Welcome to our summer edition of FOCUS magazine FOCUS magazine, first published in 2003, was inspired by a team of Kawasaki dealer personnel, satisfied customers and an eager Kawasaki marketing team who wanted to bring compelling stories, tips and industry news to wheel loader users throughout North America. Seventeen years later, our goals remain the same, our focus renewed with the global vision of Hitachi. Clearing snow for a car dealership requires agile equipment with good visibility, traction and ease of operation. That’s why the Dan O’Brien Auto Group of New Hampshire and Massachusetts chose the Hitachi ZW50 wheel loader from Chappell Tractor to get the job done. The story about the challenges of snow removal with high end merchandise on the lot is on page 3. Big Creek Sand & Gravel, based in Borger, Texas, purchased two new Hitachi ZW330-6 wheel loaders for their sand and gravel operation. Read about how Charles Harvey, mine manager at Big Creek, made the choice to buy the new Hitachi equipment and how well it has performed under extreme conditions on page 5. Hitachi is pleased to announce the launch of the powerful, efficient ZW330-6 wheel loader featuring DPF-free Tier 4 Final technology. See more about the ZW330-6 applications and features on page 8. In spite of the challenges of COVID-19, CONEXPOCONAGG 2020 was a huge success and the HCMA exhibit generated thousands of visitors throughout the course of the event. The numbers and stats can be found on page 11. Finally, we hope you and your family stay safe throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We hope you enjoy this edition of FOCUS as we strive to deliver the relevant news and information you have come to expect.
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Sam Shelton, (770) 499-7000 • sshelton@hitachicm.us Sam Shelton, Editor (770)Editor 499-7000 • sshelton@hitachiwheelloaders.us
Dan O’Brien Auto Group relies on Hitachi ZW50s for extreme snow removal
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aving the right equipment for the job can make all the difference. This became evident for Dan O'Brien Auto Group of New Hampshire and Massachusetts, which had been using tractors for snow removal at its multiple dealership locations — but the auto dealer found the tractors were coming up short.
Hampshire-based Chappell Tractor — which sells everything from chainsaws to large excavators — that would be stationed and used at the Dan O'Brien auto dealerships.
"With the tractors, you have such limited visibility," says Wayne Chalker, facilities manager for Dan O'Brien. "They also lack traction when pushing large amounts of snow." At the auto dealerships — which include Kia, Dodge, Subaru, Nissan and Infinity dealers — there are tight quarters and some very expensive merchandise on the lots.
The Hitachi ZW50 is designed for reliability, durability and versatility as well as fuel efficiency in a compact, capable package. With a job like plowing snow, the ZW50 proved to be a much better solution for Dan O’Brien Auto Group than using a tractor. "With a tractor, you start pushing into a load and put some weight down in the plow, and it lifts the front end up. Then you have no way of steering it," points out Corey Chappell, president of Chappell Tractor.
