Hitachi ZX135US-7
A short-swing 13–16 tonne Zaxis
The Hitachi ZX135US-7 is a short-tail-swing Zaxis-7 crawler excavator of 14.3–16.6 tonnes, with about 74 kW (100 hp), up to 5.98 m dig depth and 104 kN bucket force — built for roadworks and urban sites. Versions, specs, rivals and buying advice.
Photo: Hitachi Construction Machinery (hitachicm.com)
On this page (16 sections) ↓
+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
−Watch-outs
- Lower forces than conventional 15–16 t machines
- Several regional versions with different engines
- Dealer coverage varies in the Americas
The Hitachi ZX135US-7 in 30 seconds
- What it is: a short-tail-swing 14–17 tonne crawler excavator from Hitachi's Zaxis-7 range.
- Engine: about 74 kW (100 hp) — Isuzu in North America; other engines in other markets.
- Headline numbers: up to 5.98 m (19 ft 7 in) dig depth, 104 kN bucket force.
- Why buy it: compact, precise and safe in confined spaces.
- Why not: for open sites, a conventional-tail machine digs harder for the money.
Overview
"US" in Hitachi's naming means ultra-short tail swing. The ZX135US-7 sits in the popular 13–15 tonne class used by utility contractors, councils and plant hire companies, especially in Europe where road works often happen in a single lane of live traffic. The Zaxis-7 generation (from 2020) brought a new cab, improved visibility, ConSite remote monitoring and refined hydraulics. A later -7B update and the North American -7H version followed, along with a Short Reach Front version for tunnelling.
Versions
| Version | Key differences |
|---|---|
| ZX135US-7 (Europe) | 73 kW net, Stage V |
| ZX135US-7B (Europe) | Updated version; 14.3–16.6 t, dig depth 4.84–5.98 m depending on arm |
| ZX135US-7H (North America) | Isuzu engine, 100 hp net, 31,973–35,053 lb, 19 ft 7 in dig depth |
| Short Reach Front | Tunnelling version: 16.2–17.8 t, 162 kN bucket force, 0.62 m³ bucket |
Performance
With the longest arm the machine digs to 5.98 m (19 ft 7 in); bucket digging force is 104 kN and arm crowd force 61–77 kN depending on arm length. Hitachi's hydraulics give the smooth multi-function control that operators value for grading, kerb laying and pipe work.
Short tail swing explained
Because the counterweight stays close to the tracks, the operator can slew without the rear end hitting walls or traffic. The trade-off is slightly less over-side lift capacity than a conventional machine of the same weight, so always check the lift chart — see lifting with an excavator and types of excavators.
Typical applications and attachments
Road and street works, utility trenching, demolition inside buildings and tunnels (short-reach version), landscaping. Common attachments: breakers, compaction plates, tiltrotators, grapples. See excavator attachments.
Operating costs
The ZX135US-7's engine and Hitachi's hydraulic control give low fuel consumption for the class. ConSite reports fuel use and idle time so owners can manage consumption. On short-tail machines working in towns, a lot of time is spent repositioning; using auto-idle and switching off during long waits reduces fuel and engine hours. Undercarriage wear is moderate if the machine works on soft ground but can be fast on asphalt and concrete — consider rubber pads for road work.
Maintenance
Daily: fluid levels, greasing, track tension, a walk-around. Keep the cooling package clean, especially in demolition or tunnelling dust. Hitachi's service intervals are listed in the operator's manual for each version; ConSite can remind owners when service is due. See heavy equipment maintenance schedule.
Transport
A 14–17 tonne short-tail excavator usually moves on a tri-axle or tag trailer. Check total weight and width with the shoes fitted. See how to transport heavy equipment.
Safety
Short tail swing reduces the risk of the counterweight striking people, vehicles or structures, but the front end still swings wide — use exclusion zones and spotters where needed. See spotters and hand signals and heavy equipment safety hazards.
