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The Evolution of the Hitachi EX200LC Series
The EX200LC-2 excavator is part of Hitachi’s renowned EX series, which has been a cornerstone of the company’s global success in the heavy equipment industry. Hitachi Construction Machinery, founded in 1970, quickly became a leader in hydraulic excavator technology. The EX200LC-2, introduced in the early 1990s, was designed to meet the growing demand for reliable, fuel-efficient machines capable of deep excavation and long-reach applications. With tens of thousands of units sold worldwide, it became a favorite among contractors handling drainage, riverbank stabilization, and deep trenching.
The “LC” designation stands for “Long Carriage,” indicating an extended undercarriage that provides greater stability during extended reach operations. The EX200LC-2 typically features a six-cylinder Isuzu diesel engine, delivering around 135 horsepower, and a maximum digging depth exceeding 25 feet when equipped with a long-reach boom.
Critical Areas to Inspect Before Deployment
Before putting an EX200LC-2 into service, especially for long-reach tasks, several components should be thoroughly checked to ensure safety and performance:
Operators have reported that EX200LC-2 machines, while generally reliable, can suffer from pump degradation over time. In one case, a contractor in Ontario noticed sluggish boom response during cold mornings. The issue was traced to a worn main pump and contaminated hydraulic fluid. After replacing the pump and flushing the system, performance returned to normal.
Another frequent concern is the wear on long-reach booms used in dredging operations. A firm in Louisiana retrofitted their EX200LC-2 with additional gussets and wear plates to extend boom life. This modification added 300 pounds to the boom but significantly reduced maintenance intervals.
Preventive Maintenance Recommendations
In 2018, a flood control project in Ireland relied on an EX200LC-2 to excavate silt from a riverbed. The machine performed flawlessly for six weeks until a sudden loss of hydraulic power halted operations. The culprit was a collapsed suction hose between the tank and pump. The team replaced the hose with a reinforced version and added a suction strainer to prevent recurrence. This quick fix saved the project from costly delays and highlighted the importance of inspecting even seemingly minor components.
Conclusion
The Hitachi EX200LC-2 remains a workhorse in the excavation world, especially in long-reach applications. While its age may raise concerns, proper inspection and maintenance can ensure it performs reliably. By focusing on hydraulic integrity, structural soundness, and preventive care, operators can maximize uptime and safety. Whether dredging a canal or shaping a riverbank, this machine continues to prove its worth decades after its debut.
The EX200LC-2 excavator is part of Hitachi’s renowned EX series, which has been a cornerstone of the company’s global success in the heavy equipment industry. Hitachi Construction Machinery, founded in 1970, quickly became a leader in hydraulic excavator technology. The EX200LC-2, introduced in the early 1990s, was designed to meet the growing demand for reliable, fuel-efficient machines capable of deep excavation and long-reach applications. With tens of thousands of units sold worldwide, it became a favorite among contractors handling drainage, riverbank stabilization, and deep trenching.
The “LC” designation stands for “Long Carriage,” indicating an extended undercarriage that provides greater stability during extended reach operations. The EX200LC-2 typically features a six-cylinder Isuzu diesel engine, delivering around 135 horsepower, and a maximum digging depth exceeding 25 feet when equipped with a long-reach boom.
Critical Areas to Inspect Before Deployment
Before putting an EX200LC-2 into service, especially for long-reach tasks, several components should be thoroughly checked to ensure safety and performance:
- Hydraulic Pumps and Lines The heart of the excavator’s operation lies in its hydraulic system. Inspect for leaks, pressure inconsistencies, and signs of overheating. Long-reach configurations place additional strain on the pumps due to extended cycle times and increased fluid volume.
- Boom and Stick Integrity Long-reach booms are subject to higher bending moments. Look for cracks near welds, signs of metal fatigue, and loose pins. Use ultrasonic testing if available to detect internal flaws.
- Swing Bearing and Gearbox The swing mechanism must operate smoothly without grinding or hesitation. Excessive play or noise may indicate bearing wear or gear misalignment.
- Undercarriage Wear The long carriage design improves stability but also increases wear on track rollers and idlers. Check for uneven wear patterns, proper tension, and any signs of misalignment.
- Electrical System and Sensors Older models like the EX200LC-2 may have analog gauges and basic warning lights. Ensure all sensors are functional, especially those monitoring hydraulic pressure and engine temperature.
- Swing Bearing: A large bearing that allows the upper structure of the excavator to rotate on the undercarriage.
- Boom and Stick: The two main arms of the excavator; the boom connects to the body, and the stick connects to the boom and holds the bucket.
- Hydraulic Pump: A device that converts mechanical energy into hydraulic energy, powering the movement of the boom, stick, and bucket.
Operators have reported that EX200LC-2 machines, while generally reliable, can suffer from pump degradation over time. In one case, a contractor in Ontario noticed sluggish boom response during cold mornings. The issue was traced to a worn main pump and contaminated hydraulic fluid. After replacing the pump and flushing the system, performance returned to normal.
Another frequent concern is the wear on long-reach booms used in dredging operations. A firm in Louisiana retrofitted their EX200LC-2 with additional gussets and wear plates to extend boom life. This modification added 300 pounds to the boom but significantly reduced maintenance intervals.
Preventive Maintenance Recommendations
- Hydraulic Fluid Analysis Conduct quarterly fluid sampling to detect contamination or breakdown of additives.
- Grease All Pivot Points Daily greasing of pins and bushings prevents premature wear and ensures smooth articulation.
- Monitor Engine Exhaust Excessive smoke may indicate injector issues or turbocharger wear, especially in older Isuzu engines.
- Inspect Control Linkages Mechanical linkages between joysticks and valves should be free of play and corrosion.
In 2018, a flood control project in Ireland relied on an EX200LC-2 to excavate silt from a riverbed. The machine performed flawlessly for six weeks until a sudden loss of hydraulic power halted operations. The culprit was a collapsed suction hose between the tank and pump. The team replaced the hose with a reinforced version and added a suction strainer to prevent recurrence. This quick fix saved the project from costly delays and highlighted the importance of inspecting even seemingly minor components.
Conclusion
The Hitachi EX200LC-2 remains a workhorse in the excavation world, especially in long-reach applications. While its age may raise concerns, proper inspection and maintenance can ensure it performs reliably. By focusing on hydraulic integrity, structural soundness, and preventive care, operators can maximize uptime and safety. Whether dredging a canal or shaping a riverbank, this machine continues to prove its worth decades after its debut.