"We've had a lot of issues with the performance of the tractors," Chalker
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explains. "They're long and bulky, and you can get yourself in a situation where you end up hitting a car. That simply can't happen when you've got product on the lots worth many thousands of dollars.” The dealership chain looked to the new Hitachi ZW50 wheel loader to handle snow removal. After initially planning to purchase more tractors, Chalker instead made the switch to wheel loaders. He ordered six ZW50s from Milford, New
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I don't think there's anything out there that can beat this loader for agility. I've been in the construction industry all my life, and there's nothing better for moving snow than this loader. – Wayne Chalker, facilities manager for Dan O'Brien Auto Group Dan O'Brien, left, owner of Dan O'Brien Auto Group, and Wayne Chalker, facilities manager
Chalker echoes that the Hitachi ZW50 wheel loaders offer a number of advantages versus a tractor. The loaders have much better visibility thanks to a pillarless window design and the operator's high vantage point, they can handle very tight quarters, and their steering allows for more accurate placement of the bucket, he says. "On a regular vehicle — say a pickup — the front axle wheels turn to steer," Chappell says. "With the ZW50, there are no wheels that turn; it pivots in the middle. So, with this machine, it has solid axles on the front and back and it articulates in the middle. That's how it steers, and you can put the bucket right where you want it — because you're able to twist in the middle, it forces the plow to go where you wanted it to. It works in some of those tight spaces and corners, getting around things. That's why you can plow better with this loader." Chalker says the ZW50 loaders can navigate smaller spaces than the tractors they were using. "I don't think there's anything out there that can beat this loader for agility. I've been in the construction industry all my life, and there's nothing better for moving snow than this loader," he says. "We didn't
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get much snow this winter, but the snow we did get was very heavy and wet," Chalker notes, "and it was no problem for the Hitachis." Snow at the auto dealerships isn't just pushed into a pile. It may need to be lifted and removed, so the machines plowing it need to be able to handle that maneuver. The ZW50 wheel loaders can stack snow higher than a tractor, particularly because the loaders have a wrap-around counterweight that lowers their center of gravity, increases stability and allows a heavy bucket to be lifted higher. Meanwhile, visibility from plowing machines is doubly important at the Dan O'Brien dealerships, because when it snows, plowing begins in the early hours before dawn. "The lots are getting plowed starting at 4:30 a.m., and we like to be done by 8 a.m.," Chalker explains. The ZW50 also helps keep operators out of the climate with its in-cab heat and air conditioning. Dating back to 1955, Chappell Tractor has emphasized treating customers like family by prioritizing customer service and satisfaction. That was part of Dan O'Brien Auto Group's decision to purchase from Chappell Tractor.
"Service has always been a priority for us," Chappell says. "We put a lot of energy into staffing and training our service departments. We also have on-the-road service, so we can go right to the customer and work onsite. And all of our techs do a lot of training with the manufacturers, so they keep up to speed on all the latest information." Another part of the decision to purchase the five ZW50s was the price and attractive financing. "The price point versus competitors’ was great, and they also offered great interest rates," Chalker says. The auto dealer financed the ZW50 wheel loaders through Hitachi. The wheel loaders offer ease of operation, which is important because Dan O'Brien doesn't have dedicated operators and multiple people may use them. "They're very simple to operate," Chalker says. He operates the wheel loaders at two dealership locations and the owner, Dan O'Brien, operates at another; plus, several other individuals run the machines at the other locations. "We appreciate the simplicity of operation and driver comfort because we are dealing with a lot of merchandise,” Chalker says. ■
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First up!
Big Creek Sand & Gravel transitions from Kawasaki to Hitachi Wheel Loaders Story and photos by Aaron Marsh
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t’s no surprise that Borger, Texas-based Big Creek Sand & Gravel would take the lead in trying out new Hitachi equipment. The sand and gravel operation depends on its current Hitachi wheel loaders for reliability and productivity. When the company reviewed the specs for the Hitachi ZW330-6, the machine’s features aligned with its needs, and it added the powerful, efficient ZW330-6 to its fleet. Charles Harvey, mine manager at Big Creek, says the two Hitachi ZW330-6s that the company is running have met and even exceeded their expectations. They're the first two to be sold in the U.S.
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"For productivity and reliability, this is one of the best loaders we’ve operated," he notes."And performance is everything for a company that handles Big Creek’s scope of work."
Big Creek’s 60-plus employees provide aggregate sales, trucking, asphalt paving and earthwork for clients that include the Texas Department of Transportation and ConocoPhillips Company. To accomplish this, the company’s digging operation is up and running six days a week, up to 11 hours each day, producing sand and gravel as well as concrete aggregate, concrete sand and hot-mix aggregate in its sifting and crushing operations.
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"We produce our sand and gravel for our contractors, who mainly use it for highway construction work," Harvey says. One of the company's contractors is working a project on Highway 60, and another is doing a project on Interstate 40. Another contractor has a Route 60 project coming up next year. In addition to the Hitachi ZW330-6s, Big Creek is running Kawasaki wheel loaders including seven 92Z7s, five 90ZVs, and one 95ZV along with a Hitachi ZW3706. The company also operates three Caterpillar D6 dozers, in addition to rock crushing and material separating machinery. Why choose Big Creek over the competition? Harvey says it comes down to reliably good product. "We take a lot of pride in our material and make sure it's of good quality," he says.
