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Legacy of the Hitachi EX200 Series
The Hitachi EX200 hydraulic excavator, first introduced in the late 1980s, quickly became a cornerstone of mid-sized earthmoving operations worldwide. Designed for versatility and durability, the EX200 series evolved through several generations, including the EX200-1 through EX200-5LC. By the early 2000s, Hitachi had sold over 100,000 units globally, with strong market penetration in Asia, North America, and Australia. The EX200-5LC, released in the late 1990s, featured improved hydraulic efficiency, reinforced boom structures, and a refined undercarriage system tailored for agricultural, forestry, and construction applications.
Hitachi Construction Machinery, founded in 1970 as a division of Hitachi Ltd., has long been recognized for its engineering precision and global reach. The EX200 series helped solidify its reputation in the competitive excavator market, especially in regions where reliability and ease of maintenance were paramount.
Undercarriage Anatomy and Wear Patterns
The undercarriage of the EX200 includes several key components:
Choosing Between ITR and Berco Track Chains
Two popular aftermarket suppliers for undercarriage parts are ITR and Berco. Each has distinct reputations:
Roller Durability and Material Considerations
Rollers are often the first components to fail in a worn undercarriage. Some users report ITR rollers lasting only 1,500 hours, while Berco rollers installed at the same time remain nearly pristine. This discrepancy is attributed to material hardness and seal integrity. Rollers made from softer alloys or with inadequate sealing allow dirt ingress, leading to premature bearing failure.
Anecdotal evidence from a TD20 dozer operator revealed that Berco rollers outlasted ITR by a factor of three, prompting a shift in procurement strategy. For machines operating in muddy or sandy conditions, roller seal quality is critical.
Track Adjustment and Custom Modifications
Hitachi’s undercarriage design offers limited grease adjuster travel compared to competitors like Komatsu or Caterpillar. This restricts the ability to compensate for chain stretch over time. A clever field solution involves installing spacer plates under the top roller mounts, using longer bolts to raise the rollers. This modification increases chain tension range and delays the need for full undercarriage replacement.
Such adjustments have been used successfully in Australian operations, where terrain variability demands flexible solutions. While not factory-approved, these modifications demonstrate the ingenuity of field mechanics in extending machine life.
Reusing Track Pads and Cost Optimization
Track pads, if not cracked or excessively worn, can often be reused. This reduces replacement costs significantly. Pads should be inspected for:
Recommendations for Farm Use
For agricultural tasks like ditch cleaning and land clearing:
The Hitachi EX200 remains a reliable workhorse, but its undercarriage demands attention after 7,000 hours. Choosing the right replacement parts, understanding wear dynamics, and applying field-tested modifications can significantly extend service life. Whether opting for ITR’s affordability or Berco’s durability, informed decisions and proactive maintenance ensure continued productivity in demanding environments.
The Hitachi EX200 hydraulic excavator, first introduced in the late 1980s, quickly became a cornerstone of mid-sized earthmoving operations worldwide. Designed for versatility and durability, the EX200 series evolved through several generations, including the EX200-1 through EX200-5LC. By the early 2000s, Hitachi had sold over 100,000 units globally, with strong market penetration in Asia, North America, and Australia. The EX200-5LC, released in the late 1990s, featured improved hydraulic efficiency, reinforced boom structures, and a refined undercarriage system tailored for agricultural, forestry, and construction applications.
Hitachi Construction Machinery, founded in 1970 as a division of Hitachi Ltd., has long been recognized for its engineering precision and global reach. The EX200 series helped solidify its reputation in the competitive excavator market, especially in regions where reliability and ease of maintenance were paramount.
Undercarriage Anatomy and Wear Patterns
The undercarriage of the EX200 includes several key components:
- Track Chains: These link the pads and transmit motion from the drive sprockets.
- Track Pads: Provide ground contact and traction.
- Bottom Rollers: Support the weight of the machine and guide the track chain.
- Top Rollers (Carrier Rollers): Maintain track alignment and reduce sag.
- Sprockets: Drive the track chain via hydraulic motors.
- Idlers and Tensioners: Maintain proper chain tension.
Choosing Between ITR and Berco Track Chains
Two popular aftermarket suppliers for undercarriage parts are ITR and Berco. Each has distinct reputations:
- ITR (Italian Tractor Replacement): Known for affordability and wide availability. Offers decent performance for light to moderate duty.
- Berco: Historically regarded as premium, with hardened steel and longer wear life. However, recent reports suggest variability in quality, possibly due to changes in manufacturing or material sourcing.
Roller Durability and Material Considerations
Rollers are often the first components to fail in a worn undercarriage. Some users report ITR rollers lasting only 1,500 hours, while Berco rollers installed at the same time remain nearly pristine. This discrepancy is attributed to material hardness and seal integrity. Rollers made from softer alloys or with inadequate sealing allow dirt ingress, leading to premature bearing failure.
Anecdotal evidence from a TD20 dozer operator revealed that Berco rollers outlasted ITR by a factor of three, prompting a shift in procurement strategy. For machines operating in muddy or sandy conditions, roller seal quality is critical.
Track Adjustment and Custom Modifications
Hitachi’s undercarriage design offers limited grease adjuster travel compared to competitors like Komatsu or Caterpillar. This restricts the ability to compensate for chain stretch over time. A clever field solution involves installing spacer plates under the top roller mounts, using longer bolts to raise the rollers. This modification increases chain tension range and delays the need for full undercarriage replacement.
Such adjustments have been used successfully in Australian operations, where terrain variability demands flexible solutions. While not factory-approved, these modifications demonstrate the ingenuity of field mechanics in extending machine life.
Reusing Track Pads and Cost Optimization
Track pads, if not cracked or excessively worn, can often be reused. This reduces replacement costs significantly. Pads should be inspected for:
- Cracks or fractures
- Excessive wear on bolt holes
- Loss of traction profile
Recommendations for Farm Use
For agricultural tasks like ditch cleaning and land clearing:
- ITR chains may suffice, especially if budget constraints exist.
- Berco rollers are preferred for longevity.
- Spacer plate modifications can extend chain life.
- Regular cleaning and lubrication of the undercarriage will prevent premature wear.
The Hitachi EX200 remains a reliable workhorse, but its undercarriage demands attention after 7,000 hours. Choosing the right replacement parts, understanding wear dynamics, and applying field-tested modifications can significantly extend service life. Whether opting for ITR’s affordability or Berco’s durability, informed decisions and proactive maintenance ensure continued productivity in demanding environments.
