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Hitachi ZX85USB-6 vs Thwaites 9 Tonne Front Tip

The Thwaites 9 Tonne Front Tip has 13kW more power.

Last reviewed 13 September 2026

Hitachi ZX85USB-6
Hitachi ZX85USB-6 - image: Barnes Plant Sales Ltd
Thwaites 9 Tonne Front Tip
Thwaites 9 Tonne Front Tip - image: Molson Group

Key differences

Specifications side by side

Hitachi ZX85USB-6Thwaites 9 Tonne Front Tip
Engine power42.4kW55.4 kW (74 hp) @ 2200rpm
Operating weight8,430 - 9,060kg-
Dig depth3,910 - 4,510mm-
Payload-9000 kg
Heaped capacity-4600 litres
Engine-Deutz TCD 3.6 L4

Sources: Hitachi ZX85USB-6, Thwaites 9 Tonne Front Tip. Figures vary by model year and options, so check with the supplier before you commit.

Buy or hire the ZX85USB-6 if...

A popular hire-fleet size for groundworkers and utility contractors who need more reach and dig depth than a mini excavator but still want a zero-swing tail for working close to walls and other plant. Common on drainage and footing jobs on housing sites.

Listed by

Full ZX85USB-6 specifications →

Buy or hire the 9 Tonne Front Tip if...

  • you want one that has 13kW more power

A 9 tonne front tip dumper for high-volume earthworks, civils and quarry style haulage where a bigger payload cuts the number of trips.

Full 9 Tonne Front Tip specifications →

Common questions

What is the difference between the Hitachi ZX85USB-6 and the Thwaites 9 Tonne Front Tip?

The Thwaites 9 Tonne Front Tip has 13kW more power. The Hitachi ZX85USB-6 is a 8.4-9.1 tonne zero tail swing crawler excavator; the Thwaites 9 Tonne Front Tip is a 9 tonne front tip site dumper with cab.

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