French quarry upgrades to new ZX890LCR-7 large excavator

This exceptional reliability and performance under the quarry’s intensive operating conditions were among the reasons why the company chose to invest in the new Zaxis-7 machine.

“The ZX890-6 had a total uptime of 11,092 hours in the past six years with zero downtime,” says Ludovic Chaux, Director of Carrières de la Loire Delage. “We were confident we could achieve even better results with the optimised fuel consumption of the next generation.

“So far, the ZX890LCR-7 has already worked for about 600 hours, and we saw a 5% decrease in fuel consumption compared to the previous Zaxis-6 model, with a higher level of performance and improved operator comfort.”

A strategic investment

Designed to enhance productivity, the 95-tonne ZX890LCR-7 has 377 kW (512 hp) engine power and is equipped with a 5 m³ bucket, a reinforced chassis for optimal stability, and a Stage V engine that complies with current environmental standards.

Its main features include: a bucket breakout force of up to 472 kN; ultra-responsive hydraulics for faster cycles; and a pressurised, low-noise and air-conditioned cab for optimal operator comfort. It also has on-board real-time monitoring systems for performance and fuel consumption, and easy access to components for simplified maintenance.

A supportive dealer

This strategic investment by Carrières de la Loire Delage was fully supported by its local Hitachi Construction Machinery dealer Teramat. The dealer worked closely with the quarry’s technical teams and was involved in the configuration, delivery and commissioning of the machine.

“This equipment demonstrates the Delage Group's commitment to investing in machines that are powerful, reliable and durable – perfectly suited to the demands of modern quarries,” said Pierre Mailland-Rosset, Teramat General Director.

The ZX890-7 was supplied with a five-year full service contract (for 2,500 hours per year). “We have been working together with Teramat for about 25 years now and we are extremely happy with the after-sales support they provide,” says Ludovic Chaux. The quarry also has a Hitachi ZX210 medium excavator and a ZW180 wheel loader.

Carrières de la Loire produces one million tonnes of aggregates per year, which is sold in the nearby region. “Even if the global market for stone, gravel and sand is decreasing, there are fewer quality producers in this territory. So, this means we face an increase in demand – specifically in the south-east of France for railway ballast and road construction materials.”