A HITACHI CONSTRUCTION & MINING PRODUCTS PUBLICATION
SPRING ISSUE 2017
ALSO INSIDE
Safe Slope Operation page 9
Productivity at a Higher Level page 10
Introducing New Hitachi Foresters page 14
page 4
BRINGING
BACK TO LIFERESURRECTION BAY
Owners and operators are “Hitachi To The Core” because they get what they expect – and that lets them make good on jobsite promises to customers every day.
In this issue of BREAKOUT, you’ll see prime examples of owners and operators who are Hitachi To The Core. For example, Ken Baty, owner of Coyote Ridge Construction, says
Hitachi excavators are a perfect fit for his high altitude work. And Jeff Hamilton,
owner of Hamilton Construction, says he doesn’t think twice when buying excavators – he always goes with Hitachi.
Do your operators complete slope work? Matt Hendry, Hitachi product specialist, offers some tips on page nine for safe slope operation.
Hitachi Foresters are back and better than ever. The new Dash-6 models – ZX210F-6, ZX260F-6, ZX310F-6 and ZX370F-6 – have fuel-efficient EPA Final Tier 4 (FT4) Isuzu engines; redesigned, roomier cabs; larger cooling systems and more. Get the full details on page 14.
I hope you attended CONEXPO-CON/AGG in March. If not, the next issue of BREAKOUT will have a full recap for you. As always, thank you for sharing your Hitachi experiences, and we look forward to hearing more from you.
ON THE INSIDE
Dan Fitzpatrick
Director, Sales, Hitachi Division
Have an article idea or address change for BREAKOUT? Contact Kristin Stires at [email protected] or 855.646.3347.
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| 3Spring Issue 2017 BREAKOUT
japan[ message from japan ]
“ Our construction machinery can be found in operation around the world, both
in developed and emerging countries, and it is known for having an extremely
long product life-cycle. From research and development to production, sales,
after-sales service, parts remanufacturing and used machine sales, we com-
municate with our customers throughout the product life-cycle in order to work
on developing and providing products and services that reduce environmental
impact, improve safety and productivity, and lead to reduced life-cycle costs.”
日本からのメッセージ
Yuichi TsujimotoPresident, Chief Executive Officer and DirectorHitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. (HCM)
cabfrom the
DAN KASTER
Operating a ZX470LC-6Joe DeNoble Sewer & Water Construction Inc.De Pere, Wis.Serviced by Brooks Tractor
“… we communicate with our customers throughout the product life-cycle…”
The 470 is a nice machine.
It has a lot of power and it’s smooth.
“”
4 | HitachiConstruction.com
When it comes to extreme jobs, Jeff Hamilton is in his element. Originally from Skagway, Alaska, Hamilton understands what it takes to successfully complete
projects in the region’s tough environment. And he uses Hitachi equipment to get the work done.
Hamilton owns several businesses providing services to the oilfield, manufacturing, marine, mining, quarry development, and railroad industries. However, marine work has been a major focus for him lately. One of his companies, Hamilton Construction LLC, is currently working on the City of Seward’s $20+ million expansion project for the Seward Marine Industrial Center (SMIC). The SMIC is located on the eastern side of Resurrection Bay and encompasses 15 square miles (38.8 km2) along the coast with direct access to the Gulf of Alaska and the ice-free Port of Seward.
Hamilton Construction LLC put its Hitachi excavators to work on Phase One of the high-profile project in fall 2015; the estimated completion is spring 2017. The company dredged 113,000 cubic yards (86,395 m3) of material to create a new channel into the SMIC basin from the north, and is placing 260,000 tons (235,868 tonnes) of rock to create a 980-foot (298.7 m) rubblemound breakwater extending from the existing sheetpile breakwater. The breakwaters together will enclose roughly 35 acres of water once the rubblemound breakwater is complete. Work yet to be completed includes development of the basin, further repairs to the North Dock and added infrastructure.
One rock at a time
Machine reliability and efficiency is critical, and Hamilton Construction LLC had the iron necessary for the SMIC project’s success.
