HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY

High in the mountains of south-west Switzerland, construction and transport firm Savioz-Héritier has two Hitachi machines working side by side – with a 25-year age gap! So why does it still have a UH083 in operation and how does it compare to the company’s latest addition, a ZX240N-3?

Once the final pair of skis has left the slopes in the state of Valais and the winter sports season draws to a close, Frédéric Savioz and Blaise Héritier start their earthmoving work for another year. The arrival of spring sees their seven Hitachi excavators return to the mountainside villages of Val d’Anniviers.

Savioz-Héritier was established in 2000 after the two owners met and became friends while working on the slopes in the area. As well as earthmoving and landscaping, the company also completes excavation work, transports building materials such as soil and concrete, and sets heavy stone blocks in place as safety measures along the winding mountain roads.

“We have diversified into several different types of operation, so we can offer a comprehensive service to our customers,” says Blaise, who is in charge of the company’s administration. “We are able to manage projects completely, without having to rely on external suppliers.”

The diverse work load is reflected by its varied fleet of Hitachi construction machinery. From a UH083 bought by Frédéric’s brother in 1983 to a ZX240N-3 delivered earlier this year, the machines span a generation. The oldest and newest excavators were working alongside each other on a site in the village of Grimentz in spring 2008.

At the Résidences Les Vieux Chalets, only three apartments are left – all the others in the traditional Swiss-style building have been sold. This hints at the popularity of this stunning location – close to the Italian border – for holidaymakers all year round. At an altitude of 1,570m, it is surrounded by lush green larch and fir trees, and the purest mountain air. The resort is set against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks in the distance at this time of year.

Nothing could disrupt the tranquillity of such a scene, and Blaise and Frédéric are both mindful of the local environment. As Frédéric drives the new Hitachi ZX240N-3 along the road to get around the side of the chalets, Blaise lays out old tyres beneath its tracks to stop them from damaging the road surface.

The low-noise design of the new Zaxis is also appreciated by the inhabitants of the neighbouring chalets. The engine noise is suppressed by a time-tested muffler and a fan with curved blades reduces airflow noise.

The ZX240N-3 is ideal for the Swiss market, because it is narrow and therefore easy to transport on trailers along the winding mountain roads. “It is compulsory that we have machines that are 2.5m wide or less,” says Frédéric. “This not only means that they can be transported easily, but they are also suitable for working in confined spaces.”

With only 20 hours on the clock, the Hitachi Zaxis mid-range excavator is making light work of earthmoving at the side of the chalet complex. Having worked in the industry since he was a boy, Frédéric moves around the site in the ZX240N-3 with skill and ease – balancing well on slopes, and working efficiently and accurately.“It is the perfect machine to operate,” he enthuses. “The main benefits of this machine are its advanced hydraulics and how easy it is to manoeuvre with precision. Naturally, it is also more powerful and productive than our older machines.”

However, can it really be compared to the UH083? “It is impossible to compare the performance of the two machines,” he admits. “They are worlds apart in terms of productivity. Speed and performance are the main differences between the two. The controls of the ZX240N-3 make it easier to operate, it has more technology in the cab and it is more comfortable to sit in.”

Nevertheless, the UH083 is still a valuable piece of machinery to Savioz-Héritier. “When it was new, it was the most powerful excavator on the market, and it still impresses me today,” says Frédéric. “Its lifting capacity is a major benefit and we use it for loading heavy blocks in our quarry. In addition, it is useful for excavation and landscaping work on ski slopes.”

During 25 years of operation, the UH083 has never been modified. With more than 22,000 hours on the clock, it has more than proved its durability. If evidence was ever needed for the Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) NV strapline of ‘Reliable solutions’, this would be it. “The reason we still have this machine is because it never dies,” says Blaise.

“In terms of maintenance, it has relatively low oil consumption and has never had any oil leaks. The engine is so clean, you could eat your dinner off it! Another advantage of the older machine is that we can repair it ourselves with parts easily supplied by HCME.

“We couldn’t fix the ZX240N-3 by ourselves,” says Blaise. “However, if we ever do have a technical problem, the Zaxis has a satellite communication system, which would highlight what is wrong and prompt a fast response from Hitachi and the dealer to repair it.”

Considering Savioz-Héritier’s attachment to the UH083 and its most recent delivery, the company’s loyalty to Hitachi is extraordinary. “We have worked with Hitachi excavators since the beginning and have always been satisfied with them,” says Frédéric.

“They are high-quality machines and the after-sales service is second-to-none. The combination of the two is the reason why we continue to buy Hitachi construction machinery. Why would we want to change a winning team?”

Such a positive experience is supported by a strong relationship with the Swiss Hitachi distributor, Probst Maveg. It began between Frédéric’s father, who started his own business under the name of Savioz in the Sixties, and Sales Manager Gaston Monney. He has worked for Probst Maveg since 1985 and has always been the first point of contact for Savioz-Héritier.

Gaston’s enthusiasm for the industry and dedication to his customers are evident from the outset. Originally responsible for sales across the French-speaking part of Switzerland, he now works within a smaller area, stretching from Montreux to Sierre. “That way, I have more time for my customers than before,” he explains. “I always try to keep them happy, because it means next time they want to buy a machine, then I hope that they will come to me.”

Throughout this long-standing relationship, there have been many developments in the construction industry in Switzerland. “I have noticed an increasing pressure to work faster and complete jobs with an even shorter lead time,” says Frédéric. “The Hitachi machines continue to help us cope with these challenges. For example, I appreciate the fact that every morning, I can climb into the cab, turn the key and it starts working without a problem.”

There is a feeling of contentment within Savioz-Héritier. When asked about the future of the business, Blaise says: “We are happy to stay the same size and not grow into a larger company. If we expand, we need more staff to do all of the administration, and at the moment I can do it myself.” Similarly, they are satisfied with their Hitachi machines and happy to rely on Probst Maveg to supply them with the most appropriate models for their business needs.

Both Blaise and Frédéric feel proud to work in the construction industry. Their projects are not only versatile, but also make a difference to the local environment. This includes the construction of new chalets in keeping with the traditional Swiss-style architecture and reshaping slopes for the following winter.

Working in such a beautiful and inspiring environment as Val d’Anniviers no doubt contributes to their overall job satisfaction. By Christmas, snow will have covered the landscape and the skiers will start to return as another season gets underway.

The ten employees of Savioz-Héritier can then enjoy their holidays, while Frédéric spends his free time scuba-diving in exotic climates, and Blaise takes to the skies and glaciers in his own aeroplane. Meanwhile the Hitachi UH083, ZX240N-3 and other excavators are ready and waiting for their return to the mountains next spring.

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