Skip to main content

Hitachi ZX135US-5 and ZX210LC-5 excavators work in Sjodalen valley

Norwegian contractor Skogen has started building a service road for a log-cabin development in Norway’s Sjodalen valley. More than 90 of the 120m2 cabins are being constructed to order and the project is scheduled to be completed within the next 12 months. The Vågå-based company was set up in 1982 by owner Ola Skogen and is firmly focused on general construction activities including groundworks and roads, as well as foundations, drainage and utilities for log cabins. The contractor’s medium excavat
July 7, 2016 Read time: 3 mins
Hitachi logs time in Sjodalen valley
Norwegian contractor Skogen has started building a service road for a log-cabin development in Norway’s Sjodalen valley.

More than 90 of the 120m2 cabins are being constructed to order and the project is scheduled to be completed within the next 12 months.

The Vågå-based company was set up in 1982 by owner Ola Skogen and is firmly focused on general construction activities including groundworks and roads, as well as foundations, drainage and utilities for log cabins.

The contractor’s medium excavator fleet is now 100% 233 Hitachi from which the company deployed a ZX135US-5 and ZX210LC-5 to start work at the scenic location. Sjodalen is a wide, gently sloping valley in southern Norway and in which flows the river Sjoa from the deep mountain lake Gjende.

Skogen’s strategy is to use relatively new machinery. So after each model reaches between  6,000-7,000 working hours it is updated from the authorised Hitachi construction machinery dealer in Norway, Nasta. “This is especially the case for the latest generation of Zaxis excavators,” said Ola Skogen. “which has comparatively low fuel consumption and overall running costs.”

The company’s Zaxis excavators are supplied with HELP - Hitachi Extended Life Programme - extended warranty and service contracts. With a duration of five years/8,000 hours, this level of cover allows the contractor to plan ahead with fixed costs and well maintained equipment.

Rune Morten Ryen has been working as an operator with Skogen for 15 years. “The ZX135US-5 is so versatile,” he explained of his previous machine. “You can use it wherever you want, even in gardens and between buildings. The cab is spacious and well equipped for our needs. It’s easy to turn and manoeuvre, plus the short-tail swing is hugely beneficial in confined spaces.”

He has recently been allocated to the ZX210LC-5. “It is very stable, powerful and offers more capacity. This is the machine’s first job and it’s been useful to test it with different attachments, such as the hammer, which is only required occasionally to break up rock. The monitor is also useful for checking information and the rear-view camera is ideal.

“The two machines are working well together and they have proved to be a strong combination for this job. They can operate in restricted areas and there is enough power when we need it.”

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Hitachi rolling out new excavator range
    March 2, 2016
    Hitachi says that its new ZX250LC-6, ZX300LC-6 and ZX350LC-6 excavators all offer increased performance. At the same time, the machines also meet the latest Tier 4 Final/Stage IV exhaust emissions requirements for off highway equipment. Productivity has been increased by up to 14% while fuel consumption has been reduced. These machines are aimed at the classes for 25, 30 and 35tonne excavators respectively. The firm claims that the machines offer the highest outputs in their respective classes as well as ad
  • Hitachi rolling out new excavator range
    January 6, 2017
    Hitachi says that its new ZX250LC-6, ZX300LC-6 and ZX350LC-6 excavators all offer increased performance. At the same time, the machines also meet the latest Tier 4 Final/Stage IV exhaust emissions requirements for off highway equipment. Productivity has been increased by up to 14% while fuel consumption has been reduced. These machines are aimed at the classes for 25, 30 and 35tonne excavators respectively. The firm claims that the machines offer the highest outputs in their respective classes as well as ad
  • Hitachi develops tough machine for underground use
    April 15, 2016

    Hitachi used bauma 2016 to announce that it is expanding its European dealer network and launching a “tunnelling champion” based on its new ZX135US-5 SRF excavator. This short tailswing unit is made from heavy duty steel and has been designed to work in tight spaces underground.

  • Morocco's road programme boosts economy
    February 9, 2012
    A major road programme instigated by King Mohammed VI of Morocco is helping to boost the country's economy and modernise infrastructure. This forms part of a plan to boost tourism, a key part of the country's income from 8 - 10 million. There were less than 300km of motorways existing when King Mohammed VI inherited the throne from his father in July 1999. Since then, the figure has increased to over 1,000km and this is set to almost double in the next five years. A hugely significant highway programme was