Unimin, the operators of Mole Creek lime stone quarries, has taken delivery in late 2007 of its new Hitachi Zaxis 670 hydraulic excavator.
The ZX670 is the latest of the Zaxis-3 series from Hitachi Construction Machinery. Weighing 67 tonnes the ZX670 stands tall next to its smaller siblings (ZX200-3, ZX240-3, ZX270-3 and ZX330-3).
Manufactured under ISO 14001 Certification, the ZX670 is lead free and has a low-noise design.
The exhaust is partly re-combusted to reduce particle matter (PM) output and lower nitrogen oxide (NOx) levels and a integrated muffler system suppresses engine noise significantly to comply with the 2000 / 14 / EC, Stage II, directive effective in the European Union from 2006.
Over 97% of the ZAXIS-3 series can be recycled, with all resin parts marked to facilitate recycling. The radiator and oil cooler are made from aluminium and all wires are lead-free.
In addition, biodegradable hydraulic oil is available for jobsites where special environmental care is required.
“Reliability of the excavators and the back-up and service contracts of Hitachi was one of the convincing factors in Unmin deciding on the Zaxis 670 and of course the price.. value for money” stated a Unimin spokesman.
Ensuring the safety of the operator and other workers on the jobsite is an important concern for the manufacturers and operators alike, that is why the ZAXIS-3 series has a number of new safety features including a reinforced cab and shut-off mechanism for engine and pilot controls.
The management team at Unimin Mole Creek site is pleased with the new Zaxis 670 excavator and are looking forward to higher production from this unit over its life at the mine.
“The operational ease, safety and comfort in Hitachi machinery, is just something you take for granted now” adds Daniel Rice. “The ZX670 is comfortable, strong, and safe... just a beautiful bit of machinery to operate.”