If you are searching for a used Hitachi excavator on the global second-hand market, Hitachi’s ZX series is widely seen, ranging from residential landscaping projects in Europe and America to farm work and municipal construction across Asia. Praised for its smooth hydraulic operation, fuel efficiency typical of Japanese machinery, and robust durability, it enjoys a solid reputation among private buyers.
Below, we have sorted the 8 most recommended models within the ZX series by weight class from smallest to largest. This allows you to quickly narrow down your options based on your job requirements and budget. Start with our quick comparison overview table, then review each model to learn its target users and common pitfalls to avoid.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Weight Class | Used Market Price | Best Suited Applications | Core Advantages |
| Hitachi ZX17U-5 | 1.7 Ton | $13k–22k | Landscaping / Farming | Ultra-compact, Easy Operation |
| Hitachi ZX30U-5 | 3.0 Ton | $30k–44k | Landscaping / Municipal Works | Mini Swing, Fuel Efficient |
| Hitachi ZX50U-5 | 5.0 Ton | $40k–60k | General Compact Jobs | Sweet Spot Weight Class |
| Hitachi ZX55U-5 | 5.5 Ton | $42k–62k | General Use / Rental Fleets | Smooth Hydraulics |
| Hitachi ZX65USB-5 | 6.5 Ton | $50k–78k | Earthmoving / Municipal Works | Medium Power |
| Hitachi ZX75US-5 | 7.5 Ton | $55k–85k | General Use / Rental | Short Tail, Maneuverable |
| Hitachi ZX130-5 | 13 Ton | $70k–108k | Earthmoving / Foundation Works | Workhorse for Earthmoving |
| Hitachi ZX240LC-5 | 24 Ton | $108k–165k | Heavy-Duty Large Jobs | Long Reach, Deep Digging |
1.Hitachi ZX17U-5
The Hitachi ZX17U-5 is a 1.7-ton ultra-compact mini excavator. It is equipped with a Yanmar 3TNV70 diesel engine delivering approximately 9.8 kW (13 HP), offers a maximum digging depth of around 2.3 meters, and features an overall width under 1 meter.
As the smallest used Hitachi excavator model, the ZX17U-5 easily accesses greenhouses, chicken coops and tight yards. It serves as a beginner-friendly entry machine for family farms and small landscaping jobs, with a used market price of roughly $13,000–$22,000.
Key Highlights
- Ultra-compact size: travels smoothly through narrow passages and indoor spaces, transportable with a small trailer
- Hitachi smooth hydraulics: precise fine control, friendly for new operators
- Easy operation: simple controls, ready for work within half a day
Common Pitfalls
- Low digging force: only suitable for light earthmoving and grading
- Limited attachment options: fewer compatible attachments for ultra-mini excavators, restricted functionality
2.Hitachi ZX30U-5
The Hitachi ZX30U-5 is a 3.0-ton mini swing excavator. Powered by a Yanmar 3TNV88 engine, it produces around 19.6 kW (26 HP) with a maximum digging depth of approximately 2.9 meters. Its short-tail design balances maneuverability and stability.
Within the lineup of used Hitachi excavators, the ZX30U-5 is renowned for Japanese-style fuel efficiency and low failure rates. It is ideal for landscaping, municipal trenching and rural infrastructure work, with a used price range of roughly $30,000–$44,000.
Key Highlights
- Proven Hitachi fuel efficiency: lower fuel consumption than most competitors in the same weight class
- Mini swing radius: convenient movement in narrow lanes and farm sites
- Japanese reliability: generally good used condition, easy maintenance
Common Pitfalls
- Moderate power: struggles under heavy-load applications
- High demand: quality units sell quickly
3.Hitachi ZX50U-5
The Hitachi ZX50U-5 is a 5.0-ton compact excavator equipped with an Isuzu 3LD1 engine. It delivers around 28.4 kW (38 HP) power with a maximum digging depth of approximately 3.6 meters and adopts a standard tail swing design.
Known as the “sweet spot weight class” among used Hitachi excavators, the ZX50U-5 delivers near-medium-class output at mini-excavator pricing. Its used market price stands at roughly $40,000–$60,000, making it the most cost-effective option for private buyers seeking Japanese quality on a limited budget.
Key Highlights
- Excellent price-to-output ratio: significantly cheaper than 8-ton models with comparable productivity
- Versatile performance: suitable for municipal trenching, rural infrastructure and light earthmoving
- Smooth hydraulics: signature Hitachi control feel for less fatigue on precision work
Common Pitfalls
- Standard tail swing: rear overhang requires caution when working close to walls
- High demand in used market: secure good units in advance
4.Hitachi ZX55U-5
The Hitachi ZX55U-5 is a 5.5-ton compact excavator powered by an Isuzu 4LE2 engine. It generates approximately 34 kW (45 HP) with a maximum digging depth of around 3.8 meters.
