Versatility in excavator fleet is key for contractor Steffes Schakt

Swedish contractor Steffes Schakt has expanded its fleet of Hitachi construction machinery for increased versatility across a wide range of challenging projects in the Stockholm area. Founded by Stefan Eriksson in 1993, the construction company now has 14 employees and 15 Hitachi crawler excavators working on construction and civil engineering projects in and around the city.

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The Zaxis models at Steffes Schakt’s disposal range from a ZX48U-5 mini excavator to a ZX350LC-5 SLF (super long front) special application machine. They also include a ZX290LC-5, ZX250LC-5 SLF, ZX250LC-5, ZX225USRL-5, ZX180LC-5, ZX130LCN-5 and ZX130-5 supplied by the Swedish Hitachi dealer, Delvator.

The ZX250LC-5 SLF and ZX350LC-5 SLF were assembled at Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) NV’s (HCME) Oosterhout factory in The Netherlands. “The Hitachi SLF machines have been designed specifically for the European market,” explains Magnus Hansson, Delvator’s Technical Sales/Product Specialist Engineer. “They have been reinforced, are stronger than other conventional SLF machines, and are ideal for digging and levelling jobs.”

Stefan places great emphasis on his company’s relationships with the local and international contractors working in Stockholm. In addition, Steffes Schakt receives a high level of support from its leading suppliers, Delvator and HCME. “They are trustworthy, and provide an appropriate level of technical support and genuine parts when required,” explains Stefan.

Steffes Schakt’s first Hitachi SLF was purchased in 2008 and this brought a new dimension to the subcontractor’s business. “The specialist equipment we’ve bought has also added value to our proposition,” he adds. “Hitachi offers the best reliability and this has been supported by excellent service from Delvator. There is nothing missing from the Hitachi excavator line-up – it’s the complete range.

“In general, the key to excavator performance is controllability – and the Hitachi machines are outstanding. The hydraulic systems are also very good and the new -5 machines have shown a decrease in fuel consumption in comparison with the previous models.

“Our operators are highly skilled and it is important that they look after their machines. This helps to minimise repairs and enhance reliability. The combination of impressive operating skills and immaculate construction machinery makes a good impression for Steffes Schakt.”

To demonstrate the contractor’s versatile fleet of Hitachi construction machinery, it has won a wide range of contracts in the past year. These include: the ZX180LC-5 working on part of a major railway construction project near Stockholm South station; the ZX250LC-5 SLF digging a large shaft for the installation of a natural gas pipe in the south of the Swedish capital; aZX290LC-5 working on a drainage project in the north of the city; and a ZX225USRL-5 preparing foundations, installing utilities and building roads on a new housing estate in the west.