The Hitachi ZX8-2 mini excavator has a Yanmar 3TNV70 three-cylinder, water-cooled diesel engine producing 12.7 net horsepower (HP). It has an operating weight of 2,425.1 pounds (1,100 kg). It comes standard with a two-speed travel system, neutral engine start feature, and a TOPS roll bar for the cab.

The ZX8-2 has a track gauge of 28.8 inches (73-cm) and 7.1-in (18-cm) rubber shoes. Its hydraulic system has two pumps delivering fluid at a rate of 5.6 gallons (21.2 L) per minute at a system pressure of 2,567.2 lbs per square inch (PSI) (17,700 kPa).