Hitachi’s ZW310-6 wheel loader wins MinERALiX on-site competition
German recycling and demolition waste company MinERALiX has purchased a large-capacity Hitachi wheel loader for one of its facilities located to the west of Weingarten (Baden) in southern Germany. The Gaggenau-based company ordered the ZW310-6 from the authorised Hitachi dealer Kiesel after holding a comparison test between products from five different manufacturers.
MinERALiX carried out the test in the summer of 2016 to ensure that it would invest in the wheel loader best suited to its specific needs. Each machine was tested for up to four days by the regular operators under normal operating conditions at the recycling and demolition waste facility, which also acts as a municipal green waste collection point for the area.
Comfort and power
“It was important to test the machines at our facility and carry out all of our regular tasks,” says MinERALiX’s Site Manager, Thorsten Fredrich. “By listing all of the plus and minus points for each model, we were able to quickly establish the decision criteria – such as quality, service and price – and ultimately the machine that we really needed. The overall conclusion from the operators was that no other machine was better than the Hitachi ZW310-6. They described it as more comfortable and powerful than the other brands. As an example, the hydraulic system is vital when it comes to dumping wet and ‘sticky’ materials out of the bucket – and the Hitachi was the only model to pass this test.”
Smooth operator
Operator Milanko Milivojević has 20 years’ experience and played a leading role in the wheel loader test: “The Hitachi was very comfortable and powerful, as well as the best to drive. The joystick steering is easy to use and allows for a smooth operation. It’s very stable and performs well when carrying materials, even when travelling up and down the steep slopes on this site. It also feels safe and stable when loading trucks thanks to the excellent visibility. It’s quieter and offers a more comfortable working environment in the cab. The rear visibility is also better than the other machines and the convenient access points mean that it is easy to check the fuel and lubricant levels.”
Reliable partner
Service was also an important consideration for the company and it has enjoyed a positive experience with Kiesel and its existing Hitachi ZW220 wheel loader since 2011. “It was also a matter of service,” Thorsten confirms. “We want peace of mind and to know that if we do have a problem, then we can call Kiesel and they will take care of any issues – including the supply of a replacement machine if it was ever required. I’ve also been aware of Kiesel’s high service standards since I started my career 18 years ago. We have worked together in some capacity since then and in my experience, Kiesel is a completely reliable partner. If there’s ever a problem, they solve it and really take care of their customer’s needs.”
