Skip to main content

Hitachi’s ZW180-5 delights the Dutch with additional performance

Materials handling has been made more efficient for Molenaar Zand en Grond, a Dutch materials yard, after introducing its first Hitachi ZW180-5 wheeled loader. Parent company, the road construction, drainage, sewage and groundworks contractor A. Molenaar, bought the Hitachi ZW180-5 in November for its materials yard subsidiary. The machine is now loading a steady stream of trucks and trailers at Molenaar Zand en Grond BV’s stockyard at Bergambacht, east of Rotterdam. The Hitachi ZW180-5 was delivered by the
March 9, 2015 Read time: 3 mins
Squeaky clean and hard at work
Materials handling has been made more efficient for Molenaar Zand en Grond, a Dutch materials yard, after introducing its first Hitachi ZW180-5 wheeled loader.

Parent company, the road construction, drainage, sewage and groundworks contractor A. Molenaar, bought the 233 Hitachi ZW180-5 in November for its materials yard subsidiary. The machine is now loading a steady stream of trucks and trailers at Molenaar Zand en Grond BV’s stockyard at Bergambacht, east of Rotterdam.

The Hitachi ZW180-5 was delivered by the Dutch Hitachi construction machinery dealer 1139 HCME Domestic. A. Molenaar will use the machine for its own road projects for about half the time and hire it out to other contractors and private customers in the region.

Molenaar Zand en Grond’s ZW180-5 has a 3m3 bucket and pallet forks. “We rented a ZW250 for three months before deciding to buy,” says Andre Molenaar. “This gave us added confidence in our first Hitachi ZW-5 model, which we chose due to its size, loading capacity and ability to drive on the road. This is the perfect machine for the site, as it has the ability to load everything from trailers to trucks, and is easy to maintain.”

The Molenaar Zand en Grond site is beside the Lek River upon which incoming materials are delivered by boat. But all of the outgoing sand and soil is loaded onto trucks.

“The emphasis is on sustainability with 80% of the distance covered by the materials on water and only 20% by road,” owner Andre Molenaar said. “This is a difficult area to access for deliveries by truck and so this is also a fuel-efficient system.”

“We estimate that fuel consumption of the 5 model range is 17-18% lower than its predecessor. The auto-shutdown is also vital in this respect, for example, when operators are frequently climbing in and out of the cab.” He also said the machines have excellent handling and spacious and comfortable working environment are all important factors.

A. Molenaar was founded in 1941 by Andre’s grandfather and his three sons are the fourth generation of the family to work in the company. The firm’s first Hitachi excavator was an EX150LC, purchased 25 years ago. Since then, the company has purchased 28 machines from HCME Domestic. The ZW180-5 is the first medium wheeled loader in the fleet. It is also the first example of this model working in The Netherlands.

“Hitachi machines are well designed and look stunning,” said Andre, who is also an operator. “We work with our machines for around six years and keep them in excellent condition, so they retain high resale values. Our customers also like to see immaculate equipment on their job sites.”

He also said HCME Domestic stands behind its products through excellent service, offering a favourable total cost of ownership and placing an emphasis on creating solutions when needed.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Dynapac is broadening its range for asphalt paving
    April 1, 2014
    Atlas Copco’s Dynapac brand is launching new models aimed at the asphalt paving market - Mike Woof reports Atlas Copco’s Dynapac brand looks set to boost its worldwide presence in the road construction market, with new asphalt paving products forming a major segment of the firm’s improved portfolio. The launch of new pavers and an improved material feeder comes at a busy time for the Dynapac brand. When Dynapac was first acquired by Atlas Copco the business was left separate initially, however it has now
  • Don't buy, subscribe instead... and stay ahead of the pack
    September 19, 2024
    The traditional way of doing things is to own the construction equipment you need on site. You can buy, or you can rent. You mix and match your technology needs with what is happening on site and your costs go up and down accordingly. However, a new model is emerging: Subscriptions. Take out a flat-fee plan and let someone else make sure you can get access to the latest thinking and the cleverest technology. Pete Kennedy reports.
  • XCMG is widening its already extensive model range with the addition of new machines
    October 16, 2013
    From XCMG comes an array of new machines for loading and hauling as well as road construction. Designed for the domestic market, the LW800K LNG is a 28.5tonne wheeled loader powered by a 257kW Weichai diesel and using LNG as fuel. Twin 500litre gas tanks sit just behind the cab and the machine is suited to duties in sites where emissions may be an issue. The machine features ZF axles and a ZF transmission. Standard bucket size is 4.5m3 and it can carry an 8tonne load. This is the latest addition to the fi
  • Caterpillar: this is what the future looks like
    April 14, 2016
    Fuel efficiency and powertrain alternatives are crucial for the future of construction, while the issue of emissions will remain a priority for some time to come – that was the message from Caterpillar’s roundtable event at bauma 2016. Senior executives from the company spoke with journalists, discussing key future technology developments and trends for the firm. Paolo Fellin is VP Global Construction & Infrastructure, while Ken Hoefling is VP for Building Construction Products. Karl Weiss is VP Earthmovin