Powerhouse Hitachi Excavator gets thumbs up

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.

“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.”

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.”







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#CablePriceClub

Hop Diggity, it's Easter! 🐰🛠️
Wishing you an egg-stra 'hoppy' weekend filled with joy, laughter, and plenty of 'egg-citement'!
Let's make this Easter one to remember! 🥚🌷
A new addition to the growing fleet of orange for loyal Hitachi customer, West Auckland’s Flo-Well civil. Owner Rikky Dawson, recently took delivery of a new Hitachi ZX225USLC-7, featuring the new TRIAS III hydraulic system, larger cab with enhanced operator comfort and integrated console. Ricky has also optioned it with a Doherty tilt hitch and wide bucket package. Rikky and the team will waste no time in putting the new Hitachi ZX225USLC-7 machine through its paces, digging trenches, and moving dirt.

Thank you, Rikky for your purchase and the continued support of the Hitachi product.

Proudly sold by, Wayne Lessing, CablePrice Equipment Sales Central and West Auckland.
This week 8 technicians took part in a training course on the new Hitachi ZX210LC-7. The course took place in Wellington at CablePrice’s National Training Centre and covered all aspects of the machine, ensuring that our customers are well supported by the great team of technicians throughout NZ.
Excavator operators from all across the region will converge at National Drivers Centre, 120 Kawakawa Road, Feilding to compete in the Manawatu Whanganui round of the Civil Contractors NZ CablePrice Excavator Operator Competition.
The winner of this round will secure a spot in the national finals, where they will face off against the best operators from around the country. It's a chance to not only claim the title of the top excavator operator in New Zealand, but also to win some fantastic prizes along the way.
So if you're in the Manawatu area this Sunday, be sure to come down to the National Drivers Centre to witness some incredible action in the Hitachi, I AM HOPE excavators. 
Who will come out on top and secure their place in the finals? Only time will tell.
This years EROAD Fleet Day is taking place in Christchurch on Thursday 29 Feb and the CablePrice team are already gearing up to be there with a selection of Trucks from Fuso, Mercedes-Benz, and Freightliner along with Vans from Mercedes-Benz and construction equipment from Hitachi.
If you haven’t already secured your tickets, get in quick as they’re selling fast. Tickets available at https://okt.to/xWTU62
It was both Otago and Auckland region last weekend now the competition move to Wellington. 
This Saturday (24 Feb) the Wellington & Wairarapa region’s finest excavator operators will battle it out for their shot at going to the national finals. 
Head on down to Upper Hutts Brewtown and watch all the action as the operators go head-to-head at the wellington round of the Civil Contractors NZ CablePrice Excavator Operator Competitions in the Hitachi, I AM HOPE excavators for their chance to represent the region at the national finals next month.
Hop Diggity, it's Easter! 🐰🛠️
Wishing you an egg-stra 'hoppy' weekend filled with joy, laughter, and plenty of 'egg-citement'!
Let's make this Easter one to remember! 🥚🌷
A new addition to the growing fleet of orange for loyal Hitachi customer, West Auckland’s Flo-Well civil. Owner Rikky Dawson, recently took delivery of a new Hitachi ZX225USLC-7, featuring the new TRIAS III hydraulic system, larger cab with enhanced operator comfort and integrated console. Ricky has also optioned it with a Doherty tilt hitch and wide bucket package. Rikky and the team will waste no time in putting the new Hitachi ZX225USLC-7 machine through its paces, digging trenches, and moving dirt.

Thank you, Rikky for your purchase and the continued support of the Hitachi product.

Proudly sold by, Wayne Lessing, CablePrice Equipment Sales Central and West Auckland.
This week 8 technicians took part in a training course on the new Hitachi ZX210LC-7. The course took place in Wellington at CablePrice’s National Training Centre and covered all aspects of the machine, ensuring that our customers are well supported by the great team of technicians throughout NZ.
Excavator operators from all across the region will converge at National Drivers Centre, 120 Kawakawa Road, Feilding to compete in the Manawatu Whanganui round of the Civil Contractors NZ CablePrice Excavator Operator Competition.
The winner of this round will secure a spot in the national finals, where they will face off against the best operators from around the country. It's a chance to not only claim the title of the top excavator operator in New Zealand, but also to win some fantastic prizes along the way.
So if you're in the Manawatu area this Sunday, be sure to come down to the National Drivers Centre to witness some incredible action in the Hitachi, I AM HOPE excavators. 
Who will come out on top and secure their place in the finals? Only time will tell.
This years EROAD Fleet Day is taking place in Christchurch on Thursday 29 Feb and the CablePrice team are already gearing up to be there with a selection of Trucks from Fuso, Mercedes-Benz, and Freightliner along with Vans from Mercedes-Benz and construction equipment from Hitachi.
If you haven’t already secured your tickets, get in quick as they’re selling fast. Tickets available at https://okt.to/xWTU62
It was both Otago and Auckland region last weekend now the competition move to Wellington. 
This Saturday (24 Feb) the Wellington & Wairarapa region’s finest excavator operators will battle it out for their shot at going to the national finals. 
Head on down to Upper Hutts Brewtown and watch all the action as the operators go head-to-head at the wellington round of the Civil Contractors NZ CablePrice Excavator Operator Competitions in the Hitachi, I AM HOPE excavators for their chance to represent the region at the national finals next month.

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