Hitachi EX200-2 Excavator

[MikePhua]

       

Introduction
The Hitachi EX200-2 stands as a workhorse from Hitachi’s reliable EX series, offering robust digging power within a mid-class design. Introduced around the early 1990s, it carries heritage from decades of innovation at Hitachi Construction Machinery—a company established in 1970 and now a global leader in construction equipment with revenues in the hundreds of billions of yen .
Development and Heritage
Hitachi’s legacy in excavators traces to pioneering hydraulic models in the late 1950s, and the EX200-2 continues that lineage. Its manufacture during the 1990s aligns with a period of global expansion and technical refinement for Hitachi, building on global partnerships and emerging technologies amid rising demand for durable mid-size excavators .
Engine and Performance
Powered by an Isuzu 6BD1T diesel engine delivering around 131–135 horsepower (98–101 kW) at approximately 2,050 rpm, the EX200-2 balances power and efficiency .
It boasts a hydraulic pump flow near 98 gpm (approximately 370 lpm), enabling strong digging and swing control .
Operating Parameters

• Operating weight: approximately 40,785 lb (18,500 kg)
  
• Drawbar pull: roughly 35,950 lb (16,300 kg)
  
• Ground pressure: around 6 psi (0.4 bar), making it suitable for moderate terrain
  
• Travel speed: about 4 mph (6 km/h)
  

Digging & Reach Capabilities
Depending on boom and stick configuration, key working ranges include:

• Maximum cutting height: up to 34 ft (10 m)
  
• Maximum digging depth: up to 26 ft (8 m)
  
• Reach along ground: up to 37 ft (11 m)
  
• Loading height: up to 24 ft (7 m)
  
• Vertical wall digging depth: up to 25 ft (8 m)
  

These dimensions reflect a machine capable of mid-range trenching, back-filling, and loading tasks with efficiency.
Dimensions & Transport

• Width (outside tracks): about 9 ft 2 in (2.8 m)
  
• Height to top of cab: approximately 9 ft 4–5 in (2.85–2.9 m)
  
• Tail swing radius: around 9 ft 1 in (2.8 m)
  
• Length of track on ground: about 31 ft (9.5 m)
  

These longitudinal and transverse dimensions ensure manageable transport size while offering a stable footprint for operations.
Real-World Use & Value
While specific user stories for the EX200-2 are sparse, anecdotal evidence from operators of similar mid-class EX series machines highlight its reputation for longevity and manageability on diverse jobsites, particularly in municipal, utility, and medium-scale construction environments.
Checklist for Potential Buyers

• Engine integrity: verify compression and service history
  
• Hydraulic system: ensure no leaks, check smooth functioning of boom, arm, bucket, swing
  
• Undercarriage: track wear, rollers, and proper tension
  
• Working attachments: bucket condition, pins/bushings, cylinder performance
  

Glossary

• Isuzu 6BD1T: A 6-cylinder diesel engine known for reliability in mid-size construction machinery.
  
• Flow (gpm / lpm): Indicates hydraulic system capacity—higher rates drive faster and stronger actuator response.
  
• Drawbar Pull: The horizontal pulling capacity—useful for grading or light dozing.
  
• Ground Pressure: Pressure distributed per square inch of track contact—lower figures reduce ground compaction.
  

Conclusion
The Hitachi EX200-2 marries proven 1990s engineering with practical performance metrics, offering robust digging depth, wide reach, and solid traveling capability in a stable, mid-weight class package. Its Isuzu engine, efficient hydraulics, and versatile dimensions make it a sensible choice for users needing reliable performance without oversizing. Let me know if you’d like help comparing bucket options or a spec-sheet breakdown for transport planning.