Showing the way
If you missed us in Maastricht or Verona this year, here’s our highlights from IRE and SaMoTer
Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) NV (HCME) was delighted to exhibit at two key industry events this spring: SaMoTer in Italy, followed by IRE (International Rental Exhibition) in The Netherlands. The shows were an ideal opportunity to show how HCME is contributing to a more sustainable industry, and present new hi-tech product developments, its successful rental programme, and latest digital solutions. Over 40,000 visitors from over 90 countries attended the 31st SaMoTer event, held in May. A wide range of Hitachi Construction Machinery (HCM) and solutions were on display including the ZX95W-7 wheeled excavator; ZX95USB-7 and ZX135US-7 short-tail swing excavators; ZW160-7 and ZW250-7 wheel loaders; as well as ConSite, Leica Geosystems technology, and Premium Rental.
The new eight-tonne zero-emission ZX85-6EB was another highlight. Designed to improve safety for operators, increase productivity and reduce life-cycle costs, the new model was on display for the first time in Italy, following its debut at Bauma last year. “Together with our trusted Italian dealers – SCAI, Comac, Franco Clo, KMI, Massucco T, Salomoni, and WR57 – we would like to thank everyone who came to see us at SaMoTer,” said HCME Italy Branch Managing Director Richard Egelie. “We hope they enjoyed the opportunity to see our latest models and technologies.”
Italy’s Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Matteo Salvini, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani were enthusiastic visitors to the HCME stand at SaMoTer.
Attendees and exhibitors welcomed the return of SaMoTer and IRE, which were held this year for the first time since the pandemic. HCME opted to display its new eight-tonne zero-emission excavator at both events, reflecting the importance of environmentally sustainable solutions. As well as zero exhaust emissions, the ZX85-6EB delivers lower noise levels, enhanced efficiency and exceptional performance – as well as fewer maintenance requirements and less downtime than conventional diesel models.
“We recognise that Italy is one of the most important markets in Europe, and with the support of our dealer network we hope to add value to the customer experience.”
Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) NV President Takaharu Ikeda
IRE was held alongside the European Rental Association convention at Maastricht MECC on 7 and 8 June. It was a fantastic opportunity for rental customers to see the latest battery powered equipment, software and technology. Alongside the new ZX85-6EB zero-emission excavator, HCME chose to highlight its successful Premium Rental programme at the exhibition. It currently offers a fleet of around of 1,000 machines, giving customers access to the latest models and technologies, including eight to 50-tonne Zaxis-7 excavators and ZW-7 wheel loaders. Recently expanded to the Baltic countries, the successful rent-to-rent programme involves almost 40 of HCME’s European dealers.
The benefits of Premium Rental were explained by HCME Rental Manager Rene Danielsson: “Using our Premium Rental equipment gives customers the high levels of reliability and quality they would expect from dealing directly with the Hitachi Construction Machinery brand. “In addition, they receive a first-class service from HCME factory-trained technicians, and the machines are a perfect fit with HCM attachments and digital solutions. These offer greater flexibility and meet the varying demands of their businesses.”
Around 1000 machines have been supplied through the HCM Premium Rental scheme. As the rental contracts have ended, these machines have been purchased by dealers and sold to customers as Premium Used equipment.
The success of the HCME rent-to-rent programme is in line with the increasing popularity for rental construction equipment. In Western Europe, the penetration rate for rental equipment is 40%, whereas in the Nordic countries and Eastern Europe, the percentage for rental equipment is 25-30% and growing every year. In the UK, the figure is 57%, and France and Germany are also growing rapidly.
The reasons behind this growth include increased flexibility for contractors and easy access to technologically advanced equipment. “Customers can rent the machines for the length of their contracts and align costs with their earnings,” says HCME Rental Manager Rene Danielsson. “Rental is a sustainable option, too – utilisation of a rental machine is high, and it has the latest technology, lower emissions, and better noise levels.”
The most popular machines in the Hitachi rent-to-rent programme are Zaxis-7 medium excavators. The Zaxis-6 mini and Zaxis-7 large excavators, and ZW-7 wheel loaders, were introduced to the programme after its initial launch.
“There is a growing requirement from rental customers for mini electric models, and I believe that this trend will grow up to the 20-tonne class. There is also an increase in demand for machines to be supplied with machine systems by Trimble and Leica Geosystems,” adds Rene.
