We went to Mountmellick, Co Laois to see the new Hitachi Zaxis 210 LC Excavator operating for Meaney Plant and Civil on a site building new houses.
Purchased from TBF Thompson who specialize in Hitachi equipment, the Irish construction industry has always had Hitachi as one of it’s firm favorites when it comes to excavators and the latest model is no exception…
The construction industry has a new workhorse: the Hitachi Zaxis 210 LC excavator. Known for its durability and performance, the Zaxis line has long been a staple for construction professionals across the globe, and the 210 LC model takes things to the next level.
Balancing power, control, and eco-friendly operation, this mid-sized excavator promises to be a standout choice for contractors seeking reliability and precision in demanding environments.
The Zaxis 210 LC is engineered to perform efficiently under a variety of job site conditions. From urban development projects to rugged excavation work in remote areas, this machine is designed to handle tough tasks while delivering top-tier performance. Below are some key highlights of the Zaxis 210 LC:
Engine Power and Efficiency
At the heart of the Hitachi Zaxis 210 LC is a robust, fuel-efficient Isuzu engine. With a power output of 122 kW (164 hp) @ 2,000 rpm, this engine offers the muscle needed to move heavy loads with ease. Its 4-cylinder, turbocharged design ensures a high power-to-weight ratio, allowing the machine to handle even the most demanding digging, lifting, and loading tasks without sacrificing fuel efficiency.
What sets this model apart is its advanced ECO mode, which helps reduce fuel consumption without compromising operational speed. The Zaxis 210 LC’s fuel economy is a standout feature for contractors seeking to reduce operational costs, especially on long-term projects.
Advanced Hydraulic System
One of the most impressive features of the Hitachi Zaxis 210 LC is its hydraulic system. The innovative HIOS III hydraulic system ensures seamless, precise, and powerful operations. This system delivers enhanced digging and lifting force, allowing operators to complete tasks faster while using less fuel. This is particularly useful for trenching, grading, and moving large amounts of earth efficiently.
The 210 LC also offers quick arm and boom movements, significantly improving the speed at which operators can perform repetitive tasks. The hydraulics provide smooth transitions between various movements, reducing the jerky operations that can sometimes occur with other excavators in its class.
I spoke to operator James Dooley about his first impressions of the new unit…
“I’ve been on the machine since July and its very good so far, speed is brilliant, comfort is good and visibility is good out of the cab.
There’s great power in it, she’s well able to dig, you saw that rock I was digging earlier and she was well able for it all.
It’s average on the diesel, pretty much the same as most other brands.
The cab is pretty good, all the buttons are there in front of you, the screen is good and visibility is good. And the Topcon system is brilliant, I could never go back. It just makes things so much easier.
Durability and Design
Hitachi’s attention to durability is evident in every inch of the Zaxis 210 LC’s construction. Built with heavy-duty components, this excavator is designed to withstand the wear and tear of daily construction operations. The undercarriage is reinforced with durable materials that help increase its lifespan on uneven or rocky terrains.
Additionally, the machine’s arm and boom have been reinforced to ensure a longer service life, even under heavy workloads. The cab’s reinforced structure offers added safety and protection to the operator, and its rugged exterior design ensures the machine holds up well in harsh conditions.
Operator Comfort and Control
Inside the Zaxis 210 LC, the operator is treated to an ergonomic, high-visibility cabin. The spacious cab offers an adjustable seat and intuitive controls that enhance operator comfort over long workdays. The seat’s air suspension system reduces vibrations, ensuring a smooth ride even on the roughest terrain.
Visibility is another focus area for this model. The large windows and strategically placed mirrors provide a 360-degree view of the job site, reducing blind spots and improving safety. Furthermore, an optional rearview camera can be installed, giving the operator an even better view of what’s happening around the machine.
Control is enhanced with Hitachi’s intuitive LCD monitor, which displays essential information such as fuel consumption, machine diagnostics, and operational modes. Operators can easily switch between work modes to match the task at hand, further optimizing fuel use and performance.
Safety and Environmental Considerations
The Zaxis 210 LC includes several features aimed at improving both safety and environmental performance. The auto-idle feature reduces engine speed when the machine is not in use, cutting down on unnecessary fuel consumption and emissions.
Additionally, the exhaust after-treatment system meets the stringent Tier 4 Final emission standards, reducing the machine’s environmental footprint without compromising power.
Safety features include overload protection and hydraulic lockout systems, which prevent accidental movements during maintenance or idle periods. With these built-in features, operators can have peace of mind knowing that both they and their coworkers are safer on the job.
The Hitachi Zaxis 210 LC excavator is a robust, versatile machine designed to tackle a variety of tasks efficiently. With its powerful engine, innovative hydraulic system, durable construction, and operator-friendly features, this excavator delivers on performance, durability, and comfort. Whether it’s heavy-duty excavation, road construction, or utility work, the Zaxis 210 LC stands out as a reliable, efficient, and environmentally conscious choice for contractors.
With these attributes, it’s easy to see why the Hitachi Zaxis 210 LC is quickly becoming a favorite in the construction industry—offering a blend of power, precision, and modern technology that truly sets it apart from its competitors.
Meaney plant cover all aspects of groundworks. Deep drainage, foul, storm and water main works. Site development, bulk excavations, farm reclamation works and landscaping.
They operate a large fleet of self-drive machines, diggers from 1Ton to 30 Tonne.