“If a machine’s not running, it’s not making money,” Hamilton said. “I’ve gone through a lot of different
bringingbringing
RESURRECTION BAY RESURRECTION BAY BACK LIFEBACK LIFEto
RESURRECTION BAY RESURRECTION BAY
WEBWATCHCheck out the video at HitachiConstruction.com/Hamilton
| 5Spring Issue 2017 BREAKOUT
6 | HitachiConstruction.com
equipment. I look at potential downtime, repairs and operating costs per hour, and I get the biggest bang for my buck out of Hitachi.”
So in fall 2015, the company put its 250,000-lb. (112,000 kg) Hitachi EX1200-6 on the job. The excavator, equipped with a stick extension and 5-cubic-yard (3.8 m3) clamshell, worked relentlessly dredging down 21 feet below the Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) elevation in the harbor to remove approximately 113,000 cubic yards (86,395 m3) of material.
“The 1200 was really productive, and we were getting two barge loads a day of material,” Hamilton said.
With the dredging complete, the EX1200-6 then began building the breakwater. While the breakwater’s core is made of assorted rock and gravel, the outer layer is constructed of armor rock – massive, interlocked 9,000 to 11,000-lb. (4082 to 4990 kg) granite boulders – designed to dissipate the ocean’s waves outside the basin.
Another one of Hamilton’s companies, Hamilton Marine Construction LLC, is barging the armor rock in from Granite Cove Quarry on Kodiak Island, where the company’s ZX870LC-6 is relentlessly producing the massive boulders.
Hamilton Construction LLC switched attachments on the EX1200-6 to a 9-cubic-yard (6.8 m3) bucket with a 13,000-lb. (5897 kg) thumb to do the heavy lifting for the breakwater construction. The machine is placing 2,000 tons (1814 tonnes) of the armor rock per day, with each rock being tediously placed one at a time to ensure that each stone is interlocked to create a solid structure. A ZX470LC-5 stays busy in the background feeding material to the EX1200-6.
Up for the challenge
The SMIC expansion project has required extensive logistics and comes with its share of challenges. Fortunately, this type of work is Hamilton Construction LLC’s specialty.
One of the challenges is simply the location of the project. The EX1200-6 and ZX470LC-5 are working on barges, which don’t exactly sit still.
“We’re dealing with ocean swells,” Hamilton said. “At any second you can move up to 8 feet. You have to overcompensate for the swells as you’re dredging and placing rocks. You can never sit still; you’re always moving.”
To help combat the movement, the company connected four, 15,000-lb. (6804 kg) anchors via cables to help stabilize the barges. Additionally, the anchor cables help soften the blows from the swells.
Hamilton Construction LLC is also using technology to its advantage. An excavator positioning system – using real-time GPS, heading sensors and inclinometers – is installed on the EX1200-6 to gain visibility on the basin floor. A computer monitor in the cab displays a design model for both the dredging and rock placement activities. The display updates when material is removed and shows the operator where rocks should be placed for the breakwater.
“Using the GPS for underwater visibility has helped us be even more productive and efficient on this project,” Hamilton said.
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Although it’s a challenging project, the SMIC expansion will bring Resurrection Bay back to life by providing major benefits for not only the
City of Seward, but also for the state. According to the City of Seward, the expansion of the harbor area will allow 300-ton (272 tonne) boats to enter the harbor safely, and will bring a boost to the economy and workforce.
Rugged reliability
For his wide range of work, Hamilton is a big believer in Hitachi equipment. His companies have a lineup of 17 Hitachi excavators and counting, ranging from an EX120 (with about 10,000 hours) up to an EX1800 (with about 16,000 hours). And this fleet has the durability needed for his aggressive work.
“I do a lot of rock work, and I’m hard on equipment,” Hamilton said. “I don’t deal with little rocks! I love challenging and aggressive work, and Hitachi is the only one that can handle it. They’re tough machines.”
Hamilton has worked with his Hitachi dealer CMI Equipment for more than 25 years, and said he looks forward to continuing the longstanding partnership.
“CMI is great to work with, and they’re supporting and keeping up with my business expansion,” he said. “All of my Hitachi machines have come from CMI. When it comes to excavators, Hitachi is the only one I’ll buy. I don’t have to think twice – I always go with Hitachi.”
Hamilton Construction LLC is serviced by Construction Machinery Industrial LLC, Anchorage, Alaska. ■
i love challenging
and aggressive work,
hitachi is the only
one that can handle it.
