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WorksiteMachines

Comparison · Excavator

Hitachi ZX135US-7 vs JCB 131X

The Hitachi ZX135US-7 and JCB 131X are almost identical in operating weight (about 15,450 and 15,229 kg).

The Hitachi ZX135US-7 has about 35% more engine power (74 kW (99 hp) vs 55 kW (74 hp)).

Beyond the numbers, compare local dealer support, parts availability and resale value for Hitachi and JCB in your region: over the life of a machine they often matter more than small specification differences.

Hitachi ZX135US-7 excavator
Hitachi Hitachi ZX135US-7
JCB 131X excavator
JCB JCB 131X
Operating weight 15,450 kg (34,100 lb)15,229 kg (33,600 lb)
Engine power 74 kW (99 hp)55 kW (74 hp)
Net power ≈73–75 kW (98–100 hp), depending on market—
Max. digging depth 4.84–5.98 m (15 ft 11 in–19 ft 7 in), by arm≈6.03–6.1 m (19 ft 9 in–20 ft)
Bucket digging force 104 kN (23,380 lbf)—
Arm crowd force 61–77 kN, by arm—
Tail swing Short (rear stays close to track width)—
ZX135US-7H (North America) Isuzu, 74.9 kW (100 hp) net—
ZX135US-7 (Europe) 73 kW net / 74 kW gross at 2,000 rpm—
Short Reach Front (tunnelling) 16.2–17.8 t, 162 kN bucket force, 2.64 m dig depth, 0.62 m³ bucket—
Engine power —55 kW (74 hp)
Max. bucket capacity —0.89 m³ (1.16 yd³)
Fuel tank —260 L (69 US gal)
Engine —JCB EcoMAX, Tier 4 Final / Stage V, no DEF, no replaceable DPF
Power boost —+9% pressure for up to 9 seconds
Telematics —JCB LiveLink
Strengths
  • + Short tail swing for road lanes and tight sites
  • + Smooth Zaxis hydraulics and precise control
  • + Tunnelling and short-reach versions available
  • + ConSite monitoring and Hitachi reliability
  • + Low-power JCB engine meets emissions without DEF or a replaceable DPF
  • + Low fuel use for the class
  • + Large 260 L fuel tank
  • + Simple, robust X Series design and good visibility
Watch-outs
  • − Lower forces than conventional 15–16 t machines
  • − Several regional versions with different engines
  • − Dealer coverage varies in the Americas
  • − 55 kW is modest for a 14–16 t machine — not the fastest digger
  • − Dealer coverage varies by country
  • − Lower resale than premium brands outside the UK
Full ZX135US-7 reviewFull 131X review

Specifications are typical figures for standard configurations and may be measured differently by each manufacturer (for example net vs gross power). Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer. Build another comparison.