A reliable wheel loader rental option

Located in in Reggio Emilia in northern Italy, Iren Ambiente specialises in waste management including the treatment, collection and disposal of urban and garden waste. Since 2022, it has been using Hitachi Premium Rental wheel loaders, initially for its plant in Forsu in Gavassa, and subsequently at its two plants in Mancasale.

Supported by Hitachi Construction Machinery dealer

The first model was a ZW310-6 delivered in 2022 (and replaced by the next generation model ZW310-7 in 2024), followed by a ZW220-7 that arrived in 2023, and the latest model, a ZW250-7, delivered in February 2025.

The ZW220-7 is hired on a three-year contract, and the ZW250-7 and ZW310-7 each have a two-year contract (with an option to extend for another year for the ZW310-7). All are supported by Iren Ambiente’s local Hitachi dealer, WR57.

The ideal wheel loader

With load and carry distances up to 200m, the wheel loaders are vital for transporting waste materials around each site and supporting various stages of the process. At Forsu, they handle biogas and mixed compost biogas; and at Mancasale, they transport woodchips required for biofuel.

“We selected these Hitachi models because they are ideal for this application,” says Plant Manager Massimo Bandini. “They operate for 12 hours per day, handling up to 160,000 tonnes of material at Forsu and up to 50,000 tonnes at Mancasale.”

The benefits of machinery rental

There are several benefits of hiring the Hitachi wheel loaders for Iren Ambiente, namely fixed costs – including maintenance and service by WR57 – throughout the rental period, which makes it easier for the company to budget. In addition, the dealer can supply a replacement machine in the unlikely event of an issue, to ensure maximum uptime.

The Premium Rental programme also provides Iren Ambiente with access to the current Hitachi ZW-7 models, which are equipped with the latest innovations.

These include the rear obstacle detection and warning system that alerts operators immediately if anything is close to the rear of the machine, and the Aerial Angle camera system that provides an exceptional 270-degree bird’s-eye view of the job site.

In addition to excellent visibility, Hitachi ZW-7 wheel loaders have some of the lowest noise and vibration levels in the market, and are especially easy to use thanks to features such as the improved seat with mounted electric pilot control leavers.

“The operators say they are safe, quiet and comfortable machines, even during intensive work phases,” says Massimo.

The benefits of machinery rental

There are several benefits of hiring the Hitachi wheel loaders for Iren Ambiente, namely fixed costs – including maintenance and service by WR57 – throughout the rental period, which makes it easier for the company to budget. In addition, the dealer can supply a replacement machine in the unlikely event of an issue, to ensure maximum uptime.

The Premium Rental programme also provides Iren Ambiente with access to the current Hitachi ZW-7 models, which are equipped with the latest innovations.

These include the rear obstacle detection and warning system that alerts operators immediately if anything is close to the rear of the machine, and the Aerial Angle camera system that provides an exceptional 270-degree bird’s-eye view of the job site.

In addition to excellent visibility, Hitachi ZW-7 wheel loaders have some of the lowest noise and vibration levels in the market, and are especially easy to use thanks to features such as the improved seat with mounted electric pilot control leavers.

“The operators say they are safe, quiet and comfortable machines, even during intensive work phases,” says Massimo.

Excellent support for customers

Iren Ambiente and its parent multi-utility company, Gruppo Iren, are also highly satisfied with the Hitachi Premium Rental machines and the support from their local dealer.

“Since 2022, WR57 has always participated in tenders proposed by Gruppo Iren, and has gained its trust by meeting the requirements, then complying with the conditions necessary to carry out the work.”

As an example, each Hitachi wheel loader is equipped with an additional air filtration kit to enhance the operator’s working environment, and an optional high dump bucket, which is ideal for loading road trucks or hoppers with light materials such as compost, woodchips, and other waste.

Hitachi Premium Rental programme

Thanks to the performance of the Hitachi wheel loaders, the flexibility of the Premium Rental programme, and the service provided by dealer WR57, the relationship between customer, dealer and manufacturer is strengthening year by year.

“Our relationship has developed, based on the reliability and validity of the product offered, the availability of rental machines, and the services offered in terms of technical assistance and support,” says Massimo.