Jeff HamiltonOwnerHamilton Construction LLC
seward marine industrial center expansion
• $20+ million project (Phase One)• 113,000 cu. yds. (86,395 m3) of dredged material• 980-ft. (298.7 m) rubblemound breakwater• 260,000 tons (235 868 tonnes) of rock for breakwater• Enclosing 35 acres of water
AT A Glance
and
AT A Glance
RECENT DELIVERY
PRODUCT: DEALER:
ZX210F-3 WAJAX EQUIPMENTCUSTOMER:
NADINA LOGGING
8 | HitachiConstruction.com
HITACHI FORESTER FLEET POWERS NADINA LOGGING PAST 60TH YEAR
Headquartered in Merritt, B.C., Nadina Logging recently celebrated its 60th anniversary. And owner Frank Etchart says Hitachi Foresters are part of the company’s formula for success.
Originally from the Basque Country, which borders Spain and France, Etchart’s uncles immigrated to Canada and started the business in the ’50s. After working in the mining and oil industries, Etchart moved to Merritt to join the family business and began running the company in 1989.
Today Nadina Logging produces about 250,000 cubic meters a year in small-diameter wood. The company’s fleet of Hitachi Foresters is crucial to that productivity. The newest additions to the fleet, a ZX240F-3 roadbuilder and three ZX210F-3 processors in February 2017, joined an existing line-up of five ZX210F-3 processors, one ZX210F-3 log loader, two ZX240F-3 combo roadbuilders and one ZX200 roadbuilder.
Nadina Logging has used other brands of equipment in the past; however, the company switched to Hitachi after it started conducting daily fuel consumption tests in comparison to other brands of equipment in its fleet.
“We found each Hitachi machine saved us anywhere from 7 to 10 liters of fuel per hour, and
we work 10-hour shifts,” Etchart said. “We ended up saving about $20,000 in fuel per machine per year! We now have 13 Hitachi machines, and the savings we see every year is substantial.”
Andrew Ward, a Nadina Logging operator, has experienced additional benefits with the Hitachi equipment.
“The Hitachi cabs are comfortable and have more room,” he said. “The windows are large and when you turn towards your deck, you can see out your side window much easier. Since we’ve switched to Hitachi, the supervisor has been a lot happier because he doesn’t have to climb under the machine and get dirty all the time. I’ve never had any problems with Hitachi.”
Etchart plans on celebrating Nadina Logging’s future anniversaries with his Hitachi fleet in full force.
“Hitachi has a good name,” he said. “They are long-lasting, fuel-efficient and comfortable. We’ve found they are very reliable machines and are very economical to run. We have no reason to change. After going with Hitachi, we’re not looking back!”
Nadina Logging Ltd. is serviced by Wajax Equipment, Kamloops, B.C. ■
“Hitachi has a good name. They are long-lasting,
fuel-efficient and comfortable. We’ve found they
are very reliable machines and are
very economical to run. We have no reason to change.
After going with Hitachi, we’re not
looking back!”
Frank EtchartOwner
Nadina Logging
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SAFE SLOPE OPERATION
CHOOSE THE RIGHT TRACK TYPE. Single bar grousers offer the best traction for slope work; they’re like dozer tracks and will penetrate for traction. They will also help hold the excavator on the slope. Triple bar grousers are good for flat and reasonable slopes, but they can slide once you get into the one-to-one and steeper slopes.
CHECK YOUR TRACK DIRECTION.Correct track orientation is crucial for safe slope work. Be sure your tracks are pointed up and down when working on the slope – not sideways. Idlers should be forward for uphill work and pointed down slope for downhill work.
Hitachi excavators are built with efficiency, reliability and durability to tackle tough jobs. However, operators should always take extra care when working on slopes.
Matt Hendry, product specialist for Hitachi, offers some tips for safe operation.
techknowledge
USE THE BOOM AND ARM POSITION TO YOUR BENEFIT FOR UPHILL TRAVEL.I recommend stretching out the arm and keeping the boom down low to the slope. Stretch the bucket and boom out, get the weight of the bucket and boom well forward of the machine, then walk your way up. You can also put the bucket teeth in the ground and use the arm to help pull you up.
