Dutch demolition experts AC Stolwerk Sloopwerken buy first Hitachi Premium Used Excavator
AC Stolwerk Sloopwerken BV has purchased the first Hitachi Premium Used excavator to work on a wide range of projects in the vicinity of Breda, in the province of North Brabant, The Netherlands. The demolition and recycling firm, which also specialises in the removal of asbestos, purchased the ZX350LC-5 due to the favourable costs associated with the machine and the excellent coverage provided by the warranty included within the Premium Used package.
Established in 1953, Stolwerk has had a long and successful working relationship with Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) NV (HCME) spanning four decades. It also has three other Hitachi excavators (a ZX470LCH-3 and two ZX210W-3s) at its disposal, for which it has always received a high level of technical support from HCME’s domestic dealer.
A beneficial programme
Owner Thierry Stolwerk – the third generation of the family to run the business – bought the Hitachi Premium Used ZX350LC-5 to load the company’s mobile crusher, which is utilised to recycle demolished materials. However, Stolwerk is so busy that the versatile machine has also been commandeered for other projects since it was delivered at the end of 2017, such as its first job on the site of an old factory that was originally built in the 1920s on Speelhuislaan in Breda.
After deciding on the ZX350LC-5 as the most appropriate machine for the capacity of the crusher, Stolwerk then considered the benefits of purchasing a model with 3,000 working hours through the Hitachi Premium Used programme. “When I was offered the guarantee of a high-quality machine with an approved Hitachi warranty, I had to assess how this would benefit our company’s operation.
A cost-effective option
“The price of a used machine was obviously advantageous and offered a 36% saving over a new model. In addition to the advantage of having less depreciation, I also had the peace of mind of fixed running costs from the maintenance contract.
“When I inspected the machine for the first time, I could feel the quality of a fully serviced machine – it was like new! I was also impressed that HCME was able to deliver the machine within a week, complete with a quick hitch, which is essential for the number of attachments we use in our demolition business.
“I would have no hesitation in buying another Hitachi Premium Used machine, as there may be an opportunity to do so in the future with one of our wheeled excavators. As well as the high level of service we receive from HCME, I also consider the fuel consumption of our machines to be a top priority and the ZX350LC-5 also ticks this box with distinction.”
An immaculate machine
Stolwerk’s experienced operator, Cees Diepstraten, who has been with the company for 25 years, says, “While you would still know that it’s a used machine, the ZX350LC-5 was delivered in immaculate condition by HCME.
“On this site, I use it for sorting the demolished materials and loading our trucks with piles of rubble, wood and metal. The machine is very stable for working with such heavy materials, and the spacious and comfortable cab allows me to have a good view of what I’m doing.”
