The ZAXIS-3 series are global standard machines with world-class environmentally friendly and evolutionary performance. In the latest European survey the ZAXIS-3 series won “No.1” in both the fuel efficiency and the workload divisions. As a result the ZAXIS-3 series is developing a solid reputation all over the world. Here is an interview with the designers who got together in order to create the high standards.
—The “Basic Performance” of ZAXIS-3 series went through a big evolution.
Development Design Center General Manager Kouji Tahara:
Our goal for the new line of ZAXIS was to implement “A Global Machine.” What the world market wants, in other words, what users all over the world commonly wanted in excavators is nothing less than the “improvement of basic performance”. Increased horsepower, durability, smooth compound motion, and raising the payload with quick front motion were all requested features. On the other hand, fuel efficiency also needed to be improved…
PDI head office Senior Technician Kazunori Nakamura:
To discover the standard of basic performance needed, extensive surveys were done all over the world before development even started. The chief designer traveled to more than 30 countries over 2 years, mainly in Europe, North America and Asia, to collect detailed information regarding the kind of work and field conditions for which excavators are used. He also evaluated present machinery. By finding both common features and differences, depending on location, we settled on a basic design, a global machine.
—I heard that the design & development division in the Tsuchiura factory underwent a major restructuring for this project.
Tahara:
Determining that the “Improvement of Basic Performance” was a requirement in order to maintain the uniformity of design in all the classes of mid-size excavator series, ZX70 to ZX330, we established a system which allowed the parts designers to communicate with all the teams responsible for designing each class and across classes. As a result, an efficient system using common parts was established, enabling the more than 200 staff in Tsuchiura related to mid-size excavator development to share various kinds of information, such as requests from the field from all over the world to reflect product design.
Nakamura:
The keyword used as a common focus was “Where QUALITY meets ABILITY”. It is also a slogan used for the domestic promotion of the ZAXIS-3 and ZW series of wheel loader. The origin is based on the slogan, “Our Scrupulous Attention to Detail Will Lead to High Quality” and is applied to all product development. Because there was not enough brand unity in product development, we also saw a need to combine the development of the over-arching idea, “Made by HITACHI”.
—All the basics were “created” in the Tsuchiura factory.
Tahara:
Yes. We designated the Tsuchiura factory as the “Mother Design Factory” from the beginning of the ZAXIS-3 series development. Previously, products with local specifications were designed at local factories. Local dealers were also sometimes required to make modifications. Now, all the specifications are designed here. The main parts, such as hydraulic pumps or engines, are sent from Japan to other parts of the world.
—The hydraulic system and engine were both completely redesigned with the latest technology in the ZAXIS-3 series.
Nakamura:
We have developed “Core” technology to maintain a good balance for increased workloads using the efficient control of engine rpm, torque, and hydraulic pressure and at the same time lowering fuel consumption. The redesign of technologies made the tuning of hydraulic controls and engine optimization more complicated. However, we did a number of trials trying to determine an “excavator best practice” and were able to find a match. Installing the “New E mode” realizes a powerful but fuel-efficient machine. As a result, the ZAXIS-3 series not only has enhanced basic operability which increases workload, it also has an electronic control system installed to follow-up various kinds of operations before the operator even notices.
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