ADJUST YOUR EFFORT ON THE CONTROLS.When operators are digging on a slope, they need to adjust how much effort is put into the controls. When you get off-level, an unskilled operator can get into trouble quickly. A skilled operator develops a good feel for the controls.
UNDERSTAND THE GRADE TO PROTECT YOUR ENGINE.Typical engine configurations are limited to a 30-degree or 70-percent slope for lubrication of the engine. Make sure that you are not exceeding that gradation for long periods of time. You only have so much depth and oil in your sump. On severe slopes, it’s hard for the engine to pump that oil to the top of the motor. This results in starvation to the top of the engine and reduces engine life expectancy. ■
10 | HitachiConstruction.com
WITH A RAPIDLY GROWING HOUSING MARKET IN NORTHERN COLORADO, GENERAL CONTRACTOR COYOTE RIDGE CONSTRUCTION (CRC) NEEDED RELIABLE EQUIPMENT THAT WOULD PERFORM IN THE HIGH ALTITUDES.
CRC OWNER KEN BATY DISCOVERED HITACHI EXCAVATORS WERE HIS SOLUTION.
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Established in 2009 in Loveland, Colo., Coyote Ridge Construction (CRC) is owned andoperated by Ken Baty and his wife, Jane. The company specializes in the underground phases of residential, industrial and commercial construction projects. Baty and his wife also own two additional businesses: Front Range Concrete and Coyote Ridge Residential.
“We started doing basement excavation work and we branched out to subdivision work,” Baty said. “Most of the time we’re the general contractor on the project so we start from corn row to streets. We also have a concrete company for doing our own curb, gutter, sidewalk and inlets on our storm/sewer projects. It helps us control our schedules better.”
12 | HitachiConstruction.com
riginally from Colorado, Baty got his start inconstruction after college. He first operated Hitachi equipment working for a company in Arizona.
“When I worked in Arizona, our company got one of the early Hitachi models, an EX200,” he said. “As an operator then, I enjoyed the way it ran and felt. It was a very comfortable machine to run.”
After returning to his Colorado roots, Baty eventually started CRC. The company has enjoyed impressive growth in a short amount of time.
“It started with me and one employee, and here we are today with 140 employees doing about $45 million of work a year,” he said. “That growth wasn’t done all by myself! We had many partners that helped us along the way. Between our great employees, suppliers and equipment dealers – it takes all of us to make it a success.”
“I BELIEVE IN DOING WHAT YOU SAY. WE’RE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR A COMPETITIVE EDGE.
HITACHI EQUIPMENT IS A BIG PART OF THAT FOR US.”
Ken BatyOwner, Coyote Ridge Construction LLC
O
WEBWATCHCheck out the video at HitachiConstruction.com/CRC
| 13Spring Issue 2017 BREAKOUT
HIGH-ELEVATION PERFORMANCEAside from the scenic views, the Colorado terrain comes with its challenges. Baty knew he needed productive and reliable equipment that could perform in altitudes at more than 5,000 feet.
“I was glad to hear that 4 Rivers Equipment was going to carry Hitachi,” he said. “I was excited to try Hitachi in the altitude in Colorado. We’ve had issues with
other brands of equipment overheating in these elevations.”
With a growing housing market in Northern Colorado and new residential developments underway, Baty needed a long-term equipment solution. Working with
4 Rivers Equipment, CRC began transitioning its fleet to Hitachi by buying two ZX300LC-6 excavators, a ZX350LC-6 and a ZX135US-6. And so far, so good.
“Our Hitachi excavators have not had any issues with overheating in the altitude,” Baty said. “The equipment is comfortable for our employees to run, it’s been durable, and we’ve had no breakdowns to speak of.”
The excavators have stayed busy completing utility and foundation work for several residential developments in the area, one of which is a $10 million project for a Hartford Homes development in Fort Collins, Colo.
CRC is serving as the general contractor on the development, called East Ridge, and is also completing the utilities and infrastructure work. Phase 1 of the project, which started in August 2016 and is estimated for completion in June 2017, will include 218 single family homes. The overall plan consists of an 869-residence community of single-family, multi-family and duplex buildings with nearly 23 acres of open and natural space, including a neighborhood park and pond.
