Hitachi hybrid excavators prove to be efficient solution for DEC

DEC (DEME Environmental Contractors) – a subsidiary of DEME (Dredging, Environmental & Marine Engineering) Group – has purchased a fleet of Hitachi hybrid excavators to work on its soil and sediment recycling centres in Belgium. Two of the ZH210LC-5s are based on the banks of the River Scheldt at Zwijndrecht, near Antwerp, with a third machine drafted in when demand is high.

The Hitachi hybrid excavators play a vital role in the recycling process at the eight-hectare Flanders site, which recycles 80,000 tonnes of sludge per year. Supplied by Belgian Hitachi construction machinery dealer Luyckx, the ZH210LC-5s turn the layers of sludge and then break up the materials as they are neatly piled in 1.5m-high rows to accelerate the drying process through oxidation.

The hybrid excavator has been designed to deliver reliable performance with fewer emissions and less fuel consumption than the conventional ZX210LC-3 (the previous machine employed on the site). More economical for DEC, easier for its operators and better for the environment, the ZH210LC-5 incorporates advanced technologies adopted from hydraulic, electric and battery-powered excavators. The result is the TRIAS HX system, which reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 31 per cent.

“The order for the five Hitachi hybrid excavators fits within the measures that DEME is taking to achieve its intended improvement in efficiency,” says Dirk Ponnet, DEC’s General Manager for the Flanders region. “We will always prioritise sustainable techniques and solutions. The use of energy-efficient equipment is therefore entirely in line with our business philosophy.”

DEC has been a long-term user of Hitachi construction machinery and the 20-tonne machines in particular. “Our other Zaxis excavators have always been extremely reliable,” adds Dirk. “Hitachi offers a high standard of quality and value for money in this class. The ZH210LC-5 is an excellent size and weight – due to the ground pressure – for our needs and it is also the most popular model in our fleet.

“Our biggest challenge is to be cost-effective in a sustainable way. In the long term, we believe we can find the right balance between these two goals and that this approach will count. The new Hitachi hybrid excavators are therefore proving to be beneficial. After only one month, they are already 30% more fuel-efficient than our previous models and we are happy to be on track.”