Restoring the Hitachi EX60-2 with Salvaged Parts and Cross-Compatible Components

[MikePhua]

The Hitachi EX60-2 and Its Legacy
The Hitachi EX60-2 is a compact hydraulic excavator that gained popularity in the 1990s for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and ease of maintenance. With an operating weight of approximately 13,000 pounds and powered by a 4-cylinder Isuzu diesel engine, it was designed for utility trenching, small-scale excavation, and landscaping. The EX60-2 featured a fully enclosed cab, pilot-operated joystick controls, and a robust undercarriage suited for varied terrain.
Hitachi’s EX series was widely distributed across North America, Europe, and Asia, and many units remain in service today. However, as these machines age, sourcing replacement parts—especially body panels and cab components—has become increasingly difficult.
Challenges in Finding Used Body Components
While mechanical parts like hydraulic pumps, swing motors, and track rollers are still available through aftermarket suppliers, body components such as compartment doors, window frames, and cab panels are harder to come by. Salvage yards often hesitate to part out good-condition cabs, preferring to sell them whole. This makes it difficult for owners restoring machines to find specific items like:

• Right rear pump compartment doors
  
• Lower front window frames
  
• Cab weather seals and trim pieces
  

In one restoration project, the machine was mechanically sound and fully operational, but lacked cosmetic and weatherproofing elements. The goal was to refurbish the cab before repainting, but the missing parts proved elusive.
Cross-Compatibility with John Deere and Larger Hitachi Models
One of the key insights in sourcing parts for the EX60-2 is its shared platform with certain John Deere excavators. During the 1990s, Hitachi and John Deere entered a joint venture, resulting in many Deere excavators being rebranded Hitachis with minor modifications. For example, the John Deere 490D and 490E share structural similarities with the EX60 and EX100 series.
This opens up the possibility of sourcing parts from:

• John Deere 60-series excavators
  
• Hitachi EX75 and EX100 models
  
• Grey-market imports with similar cab architecture
  

While not all components are direct bolt-ons, many can be adapted with minor fabrication. For instance, a lower front window frame from a larger EX100 may be trimmed to fit the EX60-2, allowing the operator to install new glass and restore visibility.
Strategies for Locating Salvaged Parts
To improve the odds of finding rare components:

• Contact regional salvage yards and ask specifically about cab-only units
  
• Search online marketplaces using both Hitachi and John Deere part numbers
  
• Join equipment restoration groups or forums where members trade or sell parts
  
• Consider importing from countries with higher EX60-2 populations, such as Japan or Australia
  
• Reach out to independent fabricators who can replicate panels or frames using templates
  

In one case, a Vermont-based contractor located a lower window frame through a Canadian supplier who specialized in grey-market machines. The part required minor modification but restored full functionality to the cab.
Conclusion
Restoring a Hitachi EX60-2 to full operational and cosmetic condition is a rewarding endeavor, but it requires persistence and creativity in sourcing parts. By leveraging cross-brand compatibility, exploring salvage networks, and considering fabrication when necessary, owners can breathe new life into these dependable machines. The EX60-2 remains a testament to Hitachi’s engineering legacy, and with the right components, it can continue to serve for decades to come.