Today, 02:13 AM
I’ve been working with both the John Deere 135G and the Hitachi ZX135US-6 excavators, and I’ve been trying to fine-tune the attachment settings for each. Both machines are great, but I’ve encountered some challenges when it comes to adjusting the settings for optimal performance. In this post, I’ll share my experience and some tips for adjusting attachment settings, comparing both machines, and getting the best out of them.
Understanding the Machines and Attachments
The John Deere 135G and Hitachi ZX135US-6 are both highly capable mid-sized excavators, but they each have their own set of features, strengths, and settings when it comes to working with attachments.
Challenges with Attachment Settings
When using attachments such as a thumb, bucket, or breaker, each machine behaves differently in terms of hydraulic flow, pressure, and the control systems. The primary issue I faced was setting the proper flow rate and pressure for each attachment to ensure smooth operation.
Adjusting Attachment Settings on the John Deere 135G
The John Deere 135G has hydraulic flow control that needs to be set properly to match the attachment's requirements. Here’s how I’ve been adjusting it:
Adjusting Attachment Settings on the Hitachi ZX135US-6
The Hitachi ZX135US-6 also has a flow and pressure adjustment system, but it works slightly differently from the John Deere. Here's what I found:
Comparison of the Two Machines
Both the John Deere 135G and the Hitachi ZX135US-6 offer excellent hydraulic control for attachments, but there are a few key differences:
Final Thoughts
Both the John Deere 135G and Hitachi ZX135US-6 are fantastic excavators, and adjusting their attachment settings plays a key role in getting the most out of them. While both machines offer similar features, the key difference lies in how the hydraulic systems are tuned and how easily the settings can be adjusted on the fly.
For anyone working with either machine, I recommend familiarizing yourself with the attachment settings and the specific requirements for each task. Properly adjusting the hydraulic flow and pressure can make a big difference in attachment performance and longevity.
Understanding the Machines and Attachments
The John Deere 135G and Hitachi ZX135US-6 are both highly capable mid-sized excavators, but they each have their own set of features, strengths, and settings when it comes to working with attachments.
- John Deere 135G: This is a solid machine known for its durability and performance. It has a powerful engine and hydraulic system, but I’ve found that when working with certain attachments, it requires careful adjustment to maintain performance and prevent overloading.
- Hitachi ZX135US-6: The ZX135US-6 is also a great machine, offering impressive maneuverability and smooth hydraulic performance. The key challenge with this machine is ensuring that the attachments are properly calibrated for the specific hydraulic settings, which can vary depending on the task at hand.
Challenges with Attachment Settings
When using attachments such as a thumb, bucket, or breaker, each machine behaves differently in terms of hydraulic flow, pressure, and the control systems. The primary issue I faced was setting the proper flow rate and pressure for each attachment to ensure smooth operation.
Adjusting Attachment Settings on the John Deere 135G
The John Deere 135G has hydraulic flow control that needs to be set properly to match the attachment's requirements. Here’s how I’ve been adjusting it:
- Flow Rate Adjustment: For attachments like the thumb or grapple, I had to adjust the hydraulic flow to match the attachment’s needs. The 135G allows for flow rate adjustments through the in-cab monitor, which is convenient, but you need to ensure you don’t set the flow too high or low. Too much flow can lead to rapid wear, while too little can cause sluggish operation.
- Pressure Settings: I also adjusted the pressure for attachments that require high-force action, such as the breaker. Too much pressure can cause the system to overheat or put unnecessary stress on the hydraulics, while too little will result in inefficient operation. It took a bit of trial and error to find the sweet spot.
Adjusting Attachment Settings on the Hitachi ZX135US-6
The Hitachi ZX135US-6 also has a flow and pressure adjustment system, but it works slightly differently from the John Deere. Here's what I found:
- Attachment Mode Settings: The Hitachi allows for easy switching between attachment modes via a user-friendly control panel. I made sure to select the appropriate mode for each attachment, whether it was a bucket, thumb, or breaker. This ensures that the hydraulic system is optimized for each task.
- Flow and Pressure: Like the John Deere, the Hitachi also allows for adjustments to the flow rate and pressure. However, the ZX135US-6’s hydraulic flow is particularly sensitive, and I found that small adjustments can make a big difference in attachment performance. For heavy-duty attachments, I made sure the flow rate was set high enough to ensure efficient operation but kept it within safe limits to avoid any issues with the system.
Comparison of the Two Machines
Both the John Deere 135G and the Hitachi ZX135US-6 offer excellent hydraulic control for attachments, but there are a few key differences:
- Ease of Adjustment: The John Deere 135G has a more intuitive interface for adjusting flow and pressure through the in-cab display, making it a bit easier to manage during operation. On the other hand, the Hitachi ZX135US-6 requires more manual adjustments but provides a broader range of fine-tuning for different attachment types.
- Hydraulic Power: The Hitachi ZX135US-6 seems to have a slightly higher flow rate, which gives it an edge when working with heavy-duty attachments like breakers and augers. The John Deere 135G, however, provides smoother hydraulic control at lower flow rates, which is better suited for tasks requiring finesse, such as grading or lifting delicate materials.
- Attachment Compatibility: Both machines are compatible with a wide range of attachments, but John Deere offers a more robust range of attachments directly from the manufacturer, which ensures full compatibility. Hitachi, while also offering a solid selection, sometimes requires third-party attachment adjustments to work optimally.
Final Thoughts
Both the John Deere 135G and Hitachi ZX135US-6 are fantastic excavators, and adjusting their attachment settings plays a key role in getting the most out of them. While both machines offer similar features, the key difference lies in how the hydraulic systems are tuned and how easily the settings can be adjusted on the fly.
For anyone working with either machine, I recommend familiarizing yourself with the attachment settings and the specific requirements for each task. Properly adjusting the hydraulic flow and pressure can make a big difference in attachment performance and longevity.
