Hitachi Updates Dump Trucks with More Comfort and Serviceability Features

The latest version of the Hitachi's rigid frame dump truck, the EH1100-5, includes improvements to the operator environment, increased machine serviceability, increased payload, and more remote monitoring capability.

Many legacy features are continued on Hitachi Construction Machinery's most recent version of its EH1100 rigid dump truck, the EH1100-5, such as the long-life and highly compressible NeoconE/Helium suspension strut fluid, the robotically welded fully fabricated box section frame, the trailing arm front suspension, and the body floating hinge pin design. All those features are included on Hitachi rigid frame trucks regardless of size says the company.

The EH1100-5 also includes improvements to the operator environment, increased machine serviceability, increased payload, and more remote monitoring capability.

As with other large Hitachi mining trucks and shovels, the EH1100-5 is equipped with a 250-mm (10-in) LCD display to provide the operator with information regarding hauling performance and systems condition. Offsetting the LCD display to slightly right of the steering column allows the lowering of the dashboard in front of the operator for better visibility to the front of the truck. Communication via CAN bus allows rear view camera monitoring through the LCD display and reduces the amount of wiring required throughout the truck.

Two new safety features for the truck include the cab's ROPS (roll over protection structure) being redesigned to meet the requirements of using the EH1100-5 as a water truck and three-point seat belts being built into each type of seat Hitachi offers on the EH1100-5.

A mechanically hinged hand rail at the front of the cab can be positioned to provide the operator with optimum haul road visibility while the truck is in operation, or positioned to provide fall protection during cab area service. Operator noise exposure has been significantly reduced through the use of cab sound material and exhaust system modifications.

Many steering and brake system valves and test ports have been relocated from the mid-frame of the truck to the service deck for easier service and troubleshooting access. The steering filter is now located outside of the frame allowing service personnel the same ground level service access as is offered with the hoist filter.

The two high-capacity 12-V batteries have been moved to the front bumper for ground level access. Electronic maintenance and troubleshooting is available in various languages using the operators LCD in the cab.

Two body prop pins replace the single prop cable that has been the only means of propping the body up in the past. The 24-V relay box and circuit disconnect are located at ground level for easy service access.

For the market outside of North America, customers can choose between an MTU Series 2000 engine and a Cummins QSK23 engine. Within North America, the choice is limited to the Cummins QSK23 engine. The H6620A model automatic transmission offered by Allison offers improved shift quality, less shifting when empty, and upgraded components all resulting in longer life before rebuild.

The EH1100-5 body is now designed to a volume of 41.5 m³ (55.6 yd³) and has a flat floor-plate for more control of material shed while dumping. The nominal payload recommendation for a standard equipped EH1100-5 is 63.5 t (70 ton)

The EH1100-5 rear wet disc brake assemblies now include an integral wet disc parking brake. While redesigning the rear wet brakes, Hitachi added brake surface area to increase service braking and retarder power.

Active traction control on the EH1100-5 has been refined to better control wheel spin in wet and muddy conditions resulting in improved haul cycle times and increased production.

All EH1100-5 trucks are equipped with a DLU (data logging unit). This allows remote monitoring of the truck via satellite, Wi-Fi, and Wenco.

Hitachi also now offers a speed limit feature that automatically restricts the truck top speed to a customer determined limit. This feature will automatically apply the retarder to control the set speed limit if the limit is exceeded while travelling downhill.