Hitachi Construction Machinery (HCM) has announced it will rebrand as Landcros effective April 2027, signalling a strategic evolution from traditional equipment manufacturing toward integrated digital and autonomous site solutions.
The Japanese company said the transition aims to address critical global challenges, including labour shortages and sustainability mandates, by embedding artificial intelligence and remote-operation technologies directly into its fleet. According to a company statement, the move reflects a “new era” where the industry must build infrastructure at an unprecedented scale with fewer operators and tighter deadlines.
In this context, HCM has chosen to reinvent itself, standing side by side with its customers and distribution partners to lead this transformation together.
The rebranding follows the successful debut of the Landcros One at the Bauma 2025 trade fair held in Munich, Germany. This prototype serves as the blueprint for the company’s future product line, featuring an intuitive user interface designed to bridge the gap between “ground and cloud”.
“Landcros represents our commitment to go beyond machinery empowering customers with intelligent, connected, and sustainable solutions,” said Francesco Quaranta, President and CEO of HCM Europe. “It is based on a partnership philosophy, working openly with technology leaders, integrating cutting-edge digital and AI capabilities into machines that symbolise reliability in the construction industry, whilst creating a reimagined customer experience from ground to cloud.”
This shift mirrors a broader industry trend where hardware manufacturers are rebranding as “solution providers” to capture high-margin software and service revenue. HCM President and COO Masafumi Senzaki noted the change is also intended to bolster shareholder confidence by positioning the company as a leader in sustainable infrastructure.
The ZW-7 Series
While the name change is set for 2027, the company’s current ZW-7 wheel loader range already embodies many of these “solution-first” principles. These models are designed to provide operators with total control through advanced safety features and digitised cabin environments.
The ZW-7 wheel loaders epitomise comfort, with some of the lowest noise and vibration levels in the market. The spacious, fully redesigned cab includes an improved seat with mounted electric pilot control levers, new monitor controller and convenient side switch panel for easy operation.
According to HCM, the Stage V-compliant ZW180-7 and ZW310-7 loaders are among the safest in the market. Key features include an Aerial Angle Camera System, which provides a 270-degree bird’s-eye view of the job site; and rear obstacle detection, which comprises Intelligent sensors that provide immediate alerts to operators regarding proximity hazards.
The models also offer enhanced sightlines: A redesigned, narrow engine hood significantly improves rear-view visibility.
The ZW-7 range focuses heavily on ergonomics to attract the next generation of operators. The spacious, redesigned cabs offer some of the lowest noise and vibration levels in the industry. Efficiency is further enhanced by seat-mounted electric pilot control levers and a new synchronized monitor controller, according to HCM.
All have been designed to put operators in complete control of their workspace with first-rate safety features and comfort in the cab. The wheel loaders offer powerful performance and exceptional efficiency and uptime due to durable components and easy maintenance, the company says.
The ZW180-7 is renowned for its versatility on a variety of applications, and the larger ZW310-7 is designed to boost productivity in busy quarries and large recycling plants, the company adds.