Hitachi excavators prove their versatility in Norway

Norwegian contractor Skogen has started building a service road for a log-cabin development in the Sjodalen valley. The 92 new 120m2 lodges 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 now firmly focused on general construction activities such as: groundworks and roads, as well as foundations, drainage and utilities for log cabins. The contractor’s medium excavator fleet is now 100% Hitachi and Ola deployed a ZX135US-5 and ZX210LC-5 to start work at the scenic location in July 2015.

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

The company’s Zaxis excavators are supplied with HELP (Hitachi Extended Life Program) 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.

Nasta has also formed an excellent working relationship with Ola, who says: “The team at Nasta do a great job, especially as they go out of their way to help us when the need arises. It’s about the whole package, with many things contributing to the success of our Hitachi machinery.”

Rune Morten Ryen has been working as an operator with Skogen for 15 years, has experience of both excavators and – in Ola’s words – “he does everything at this site”. “The ZX135US-5 is so versatile,” Rune explains of his previous machine, “that 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 and says, “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. We are also able to take care not to damage our immediate working environment.”