The new EH3500ACII truck uses the Hitachi IGBT AC-Drive system for better performance, higher availability, and significant reductions in maintenance and operating costs. The older-generation EH3500 was DC drive. So what’s the benefit to AC drive? Lower and better life-cycle performance costs, better downhill slope performance, more energy efficiency, easier maintenance with brushless motors and no transmission or differential, and it can be used in trolley-assist applications where both the engine and the trolley are needed. Rimpull and retarding are better as well. In addition, the EH3500ACII maneuvers easily in tight spaces and comfortably handles the haul road with steady speed on grade. AC retarding to near-zero ground speed coupled with a service brake blending feature that applies the hydraulic service brake to easily bring the hauler to a complete stop reduces brake wear. The EH3500ACII is well matched to Hitachi excavators. It takes seven passes from an EX2500-6, five passes with an EX3600-6, and three to four passes with an EX5500-6. The new HI-Tech ROPS/FOPS cab uses a three-point rubber iso-mount to minimize vibration by allowing additional independent cab motion versus traditional four-point mounted cabs.
