New arrival to boost workload at Mole Creek
UNIMIN, the operators of Mole Creek limestone quarries, have recently taken delivery of a new Hitachi Zaxis 670 hydraulic excavator, the first to enter service in Tasmania.
Weighing 67 tonnes, the ZX670 is the latest addition to Hitachi’s Zaxis-3 series. The machine features a low-noise design with engine exhaust partly re-combusted to reduce particulate matter (PM) output and lower nitrogen oxide (NOx) levels, while an integrated muffler system suppresses engine noise to comply with the 2000/14/EC, Stage II, directive effective in the EU since 2006.
For operator safety, the Zaxis-3 series machines also incorporate a number of new safety features, including reinforced cabs and shut-off mechanisms for engine and pilot controls.
In addition, over 97% of the Zaxis-3 series can be recycled, with all resin parts marked to facilitate recycling. The radiator and oil cooler are made from aluminium and all wires are lead-free. In addition, biodegradable hydraulic oil is available for jobsites where particular environmental care is required.
According to Unimin, the reliability of Hitachi excavators and the back-up and service contracts available were among the key deciding factors in their selection of the Zaxis 670 for Mole Creek.
‘It’s not so much that we offer a 6,000h service contract – it’s the peace-of-mind that our customers get knowing that there will be minimum downtime if anything does happen to the machinery,’ commented Daniel Rice, branch manager Tasmania for Hitachi Construction Machinery. ‘We have most spares on hand here in our local depot or in some cases we can fly them in overnight from Sydney.’
The management team at Unimin’s Mole Creek site say they are pleased with the new Zaxis 670 and are looking forward to higher production from the unit during its life at the quarry.
