Description

Fiat-hitachi EX120-5, EX130H-5, EX100-5, EX100M-5 1997 Operators Manual

Ever had a job go sideways because the guy before you didn’t follow the break-in procedure? I’ve seen more than one hydraulic pump fail early because someone skipped the break-in step in the manual. That’s why you need the factory Fiat-hitachi EX120-5, EX130H-5, EX100-5, EX100M-5 1997 Operators Manual. This is the 1997 edition, 271 pages of what Hitachi actually printed. Not a reprint. Not a scan of a copy. This is the original document.

Page 1 shows the part number EM1E8-1-3. Page 2 has the introduction telling you this machine is metric design – and it is. If you’re used to inch-pound, get your conversion chart ready. The manual stays on the machine for a reason. Every operator needs to know the safety signs, the pre-start inspection, and the break-in limits. My shop sees too many machines with blown seals because someone thought they could skip the warm-up. That’s in the OPERATING THE ENGINE section.

BREAK-IN and PRE-START INSPECTION: Factory Procedure

Before you ever turn the key, this manual forces you through a pre-start inspection. Fluids, tracks, hydraulic lines. The BREAK-IN section (right after OPERATOR’S STATION) tells you exactly how many hours to run at partial load before full throttle. Hitachi says 50 hours. Ignore that and you’ll be replacing piston rings early. The manual also covers the exact sequence for starting the engine – glow plugs, throttle position, waiting for the preheat light. It’s all there. Don’t guess.

Does the TROUBLESHOOTING Section Solve Real Problems?

It does. The TROUBLESHOOTING chapter covers common issues like engine won’t start, hydraulic drift, poor travel, and warning lights. Each symptom has a list of possible causes and the check order. For example, if the excavator lacks power, the manual tells you to check the air filter first, then fuel lines, then injection timing. It’s not a service manual – it won’t tell you how to rebuild the pump – but it will save you from calling a tow truck for a clogged fuel filter. That’s real-world utility.

7 Sections That Cover Machine Operation from Start to Transport

From BREAK-IN to STORAGE, the manual is laid out in 7 major operational blocks. OPERATING THE ENGINE, DRIVING THE MACHINE, OPERATING THE MACHINE, TRANSPORTING, MAINTENANCE, STORAGE, TROUBLESHOOTING. Each one builds on the last. The TRANSPORTING section includes tie-down points and weight specs – critical if you’re hauling on a trailer. MAINTENANCE gives you daily, 250-hour, and yearly intervals. No confusion about what grease goes where.

Safety Signs and MACHINE NUMBERS – Identification That Matters

The SAFETY and SAFETY SIGNS chapters are not filler. They show you where every decal is located and what it warns about – pinch points, overhead load, no step areas. The MACHINE NUMBER chapter helps you record the PIN and engine serial number. If the machine is stolen, that number is your only hope. Also, when you order parts, your dealer needs those numbers. This manual has blank spaces to write them in. Use a pen. Keep it in the cab. While this manual covers the engine and hydraulics, if you’re dealing with a manual transmission on a different vehicle, check the Manual Transmission entry for general principles.

Get the Right Information for Optional Attachments

This manual covers a dozen optional attachments: Automatic Lubrication Device, Bucket Teeth, Blade, Hydraulic Breaker, Hydraulic Crusher, Offset Front, Clamshell Bucket. Each has its own operating and installation notes. If you’re running a breaker, the HYDRAULIC BREAKER subsection tells you the correct flow and pressure settings. Don’t rely on aftermarket manuals – they get the flow wrong and you’ll cook the breaker seals. For parts diagrams, check the HITACHI EX120-5 EX130H-5 Parts Catalog and HITACHI EX100-5 EX110M-5 Parts Catalog for detailed breakdowns. Another helpful resource is the HITACHI EX100-5 EX100M-5 EX110M-5 EX100-5E Parts Catalog.

When transporting the machine, the TRANSPORTING chapter gives you proper tie-down procedures. For road safety with manual transmissions in other equipment, refer to Manual Transmission.

Some aftermarket operators manuals skip the SPECIFICATIONS section or change the torque values. Not this one. The original 1997 Hitachi print includes all specs – travel speed, swing speed, fluid capacities, engine power. No guesswork. If you want to keep your Fiat-hitachi running for 10,000 hours without a major rebuild, use the factory manual. Access the Factory Manual now.

FAQ

Does this manual cover the EX120-5 only?

No. It covers EX100-5, EX100M-5, EX120-5, and EX130H-5.

What safety information is included?

The SAFETY and SAFETY SIGNS chapters document every decal location and warning message on the machine. There are warnings for rollover, pinch points, hydraulic fluid injection, and exhaust fumes. The manual also includes a section on proper use of the seat belt and ROPS structure. If you lose or damage a decal, the manual gives you the part number to order a replacement. This is not generic safety advice – it’s machine-specific.

Can I use this manual for maintenance?

Yes, the MAINTENANCE chapter covers daily, 250-hour, 500-hour, and yearly tasks. It includes fluid types, filter part numbers, and inspection points. For engine overhaul, you would need the service manual, but for operator-level maintenance this is what you need.

Does it include torque specs?

The SPECIFICATIONS chapter lists track tension, hydraulic pressures, and some bolt torque values for basic components. Detailed internal engine torques are in the service manual.