Hitachi ZX270

LC marks a widened undercarriage for extra stability, US denotes ultra-short-tail models with a compact rear overhang for tight jobsites, and W marks wheeled machines. Current models run as ZAXIS-7, while older stock is still labelled -3, -5 or -6.

Alongside these sits the older EX line, such as the EX700: mechanically simpler than the ZX models, with less electronics, but built rugged for heavy continuous duty.

Alongside the one-piece monoboom, many ZX models offer a two-piece adjustable boom whose knuckle can swing sideways; this allows digging along walls or pipelines without having to square the machine itself up to them, though at somewhat lower breakout force than the rigid monoboom.

The collective entry spans small excavators from around 42 kW up to large machines above 480 kW. When buying used, check the hour meter along with the slew ring, boom-and-bucket linkage bushings and any leaks at the hydraulic cylinders.

In short: ZX plus size number plus undercarriage letter plus generation digit make up the full code, as seen on models like ZX120, ZX200 or ZX330.