April 2019 Vol. 74 No. 4
New Products
Factory-Integrated Grade Guidance Takes Efficiency to New Levels
Hitachi’s Grade Guidance, integrated and developed in cooperation with Topcon, leverages the latest components and technologies into a one-stop-shop solution that helps complete precision-excavation more efficiently. The new option is now available on the ZX210-6, ZX210LC-6 and ZX350LC-6 utility excavators, and will be offered on additional Dash-6 models in the future.
“Instead of spending time on the guesswork that goes into achieving the right grade,” said Jonny Spendlove, product marketing manager-excavators, Hitachi Construction Machinery-Americas, “Grade Guidance monitors it in real time, so our customers can get the job done quickly.”
Applications include a variety of projects, from trenching and shaping ditches and slopes, to digging foundations. The real-time display of distance-to-grade reduces time to final grade, so jobs can be completed quickly. A real-time grade indicator also allows for grade management without leaving the cab and reduces the need for a grade checker or grade stakes.
Supported by Hitachi’s reliable dealer network, Grade Guidance is installed and calibrated at the factory, so it arrives on job sites ready to work. Full integration into the machine’s cab and structures helps shield key components, such as wire harnesses and sensors from damage, while also providing effortless control with conveniently placed joysticks.
Customers can choose 2D or 3D Grade Guidance. With an optional laser receiver, 2D Grade displays the elevation of the cutting edge in relation to a reference plane. The 3D Grade with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) displays position and elevation with respect to a global reference.
System data from both options can be sent to ZXLink for analysis, so the machine’s health can be monitored to keep projects up and running.
In addition to the new factory-integrated Grade Guidance, Hitachi offers an open architecture option that includes sensor mounting brackets to enable installation of a Trimble, Topcon or Leica aftermarket kit. •
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., (866) 973-0394, hitachiconstruction.com
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