The rise of compact equipment in European construction

The demand for compact equipment is growing, driven by urbanisation and a greater desire for electrification. HCME Product Manager Norihiko Kinugawa has witnessed first-hand the role compact earthmoving equipment is playing in shaping the industry's future – here he digs into why these mini but mighty machines are on the rise…

Compact solutions for urban construction

Urbanisation has reshaped the European construction landscape, leaving less open space on job sites. This has increased the need for compact equipment with smaller footprints, able to work on projects efficiently even in confined areas. “At Hitachi, we've responded to this demand by introducing compact machinery like the ZX95US/USB-7.” says Kinugawa. “The compact size, short turning radius, and short distance between the bucket and blade, allow them to work efficiently and safely in narrow spaces.”

Driving sustainability with electrification

In parallel with urbanisation, there's a growing awareness of environmental issues across Europe, with more emission-free zones than ever before. Kinugawa explains: “Electrification has emerged as a key solution, and Hitachi is at the forefront with our compact electric excavators, including the ZX55U-6EB and ZX85-6EB which operate on battery power or while charging from a CEE 400V AC 3-phase power source.” These machines represent a sustainable alternative, contributing to cleaner, greener construction practices.

Compact equipment without compromise

Don’t let their small size fool you, the latest Hitachi compact machines are capable of high levels of productivity and powerful performance. “Take our latest offerings, the ZX95US-7 and ZX95USB-7 excavators, for example” says Kinugawa, “larger than the ZX85-6 model, they are more powerful and offer 10% greater stability and 4% greater digging force.”

Designed with operator safety and comfort in mind

Hitachi's commitment to operator well-being extends to its compact machinery. Such as the Zaxis-6 mini excavator range, where enhancements across ten models (from the ZX10U-6 to the ZX65USB-6) ensure compliance with the latest safety standards, providing operators with an even higher level of safety.

The cabs of the ZX95US-7 and ZX95USB-7 are industry-leading, ultra-spacious and easy to access due to a low entry level and wide entrance, not to mention improved pedal layout and ample legroom. “Hitachi Zaxis-7 excavators also offer a superior view of the job site.” says Kinugawa. “The Aerial Angle camera system provides an exceptional 270-degree bird’s-eye view, and operators can choose from six image options to view the machine’s immediate environment.”

A connected future for compact earthmoving

Kinugawa predicts connectivity will play an increasingly crucial role in fleet management “Hitachi's Global e-Service provides real-time operational data, empowering owners to optimise performance and minimise downtime”. With apps like ConSite Pocket and ConSite Shot, maintenance and operational insights are at your fingertips, ensuring smooth, efficient operations. “ConSite is now available from 3t and upper models as standard with more to come for the smaller models” adds Kinugawa.

From addressing the challenges of confined urban spaces to championing sustainability through electrification, these machines prove that size is no obstacle to efficiency.