Hitachi’s electric excavators have been there in the portfolio for over a decade and are being used in mining applications

– Hemant Mathur

AVP (Sales & Marketing) – Tata Hitachi Construction Machinery Company

What is your focus at IMME this time?

Tata Hitachi, in collaboration with Hitachi Construction Machinery, Japan, has been a pioneer in introducing the latest technologies in the Indian market.

IMME is a platform to showcase new offerings to the Indian mining equipment market. In this edition of IMME we plan to share information on the high-capacity electric drive dumpers – typically a 190T (EH3500AC-3) and the EX-7 series of large mining excavators which come with the FCO technology. Both machines aid in lowering carbon footprints due to better fuel efficiencies.

We will also be showcasing our mining class excavator ZX 870-5G and the newly launched Wheel Loader ZW225. On display will be other attachments and parts too.

What is your view of IMME as a trade show in terms of value it offers to the stakeholders of construction equipment sector and the allied sectors – particularly the mining sector?

IMME gives an opportunity for all OEMs to demonstrate their strengths by showcasing new products and services. More importantly, it provides OEM’s a platform to interact with all stakeholders. Overall IMME as a trade show adds immense value by bringing together the key players in the segment and contributing to growth in the mining sector.

How do you look at the mining sector in terms of construction and mining equipment? 

Coal contributes to over 50% of the overall mineral production in the country. Coal usage is not restricted only to power plants, but is also required by cement plants, and other industries. The increase in demand for cement in India is, in turn, creating demand for both limestone and coal.

To accelerate the production of Coal, concepts like MDOs, Commercial Mining, etc. have been introduced. These trigger the demand for Construction and Mining Equipment. The government’s efforts in its vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat are also expected to contribute to the growth in this segment.

At a time when there is so much discussion around artificial intelligence and machine learning, do you see construction and mining equipment gradually becoming autonomous?

The use of AI for Hitachi mining equipment has been implemented in autonomous high-capacity Dumpers (190T/240T/300T) which are being used in countries like Australia and the Americas. The excavators used with these dump trucks are connected through the fleet monitoring systems, which enables the trucks to be scheduled as per the availability of the excavators every time the truck is unloaded. This helps to enhance the utilization of the trucks and the efficiency of the dumper and excavator fleet. This fleet is remotely monitored by a Control Room via GPRS/GPS devices fitted on the trucks and excavators. This technology has been successfully implemented and running for over 5 years in those markets. 

Also, there are remote-operated mini excavators developed by Hitachi. They can be used in applications such as garbage handling, sewage treatment plants, and high temperature working zones.

How do you look at the concept of hybrid and electric power in construction machinery?

Hitachi’s electric excavators have been there in the portfolio for over a decade and are being used in mining applications. In fact, there are models like EX2600E-6, a 15 cum bucket capacity electric excavator running in coal mines in India.

However, the electric or hybrid concept is not yet established in construction machinery. With the target of Net Zero emissions by 2070 taken by the government of India, we expect the pace of the introduction of alternate fuels like hybrid/electric power in construction machinery to increase. With a strong partner like Hitachi Construction Machinery which is already ready with the latest technologies, we are confident that going forward we shall introduce them in the Indian market as well.

What engineering improvisations have been carried out in your machine in the recent past to improve productivity, fuel efficiency and safety?

Our machines are equipped with Intelligent Hydraulic technology (iOHS)- intelligent optimum hydraulic system. This system ensures precise controls and efficient performance. Advanced features like auto idle, auto deceleration, EP and HP mode selection, dial type throttle, fuel saving pump system, and hydraulic regeneration system ensure the least fuel consumption by the machine. The introduction of the EX-7 series of Hydraulic excavators by Hitachi in the mining segment (Bucket capacity 10Cum – 45 Cum) with FCO (Fuel Consumption Optimization) will be helping to optimize the fuel consumption with production. Now customers can know all information about their machine from any location on their mobile phones and computers through the telematics suite provided. Machine HMR, utilization, Location, fuel levels, etc. can be easily monitored. Monthly and weekly reports of all Tata Hitachi machines can be accessed from one place to ensure smooth functioning and efficient performance. This system also alerts customers on the upcoming service dues and alarms if any which increases the machine’s uptime.

Tata Hitachi machines also ensure the safety and comfort of the operators through features like seat belts, front guards, anti-skid tapes for the operator’s safety, battery cut-off switch, baffle plates to separate hot and cold zones, ROPS/FOPS cabin, etc.

How is your company addressing the issue of operator training/skill development?

Tata Hitachi has a two-pronged approach when it comes to skilling and training. One for permanent employees and contractual staff, where on-the-job training in different trades like Welding, Fitting, Machining, Painting, and Mechanical and Electrical maintenance in our production setup is given. Along with this training is imparted through Skill Training Center inside the plant, which has world-class facilities and Hitachi-certified trainers.

The other initiative is Skill Development Training for youths from local communities. We have an Operator training center with a facility for training on operating Construction Equipment like Hydraulic Excavators, Backhoe Loaders, and Wheel loaders. This setup is elaborate with experienced trainers from across the country imparting training. This is backed up by a State-of-the-art simulator for machine operation conditions which gives near-real-life machine operating conditions for the trainees. Once the course is completed the participants are given certificates in collaboration with the Government of India which help them to get a job as Machine Operators easily across the country.

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