The town centre of Aalst, near Eindhoven in The Netherlands, is undergoing a significant redevelopment to improve the experience of residents and business owners, and the overall attractiveness of the location. Among the initial aims of the project were the creation of a more compact and greener area, with more space for pedestrians and cyclists, additional biodiversity, and atmospheric lighting. Below ground, the drains for rainwater and sewage were to be disconnected, making the area more resistant to extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain showers.
Sustainability was a key part of the government-funded regeneration project and the use of low-emission, electric equipment to complete it was a necessity. To bid for the work, local contractor J. van Uijthoven & Zn BV had to demonstrate how electric excavators could be used for the groundworks, sewerage activities, and installing utility pipes on the site.
As it was scheduled as a two-year project, company owner Jurgen van Uijthoven decided to rent a ZE85 compact electric excavator through Pellen BV and Hitachi Construction Machinery Nederland.
“The team at Pellen are helpful and we have been working together for 30 years,” says Jurgen. “That’s why I went to them for an electric machine and didn’t look elsewhere. I’m not a number to them and the service I receive is the reason that I’ve remained loyal to Hitachi – when I call, they don’t ask, they just come! They are not like other dealers, I don’t have to wait, they respond straight away.”
The dealer helped him to arrange the rental contract with HCM Nederland. “It was an easy process, we got a quick response and it was conveniently arranged.”
Jurgen selected the 8.5-tonne model due to its compact size, relatively low weight, and ability to work in confined spaces. Although it can also be cable-operated, it is more practical for the operator to charge the excavator during lunch breaks and overnight on site.
A different way of working
“The performance is similar to a diesel machine and the controls are the same,” says operator Wil van Gerven, who has used Hitachi excavators for 25 years. “It is quieter than a diesel model, and you have to think about charging – it’s a different way of working. There are many different tasks on site, some heavier than others.”
In addition to this model, Jurgen rented a larger ZE135 electric excavator in November 2024, to use on a six-month sewer replacement project in Bladel. “I prefer to buy, but the resale value of a machine is so important,” says Jurgen.
“People don’t yet know what that value will be for electric machines, there are no used electric models available yet. The ZE85 and ZE135 enable me to work on government projects, and if it’s a two-year project, and the resale value is uncertain, it doesn’t make sense for me to buy.”
A mixed Hitachi fleet
The rest of his company’s Hitachi fleet, however, has been purchased from Pellen. This includes two ZXW-7 wheeled, a Premium Used ZX210-6 medium, and ZX19 and ZX38U mini excavators.
The reliability of Hitachi construction machinery, and the variety of sales, rental and used options available to Jurgen are important, as his family business continues to evolve. In addition to this, he says: “Hitachi machines are high quality, the operators like them, and they look good, which is also important!”
The Eersel-based company was founded in 1980 by Jurgen’s grandfather and has evolved over the decades from being a demolition to infrastructure specialist. “My father and uncle started the demolition part of the business,” explains Jurgen. “Eventually my father started with groundworks, and I joined the company in the 1990s.”
Since then, the company has expanded to employ 70 people, including two of Jurgen’s sons, representing the company’s fourth generation. Its core business activity is now commercial infrastructure, such as the recent project in the town of Aalst.
From the time that Jurgen’s father bought the first Hitachi machine from Pellen in the early 1990s, the company has remained true to the dealer and brand. “Our relationship still works perfectly,” says Jurgen. “We trust the dealer and they are always close by and ready to help. The Hitachi machines are perfect for us – high quality, they work well, and the operators are super-satisfied.”
A wide range of excavators, from one to 50 tonnes, are available through the Hitachi Premium Rental programme for both short- and long-term rental periods. The fleet also includes several electric models from five to 15 tonnes. This reflects the increase in demand from contractors seeking to comply with government requirements for zero-emission machines, particularly to work in city centres and environmentally sensitive areas, such as waterways.
For more information, visit www.hitachicm.com/eu/en/rental/
Content produced in association with Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) NV
