Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/1534835
to attract and retain the best operators, features such as HVAC systems, air suspension seats, adjustable ergonomic controls, LED lighting, and Bluetooth radio have become important and thus a driving factor in Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas offering them in the company's ZAX- IS-7 excavator cabs, Baker noted. "An air suspension seat pro- vides all-day comfort while the so pad-style armrests can be adjusted for height and angle without tools," he added. "Switch positions on the keypad with jog dial control have been relocated to an easy-to-reach location for reduced fatigue." Construction equipment manufacturer experts agree that many amenities add to an operator's positive experience in the cab. "An in-cab monitor con- trols the Bluetooth radio and allows convenient commu- nication on the ZAXIS-7 excavators," Baker said. "e operator can listen to music and make hands-free calls from the cab. "Long-lasting LED lights provide visibility in chal- lenging lighting conditions," he continued. "Low-effort pilot controls reduce opera- tor strain. For convenience, switches have been collec- tively installed on the right side with easy access to those frequently used." Worley concurred that construc- tion equipment operators' desired amenities in cabs include the ability to stream music into the machine via Bluetooth and con- duct hands-free calling, improving communication and reducing distraction. "An effective port for charging your device and space for lunch packs, drinks, and coat hooks all come into play," Worley added. In addition to features that enhance cab comfort, ergonom- ics, and provide amenities, safety features are critical considerations in construction equipment cab design. "Unobstructed visibility to work being performed as well as all around the machine's working envelope helps keep everyone on the jobsite safe," said Baker. "Op- erators can view everything going on around the machine -- not just what is happening in front of the machine." Panoramic visibility from the operator's seat helps create a safe working environment, he added. Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas offers an Aerial Angle peripheral vision camera system, providing five different camera views from inside the cab on an eight-inch anti-glare LCD moni- tor, including a wide 270-degree bird's-eye view of the machine's immediate environment. "e operator can quickly and easily select a view on the monitor that best suits the situation," Baker pointed out. "e operator is even able to see the area right below the counterweight with a rearview camera." Worley said that important safety features include emergency exits, advanced cameras, florescent re- tractable seat belts, delayed lighting for when exiting at night, skylights for overhead visibility, units with E-Fence capabilities, Rollover Pro- tection Structures, and Tip-Over Protection Structure certification. Operator comfort is indeed key to productivity, Baker noted. "is includes the control layout. Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas offers ergonomic hydrau- lic control levers to reduce fatigue and provide smooth control," he added. "Comfortable cabs that give an operator a great experience will help retain your workforce and attract people to you for new jobs and expansion," Worley concluded. CASE Upgrades Equip- ment for Comfort CASE Construction Equipment recently announced new models and upgrades to empower con- struction and utility crews facing labor shortages and constrained jobsites in an effort to allow teams to accomplish more with less amidst growing demands from booming infrastructure invest- ments. "Labor shortages continue to shrink the workforce, while at the same time, companies are challenged to work more produc- tively and more profitably," said Terry Dolan, vice president, North America, CASE Construction Equipment. "We geared our latest round of CASE innovations toward helping crews maneuver these chal- lenges more effectively and efficiently than ever before." Among its offers are cab improvements, such as offers in the new CASE CX50D mini excavator. CASE provides an automotive-style cab focusing on comfort, control, and con- venience with features such as auto climate control with heat and A/C, Bluetooth radio, a five-way adjustable seat, and a customizable LCD screen NUTS & BOLTS Continued from page 32 that provides important data on the machine and attachments. e new CASE 651G full-size wheel loader also helps operators stay productive longer with a roomy cab and features such as AC and heat, heated seats, Bluetooth radio and phone connectivity to let operators work comfortably, while the rear sloping hood and optional backup camera improve their visi- bility of the worksite. "When production demands on difficult jobsites require long days of uninterrupted work, operator comfort is key to productivity for the long haul," pointed out Neil Detra, product manager — full-size and compact wheel loaders. "We designed this new machine with operators top of mind to provide an experience that's like taking your office to the jobsite." CASE H Series rough-terrain forkli 586H and 588H model updates include an optional fac- tory-designed, built, and installed enclosed cab with operator-friendly features such as air condition- ing, heat, Bluetooth radio, USB charging ports, and noise and dust suppression designed to enable operators to work in all kinds of weather conditions. e cab features wide doors that secure completely open, designed to enable easy communication with crew and increased airflow. e cab also features an overhead roof window for better visibility to overhead loads. https://www.forconstruc- tionpros.com/ Nuts & Bolts continued on page 36 34 IDA Universal April - May 2025