Efficient operation The decision to buy the new Hitachi ZW330-6 revolves around the quest for power, technology, efficiency and productivity. Falling right in the middle of Hitachi's ZW-6 wheel loader lineup, the ZW330-6 delivers 26% higher traction force than the prior model, allowing the loader to dig deeper and more efficiently into piles of material. It has a number of fuel-saving features as well, and offers technological sophistication, with complimentary builtin advanced telematics and business logistics monitoring through their ConSite suite of programs and apps designed to assist owners and fleet managers to manage the cost of ownership. One of the standout features on this model is that its Cummins engine does not have a diesel particulate filter, or DPF, which helps improve fuel efficiency and eliminates a major maintenance item. "The Hitachis have the selective catalytic reduction systems (SCR) with no DPF. That's huge," says Dallas McMann, general manager at Amarillo Machinery
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For productivity and reliability, this is one of the best loaders we've operated. Performance is everything for a company that handles Big Creek's scope of work. – Charles Harvey, mine manager for Big Creek
Company, Big Creek's Hitachi dealer. "That's one more item eliminated that could have potentially caused problems or become another cost item down the road." Despite the lack of a DPF filter, the ZW330-6's engine is Tier 4 Final compliant and has low emissions thanks to its SCR technology. The urea/diesel exhaust fluid tank is located at ground level for quick access and easier filling. The engine also incorporates exhaust gas recirculation technology to reduce emissions. Harvey agrees that the lack of DPF is a game-changer with the ZW330-6. "Particulate filter is always a problem, and without that it does help,” he says. To maximize efficiency and fuel economy, the ZW330-6’s engine features a common rail fuel injection system and a programmable idle shutdown system that limits fuel waste while reducing emissions and noise. The 310-horsepower engine produces 1,070 foot-pounds of torque and features a quick power boost button that increases power output by 10%.
Advanced safety The visibility in the ZW330-6 contributes substantially to safe machine operation. Hitachi eliminates opaque rear pillars, which create blind spots and delivers a 360-degree view for the operator. This sets the Hitachi machine apart from competitors. "The guys love the increased visibility of the loader and its direct impact on safety," Harvey says. A rear-view camera also improves visibility and boosts safety. McMann points out that the rear-view camera displays on the multifunctional LCD monitor in front of the driver, which also shows other useful information such as fuel and DEF levels. "The location of the backup camera display is in front of you — instead of off to the side or up top like it is in other models — where it's easier to see as you're performing your operations," McMann says. Finally, the ZW330-6 also has LED tail lights and optional front and rear LED work lights for better illumination, even in low-light conditions.
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Total cost of ownership management McMann says that productivity decision making is streamlined with Hitachi’s ConSite remote intelligent monitoring and managing applications. “The ZW330-6 lowers the total cost of operation by offering hardware and software programs that improve efficiency, reduce downtime and monitor productivity,” he says. ConSite goes beyond telematics. The dealer can monitor the health and productivity of the ZW Dash-6 loaders and can make recommendations to quickly and efficiently “predict and prevent” unscheduled downtime. There’s a full suite of tools designed to manage performance and productivity, from idle and operating time to fuel efficiency, location services and managing maintenance schedules. The new ConSite pocket app displays the operational status of the loaders over smart phones and Google maps.
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Operator comfort
Dealer-client relationship
Gary Hudgens, a supervisor at Big Creek, says the ZW330-6's controls are another benefit. "I like how smooth the controls are on them. I love the controls," he says. In addition, he says the driver environment is optimized and quieter thanks to improved sound insulation in the cab and the low-noise Cummins engine, which is particularly useful for operations that run long hours, such as Big Creek. An E-Stick joystick steering and function is designed to make operation simpler and easier.
