Although it’s early days with the new six-cylinder, 86 tonne machine, Blair says he already expects productivity to be higher than anticipated, with the excavator’s improved front speed for loading operations and increased engine output both contributing to a higher workload. “The bucket on the ZX890LCH-7 is perfect for the material we are excavating. This versatile machine will help boost production significantly on all our bulk earthwork jobs.”

As a company that needs to move a lot of material as quickly and efficiently as possible, the machine’s improved fuel efficiency, and resultant positive impact on environmental performance, were other attractive features for Skevingtons, says Blair. “We are all about sustainability, so the lower fuel burn and ability to use AdBlue to further reduce emissions is definitely a plus, alongside lowering our costs while increasing production.”

There are a range of reasons for the significant fuel efficiency increase on the Hitachi ZX890LCH-7, which has had savings of up to 19 percent recorded over previous models when using its new ECO mode. All machines in the new generation ZAXIS-7 large excavator range are Euro Stage-V compliant, thanks to the combination of the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system, Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) and Catalysed Soot Filter (CSF). Fuel savings also benefit from a patented new Hitachi hydraulic system called Human and Intelligent Operation System (HIOS), which facilitates quicker responses to more intuitive operator control, combined with improved pump flow and reduced pressure loss.

Significantly improved cab comfort and safety are other features of the Hitachi ZX890LCH-7. Skevingtons’ new machine is being shared around a few operators, and the consensus so far is they “love it,” says Blair “The cabs are a lot larger, with greater visibility and more comfortable seats. There are more features and a good screen for the operators to work with. They feel more in control.”

Andrew Crane, CablePrice’s National Product Manager – Equipment, says the cabs in the new generation ZAXIS-7 range are “industry leading” with some key improvements over previous models. “As well as being ultra-spacious for the operator with much larger windows and anti-glare features, the new cabs have a 270-degree birds-eye-view camera system, which gives the operator great visibility of the worksite on a larger eight-inch screen, providing enhanced safety. The seat and operator move in sync with the seat suspension, meaning they can keep their arms on the arm rest all day, reducing fatigue. They can also choose from three adjustable console height positions.”

Noise and vibration in the cab have also been reduced. Other improvements include increased durability of the track frame, and ease of maintenance, with engine and hydraulic oil monitoring sensors, and easy access for changing the fuel filter and cleaning the large radiator.

Andrew says CablePrice is excited to have sold the first Hitachi ZX890LCH-7 in Australasia, and to see the benefits of the machine first-hand as it goes to work. “All four models in the ZAXIS-7 large crawler excavator range (ZX490, ZX530, ZX690 and ZX890) have the new features and heavier components, which makes them well suited for Skevingtons’ operation, and other clients in the quarrying, mining and civil contracting sectors, where durability, productivity and efficiency are a high priority.”