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The Hitachi EX60-G and Its Origins
The Hitachi EX60-G is a compact hydraulic excavator produced during the 1990s, part of Hitachi Construction Machinery’s global expansion into utility-class machines. Hitachi, founded in 1910 and headquartered in Tokyo, became a major player in the construction equipment sector by the 1980s, especially after forming strategic alliances with Deere & Company. The EX60-G was one of several “gray market” machines—units originally built for non-U.S. markets but later imported secondhand. These machines often lack full documentation and parts support, making repairs more challenging. Despite this, the EX60-G earned a reputation for reliability, fuel efficiency, and smooth hydraulic control, with thousands of units sold across Asia and later resold into North America and Europe.
Identifying the Travel Motor Leak
A common issue with aging EX60-G units is hydraulic oil leakage from the travel motor. The motor in question, model HMGB08CA, is responsible for propelling the tracks and is mounted directly to the final drive gearbox. Leaks typically occur at the output shaft seal or the brake release port. In one case, a technician discovered oil leaking from the inner sprocket face, suggesting a failed seal or misaligned brake components.
Key inspection points include:
The EX60-G uses a spring-applied, hydraulically released parking brake integrated into the travel motor assembly. This design ensures the brake remains engaged when hydraulic pressure is absent, preventing unintended movement. When the operator selects travel mode, pressure is sent through the brake release port to compress the brake piston, disengaging the friction discs.
Terminology clarification:
Parts Compatibility and Cross-Reference
Due to the EX60-G’s gray market status, parts catalogs are often incomplete or unavailable. However, many components are interchangeable with the John Deere 70D excavator, which shares the same travel motor and hydraulic architecture. This cross-reference allows technicians to source seals, O-rings, and brake components from Deere dealers, often with updated part numbers.
Recommended steps:
Proper alignment during reassembly is critical. The travel motor and gearbox must be mated precisely to ensure oil flow reaches the brake piston and that the output shaft engages without binding. Misalignment can cause the brake to remain engaged, even when pressure is applied.
Tips for successful reassembly:
In Ontario, a contractor working on a drainage project encountered persistent leakage after replacing seals on his EX60-G. After multiple disassemblies, he discovered a missing Belville washer and misaligned brake piston. Once corrected, the machine returned to full function. The experience highlighted the importance of understanding internal brake mechanics and verifying all components during reassembly.
Industry Trends and Support for Legacy Machines
As compact excavators age, support for gray market units becomes increasingly difficult. However, online communities and parts cross-referencing have helped extend the life of machines like the EX60-G. In 2024, a Canadian equipment distributor launched a digital archive of legacy Hitachi and Deere parts diagrams, improving access for independent technicians.
Final Recommendations
The Hitachi EX60-G is a compact hydraulic excavator produced during the 1990s, part of Hitachi Construction Machinery’s global expansion into utility-class machines. Hitachi, founded in 1910 and headquartered in Tokyo, became a major player in the construction equipment sector by the 1980s, especially after forming strategic alliances with Deere & Company. The EX60-G was one of several “gray market” machines—units originally built for non-U.S. markets but later imported secondhand. These machines often lack full documentation and parts support, making repairs more challenging. Despite this, the EX60-G earned a reputation for reliability, fuel efficiency, and smooth hydraulic control, with thousands of units sold across Asia and later resold into North America and Europe.
Identifying the Travel Motor Leak
A common issue with aging EX60-G units is hydraulic oil leakage from the travel motor. The motor in question, model HMGB08CA, is responsible for propelling the tracks and is mounted directly to the final drive gearbox. Leaks typically occur at the output shaft seal or the brake release port. In one case, a technician discovered oil leaking from the inner sprocket face, suggesting a failed seal or misaligned brake components.
Key inspection points include:
- Output shaft seal integrity
- O-ring condition at brake release port
- Presence of foreign objects or missing components during disassembly
- Oil color and viscosity indicating contamination or overheating
The EX60-G uses a spring-applied, hydraulically released parking brake integrated into the travel motor assembly. This design ensures the brake remains engaged when hydraulic pressure is absent, preventing unintended movement. When the operator selects travel mode, pressure is sent through the brake release port to compress the brake piston, disengaging the friction discs.
Terminology clarification:
- Spring-applied brake: A fail-safe system where springs hold the brake engaged until hydraulic pressure releases it
- Belville washer: A conical spring washer used to maintain preload on the brake stack
- Brake piston: A hydraulic actuator that compresses or releases the brake discs
- Friction discs: Plates that engage with the motor housing to stop rotation
Parts Compatibility and Cross-Reference
Due to the EX60-G’s gray market status, parts catalogs are often incomplete or unavailable. However, many components are interchangeable with the John Deere 70D excavator, which shares the same travel motor and hydraulic architecture. This cross-reference allows technicians to source seals, O-rings, and brake components from Deere dealers, often with updated part numbers.
Recommended steps:
- Identify motor model and manufacturer number from the plate
- Use manufacturer number as serial reference when ordering parts
- Cross-check with Deere 70D diagrams for brake and gearbox components
- Confirm seal dimensions before installation to avoid mismatch
Proper alignment during reassembly is critical. The travel motor and gearbox must be mated precisely to ensure oil flow reaches the brake piston and that the output shaft engages without binding. Misalignment can cause the brake to remain engaged, even when pressure is applied.
Tips for successful reassembly:
- Rotate the gearbox manually to verify free movement
- Apply light hydraulic pressure to confirm brake release
- Use alignment dowels or guide pins during installation
- Inspect all sealing surfaces for nicks or debris
In Ontario, a contractor working on a drainage project encountered persistent leakage after replacing seals on his EX60-G. After multiple disassemblies, he discovered a missing Belville washer and misaligned brake piston. Once corrected, the machine returned to full function. The experience highlighted the importance of understanding internal brake mechanics and verifying all components during reassembly.
Industry Trends and Support for Legacy Machines
As compact excavators age, support for gray market units becomes increasingly difficult. However, online communities and parts cross-referencing have helped extend the life of machines like the EX60-G. In 2024, a Canadian equipment distributor launched a digital archive of legacy Hitachi and Deere parts diagrams, improving access for independent technicians.
Final Recommendations
- Always document disassembly steps and photograph internal components
- Use manufacturer numbers as serial identifiers when ordering parts
- Cross-reference with Deere 70D for compatible components
- Verify brake release function before final installation
- Maintain a clean work environment to prevent contamination
- Keep a log of part numbers, seal dimensions, and torque specs for future reference
