All Hitachi excavators are designed with the company's corporate vision in mind: to contribute to the creation of congenial living spaces. On job sites around the world, orange machines can be found helping to make a positive impact on the local environment. And this is nowhere more true than on an urban regeneration project near Tel Aviv.
The Hitachi ZX280LC-3 and ZX350LC-3 models, equipped with 1.6mĀ³ and 2mĀ³ buckets, and grapple and hammer attachments, were used to demolish three low-rise apartment blocks in Petach Tikva within one week last October. The 30 residences will be replaced by a 26-storey building over the next four years, with 360 new apartments. The 39mĀ² two-room to 120mĀ² four-room flats will enhance their quality of life with more living space and better amenities.
Following the demolition, the Hitachi excavators were used to separate the concrete and steel materials for recycling. "We are working as a sub-contractor on this government-funded project," explains owner Itzik Karadi. His company, based in Ashdod, was established in 1992 and has 23 employees. It specialises in demolition projects and recycling the debris, as well as loading crushers in quarries and recycling sites.
"In total, 17,000 tonnes of debris will be cleared and recycled from this site," he explains. "The concrete is being crushed and then the materials will be sold and collected directly from this location. The steel is either exported to the Turkish market or sold locally for the manufacture of fences, gates and other similar products. By managing the recycling, we save on transport and any third party costs, such as the use of specialist facilities."
Itzik Karadi MLA has a fleet of four Hitachi medium excavators - two ZX280LC-3s and two ZX350LC-3s - that were supplied between June 2010 and September 2011 by the Israeli Hitachi dealer, CMD. The company's employees enjoy working with these Hitachi machines.
Mohammed Soliman, who has 17 years' experience, operates the ZX280LC-3. "It's very strong and fast, and is smooth to operate," he comments. "The air conditioning is excellent and it is a well-designed machine - I'm often asked many questions by other envious operators."
Rabia Halil, operator of the ZX350LC-3, has been working in the construction industry for 28 years and also appreciates working with the Zaxis excavator: "This machine has been thoroughly reliable. I am happy with its power and efficiency, and it operates precisely with the grapple. The most important benefit of all is the low fuel consumption compared to other machines."