Koch choose Hitachi ZX350LC-5 excavator
Swiss contractor benefits from low cost benefits of Hitachi machinery ownership
APPENZELL-based Koch AG have invested in Hitachi’s Zaxis-5 range as part of strengthening their current fleet of machinery. The family-owned business has acquired a new ZX350LC-5 for earthmoving and quarrying projects.
The machine has been fitted with five LED lights from Hitachi’s range of performance parts and will be used with a wide variety of attachments, including a breaker, crusher and vibrating plate, in addition to the standard bucket.
One of the excavator’s first assignments was on a new housing development, where it was used to excavate 15,000 cubic meters of earth to make way for the construction of six detached properties.
Founded in 1959, Koch have a long-standing connection with Hitachi construction machinery, having purchased two UH07s in 1985 and an EX200 in 1989. The contractor’s fleet of Hitachi machines now include: two ZX17U-2 mini excavators, a number of medium excavators (ZX135USLC-3, ZX225USLC, ZX225USLC-3, ZX280LCH-3 and ZX350LC-5 models) and a ZW310 wheel loader.
‘Hitachi are a well-known brand of construction machinery in Switzerland,’ explained Sacha Koch, co-owner of the Swiss business. ‘We have been working with local dealers Probst Maveg for many years and Zaxis excavators have a high resale value. The cost of owning a new -5 range machine also represents excellent value for money in today’s market.
‘The hydraulics are smooth and precise – the new TRIAS system is one of the biggest advantages that the ZX350LC-5 has over the previous model. In addition, the fuel consumption is good, the cab is even more comfortable for our operator and overall it is a very fast and precise machine.’
According to Fritsche Urs, who has been an operator for more than 20 years and has worked with the Koch family for a decade, the ZX350LC-5 is faster, stronger and more powerful than the equivalent -3 model that he used to operate.
He commented: ‘I also have a wide range of impressive technology at my disposal, including the colour LCD monitor, attachment support system and TRIAS hydraulics.’
