HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY

Many original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) now offer long-reach models, which makes it easier for customers to source specialist machinery. UK-based Land & Water, which focuses on marine-based civil engineering, dredging and remediation projects, used to adapt standard excavators to get the required specification. However, the award-winning group of companies now benefits from a range of customised models introduced by Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) NV (HCME).

Land & Water orders the machines direct from the HCME Special Applications Centre at Oosterhout in The Netherlands. They are delivered to UK distributor HM Plant, where any final modifications are made. It currently has more than 20 of the factory-modified excavators in its fleet, including the first ZX160LC and ZX225USRLC long-reach machines in Europe. The latter has a 15.5m boom extension. “We also have three ZX350LC-3s with 22m boom extensions, another with a 20m extension and a ZX280LC-3 with an 18m extension,” says Land & Water Director Richard Maclean. “Some ZX350LC-3s with an 18m reach are due to be delivered in June 2008,” he added.

“We have used Hitachi excavators for many years and are really pleased with them,” he explains. “I was therefore aware that new Hitachi models were available from Hitachi Construction Machinery in Japan, and so we met with HCME and HM Plant on different occasions to discuss our requirements.”

Land & Water operates the largest fleet of specialist long-reach excavators and inland floating plant in the UK. All of its machines are available for hire in the UK and overseas. Due to increased competition in the sector, it is crucial that the group has the latest machinery and that each model is versatile and can be used on every job site.

HM Plant makes the final modifications to ensure that all of the Land & Water excavators meet its exact specifications. Due to the sensitive nature of some work, certain features such as biodegradable oil are essential. Other fitments include bucket ram guards, high and low flow auxiliary pipework, a weed cutting circuit, hose burst check valves on the boom and dipper rams, a lifting eye, cab guards, auto greaser, refuelling pump and additional working lights.

Specialising in machines capable of a wide range of tasks has given Land & Water a competitive edge in an aggressive market. As well as leasing machines across the UK and overseas, a large percentage of Land & Water’s turnover is generated by its in-house contracting business, Land & Water Services.