Harvey says the dealer relationship and service are a large part of the decision to purchase the Hitachi wheel loaders. "We have a good relationship with Amarillo Machinery. They help us with equipment decisions and provide the service we need to keep our operation running safely and productively,” he says.
Operator comfort is a big part of the ZW330-6's appeal, McMann says. "There are a lot of features in there to give that operator comfort," he says. "If an operator is in there for 10-12 hours a day, you want him to feel comfortable."
McMann says to factor in the benefits of selling equipment with cutting-edge technology like ConSite, lower cost of ownership, productivity, safety and driver comfort, and you can see why this close dealer-customer relationship works so well. ■
Watch Big Creek Sand & Gravel's story on being the first to purchase the ZW330-6 in the U.S. market. youtu.be/vn-54nC8504
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INTRODUCING THE POWERFUL, EFFICIENT ZW330-6 New wheel loader features DPF-free Tier 4 Final technology
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itachi Construction Machinery Loaders America Inc. (HCMA) is launching the new ZW330-6 wheel loader on the heels of the ZW370-6. Designed and engineered to meet the demands of the North American market, the new model offers exceptional levels of performance without compromising on efficiency. The ZW330-6 wheel loader features a bucket capacity of 6.3 cubic yards and is powered by the Cummins QSL9 Certified Tier-4 Final engine designed to reduce
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maintenance costs and increase fuel efficiency. It does not require a diesel particulate filter and therefore avoids any regen related downtime.
Engineered in Japan and using marketleading technology, the ZW330-6 has been developed with an emphasis on safety, operator comfort, efficiency, reliability and low operating costs. The ZW330-6 is ideal for a wide range of applications and environments, including high-volume material production, stockpiling, and site excavation and development.
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When Charles Harvey, mine manager at Borger, Texas-based Big Creek Sand & Gravel, reviewed the specs for the new Hitachi ZW330-6, he recommended they seize the opportunity to buy the first two Hitachi ZW330-6s in the U.S. “We were looking for reliability and productivity, and the power and efficiency of the ZW330-6 exceeds expectations,” he says. Because their digging operation runs six days a week to produce sand and gravel for highway construction work, Harvey says it’s imperative to operate powerful, efficient equipment. "Performance is everything for a company that handles Big Creek's scope of work." They particularly liked the lack of DPF, plus the safety features and operator comfort.
DPF-free
Powered by the Cummins QSL9 Certified Tier-4 Final engine, the ZW330-6 does not require a diesel particulate filter, reducing maintenance and parts costs. That feature, combined with lock-up transmission, enhances fuel efficiency while traveling. “That’s one more item eliminated that could have caused problems or become another cost down the road,” says Dallas McMann, general manager at Amarillo Machinery Company, Big Creek’s Hitachi dealer. In hill-climbing environments the machine speed is further enhanced. Its impressive full-turn tipping load at 39,300 pounds is a leader in its class and a testament of its strength and balance.
Visibility
Several features of the ZW330-6 ensure it is one of the safest wheel loaders in its class. Visibility of the job site is excellent thanks to the 360-degree panoramic view from the spacious cab, the curved engine hood, and the in-dash rear-view camera. Designed to further enhance visibility, details such as the positioning of the muffler and air intake have also increased rear-view visibility.
Comfort
The comfort of operators is also considered in the design. Noise levels in the cab are reduced by improved sound insulation, providing a quiet working environment. To ensure a smooth driving experience on all kinds of terrain, the
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How the Hitachi ZW370-6 wheel loader powers Big Creek Sand & Gravel’s operation > Reliability
To survive and thrive in the sand and gravel business, production must be consistent and productive. Big Creek Sand & Gravel mine manager Charles Harvey says they ordered the first Hitachi ZW330-6s in the U.S. because of their productivity and reliability. "For productivity and reliability, this is one of the best loaders we’ve operated.”
>
Low maintenance
The ZW330-6’s lack of a diesel particulate filter means even more uptime since there’s no time-consuming DPF maintenance or regeneration cycles. “The lack of DPF is a game-changer with the ZW330-6. Particulate filter is always a problem, and without that, it does help.”
