More than machinery
The support network behind Australian mining
When a machine goes to work on a mine site, most people see the equipment as it is. What they don’t see is the planning, logistics, technical expertise and support network working behind the scenes to keep that machine operating safely and productively.
For decades, Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia (HCA) has built its reputation on providing reliable equipment backed by strong after market support and experienced people who understand the realities of mining operations. As the business prepares to undergo a historic transition to the LANDCROS brand in April 2027, this core commitment to on-the-ground capability remains unchanged.
HCA managing director Ray Kitic says the transition to LANDCROS in reflects the company’s evolution in delivering solutionsbeyond machinery.
“The transition is far more than a name change,” he said.
“The construction and mining industries are entering a new era. The world demands more efficient and sustainable approaches in these key industries.”
HCA’s focus remains on supporting customers through this journey while continuing to invest in new products, technologies and services that help mining operations improve productivity, reliability and long-term performance.
“Our DNA of engineering excellence and global support networks, delivering customer centric reliable solutions around the world remains fully intact,” Mr Kitic said.
“As LANDCROS we are expanding on ourexisting capabilities, with an increased commitment to developing intelligent, connected, and sustainable solutions.
“Our proud history has been forged from our products, our people and customer partnerships. The aspirational goals of our people, key partners and society are inspiring us to evolve.”
The next era for HCA technology
This evolution is physically embodied in the latest additions to the company’s product portfolio, most notably the new Dash-5 Rigid Dump Truck model and the EX5600-7P ultra-large hydraulic excavator backhoe specification model.
Released globally in October 2025, with a distinct operational focus on the demanding Australian market, the EX5600-7P is a 558t engineering marvel designed to redefine productivity standards.
Since the release of the UH50 ultra-largehydraulic excavator in 1979, Hitachi Construction Machinery’s ultra-large hydraulic excavators have been operating at mining sites around the world, earning high evaluations for their work capacity, reliability, and durability.
To increase its competitive advantage in Australia, where mining conditions are among the harshest in the world, the manufacturer focused heavily on enhancing both work capacity and durability.
The EX5600-7P ultra-large hydraulic excavator expands the bucket capacity compared to the current model and increases the power of the engine and hydraulic pump to improve the vehicle’s operating speed and increase the production capacity by 12%.
To address the physical stresses encountered in heavy mining operations, the EX5600-7P incorporates significant structural upgrades.The scope of high-strength steel castings has been expanded throughout the boom, while the arm and upper body frame feature improved structural designs and advanced welding methods.
These enhancements are engineered to directly reduce the frequency of major overhauls, extending the operational lifecycle of the equipment and lowering maintenance costs. The design also includes patent-pending access holes in the boom that can be easily opened and closed with bolts, allowing technicians to inspect the internal structures safely and efficiently on site.
The EX5600-7P is compatible with LANDCROS Connect Insight, a solution that retrieves and analyses operational data of mining machinery in near-real time to provide consulting services aimed at maximising the performance of customer equipment. This solution enables customers to improve the efficiency of their mining operations.
Traditionally, industry has focused onisolated metrics, such as which machineboasts the largest bucket or which one can dig the fastest in a single cycle. Though high-performing hardware is essential, its value is only fully unlocked when aligned with long-term operational efficiency, reliability and dedicated support.
HCA’s mining general manager Sean Ryan says customers rely on the company to deliver reliable mining equipment solutions backed by strong aftermarket support and practical operational expertise.
“Whether it’s fleet supply, machine performance optimisation, maintenance support or reducing downtime, we work closely with customers to keep operations productive and efficient,” he said.
While the business is widely recognised for its equipment, Mr Ryan says a common misconception is that the job begins and ends with supplying machinery.
