Used Hitachi ZX120Excavator

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📌 Overview

The Hitachi ZX120LC-5 (also known as ZX120-5) is a 12-tonne class mini/midi excavator manufactured by Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. It sits in the popular mid-size category, bridging the gap between mini excavators (under 6T) and full-size excavators (20T+). It is widely used in urban construction, utility work, landscaping, road building, and rental fleets due to its compact size, versatility, and fuel efficiency.

Latest Generation: ZX120LC-5 (introduced ~2019–2020), compliant with Stage V / Tier 4 Final emissions.

🔧 Key Specifications

Parameter	Details
Model	ZX120LC-5 (5th generation)
Operating Weight	~11,800 – 12,200 kg (26,014 – 26,896 lbs)
Engine	Isuzu AH-4HK1X
Engine Type	4-cylinder, turbocharged, intercooled diesel
Displacement	3.89 liters
Rated Power	86 hp (64 kW) @ 2,000 rpm
Max Torque	~295 Nm @ 1,400 rpm
Emissions	Stage V (EU) / Tier 4 Final (US) — No DEF required
Fuel Tank Capacity	200 L (52.8 US gal)
Hydraulic System Pressure	34.3 MPa (4,975 psi)
Pump Type	Variable displacement axial piston pump (2 pumps)
Swing Speed	11.2 rpm
Travel Speed	4.8 km/h (3.0 mph)
Max Digging Depth	~5,380 mm (17.65 ft)
Max Digging Reach	~7,920 mm (26.0 ft)
Max Dumping Height	~5,750 mm (18.86 ft)
Bucket Capacity (Std.)	0.2 – 0.5 m³ (0.26 – 0.65 yd³)
Blade Capacity	2,100 mm (82.7 in) dozer blade
Transport Length	~7,170 mm (23.5 ft)
Transport Width	2,480 mm (8.1 ft)
Transport Height	2,850 mm (9.35 ft)
Tail Swing Radius	~1,740 mm (5.7 ft) — Zero Tail Swing (ZTS) ✅

🏗️ Major Features & Technologies

1. 🔹 ZX Link Boom System

Hitachi's proprietary linkage system that increases digging force by ~20% and breakout force by ~30% compared to conventional designs.
Provides better bucket control and smoother operation.

2. 🔹 Zero Tail Swing (ZTS)

The upper structure rotates within the footprint of the undercarriage — no overhang at the rear.
Ideal for working in tight urban spaces, near buildings, and in confined sites.

3. 🔹 Smart Dash Monitoring System

LCD color display in the cab showing:
- Fuel consumption
- Engine hours
- Hydraulic oil temperature
- Engine coolant temperature
- Fault codes & diagnostics
Helps operators optimize performance and reduce downtime.

4. 🔹 Auto Idle & Eco Mode

Engine automatically reduces RPM when hydraulic controls are not in use.
Saves up to 10–15% fuel compared to conventional operation.

5. 🔹 Isuzu AH-4HK1X Engine

Reliable, proven engine with common rail injection.
No DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) or DEF (AdBlue) needed — uses EGR + DOC aftertreatment only.
Lower maintenance costs.

6. 🔹 Comfortable ROPS/FOPS Cab

Fully enclosed cab with:
- Air conditioning (standard/optional)
- Heated seat
- Adjustable armrests & steering column
- Low noise level (~73 dB(A))
- Large glass area for excellent visibility
- USB charging port

7. 🔹 Hydraulic Quick Coupler (Optional)

Allows fast attachment changes (bucket, thumb, breaker, grapple, auger, etc.) from the cab.

🔩 Attachment Options

Attachment	Application
Standard Bucket (200–500mm)	General digging
Grading Bucket	Leveling & grading
Hydraulic Thumb	Pipe handling, demolition
Hydraulic Breaker (Hammer)	Rock breaking, demolition
Hydraulic Grapple	Material handling, sorting
Auger / Earth Drill	Post hole drilling, piling
Hydraulic Shear	Metal cutting, demolition
Ripper (Single Shank)	Hard ground breaking
Mud Bucket	Dredging, ditch cleaning

📊 Performance Highlights

Feature	Benefit
✅ Compact size	Easy transport on low-bed trailer; fits through standard gates
✅ Fuel efficient	~8–12 L/hour depending on workload
✅ High breakout force	~55 kN — can handle tough ground
✅ Stable undercarriage	Wide track shoes (400/450/500mm options)
✅ Low maintenance	Long service intervals (500hr engine oil, 2000hr hydraulic oil)
✅ High resale value	Hitachi brand reputation for durability

🌍 Markets & Applications

Sector	Use Case
🏙️ Urban Construction	Trenching, utility installation, basement work
🛤️ Road & Infrastructure	Pipe laying, ditch cleaning, road repair
🌳 Landscaping & Gardening	Grading, planting, tree removal
🏢 Demolition	Small building demolition with breaker/shear
🔌 Utilities	Cable/pipe trenching, telecom work
🏭 Rental Fleet	Very popular in rental companies due to versatility

🔄 Previous Generations

Generation	Model	Years	Engine
1st Gen	ZX120	1990s	Hitachi 4JG1
2nd Gen	ZX120-3	2000s	Isuzu 4JB1
3rd Gen	ZX120-5G	2010s	Isuzu 4JG1
4th Gen	ZX120LC-5	2015–2019	Isuzu 4JJ1
5th Gen (Current)	ZX120LC-5	2019–Present	Isuzu AH-4HK1X

💰 Approximate Pricing (2024 Estimates)

Region	New Machine Price
🇺🇸 USA	$95,000 – $120,000 USD
🇪🇺 Europe	€90,000 – €115,000 EUR
🇬🇧 UK	£80,000 – £100,000 GBP
🇦🇺 Australia	A$140,000 – A$170,000 AUD
🌏 Used (2015–2020)	$55,000 – $80,000 USD

Prices vary by configuration, attachments, and dealer.

🏆 Strengths vs. Weaknesses

✅ Strengths	❌ Weaknesses
Excellent fuel economy	Limited reach compared to 20T+ machines
Zero tail swing = great for tight sites	Not ideal for heavy mining/quarry work
High breakout force for its class	Track wear can be high in abrasive conditions
Low emissions, no DEF needed	Cab space is smaller than full-size excavators
Reliable Isuzu engine	Limited counterweight for heavy lifting
Strong resale value	Hydraulic flow shared between travel & work (not load-sensing on all circuits)

🆚 Competitors

Machine	Weight	Power	Dig Depth
Hitachi ZX120LC-5	12T	86 hp	5.38m
CAT 312 GC	12.4T	86 hp	5.55m
Komatsu PC128US-11	12.6T	86 hp	5.50m
Kobelco SK120-6	12.1T	86 hp	5.40m
Doosan DX140LCR-5	14T	99 hp	5.60m
Volvo ECR138E	13.8T	99 hp	5.65m

📝 Summary

The Hitachi ZX120LC-5 is one of the best-selling 12-tonne excavators worldwide. It offers an excellent balance of:

🔑 Compact size + High performance + Low fuel consumption + Zero tail swing + Reliable engine

It is the go-to machine for contractors who need a versatile, efficient, and maneuverable excavator for urban and mid-scale construction work. Hitachi's ZX Link system gives it a competitive edge in digging force, while the Isuzu Stage V engine keeps running costs low with minimal aftertreatment complexity.

Would you like more details on any specific aspect — such as maintenance schedule, comparison with a specific competitor, or attachment recommendations? 🚜