Hitachi ZX470LCH-5 proving highly productive for French quarry

French quarry operator Carrières GW, a part of Groupe Marc, is employing a Hitachi ZX470LCH-5 at its 16.7-hectare site near St Malo in Brittany. The large Zaxis-5 excavator is helping the company to extract cornéenne, a metamorphic rock used in the production of concrete, and has so far lived up to its reputation for a high level of performance.

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The ZX470LCH-5 is used to load materials onto the primary and secondary crushers on site before they are transported to a treatment area and tertiary crusher. Aggregates produced at the quarry (sand, notably sizes 4/6, 6/10, 10/14 and 14/20) can be sold washed or unwashed, with the washed sand produced meeting the demands of concrete plants.

Equipped with a 2.8m³ bucket, the Hitachi machine was delivered in June 2013. It was supplied with an extended warranty and the associated service contract by Cobemat, the region’s official Hitachi dealer.

Groupe Marc has enjoyed a strong relationship with Cobemat since 2009 – its first purchase being a Hitachi ZX210LC-3. Quarry Manager Michel Krembser, who has worked with Groupe Marc since 1980, says: “Our relationship with Cobemat is based on professionalism and trustworthiness.”

Throughout his career, Michel has had a positive experience working with Hitachi equipment. “Hitachi machines have a reputation for reliability,” he says. “The ZX470LCH-5 is highly productive and it supports us in the challenge of meeting our daily targets.”

Production is the greatest challenge facing the team on site, according to Michel, but the company’s investment in the ZX470LCH-5 is helping to meet demand. Operator Lionel Deline agrees: “This machine is excellent for excavating materials in the quarry.”

With 16 years of experience operating a variety of equipment, including other excavators and wheel loaders, Lionel has gained a positive impression of the company’s latest Hitachi model: “The breakout force is incredibly strong, it’s reliable and works fast – the loading time is excellent. Also, the cab is very comfortable and the controls are well within reach.”

Emmanuel Rabiller, who is responsible for equipment, explains his reason for choosing Hitachi: “We did test other equipment, but Hitachi products offer an excellent price/quality ratio and represent a good return on investment. In addition, Cobemat’s reputation for first-rate after-sales services was an important factor in the purchase.”