John Deere 17 P-Tier vs. Hitachi ZX17U-5N: Head to Head Comparison

The John Deere 17 P-Tier makes more net power than the Hitachi ZX17U-5N, breaks out harder at the bucket, sends more oil to attachments, digs deeper and carries a bigger fuel tank. The Hitachi dumps higher. The two tie on weight, width, ground pressure, tail swing and arm force.

The top things to know when comparing the John Deere 17 P-Tier to the Hitachi ZX17U-5N:

1. The 17 P-Tier makes 18.52 hp against 14.7 hp, both net to ISO 9249, and flows 9.4 gpm of auxiliary oil against 7.9 gpm, 1.5 gpm more at the attachment lines.
2. Its bucket breakout force is 4,338.8 lbf against 3,598 lbf, and Hitachi does not say whether its coupler was fitted for that figure. It also digs 8 in deeper, which helps on footings and drain lines, and holds 5.9 gal of fuel against 5.3 gal.
3. The ZX17U-5N dumps higher, 8 ft 3 in against 7 ft 9 in, more clearance over a truck side.
4. Weight, undercarriage width, ground pressure, tail swing and arm digging force are a tie.

John Deere 17 P-Tier vs. Hitachi ZX17U-5N Specs

John Deere figures: 17 P-Tier with canopy, 0.94 m (3 ft 1 in) standard arm, standard counterweight, rubber track, full fuel, an 18 in bucket and a 175 lb operator. Hitachi figures: ZX17U-5N specification sheet with 0.93 m (3 ft 1 in) standard arm, standard counterweight, 9 in rubber track, full fuel and a 175 lb operator, converted into John Deere's units; Hitachi names no bucket in its weight line and offers only a canopy and one arm. Both power ratings are net to ISO 9249, Deere at 2,200 rpm and Hitachi at 2,400 rpm; Hitachi's 15.2 hp gross rating is not used. Hitachi rates its digging forces to ISO 6015 and does not say whether its standard mechanical coupler is fitted; Deere prints them without a coupler and names no standard. Hitachi's reach is the on-ground row, not its 12 ft 6 in reach at height. Tail swing is Hitachi's printed rear-end swing radius; Deere's 26 in comes with 0 in rear overhang. Deere's overall length is with the blade in front; Hitachi's drawing shows the blade forward but its text does not say.

Which machine is better for your work?

If the job runs a breaker, auger or other hydraulic attachment, or digs footings and drain lines, start with the John Deere 17 P-Tier. The factory can fit one or two sets of auxiliary lines, and Deere offers a long-arm option.

If most of the day is loading trucks, the Hitachi ZX17U-5N's taller dump height is the reason to look at it.

On tight lots the two are even on width and tail swing, so let the attachments you plan to run decide.

Serviceability, visibility, and daily use

A hinged door, foldable seat and handy battery location on the 17 P-Tier open up additional access to service components. A maintenance tracker within the monitor helps plan service to boost uptime, and the debris-resistant cooler system and extended service intervals help the machine work long and strong.

The standard backfill blade lets it both backfill and grade, and auxiliary flow adjusts on the fly with knobs under the armrest. The canopy operator station has a wide entry-way and switchable backhoe/excavator control patterns.

Oklahoma owners get support from CL Boyd in Oklahoma City, Lawton and Ardmore.

Other Comparisons:

The 17 P-Tier also goes head to head with the Kubota U17-5 and Cat 301.7 CR. For the rest of the lineup, read John Deere 17 P-Tier comparison guide and John Deere P-Tier Excavators.

Frequently asked questions