Hitachi EX1200-7: 19 Years of Demolition Engineering Development

Kocurek’s original 2007 EX1200 conversion was still working 19 years later. The latest Hitachi EX1200-7 conversion for DSM Demolition builds on that experience, with greater tool capacity, additional demolition configurations and improvements to transport, access and machine monitoring.

The Original EX1200: Still Working 19 Years Later

Completed in 2007, Kocurek’s original EX1200 conversion supported a 2-tonne tool at a working height of 61m. Its extending undercarriage, lengthened track frames and additional counterweight formed part of a specialist demolition machine that remained in operation nearly two decades later.

The latest conversion reflects 19 years of development, drawing on practical experience and customer feedback to improve the machine’s capabilities and day-to-day operation.

2007 vs 2026: What Has Changed?

The 2026 model increases telescopic tool capacity to 3.5 tonnes at 65m. Two heavy-duty demolition fronts add further flexibility, supporting a 12-tonne tool at 30m or a 7-tonne tool at 36m.

The developments extend beyond reach and lifting capacity, with changes to equipment handling, transport and monitoring.

Engineering The Latest EX1200-7

The new base machine presented its own engineering challenges. Changes to the exhaust muffler position placed it in the space needed for Kocurek’s counterweight removal and machine jacking systems.

Kocurek repositioned the muffler and manufactured a bespoke counterweight, allowing the jacking legs and hydraulic counterweight removal mechanism to operate within the revised layout.

Additional hydraulic functions were integrated with Hitachi’s existing systems. Separate electrical controls provide on-site diagnostics, helping identify whether a fault originates in the conversion controls or the base machine.

Wireless controls allow the jacking system to be operated from a distance. Dust suppression and a pressure washer lance also support demolition work and machine cleaning.

Developed for Transport and Everyday Use

The 2007 conversion already featured hydraulic counterweight removal. The latest model takes this further, allowing the upper structure to be separated from the undercarriage for transport.

A modular joint improves equipment changeover, while folding walkways reduce transport width. A rear ladder provides machine access, and track scrapers help remove site debris.

Monitoring has also developed beyond the original out-of-range warning system. The latest conversion monitors boom pressure, pin positions and slew rotation, and automatically switches operating envelopes when equipment is changed.

2026 Machine Specifications

Kocurek model: DM 120/E
Base machine: Hitachi EX1200-7
Engine power: 567kW

From the original 2007 conversion to the latest build for DSM, the EX1200 demonstrates how Kocurek’s demolition engineering has developed over 19 years. The new machine combines increased tool capacity and a wider choice of fronts with practical improvements to transport, maintenance and operation.