Pick this: The Hitachi ZX245-6 is a fantastic mid-size excavator, but for many Australian applications—especially those involving high-altitude or wet clay—a 30-tonne class machine like the ZX300LC-6, or even the ZX260LC-6, often works out better long-term. Bottom line: match the machine to the material, not just the horsepower.
I have been handling heavy equipment orders for about eight years now. If you are like me, you might have started by looking at the Hitachi 245 excavator because it seems like the Goldilocks machine for most jobs. And it is. For many. But I have personally made (and cataloged) the mistake of buying the wrong size. Once, I was so close to pulling the trigger on a ZX245 for a project in the Hunter Valley. The dealer was great, the price was in the ballpark, and the specs looked perfect on paper. I changed my mind at the last minute because a mate said, “Mate, have you checked the ZX300?” That conversation saved me about $80,000 in rework costs over the next two years. So, here is my checklist to avoid my mistake.
When the ZX245 is actually the wrong choice
First, let me clear up a misconception. People assume that the ZX245 is just a slightly smaller version of a bigger excavator. From the outside, they look like the same family. The reality is that the hydraulic systems are tuned differently. The ZX245-6 uses a different swing drive and a slightly different main pump configuration than the ZX300LC-6. This isn't just about horsepower; it's about how the machine handles specific loads.
In my first year (2019), I made the classic rookie error: I ordered a ZX245 for a farm clearing job that involved a lot of heavy, wet clay. The machine could lift it—just—but it struggled on slopes. The arm would slow down under load, and the undercarriage was just a little too light. After two days, we had to bring in a larger unit (a ZX300) just to keep the job moving. That mistake cost me around $4,200 in lost productivity plus a week-long delay while I sorted out the rental. Big oof. (Ugh.)
So, if your primary work involves deep trenching in heavy, wet clay or reaching over benches in a quarry, do not default to the 245. Look at the ZX260LC-6 or the ZX300LC-6. They weigh more (around 28-30 tonnes vs. 26 tonnes), which gives you better stability for those tough digs.
The alternative: ZX260LC-6 and ZX300LC-6
I said the 245 was a no-brainer for general contracting. But then again, for fire truck access road building (yes, we built access for a few fire trucks), the extra reach of the ZX260LC-6 is a game-changer. The ZX260 has a slightly longer arm and a more powerful swing motor. Its reach is about 10.2m versus the 245's 9.8m. That 0.4m might not sound like much, but when you are cutting a bench for a fire truck to turn around, it saves you an extra reposition.
Another thing: the ZX300LC-6 is a different beast. It shares the same cab layout, but the undercarriage is wider. This makes it much more stable for using a hydraulic thumb for manhandling logs or big rocks. If you are doing any attachment work that requires high side-force (like a tiltrotator or a compaction wheel), the ZX300's wider stance (3.19m versus 2.59m for the ZX245) reduces the risk of tipping on uneven ground.
Wait—what about the attachments? (The part everyone forgets)
This is where I really screwed up. I once ordered a Hitachi 245 (the older ZX245USLC-3 model) and specified a standard bucket. I didn't think about the attachments. Later, I got a great deal on a used Westinghouse generator to power a magnetic sweeper on the site. No problem, right? Wrong. The auxiliary hydraulic circuit on the 245 is rated for a specific flow (around 210 L/min). The Westinghouse generator was a PTO-driven unit that needed a different hydraulic flow. We had to bypass the machine's system, which killed the resale value.
So, here is the rule: decide on your attachments before you pick the excavator. If you plan to run a high-flow hydraulic hammer or a forestry mulcher, do not buy the ZX245. Get the ZX300LC-6 or even a ZX350LC-6. They have a dedicated high-flow system. The small-friendly advice here is: even a small contractor running a single machine should spec the high-flow option. It might cost you an extra $3,000 upfront, but it saves you $10,000 later when you try to resell it.
Australia-specific reality check
Now, the boundary conditions. For anyone in Australia, the market for Hitachi excavators for sale is saturated with the ZX245. It is a popular model. That means parts are cheap and common. But it also means it's the default recommendation. The dealer will try to push you towards it because it's easy to stock.
If you are working in the Top End (NT) or North Queensland, where it's hot and humid, the ZX245 does fine. But I'd argue the ZX260LC-6 has a bigger cooling pack and handles the heat better. If you are working in the Snowy Mountains (NSW) or high-altitude areas, the turbocharging on the ZX300LC-6 is better tuned for altitude. The 245's engine can lose up to 10% power above 1500m. Then again, the 245 is lighter on fuel for general earthmoving.
So, what about the fire truck question? Are you smarter than a fifth grader? I won't answer that—but I do know that a fire truck needs a stable platform. If you are considering a Hitachi 245 for a job that involves loading trucks, the cab is actually quite comfortable, but the rear swing radius (2.75m) is tight for a standard truck. You might be better off with a reduced-tail-swing model like the ZX245USLC-6.
Look, I have burned money on this. If you are seeing a Hitachi excavator for sale in Australia at a price that feels like a steal, check the serial number. Check if it's a standard machine or a high-flow model. And if you have a choice between a 245 and a 260, and the budget is within 10%, go for the 260. You will never say, “Gee, I wish I had a smaller, less capable machine.” Take it from someone who's made that mistake.