Among used Hitachi excavators, the ZX55U-5 fully leverages Hitachi’s renowned smooth hydraulics. It delivers fluent combined movements and stable fine control, ideal for private operators with high standards for handling. Its used market price is roughly $42,000–$62,000.
Key Highlights
- Smooth hydraulics: fluent combined operation, capable of both precision work and moderate heavy tasks
- Japanese durability: long-lasting structural components, solid used condition overall
- Extensive service network: worldwide Hitachi support and readily available spare parts
Common Pitfalls
- Premium pricing: costs more than generic competitors in the same weight class
- Tight used supply: popular year models require advance booking
5.Hitachi ZX65USB-5
The Hitachi ZX65USB-5 is a 6.5-ton midi excavator fitted with an Isuzu 4LE2X engine. It delivers around 42 kW (56 HP) and offers a maximum digging depth of approximately 4.1 meters. Its short-tail design balances maneuverability and productivity.
As a well-balanced midi model among used Hitachi excavators, the ZX65USB-5 can handle independent earthmoving and municipal projects. Its used market price ranges from roughly $50,000–$78,000.
Key Highlights
- Midi-class productivity: superior digging depth and lifting capacity compared to mini excavators
- Short-tail maneuverability: works efficiently on constrained job sites
- Proven Hitachi reliability: stable resale value in the used market
Common Pitfalls
- Transport upgrade: requires compliant flatbed trailers for hauling
- Higher operating cost: increased fuel consumption versus mini machines, factor into budgets
6.Hitachi ZX75US-5
The Hitachi ZX75US-5 is a 7.5-ton short-tail excavator powered by an Isuzu 4LE2X engine. It produces approximately 42.4 kW (57 HP) with a maximum digging depth of around 4.3 meters. The US (Ultra-Short Tail) design delivers minimal rear swing radius.
Within the lineup of used Hitachi excavators, the ZX75US-5 maximizes productivity in confined job sites. It excels in edge work such as urban flood drainage dredging and trench digging in narrow lanes, with a used price range of roughly $55,000–$85,000.
Key Highlights
- Ultra-short tail: nearly zero rear swing when working close to walls, ideal for urban sites
- Midi productivity: output comparable to 8-ton models with better maneuverability
- Responsive hydraulics: balances precision work and fast cycle times
Common Pitfalls
- Higher transport requirement: compliant flatbed trailer needed with increased hauling cost
- Steeper learning curve: new operators need time to adapt to larger machine handling
7.Hitachi ZX130-5
The Hitachi ZX130-5 is a 13-ton earthmoving excavator equipped with an Isuzu AJ-4JJ1X engine. It delivers approximately 69 kW (93 HP) and achieves a maximum digging depth of around 5.2 meters.
Among used Hitachi excavators, the ZX130-5 serves as the entry model for professional earthmoving work. It fits foundation excavation, trenching and site grading, with a used market price of roughly $70,000–$108,000.
Key Highlights
- Workhorse for earthmoving: productive enough for standalone medium & small earthmoving contracts
- Robust undercarriage: long service life under heavy travel and swing loads
- Mature parts ecosystem: large installed base of Hitachi -5 series, wear parts widely available
Common Pitfalls
- Higher transport requirement: compliant flatbed trailer needed with increased hauling expense
- Steeper learning curve: new operators require time to adapt to larger machine handling
8.Hitachi ZX240LC-5
The Hitachi ZX240LC-5 is a 24-ton large excavator powered by an Isuzu GH-4HK1X engine. It generates approximately 123 kW (165 HP) with a maximum digging depth of around 7.0 meters. The long crawler (LC) configuration improves overall stability.
In the lineup of used Hitachi excavators, the ZX240LC-5 targets heavy excavation applications including large trenching, commercial foundation works and light quarry jobs. Its used market price ranges from roughly $108,000–$165,000, representing a heavy-capital investment for private buyers.
Key Highlights
- Heavy-duty productivity: outperforms midi and small models in deep digging and high-volume earthmoving
- Reinforced structure: strengthened boom and arm for durable continuous heavy-duty operation
- Strong Hitachi large-machine resale value: steady used demand and predictable residual value
Common Pitfalls
- High entry cost: substantial expenses for purchase, hauling, fuel and operator labor
- Strict site requirements: adequate access roads and working space needed; less suitable for small independent operators
Summary
These eight models of used Hitachi excavators span from the 1.7-ton ultra-mini excavator up to the 24-ton large machine: the Hitachi ZX17U-5 (most compact), ZX30U-5 (best fuel efficiency), ZX50U-5 (highest cost-performance), ZX55U-5 (smoothest hydraulics), ZX65USB-5 (balanced midi power), ZX75US-5 (ultra-short tail for superior maneuverability), ZX130-5 (earthmoving workhorse), and ZX240LC-5 (king of heavy-duty jobs). Start by selecting the weight class based on your project requirements, then compare your budget, working hours and machine certifications.
If you are comparing specific machine conditions and quotations, browse our certified inventory or contact us to request inspection reports and current status for individual units. Full inspection certification plus third-party grading ensures your purchase is secure.