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.”