> Advanced safety
The ZW330-6 contributes to safe machine operation and sets Hitachi apart from the competition with features such as increased visibility with a 360-degree view for the operator, rear-view camera and multifunctional LCD monitor in front of the operator. “The operators love the increased visibility of the loader and its direct impact on safety.”
standard ride control feature minimizes pitching caused by the movement of lift arm cylinders. The low-profile dash, fulllength doors, and well-organized storage areas all create a comfortable and productive operator environment. Effortless operation and exceptional control are ensured by the standard
E-Stick Joystick Steering System, which enables operators to reach high levels of productivity. The multifunctional LCD monitor in the cab also makes work easier, showing vital information at a glance. The standard heated air suspension seat and adjustable side console allow the operator to customize their work environment.
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McCann says operator comfort is a big part of the ZW330-6’s appeal. “If an operator is in there for 10-12 hours a day, you want him to feel comfortable.”
Versatility
Features such as the quick power switch contribute to the ZW330-6’s versatility. The switch can be activated for hill climbing and instantly increases engine output when more power is required in other situations. The ZW3306 is very intuitive as well. Intelligent features use inputs from the machine to adjust performance to match
worksite environment and application. Simultaneous movement of the bucket and lift arm ensures an efficient digging operation. Efficient loading is ensured by a 25% improvement in traction force compared to the previous model.
Durability
Robust materials and strengthened components have enhanced the durability of the new wheel loader. These include high-quality aluminum radiators which improve resistance to corrosion, heavy duty structural features, Z-link boom arms designed to improve reach and clearance,
box section frame, base mounted boom cylinder, and heavy-duty center pin. The ZW330-6’s easy maintenance features contribute to a high level of reliable performance. The engine covers open fully for convenient access to the engine, ground level access to fluids and filters, and extended hydraulic and engine oil change intervals. These features in conjunction with ConSite, the complimentary HCMA Cost of Ownership Management program, ensure reduced downtime and ease of management of routine maintenance practices. ■
Hitachi Construction Machinery Loaders America Inc. has made a significant commitment to the North American market. With manufacturing facilities in Tierra, Ryugasaki, Tsuchiura and Hitachinaka-Rinko, Japan, and locally in Newnan, Georgia, HCMA offers outstanding parts availability, an unmatched factory component exchange program, customer and dealer training programs, and a wide range of services and programs to provide outstanding support for Hitachi wheel loaders. The HCMA team is focused on wheel loaders and only wheel loaders. Backed by the global strength of Hitachi, HCMA is poised to make a major impact on the wheel loader market in North America. For more information please visit hitachiwheelloaders.us.
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130,000 attendees Attendance by primary business Contractors Dealer/dist./rental Producers Manufacturing Mining Service industry Government
67% 16% 5% 5% 3% 3% 1%
Attendance by company size
Attendance by job title
1,001+
Engineering
11%
5%
Executive
Sales/ marketing
251-500
42%
13%
21%
14%
Project/ fleet manager
51-100
16%
Foreman/operator
19%
Increases over 2017 CONEXPO/AGG • 8% U.S. buyer attendance increase • 5% total buyer attendance increase • 14% overall contractor and producer attendance increase • 6 in 7 attendees served in decision-making role
HCMA BOOTH Aisle traffic: 56,736 Visitors: 6,884 Average minutes: 7.2
67% were construction
OVERALL ATTENDEES
contractors
of booth visitors were in the heavy construction business
10 or fewer
8%
101-250
15%
40%
8%
501-1,000
11-50
28%
Hitachi Construction Machinery Loaders America Inc. 60 Amlajack Blvd. Newnan, GA 30265
YOU DRIVE TO WORK ON A ROAD YOU BUILT. We’re in the word-keeping business. For us, every move counts. Our machines are taking production to a whole new level. Because we know that what’s important to you isn’t just a job. It’s upholding the standard by which you measure every job.
A FULL LINE OF WHEEL LOADERS
• 13 Models • 30 HP – 531 HP
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