters between the pumps and control valves have been added to improve filtration. The automatic dust ejector extends filter life; auto lubrication is standard at the front attachment.

Like all Hitachi large EX-6 excavators, the 1200 is Global e-Service ready, so owners can download critical field data to their office for remote field monitoring.

More Comfortable

The EX1200-6 has a whole new cab, based on the Zaxis Dash-3 Series. Seated on six elastic fluid-filled mounts and pressurized to help insulate the operator from vibration and sound, the cab offers enhanced visibility. The new wider seatback and the new low-effort short-stroke levers reduce operator fatigue, according to the manufacturer.

The large multifunction, multi-language LCD monitor is easy to read and gives easy access to a wealth of information. Air-conditioning and heating capacities have been increased. A rearview camera mounted on the counterweight gives an unobstructed view to the rear. A high cab with slide ladder is optional.

For more information about the EX1200-6, visit www.hitachimining.com.

This story was reprinted with permission from Hitachi Americas’ Mines & Quarries Magazine, Fourth Issue 2009.

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