Hitachi Targets North American Dump Truck Demand with Bell-Built LANDCROS Models

South African equipment manufacturer Bell Equipment has signed an agreement to supply articulated dump trucks to Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas for distribution in the United States and Canada, with deliveries scheduled to begin in April 2027.

Announced on 29 October 2026, the agreement will see Bell manufacture articulated dump trucks (ADTs) carrying the LANDCROS brand, giving Hitachi’s Americas business a new equipment category to offer through its established dealer network.

The agreement supports Bell’s strategy to increase production volumes of its ADT range for the North American market. Bell-branded trucks will continue to be distributed in the United States by Bell Trucks America, the company’s existing independent, non-exclusive distributor. The new arrangement therefore adds another distribution channel rather than replacing Bell’s current one.

Three models planned for launch

Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas has announced three initial models: the ZD30, ZD45 and ZD50, covering payload classes from 30 to 50 tonnes. The company plans to launch the models in early summer 2027, followed by additional options spanning 20 to 60 tonnes. The trucks will be supported through its dealer network across the United States and Canada.

For Hitachi, adding ADTs expands its equipment offering for customers involved in earthmoving, quarrying, infrastructure and mining-related operations. Customers will be able to source articulated dump trucks alongside equipment such as excavators and wheel loaders through the same dealer network, potentially simplifying equipment procurement and access to after-sales support.

North America is a significant market for the product category. Hitachi estimates annual demand for articulated dump trucks in the region at 5,000 to 6,000 units. The company says the initial models will target equipment classes that account for approximately 90% of the regional ADT market.

LANDCROS transition approaches

The agreement also coincides with Hitachi Construction Machinery’s planned rebranding. From 1 April 2027, the company will change its corporate name to LANDCROS Corporation and adopt LANDCROS as its corporate brand. The first trucks supplied by Bell under the new branding are scheduled to reach Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas from April 2027.

For Bell, the deal provides access to an additional route to market for its articulated dump trucks, using Hitachi’s distribution network to reach customers in two major North American markets. The announcement did not disclose contract value or expected order volumes.

The first LANDCROS-branded ADTs are scheduled to enter Hitachi’s supply network in April 2027, ahead of the planned early-summer launch of the ZD30, ZD45 and ZD50 models.