Althammer stay loyal to Hitachi brand
Demolition contractor aims for full Hitachi fleet following the recent purchase of ZX290LC-5 excavator
GERMANY-based Althammer have continued to renew their excavator fleet with new Hitachi machines, following the purchase of another Zaxis-5 medium excavator. The company’s underlying strategy is to concentrate on a one-brand policy in conjunction with Hitachi’s after-sales support service and network provided by local German dealers Kiesel.
Althammer’s operation is currently split equally between demolition and earthmoving projects for the public/private sectors. The team at Althammer has been so impressed with the performance of the Hitachi machines that it is replacing its fleet with various models from the new Zaxis-5 range, including the recently acquired ZX290LC-5 excavator.
The contractor has also purchased a ZX130LC-3 excavator model as part of the fleet renewal programme. ‘Our lightweight ZX130LC-3 was customized with wide tracks, a two-piece boom and blade, mainly for working on soft ground to repair flood damage,’ explained Christoph Althammer, who co-manages the business.
‘It is a special excavator that was built exactly to our requirements. This successful step into the world of Hitachi also included our first ZX290LC-5. This machine has been assigned specifically to demolition work and has already helped us to establish a strong competitive position within this region.
‘We have decided only to make future investments in Hitachi construction machinery because we feel that it is better to concentrate on one brand for our excavator requirements. The latest ZX290LC-5 has been purchased as a versatile machine for both demolition and earthmoving projects. The price/quality mix, running costs and comfort of Zaxis-5 excavators are very important to us, as is the service that we receive from the Kiesel Südost branch.’
One of the operators using the new Hitachi ZX290LC-5 excavator is Adam Thomas, who has 15 years’ experience, including a six-year period spent working with a Hitachi ZX470LCH-3 machine.
‘The cab has been designed with the operator in mind,’ he explained. ‘It is spacious, relatively quiet and the ergonomic controls allow me to operate efficiently. The TRIAS hydraulic system is excellent and enables me to work accurately and precisely.
‘It is also a versatile machine that works so smoothly with a wide range of attachments. The undercarriage is stable and durable, and the ground clearance is good at the rear. The fuel consumption is favourable and this is of course an important benefit for us on all projects.’
