New Hitachi machine for DSS Group
Polish quarry operator invests in new ZX670LC-5 excavator to help increase productivity
THE DSS Group, one of Poland’s largest aggregates producers, have acquired a new Hitachi ZX670LC-5 excavator from Polish Hitachi dealers Tona, as part of a key strategy for aggregates production at Pilawa Gorna Quarry in Lower Silesia.
Owned by Dolnośląskie Surowce Skalne SA, DSS Group have a licence to extract amphibolite (a metamorphic rock) and migmatite (a mixture of metamorphic and igneous rock) at the site for the next 30 years.
The Pilawa Górna plant produces up to 5 million tonnes of aggregates, including: –22mm +16mm, –16mm +8mm and –8mm +2mm for the general and road construction sectors; and –50mm +31.5mm, –31.5mm +4mm and 0–31.5mm mixed materials for the construction of railways. DSS deliver the aggregates to customers by rail and road transport within a 60km radius of the site.
The ZX670LC-5 excavator has been installed by DSS to help reduce costs and increase productivity at the quarry. ‘This is the first Hitachi that I’ve worked with, but from what I’ve heard in the market Zaxis excavators are very reliable and durable,’ commented quarry manager Janusz Rdyz.
‘We hope that the ZX670LC-5 will enhance the level of productivity at this site. Our aim is to reduce the cost of every tonne of stone extracted. To achieve this, we are renewing our fleet of construction machinery and in this case we believe that we have found the best solution.’
The machine loads blasted materials on to DSS’s fleet of articulated dumptrucks. Experienced operator Boleslaw Gazda said: ‘The controls in the Zaxis excavator are ergonomic and user-friendly. The seat is perfect and very comfortable, and I use the monitor for the rear-view camera and to see the fuel consumption data.’
Mr Gazda estimates that the ZX670LC-5 excavates and loads approximately 600-700 tonnes of materials per hour, depending on the size of the rocks. He also adjusts the work mode on the machine to suit the load and tends to switch between the ECO and PWR settings accordingly.
‘The Hitachi excavator provides a very stable platform, even working in the challenging conditions of the quarry, and the loading cycle is good,’ he continued. ‘It is also fast and precise thanks to the simplicity and efficiency of the hydraulic system.’
