Fecon CEM 36 and Hitachi ZX120 Compatibility

[MikePhua]

Introduction to the Fecon CEM 36 Mulcher
The Fecon CEM 36 is a compact yet powerful mulching attachment designed to handle brush, saplings, and small trees efficiently. With a cutting width of 36 inches, it is intended for land clearing, vegetation management, and right-of-way maintenance. Its design focuses on producing fine mulch while maintaining productivity and reducing wear on the host machine. The CEM 36 typically weighs around 1,300 pounds and requires hydraulic flow ranging from 17 to 41 gallons per minute, making it adaptable to a wide range of carriers.
Hitachi ZX120 Overview
The Hitachi ZX120 is a mid-sized hydraulic excavator widely used in construction, forestry, and land clearing projects. With an operating weight of approximately 27,000 pounds and equipped with a hydraulic system capable of delivering 30 to 45 gallons per minute at pressures exceeding 4,000 psi, it provides a strong base for powering attachments. The ZX120 belongs to Hitachi’s long-standing Zaxis series, first introduced in the late 1990s. Over the years, this model has become known for its durability, precise hydraulics, and fuel efficiency. Hitachi Construction Machinery, the manufacturer, has a global reputation dating back to 1951 and consistently ranks among the world’s top five excavator producers.
Compatibility Between the Fecon CEM 36 and Hitachi ZX120
Pairing the Fecon CEM 36 with the Hitachi ZX120 is a practical combination, but it requires careful attention to hydraulic matching. While the ZX120 can provide adequate hydraulic flow and pressure, the attachment needs to be properly configured with a compatible quick coupler and auxiliary hydraulic lines. Without this, the mulcher may experience reduced efficiency or overheating. Additionally, because the excavator is significantly heavier than the mulcher, balance and stability are generally not a concern, but proper guarding of the cab and lines is recommended due to flying debris during mulching.
Challenges and Solutions
Several challenges often arise when pairing excavators with mulching heads:

• Hydraulic Flow Management: If the flow exceeds the attachment’s optimal range, it can cause premature wear. Installing a flow control valve or adjusting auxiliary settings helps manage this.
  
• Cooling System Capacity: Continuous mulching generates high hydraulic oil temperatures. Supplemental coolers or regular pauses for cooling may be necessary.
  
• Protective Guarding: Operators must add guarding on the excavator’s front glass and side panels to protect against wood fragments.
  
• Maintenance Cycles: Mulchers need frequent inspection of teeth, bearings, and drive belts to avoid unexpected breakdowns.
  

Field Applications
This pairing excels in tasks such as clearing fence lines, utility corridors, or preparing sites for construction. For example, in forestry management in the southern United States, contractors often use excavators with mid-sized mulchers like the CEM 36 to thin underbrush while preserving larger trees. Reports indicate that operators can clear up to two acres per day under moderate conditions.
Market Context and Industry Trends
Fecon, established in 1992 in Ohio, has specialized in mulching technology and now sells its products in over 30 countries. The CEM line represents its push toward compact, versatile solutions for contractors who need performance without investing in dedicated mulching machines. On the other side, Hitachi’s ZX120 has been part of a series that has sold hundreds of thousands of units globally, especially popular in Asia and North America due to its balance between power and maneuverability.
Practical Recommendations

• Ensure hydraulic compatibility before purchase or rental by comparing specifications.
  
• Invest in additional cooling if the machine will run in hot climates.
  
• Train operators on mulching techniques to avoid overloading the attachment.
  
• Keep replacement teeth in stock, as productivity drops significantly when teeth become dull.
  
• Consider adding a forestry package to the excavator, which may include reinforced guarding, heavy-duty doors, and debris deflectors.
  

Conclusion
The Fecon CEM 36 combined with the Hitachi ZX120 creates an effective land clearing solution, offering both precision and productivity. With the right hydraulic setup, protective modifications, and disciplined maintenance, contractors can achieve high efficiency and long-term reliability. This pairing represents how adaptable modern excavators are when equipped with advanced attachments, bridging the gap between heavy machinery and specialized forestry equipment.