JOIN THE COMMUNITY
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for the lastest industry news and resources delivered straight to your inbox.
Let us know your interests:
Preferred language

Meet Hitachi’s smallest excavator, the ZX17U-5N

Hitachi is a world leader in the excavator market, and the new Hitachi ZX17U-5N is a compact excavator built for performance and durability. With an operating weight of 3,700 lbs, the excavator has a maximum digging reach of almost 13 feet and a maximum digging depth of just over 7 feet. Combining maneuverability, hydraulic power, and easy-access maintenance, the Hitachi ZX17U-5N is a small excavator that’ll make a big splash in the mini-model market.

The Hitachi ZX17U-5N may look like a toy, but its nimble frame packs a lot of power. It has advanced hydraulics and full hydraulic pilot levers for the front attachment, boom, swing travel, and blade. The boom is built to last—its hoses are routed to protect it from damage, and HN bushing is applied on all the excavator’s front attachment joints for better grease retention.

The small but mighty Hitachi ZX17U-5N makes the most of its compact design, with zero tail swing, variable track width, and adjustable crawlers and blades. It’s also built to last: the boom cylinder guard protects the boom, and hose protectors shield the boom arm’s hydraulic hoses. The standard auxiliary hydraulic lines are also plumbed to the end of the boom to simplify attachment use. 

When it comes time to perform routine maintenance, the wide-open covers of the Hitachi ZX17U-5N make it easier to get into tight areas, and the excavator’s parallel-arranged cooling package makes the excavator easy to clean. 

Working within Hitachis’s new excavator also offers a lot in the way of user comfort, with a 3-pillar canopy to provide shade, an ergonomic seat design, an easy-to-read LCD for operational data, and a drink holder to help operators stay hydrated. 

Specifications:

  • Model: ZX17U-5N
  • Engine rated power: 14.7HP (10.8kW)
  • Operating weight: 3,790lbs (1,720kg)
  • Maximum digging reach: 12ft 6in (3.81m)
  • Maximum digging depth: 7ft 2in (2.19m)

Hitachi is a leading construction equipment manufacturer based in Tokyo. It manufactures heavy machinery, including excavators, wheel loaders, compactors, and mining machinery.

For all the latest gear, machinery, and construction news, subscribe to our weekly newsletter and follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn!

Like this article? Share it here.

Share Your Thoughts

Data center design: How solar, wind, and SMRs cut emissions

November 27, 2025

Data centers are under fire for their massive energy use....

Read more

Can biochar make cement carbon-negative?

November 27, 2025

A carbon-rich material made from plant waste is being tested...

Read more

The 8 best tool bags for trade pros

November 26, 2025

Looking for the best tool bags in 2025? We reviewed...

Read more

The costs to build a school: What builders need to know

November 26, 2025

Whether planning a small rural school or a large urban...

Read more

Data center design: How solar, wind, and SMRs cut emissions

November 27, 2025

Data centers are under fire for their massive energy use....

Read more

Can biochar make cement carbon-negative?

November 27, 2025

A carbon-rich material made from plant waste is being tested...

Read more

The 8 best tool bags for trade pros

November 26, 2025

Looking for the best tool bags in 2025? We reviewed...

Read more

The costs to build a school: What builders need to know

November 26, 2025

Whether planning a small rural school or a large urban...

Read more

Henry Boot leads with HVO fuel rollout in push for net-zero goal

November 25, 2025

With its trial showing strong results and 95 tonnes of...

Read more

Townhouse starts hit record amount in 2025 housing market

November 25, 2025

U.S. townhouse starts hit 45,000 in Q2 2025—17% of single-family...

Read more