4 hours ago
The Hitachi EX120 series excavators are popular mid-sized machines designed to offer powerful digging and high operational efficiency for construction and earthmoving tasks. The EX120-2 and EX120-3 models each bring distinct features and improvements shaped by technological advances and user feedback, making understanding their differences important for operators and fleet managers.
Engine and Power
Both the EX120-2 and EX120-3 are powered by the reliable Isuzu A-4BG1T turbocharged diesel engine, delivering approximately 81 horsepower (60 kW) at 2,100 RPM. This engine balances fuel efficiency and power, meeting emissions standards while providing the torque needed for demanding digging operations.
While the engines remain similar, the EX120-3 benefits from updated engine and hydraulic management systems, offering smoother control and improved fuel economy, helping reduce operational costs over time.
Hydraulic and Control Systems
The EX120-3 introduced Hitachi’s “Dash-5” electronic control system, which coordinates engine and hydraulic functions for more precise and responsive operations compared to the earlier EX120-2. This system supports multiple work modes such as Normal, High Power (H/P), Economy (E), and specialized modes for grading and attachments, allowing operators to optimize performance based on job demands.
The EX120-2’s hydraulic system is robust but more mechanical in nature, with fewer customizable settings, while the EX120-3’s advanced system provides better multi-function operation, allowing simultaneous boom, swing, and bucket motions with smooth transition.
Dimensions and Operating Capacity
Typical operating weight for both models hovers around 11,800 to 12,000 kilograms (approx. 26,000 lbs), while standard bucket capacities range between 0.3 and 0.9 cubic meters, adaptable with different attachments.
The EX120-3 improves digging reach and height slightly over the EX120-2 due to redesigned booms and longer arms in some configurations. Maximum digging depth ranges roughly from 15 to 19 feet depending on boom and arm options.
Operator Comfort and Cab Features
The EX120-3 introduced enhanced ergonomic features such as an adjustable seat with more freedom for control lever placement and improved visibility. Its cab mounts on six fluid-filled vibration dampening mounts providing a shock-absorbing ride, reducing operator fatigue during long shifts.
Noise reduction was also enhanced in the EX120-3 with improved insulation and updated soundproofing materials, creating a quieter workspace compared to the EX120-2.
Maintenance and Longevity
Both models emphasize ease of maintenance with accessible service points, but the EX120-3 offers improved diagnostic features through its electronic control system, allowing faster fault detection and troubleshooting.
The EX120-2 relies more on physical inspections and manual adjustments. Regular maintenance for both models involves checking hydraulic fluids, track tension, engine oil, and cooling system integrity to sustain performance and durability.
Real-World Applications and Feedback
Operators using both models praise their reliability and versatility on a wide range of projects such as road building, landscaping, and utility construction. The EX120-3 is noted for smoother operation and better fuel economy, especially on prolonged jobs, while the EX120-2 earns appreciation for its ruggedness and straightforward mechanics, beneficial in less electronically advanced environments.
A contractor mentioned upgrading from an EX120-2 to an EX120-3 enhanced job efficiency through improved hydraulic responsiveness and reduced operator fatigue, allowing longer productive hours with less strain.
Glossary
In summary, the Hitachi EX120-3 delivers technological advancements over the EX120-2 in hydraulics, operator comfort, and efficiency, while both machines maintain the core robustness and reliability that define the EX120 series. Choosing between them depends on project needs, available support, and operator preference for electronic features versus mechanical simplicity.
Engine and Power
Both the EX120-2 and EX120-3 are powered by the reliable Isuzu A-4BG1T turbocharged diesel engine, delivering approximately 81 horsepower (60 kW) at 2,100 RPM. This engine balances fuel efficiency and power, meeting emissions standards while providing the torque needed for demanding digging operations.
While the engines remain similar, the EX120-3 benefits from updated engine and hydraulic management systems, offering smoother control and improved fuel economy, helping reduce operational costs over time.
Hydraulic and Control Systems
The EX120-3 introduced Hitachi’s “Dash-5” electronic control system, which coordinates engine and hydraulic functions for more precise and responsive operations compared to the earlier EX120-2. This system supports multiple work modes such as Normal, High Power (H/P), Economy (E), and specialized modes for grading and attachments, allowing operators to optimize performance based on job demands.
The EX120-2’s hydraulic system is robust but more mechanical in nature, with fewer customizable settings, while the EX120-3’s advanced system provides better multi-function operation, allowing simultaneous boom, swing, and bucket motions with smooth transition.
Dimensions and Operating Capacity
Typical operating weight for both models hovers around 11,800 to 12,000 kilograms (approx. 26,000 lbs), while standard bucket capacities range between 0.3 and 0.9 cubic meters, adaptable with different attachments.
The EX120-3 improves digging reach and height slightly over the EX120-2 due to redesigned booms and longer arms in some configurations. Maximum digging depth ranges roughly from 15 to 19 feet depending on boom and arm options.
Operator Comfort and Cab Features
The EX120-3 introduced enhanced ergonomic features such as an adjustable seat with more freedom for control lever placement and improved visibility. Its cab mounts on six fluid-filled vibration dampening mounts providing a shock-absorbing ride, reducing operator fatigue during long shifts.
Noise reduction was also enhanced in the EX120-3 with improved insulation and updated soundproofing materials, creating a quieter workspace compared to the EX120-2.
Maintenance and Longevity
Both models emphasize ease of maintenance with accessible service points, but the EX120-3 offers improved diagnostic features through its electronic control system, allowing faster fault detection and troubleshooting.
The EX120-2 relies more on physical inspections and manual adjustments. Regular maintenance for both models involves checking hydraulic fluids, track tension, engine oil, and cooling system integrity to sustain performance and durability.
Real-World Applications and Feedback
Operators using both models praise their reliability and versatility on a wide range of projects such as road building, landscaping, and utility construction. The EX120-3 is noted for smoother operation and better fuel economy, especially on prolonged jobs, while the EX120-2 earns appreciation for its ruggedness and straightforward mechanics, beneficial in less electronically advanced environments.
A contractor mentioned upgrading from an EX120-2 to an EX120-3 enhanced job efficiency through improved hydraulic responsiveness and reduced operator fatigue, allowing longer productive hours with less strain.
Glossary
- Dash-5 System: Hitachi’s integrated electronic engine and hydraulic control system enabling multi-mode operation and smoother machine response.
- Turbocharged Engine: An engine fitted with a turbocharger to boost air intake and combustion efficiency, increasing power output.
- Fluid-Damped Mounts: Cab mounting method using fluid-filled mounts to absorb ground vibrations and shocks, protecting operator comfort.
- Operating Weight: The total weight of the machine including fluid, operator, and attachments.
- Multi-Function Operation: The ability to operate multiple hydraulic functions simultaneously for efficient job execution.
In summary, the Hitachi EX120-3 delivers technological advancements over the EX120-2 in hydraulics, operator comfort, and efficiency, while both machines maintain the core robustness and reliability that define the EX120 series. Choosing between them depends on project needs, available support, and operator preference for electronic features versus mechanical simplicity.
