OPERATION FOCUS The ZX110M-3 modified by Finnish Hitachi dealer for forestry applications
When I’m loading the truck, I don’t have to keep checking behind me, and it’s good for working in narrow spaces – Timo Suominen
domestic purposes. In June 2010, the ZX135USL-3 was fitted with
a large rake attachment to pile the dry wood before chipping. The machine is also used with a large bucket to prepare ditches for irrigation in the bog and to transport and load peat. It is operated by Olavi, his son, Jaakko, and full-time operator Timo Suominen. “The cab has good visibility and the short-
radius swing is beneficial,” Timo said. “When I’m loading the truck, I don’t have to keep checking behind me, and it’s good for working in narrow spaces. The machine is also precise and I find the controls easy to operate.” The most important advantages for Olavi are
the excavator’s low ground pressure and that the undercarriage clears the ground easily when maneuvering over rocks and tree stumps. Rotator has made similar modifications to this machine as the ZX110M-3 owned by Maanrakennus Vanonen, including protective skis within the wide tracks. Delivered in June
2009, it now has 1,300 working hours. “The ZX135USL-3 is working perfectly,” Olavi said. “I would like to see a machine in this weight class developed with even less ground pressure and wider tracks, but I understand that it’s a specialised sector.” Although this ZX135USL-3 is working in a
different environment to the ZX110M-3, it is easy to spot similarities between both machines and their benefits for O&J Salo and Maanrakennus Vanonen.
It is evident that both family-run enterprises
rely on their Hitachi excavators to perform different tasks with various attachments. They rely on the modifications provided by Rotator and its after-sales Support Chain network coordinated by its headquarters in Tampere-
Pirkkala. The machines are also supported by the
dealer’s Hitachi Start program, which is designed to give new machine owners all the information they need to start working with their Hitachi excavator. “It includes a handbook containing warranty details, maintenance regulations, information on all the attachments and optional extras, and contact details for all Rotator personnel,” Janne explained. Ensuring the optimum performance of Hitachi machines is a key focus for Rotator. Its high levels of after-sales support are even more important for customers working in remote forest land or peat bogs – as is the reputation of Hitachi Zaxis excavators for reliability and durability. IFI
54 International Forest Industries | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011
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