“We’re proud to be part of the East Ridge development,” Baty said. “It’s a large-scale project, and we’re up for the challenge.”
STICKING WITH HITACHIAfter 35 years in construction, Baty still enjoys being in the field.
“I can’t imagine doing anything else,” he said. “I never grew up, I just got bigger toys. I enjoy being in the outdoors, being with the guys. I love the opportunity to take a piece of paper and actually make it into something in the field.”
And Baty will continue to turn paper into completed, successful projects for his customers with his hardworking Hitachi excavators by his side.
“I believe in doing what you say,” he said. “We’re always looking for a competitive edge, and Hitachi equipment is a big part of that for us. We’ve demoed different brands and sizes of machines over the years, and we feel that Hitachi fits us best. They’re productive, fuel-efficient and durable, and they don’t have any overheating issues in the Colorado altitude.”
Based on that track record, Baty said he’s looking forward to growing his Hitachi fleet.
“We’ve still got some other brands of equipment in our fleet,” he said. “But as those get traded in, we’re going to stick with Hitachi since we’ve had good success with them. 4 Rivers Equipment and Hitachi are great partners in helping us succeed as a company.”
Coyote Ridge Construction LLC is serviced by 4 Rivers Equipment, Fort Collins, Colo. ■
14 | HitachiConstruction.com
Available as either a Forestry Excavator or Log Loader, the new Hitachi Foresters feature completely redesigned cabs, new EPA Final Tier 4 (FT4)/EU Stage IV Isuzu engines, excellent uptime and improved durability along with reduced cost of operation and improved productivity. The ZX210F-6, ZX260F-6, ZX310F-6 and ZX370F-6 are everything you expect – and more. ■
Learn more about Hitachi Foresters at HitachiConstruction.com.
INTRODUCING
EFFICIENCY• EPA Final Tier 4 (FT4)/EU Stage IV
Isuzu engine; no diesel particulate filter (DPF) needed.
• Ground level access to all filters and test ports on the two smaller models, and a tilt-down service door on the two larger models, make servicing easy.
• Side by side by side engine, hydraulic and charge air coolers allow easier access for cleaning.
RELIABILITY• Two newly designed operator stations
feature a new color monitor, an improved HVAC system, new ergonomic controls and 3 inches of additional legroom.
• 25% larger, new side entry forestry cab. New rear entry cab features strategically placed operator platform and floor windows.
• Completely revamped electrical system with 35% fewer components.
• Larger cooling system, improved air flow and more efficient hydraulic management.
• Cab forward riser is available (ZX210F-6, ZX260F-6, ZX310F-6).
DURABILITY• Hardened steel bushings have been added
to the mainframe at the main boom joint and to the boom at the stick joint on the two larger models.
• Larger lower rollers with improved designs (ZX210F-6, ZX260F-6 and ZX310F-6); optional Extreme Duty (XD)(ZX210F-6) undercarriage.
• New LC track options (ZX260F-6, ZX370F-6) improve machine lifting capacity by as much as 18% (depending on model).
MAXIMIZING FLEET EFFICIENCY WITH
ZXLINK™You can’t improve what you don’t measure. And with Hitachi’s ZXLink remote machine monitoring system, you have the power to optimize your operation and maximize your profits. With the support of your local dealer, you can use data to reduce idling time as well as increase productivity and uptime. Without ever leaving your seat, you’ll have access to fleet location, functions, hours, fuel consumption, alerts and other essential machine data. You can also view location and alert information in the field from your iOS or Android devices.
CHOOSE FROM TWO SERVICE OPTIONS
ZXLINK SELECT OR
ZXLINK ULTIMATE AND GET CONNECTED TO
SOLUTIONS SUCH AS:
Better monitoring of machine health
Extended machine life through
preventative maintenance
Machine location tracking and geofencing
Visibility to idle and low-, medium- and high-load work levels
Simplified maintenance scheduling and documentation
Many Hitachi excavators come standard-equipped with ZXLink. Contact your local Hitachi dealer for more information and start benefitting from ZXLink today. ■
HitachiConstruction.com
From the moment you first experience the efficiency, reliability and durability of a Hitachi excavator, you too will become Hitachi To The Core. These machines can help take productivity to the next level and boost your bottom line. And help owners make good on job site promises.
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