J Swap Contracting and CablePrice have a “very longstanding” relationship
June 2022
When sizeable Matamata based firm, J Swap Contractors, purchased a new H spec (heavy duty) Hitachi ZX890LCH-5A excavator for its Taotaoroa quarry, a special member of its team got the call up to operate it, says projects manager, Michael Swap. “We think very highly of our operator, Melencio Magisa, who is from the Philippines. When he first came to work for us, we put him on our 67 tonne Hitachi 670 digger, which after around 15 years of hard life in the quarry was starting to show a bit of natural weathering. Mel doesn’t speak much English, so rather than joining everyone else during breaks, he preferred to have his smoko and lunch in his machine. One day, our quarry manager noticed the 670’s counterweight was looking brand new, and discovered Mel had been using part of his break to polish it with a rag and hot water. Over a period of about six months he got the whole machine looking the same, without anyone asking him to do it. That’s why Mel was given the new excavator, as he is such an exceptional operator and carer of the machines.”
Hitachi excavators are known for providing operator comfort, and the ZX890LCH-5A is no exception.
"definitely has more breakout power
"
Hitachi ZX890LCH-5A with its six cylinder, 377 kW engine, is a “cool bit of kit”, designed and purpose built for rugged quarrying and mining environments, with significant reinforcing through the frame, boom and arm, a robust upper structure, and tough undercarriage.
“Happy to stick with the big orange machines”
So far, Mel has been the only operator in the seat of the new 890, with the big 84 tonne production machine used mainly for removing overburden or loading a fleet of 55 tonne capacity rigid dump trucks at the site. While it’s a challenge to get verbal feedback from Mel, Michael says his thumbs up each day and big smile says it all. “Mel is extremely impressed and is loving the comfort of the brand new machine. Our quarry manager tells me the 890 definitely has more breakout power than our older machines.”
The durability, versatility and reliability of Hitachi excavators have proven themselves time and again at J Swap’s operation. It already has an Hitachi 670 (67 tonne) and Hitachi 870 (80 tonne) excavator at Taotaoroa. “I initially thought we’d go up in size significantly when we bought our third machine for the site, however we’ve been so happy with the production of the 870, we decided another machine in that size category was the perfect fit for the quarry.”
With rising fuel costs becoming a much bigger concern in recent months, this choice has paid dividends, says Michael. “We are getting the production we want out of it, without having to burn extra fuel or pay extra costs for a bigger machine.”
Michael’s grandfather Joe, started J Swap Contracting in the mid 1930s, and it has been run by his father Lewis, and uncle, David since the mid 1960s. In addition to aggregates, the company’s services include transport, stock foods, storage and logistics, civil contracting, and traffic management. “Dad (aged 76) and David (aged 81) are still at the helm and beat us to work every day. Dad does all the deals with CablePrice on the Hitachi diggers.”
CablePrice Sales Specialist, Angelo Capon says the Hitachi ZX890LCH-5A with its six cylinder, 377 kW engine, is a “cool bit of kit”, which has been designed and purpose built for rugged quarrying and mining environments, with significant reinforcing through the frame, boom and arm, a robust upper structure, and tough undercarriage. “One standout feature is that all hydraulic components are manufactured by Hitachi. The system has been designed for efficient use of hydraulic oil pressure in the circuit by eliminating loss of power and fuel, creating high performance and fuel economy. This model also delivers extra power in excavation and swinging, which again boosts productivity.”
Angelo says the proven reliability and performance of Hitachi excavators make the brand well-suited to J Swap’s 10 quarrying operations in the upper North Island, where large amounts of materials are moved every day. “The heavy duty H spec model also features an extra heavy rear counterweight which adds to an already nicely balanced machine, meaning it can handle larger capacity in the bucket while maintaining stability.”
ZX890LCH-5A
Hitachi excavators are known for providing operator comfort, and the ZX890LCH-5A is no exception, with all-round visibility and ergonomic design, providing an enhanced view of the worksite, and a safe and comfortable operating environment. “I get a lot of feedback from operators about the user-friendly layout of the controls and buttons in the cab. They are all at arm’s length, which means the operators don’t have to lean forward and touch a monitor to adjust anything. The responsiveness of the controls is also regularly mentioned by operators, who say that using them is like an extension of their fingers – they do exactly what they want them to do,” says Angelo.
The monitor and door on the Hitachi ZX890LCH-5A model have been repositioned to enhance visibility and provide easier access to the cab. The machine has also been designed with a range of easily accessible and convenient features to allow for swift routine maintenance and easy cleaning.
Michael Swap says J Swap Contracting and CablePrice have a “very longstanding” relationship, with the family firm’s first Hitachi purchase going right back to the late 1980s, when they bought a 12 tonne excavator from CablePrice. “We value the relationship with CablePrice and have increased the size of the machines we have purchased from them as production of our quarries have increased through natural demand. It’s fair to say we are a repeat customer and are happy to stick with the big orange machines.”
The machine has also been designed with a range of easily accessible and convenient features
Crushing the competition
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Last stop for the year on the CCNZ CablePrice Excavator Operator Competition is the Northland region! Head on down to the Whangarei A & P Showgrounds where multi-skilled operators will be taking on the challenge of competition – don’t miss out on the action!