Verdict
The ZX135US-7 is a refined, compact machine for roads, utilities and confined sites, and a strong choice where Hitachi dealer support is good. If you work mainly on open sites, a conventional-tail 13–14 t machine offers more digging force for similar money.
ZX135US-7 vs rivals
| Rival | Comparison |
|---|---|
| Komatsu PC138USLC-11 | Direct tight-tail rival, 72.5 kW, 242 L/min, Komtrax |
| Caterpillar 313 | Conventional tail with factory Cat Grade 2D |
| Volvo EC140E | Conventional tail, comfortable cab |
| JCB 131X | Value-focused conventional-tail machine |
Buying tips
Confirm the exact version and engine, check ConSite history, inspect the counterweight and cab for contact damage (common on urban machines), and check undercarriage and pins. See our used excavator checklist.
Hitachi ZX135US-7 specifications
Key figures
| Operating weight | 14,300–16,600 kg (31,500–36,600 lb), standard front |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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) |
Engines by version
| ZX135US-7H (North America) | Isuzu, 74.9 kW (100 hp) net |
|---|---|
| ZX135US-7 (Europe) | 73 kW net / 74 kW gross at 2,000 rpm |
Special versions
| Short Reach Front (tunnelling) | 16.2–17.8 t, 162 kN bucket force, 2.64 m dig depth, 0.62 m³ bucket |
|---|
Figures are typical for standard configurations as published by Hitachi. Values vary by market, emissions tier, attachments and options; confirm with your dealer before purchase, transport or lifting.
Hitachi ZX135US-7 vs rivals: specs side by side
Headline figures for standard configurations; “—” means the figure is not listed in our database.
| Specification | Hitachi ZX135US-7 | Komatsu PC138USLC-11 | Caterpillar 313 | Volvo EC140E | JCB 131X |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Excavator | Excavator | Excavator | Excavator | Excavator |
| Operating weight | 14,300–16,600 kg (31,500–36,600 lb) | 15,682–17,032 kg (34,563–37,547 lb) | ≈13,800 kg (30,400 lb) | 13,170–16,980 kg (28,880–35,620 lb) | 14,288–16,170 kg (31,500–35,650 lb) |
| Net power | ≈73–75 kW (98–100 hp) | 72.5 kW (97.2 hp) | 80.9 kW (108 hp) | — | — |
| Max. digging depth | 4.84–5.98 m (15 ft 11 in–19 ft 7 in) | 5.48 m (18 ft 0 in), 4.6 m boom + 2.5 m arm | 5.84 m (19 ft 2 in) | 5.56 m (18 ft 3 in), 4.6 m boom + 2.5 m arm | ≈6.03–6.1 m (19 ft 9 in–20 ft) |
| Bucket digging force | 104 kN (23,380 lbf) | — | 98.7 kN (22,180 lbf) | — | — |
| Arm crowd force | 61–77 kN | 62 kN (6,300 kgf / 13,890 lbf) | — | — | — |
Hitachi ZX135US-7 videos
Walkarounds and demonstrations from the manufacturer and independent channels. Videos load from YouTube only when you press play.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Hitachi ZX135US-7 weigh?
Hitachi Europe lists 14,300–16,600 kg for the ZX135US-7B; the North American ZX135US-7H weighs 31,973–35,053 lb.
What does US mean in Hitachi ZX135US?
Ultra-short tail swing: the counterweight stays close to the track width when slewing.
How deep can a ZX135US-7 dig?
Between 4.84 and 5.98 m (19 ft 7 in) depending on arm length.
What engine is in the ZX135US-7?
North American -7H machines use an Isuzu engine rated at 100 hp net; European machines are rated at about 73 kW net. Check the engine plate on a specific machine.
Owner & operator reviews
No reviews yet. Have you owned, operated or serviced a Hitachi ZX135US-7? Your experience helps other buyers.
Share your experience with the Hitachi ZX135US-7 +
Forum discussions
Have a question about the Hitachi ZX135US-7? Ask the community.
