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Hitachi EX60 Excavator Overview
The Hitachi EX60 is a compact hydraulic excavator introduced in the late 1980s, designed for utility trenching, light demolition, and general excavation. Weighing approximately 13,000 pounds and powered by a 4-cylinder diesel engine, the EX60 became a popular choice for contractors seeking a balance between size, reach, and fuel efficiency. Hitachi Construction Machinery, founded in 1970, has sold thousands of EX-series machines globally, with the EX60 serving as a cornerstone in its compact lineup.
However, many machines labeled as EX60 in North America are actually grey market imports—units originally built for the Japanese domestic market under different model numbers, such as the UH025 series. These machines are often repainted and rebadged before resale, leading to confusion about parts compatibility and engine identification.
Terminology Notes
Owners of grey market EX60s often struggle to identify the correct engine model due to mismatched decals and missing documentation. In one case, a machine labeled EX60 with serial number 725-3966 was determined to be a UH025-1, not a true EX60. Based on cross-referencing with parts manuals, the engine was likely an Isuzu 4BB1PC-S1—a naturally aspirated 4-cylinder diesel known for its reliability and simplicity.
Later variants of the UH025 series transitioned to Nissan FD3304 engines, which continued into early EX-series models. This overlap complicates parts sourcing, especially for components like injectors, fuel pumps, and gaskets.
Field Anecdotes and Practical Insight
In Washington State, a contractor purchased a used EX60 for land clearing. After experiencing fuel delivery issues, he discovered the engine was not listed in any North American Hitachi manual. A retired mechanic identified it as a 4BB1PC-S1 based on injector layout and valve cover design. With this information, the owner sourced parts from an Isuzu industrial engine supplier and restored the machine to full operation.
In British Columbia, a fleet manager noted that several imported UH025s were sold as EX60s during the early 2000s. While the machines performed well, they required custom parts sourcing and occasional fabrication due to mismatched fittings and undocumented wiring.
Recommendations for Grey Market Owners
The Hitachi EX60 and its grey market siblings like the UH025-1 remain capable machines decades after production. However, owners must navigate the challenges of engine identification, parts sourcing, and documentation gaps. With patience and community support, these compact excavators can continue delivering reliable performance in a wide range of applications.
The Hitachi EX60 is a compact hydraulic excavator introduced in the late 1980s, designed for utility trenching, light demolition, and general excavation. Weighing approximately 13,000 pounds and powered by a 4-cylinder diesel engine, the EX60 became a popular choice for contractors seeking a balance between size, reach, and fuel efficiency. Hitachi Construction Machinery, founded in 1970, has sold thousands of EX-series machines globally, with the EX60 serving as a cornerstone in its compact lineup.
However, many machines labeled as EX60 in North America are actually grey market imports—units originally built for the Japanese domestic market under different model numbers, such as the UH025 series. These machines are often repainted and rebadged before resale, leading to confusion about parts compatibility and engine identification.
Terminology Notes
- Grey Market Machine: Equipment imported outside the official dealer network, often lacking local support or documentation.
- UH025-1: A predecessor to the EX60, built for the Japanese market with similar dimensions and performance.
- 4BB1PC-S1: An Isuzu diesel engine commonly used in early Hitachi compact excavators.
- Serial Number Plate: A stamped metal tag indicating model and serial number, critical for identifying parts.
Owners of grey market EX60s often struggle to identify the correct engine model due to mismatched decals and missing documentation. In one case, a machine labeled EX60 with serial number 725-3966 was determined to be a UH025-1, not a true EX60. Based on cross-referencing with parts manuals, the engine was likely an Isuzu 4BB1PC-S1—a naturally aspirated 4-cylinder diesel known for its reliability and simplicity.
Later variants of the UH025 series transitioned to Nissan FD3304 engines, which continued into early EX-series models. This overlap complicates parts sourcing, especially for components like injectors, fuel pumps, and gaskets.
Field Anecdotes and Practical Insight
In Washington State, a contractor purchased a used EX60 for land clearing. After experiencing fuel delivery issues, he discovered the engine was not listed in any North American Hitachi manual. A retired mechanic identified it as a 4BB1PC-S1 based on injector layout and valve cover design. With this information, the owner sourced parts from an Isuzu industrial engine supplier and restored the machine to full operation.
In British Columbia, a fleet manager noted that several imported UH025s were sold as EX60s during the early 2000s. While the machines performed well, they required custom parts sourcing and occasional fabrication due to mismatched fittings and undocumented wiring.
Recommendations for Grey Market Owners
- Photograph the Engine Block and Serial Plate: Share with engine specialists to confirm model and variant.
- Use Japanese Parts Catalogs When Possible: Many UH025 and EX60 components are interchangeable, but not all.
- Avoid Assuming the Decal Is Accurate: Rebadging is common in grey market imports.
- Join Online Forums and Owner Groups: Peer knowledge is invaluable for obscure models.
- Keep a Maintenance Log with Verified Part Numbers: Helps future repairs and resale.
The Hitachi EX60 and its grey market siblings like the UH025-1 remain capable machines decades after production. However, owners must navigate the challenges of engine identification, parts sourcing, and documentation gaps. With patience and community support, these compact excavators can continue delivering reliable performance in a wide range of applications.
