The ZW220-6 is the first of Hitachi’s new mid-sized wheel loaders in the Dash-6 Series. The new model uses a 200-horsepower Cummins Tier 4F engine, has an operating weight of approximately 39,000 pounds, and delivers 34,170 pounds of breakout force. The loader’s heaped bucket capacities are 4.2 to 4.7 cubic yards, and loading heights reach to 13.5 feet, says Hitachi. The Dash-6 models, says the company, are equipped with ride control, telematics, auto power-up, and an LCD color monitor. Hitachi’s “Global e-Service” combines with its ConSite reporting program to provide fleet managers continuous remote monitoring, maintenance and daily operational data, plus monthly summary reports.
The Dash-6 cab operator’s compartment is sealed and pressurized, incorporating a tilt/telescoping steering pedestal linked to a pop-up pedal that quickly returns the steering pedestal to its start position. Fully automatic air conditioning and a new sound system with roof-mounted speakers are included in the package.
The transmission has two auto modes and one manual mode. A shift-to-hold switch overrides automatic settings to hold the transmission in its current gear until the operator presses it again or changes direction, to provide extra traction or torque required at that time, says Hitachi. The ZW220-6 also has Hitachi’s new Power Mode switch, which gives a 10-recent burst in engine speed. Available in both the auto and manual ranges, Power Mode provides immediate access to extra acceleration, rim-pull, and breakout force without limiting the loader’s top speed, says the company. Power Mode also enhances hydraulic flow to allow quicker bucket lifts.
The ZW220-6 uses Hitachi’s parallel/tandem hydraulic circuit. The parallel tilt and lift movement smooths out digging operations, says the company, while the tandem function prioritizes the bucket while dumping, and an automatic return-to-dig function resets the bucket for the next load. Offered as an option, Hitachi’s new E-Stick steering system uses an electric-hydraulic joystick, controlled by a fingertip lever mounted just in front of the armrest. This new steering system, says Hitachi, takes over from the wheel to allow fine control of the machine’s movements with minimal effort.
Visibility features, says Hitachi, include a seamless front window, rounded engine cowling, and redesigned ROPS frames to allow 360-degree lines-of-sight. Exhaust and intake stacks are relocated to the far rear end of the engine cover, minimizing their profile in the operator’s view. The rear pillars of the ROPS frame struts are mounted forward and away from the rounded corners of the cab. A rear-mounted safety camera is standard equipment, along with a proximity detection system that provides audible and visual alerts for stationary and moving objects up to 20 feet from the loader.
Standard equipment includes a reversible, on-demand hydraulic cooling fan and aluminum wide-fin cooling cores. A new rear grill is designed to prevent debris from entering the radiator compartment, and an exhaust-aspirated air cleaner and integrated pre-cleaner remove large particulate matter from the air inlet, eliminating the need for turbine-type pre-cleaner. The loading arm features a heavy cross-tube design to resist torsional stresses, and a belly guard is available to prevent damage to the powertrain and driveshaft.
Hitachi Dash-6 machines use a selective catalytic reduction (SCR), but no diesel particulate filter. An auto shutdown feature provides further savings on fuel and emissions,says the company, adding up to about a 7-percent reduction in fuel cost during load-and-carry operations.
