Hitachi ZX350LC-7 SLF at UNESCO World Heritage Project
A civil engineering firm based on Lake Constance is using a Hitachi ZX350LC-7 SLF on a UNESCO World Heritage Site project.
When Hildebrand OHG, a civil engineering firm based on Lake Constance, took on the challenge of dredging four harbours within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it turned to the German Hitachi Construction Machinery dealer, Kiesel.
A Hitachi ZX350LC-7 SLF super long front excavator was supplied and customised by the dealership for the important project and was key to meeting its strict environmental and archaeological requirements.
Dredging just 10 to 50 centimetres underwater in a protected zone demands extreme precision. The project’s location in the Lake Constance water supply area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site means every operation must avoid damage to the environment and fragile archaeological remains. Additionally, the risk of unexploded ordnance from WWII bombing raids required thorough site preparation.
“The machine is equipped with Leica Geosystems 3D machine control, which is suitable for underwater use, to maintain precise dredging depths, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.” – Hildebrand OHG Managing Director Florian Hildebrand.
The machine’s 37.5-tonne operating weight and 210 kW engine provide the strength and stability needed for this demanding hydraulic engineering task. A reinforced undercarriage and heavy counterweight enhance stability on the pontoon, while the use of bio-oil and HVO fuel underline Hitachi’s commitment to lowering emissions.
Hildebrand’s specially developed bucket attachment handles the highly liquefied sediment with reliability, scooping and loading the material onto barges efficiently. This precision and performance ensure uninterrupted operation, even under challenging conditions.
