Hitachi ZX490LCH-6 excavator is ideal solution for Czech quarry

The Czech Republic’s foremost purchaser of Hitachi construction machinery has further enhanced its fleet with a new ZX490LCH-6 large excavator. Ceske sterkopisky spol. s r.o. – one of the country’s leading suppliers of aggregates – is utilising the machine at a demanding sand and gravel quarry near the town of Veltrusy, to the north of Prague.

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The ZX490LCH-6 (video) was delivered in January 2017, with another identical model also due to be handed over to Ceske sterkopisky later in the year. The latest Zaxis-6 excavator complements the company’s existing fleet of Hitachi construction machinery, which includes three units of the preceding ZX470LCH-5 model, and another two ZX350LC-3 medium excavators.

A reputation for reliability

Established in 2006, Ceske sterkopisky provides a complete range of quarrying solutions, covering the extraction, refinement and distribution of materials. The majority of its customers are involved in constructing residential and municipal buildings, civil engineering projects, and developing the country’s transport infrastructure.

The ZX490LCH-6’s robust reputation was a key factor as Ceske sterkopisky’s Branch Manager Karel Blaha explains, “We selected the Hitachi excavator due to its reliability and cost-effectiveness. It’s ideal for the type of work we do here owing to its powerful performance. For me, the excellent fuel efficiency is probably the number one benefit to our business.” 

Ceske sterkopisky receives first-class support from Hitachi’s authorised dealer in the Czech Republic, NET spol. s r.o., and its sub-dealer Austro Baumaschinen, s.r.o. Following the delivery of the ZX490LCH-6, Austro Baumaschinen conducted a training programme for the machine’s operators. This ensured that they could routinely maintain the excavator effectively and in doing so maximise its performance. 

Powerful and versatile

The quarry in Veltrusy opened in 2010 and is one of 16 locations used by Ceske sterkopisky across the Czech Republic. Another two sites are expected to open in 2018. The ZX490LCH-6 is mainly used for general earthmoving activities, but also helps to support the extraction of around one million tonnes of materials per year.

The machine’s introduction has been met enthusiastically by its operator, Miloslav Sisl: “I have been impressed by its power and reliability. I particularly like this Hitachi excavator because of the high level of comfort inside the cab. It’s a pleasant environment in which to work. The overall operating experience is fantastic, and I’m delighted that I get to drive it as part of my job.”