HCME expands customised solutions through first installation of Leica Geosystems
Zaxis-7 model is first to be supplied with factory-fitted 3D machine control solution
A new Hitachi Construction Machinery (HCM) ZX250LCN-7 medium excavator has been fitted with Leica Geosystems’ 3D machine control solution in a company first. This new machine was supplied to French contractor Kerleroux, joining its current HCM fleet to work on a variety of infrastructure and landscaping projects.
Higher level of reliability
This specific machine guidance system was recommended to the customer by their approved Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) NV (HCME) dealer. Kerleroux’s Managing Director Matthieu Leon was very happy with this proposal, saying: “With the system installed directly by Hitachi, we are allowing for a higher level of reliability over time. This means we are avoiding any potential issues with the location of the cabling and antennae, as well as any damage to the sensors.”
Perfectly integrated
The new technology was fitted at HCME’s factory in Amsterdam, in line with HCM’s high-quality specification. Kerleroux operator Thierry Le Brun says: “I can tell that it has been factory fitted by Hitachi, because it looks like part of the machine and all the cables have been well integrated within the cab.”
Put to the test on a huge residential contract in Brittany, France
The customised ZX250LCN-7’s initial assignment was on a project to prepare a new 6,949m2 housing development, including the utilities for 16 plots, in the village of Plouguin near the city of Brest. The Leica Geosystems technology has helped to reduce the personnel needed on the job site, as Matthieu explains: “We are more independent. Even if the topography of the project changes, we can simply amend this in the GPS system – without having to change the layout of rods.”
A successful partnership – Hitachi Construction Machinery and Kerleroux
Established over 60 years ago in Brittany, Kerleroux has evolved ever since. With the company’s wide-ranging contracts (from demolition to infrastructure), it’s no surprise that it needs machines from a brand it can trust. This customised solution from HCME has proven the perfect fit for its growing contracts – and is one it would recommend. Matthieu adds: “If the first HCME Customised Solutions Zaxis-7 excavator with Leica Geosystems 3D machine control is anything to go by, then the partnership between the two companies and the Hitachi dealer network will be hugely successful.”
Working with confidence
Thierry has been operating this new Zaxis-7 excavator since it was delivered and is very satisfied: “The best things about the Leica Geosystems system are the ease of use for placing the monitor into position and the clarity of the screen graphics, with better views and aspects of the site. The precision of my work with the machine is excellent – I can operate it with confidence to the nearest centimetre. I also prefer the larger monitor.”
