Breedon operators impressed by new Hitachi machines
Large ZX890LCR-7 Z-axis excavator provides ultimate in comfort and safety, say operators
BREEDON mobile plant operators say they are highly impressed by the company’s two new Hitachi large excavators. The ZX890LCR-7s arrived at the Cloud Hill and Dowlow limestone quarries, in Derbyshire, in October 2021 and are utilized to load rigid and articulated dumptrucks.
They are the first Hitachi excavators to be operated by Simon Ferguson and Stephen Tuft and have made a big impression. Commenting on the stability and performance of the Zaxis-7 machine, Mr Ferguson, an operator for 10 years, said: ‘It is very stable. The digging force is strong, and it is faster than the last machine that I used in this quarry.
‘The ZX890-7 is very smooth, precise, and responsive to operate – it does exactly what you want, and when you want it to. I opt for power mode with the heavy rock that we lift and load on this site, but this machine is more fuel efficient than its predecessor.’
The redesigned cab is another highlight for Mr Ferguson: ‘I’m 6ft 6in tall and yet I find there is more than enough space in the cab. There is ample storage for my belongings, the Bluetooth functionality is great, and overall, it’s an impressive workspace. I also find that it is quiet, with so little noise from the outside, and the seat is comfortable.’
Mr Tuft, who has worked at Dowlow Quarry for 35 years, also enjoys sitting in the cab of the new ZX890LCR-7. ‘It’s really comfortable and nicely set out,’ he said. ‘The screen shows you everything you want to see, and the radio is easier to reach than it was in the previous machine I used. The controls are really small and handy, and easy to manoeuvre. The slew is really quick, and it’s got power too.’
Easy access to the cab and upper structure was also commented on by both operators as a being benefit of the new Zaxis-7 large excavators. Hitachi Construction Machinery (UK) Ltd (HCMUK) supplied both models with steps positioned to the side of the machine, rather than at the rear, to meet Breedon’s requirements.
‘There is easy access to carry out my daily checks around the machine – the engine and hydraulic oil, and the coolant,’ said Mr Ferguson. ‘There’s good all-round walkways where you’re not having to climb up or down anything, and there’s a firm grip on your feet so that there’s no slipping on any plates.’
Safety is a key aspect of the new machines for the operators, who say the excellent visibility of the Zaxis-7 machines is invaluable: ‘It feels safe to operate with the monitor in use for the camera views, which are especially useful to the rear and down the far side of the excavator,’ added Mr Ferguson. ‘The camera system and all-round vision it provides are second to none.’