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ZPRCivil recently needed four Bell machines requiring their first 100 hour services to be completed all in one day – a large task for the Auckland service team. The weather was also less than ideal and the shed they had to work in was unpowered, but the team did an outstanding job.
Mark thought the same and put together this awesome ‘thank you’ video here: https://okt.to/sED7vJ
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Greymouth Parts Manager, Jo Negri, says, “Jaimee is a valued member of our parts team and is always willing to help out and learn something new. We look forward to seeing what you can accomplish as you gain more experience and knowledge.”
Up next in the CCNZ CablePrice Excavator Operator Competition we are heading to the Nelson/Marlborough region! The action will be taking place at the Nelson A & P show this Saturday so make sure you head down and check out Nelson’s skilled excavator operators!
Heading along to the Take Charge Expo at Te Pae in Christchurch this weekend? Be sure to stop by and have a look at the range of electric Mercedes-Benz Vans that CablePrice will have on display.
The Take Charge Expo is the country’s largest public display of new battery vehicles. Showcasing the latest and greatest in Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), here you’ll have the opportunity to explore the advancements of electric automotive technology including options available to you, right now.
Whilst we can’t offer test drives at the expo, if any of these vehicles peak your interest, you’re more than welcome call Richard on 027 809 5500 to arrange to take one for a spin.
Rob and his family from Whitehead Contractors have been a loyal Hitachi customer over the years and service the Wairoa area and further, from farm maintenance and forestry roading to helping on the main roads during Cyclone Gabrielle and much more.
Rob is keen to put the new Hitachi ZX135US-7 machine through its paces and get it moving dirt.
Thank you, Rob and his family, for the continued support.
Proudly sold by Equipment Sales Specialist, Isaiah Renata.
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The Fuso Enduro will spend its days being loaded with green waste and mulch at the Nelson processing plant.
Proudly sold by CablePrice Fuso Sales Representative, Andrew Buschl.
Pictured: Jason and Colleen Wastney (Greenwaste To Zero) and Andrew Buschl (CablePrice).
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Many thanks to Brett Ireland for your continuous support.
Proudly sold by Wayne Lessing, Auckland Equipment Sales Specialist.
Last stop for the year on the CCNZ CablePrice Excavator Operator Competition is the Northland region! Head on down to the Whangarei A & P Showgrounds where multi-skilled operators will be taking on the challenge of competition – don’t miss out on the action!
CablePrice are always pleased to receive positive feedback from our customers but one in particular has gone above and beyond with showing their thanks! Meet CablePrice and Contract Consultants customer, Mark Tosi from ZPRCivil.
ZPRCivil recently needed four Bell machines requiring their first 100 hour services to be completed all in one day – a large task for the Auckland service team. The weather was also less than ideal and the shed they had to work in was unpowered, but the team did an outstanding job.
Mark thought the same and put together this awesome ‘thank you’ video here: https://okt.to/sED7vJ
A big congratulations to Jaimee Galloway from our Greymouth Branch for completing her Parts Apprenticeship! To top it off, Jaimee completed her study in 15 months, instead of two years, amazing effort!
Greymouth Parts Manager, Jo Negri, says, “Jaimee is a valued member of our parts team and is always willing to help out and learn something new. We look forward to seeing what you can accomplish as you gain more experience and knowledge.”
Up next in the CCNZ CablePrice Excavator Operator Competition we are heading to the Nelson/Marlborough region! The action will be taking place at the Nelson A & P show this Saturday so make sure you head down and check out Nelson’s skilled excavator operators!
Heading along to the Take Charge Expo at Te Pae in Christchurch this weekend? Be sure to stop by and have a look at the range of electric Mercedes-Benz Vans that CablePrice will have on display.
The Take Charge Expo is the country’s largest public display of new battery vehicles. Showcasing the latest and greatest in Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), here you’ll have the opportunity to explore the advancements of electric automotive technology including options available to you, right now.
Whilst we can’t offer test drives at the expo, if any of these vehicles peak your interest, you’re more than welcome call Richard on 027 809 5500 to arrange to take one for a spin.
Rob and his family from Whitehead Contractors have been a loyal Hitachi customer over the years and service the Wairoa area and further, from farm maintenance and forestry roading to helping on the main roads during Cyclone Gabrielle and much more.
Rob is keen to put the new Hitachi ZX135US-7 machine through its paces and get it moving dirt.
Thank you, Rob and his family, for the continued support.
Proudly sold by Equipment Sales Specialist, Isaiah Renata.
Yet another beautiful day in sunny Nelson with Greenwaste To Zero now living the complete dream with the addition of the Fuso Enduro FI 1217 Factory tipper to work alongside their Hitachi ZW100 Wheel Loader.
The Fuso Enduro will spend its days being loaded with green waste and mulch at the Nelson processing plant.
Proudly sold by CablePrice Fuso Sales Representative, Andrew Buschl.
Pictured: Jason and Colleen Wastney (Greenwaste To Zero) and Andrew Buschl (CablePrice).
West City Construction have added another sharp looking Hitachi ZX210LC-5B to their fleet. The machine has been fitted with an Attach2 quick coupler and a NSP tilt bucket, ready to tackle some upcoming projects for the team.
Many thanks to Brett Ireland for your continuous support.
Proudly sold by Wayne Lessing, Auckland Equipment Sales Specialist.
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