Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe)
The largest excavator to be delivered by Hitachi Construction Machinery Netherlands last year, an EX1200-7, is now working on a demanding project in Germany. The unique machine, with an operating weight of almost 150 tonnes, is owned by Netherlands-based company Dieker Overslag, a specialist in transshipment and transport services.
The perfect excavator
The EX1200-7 is renowned worldwide for heavy earthmoving, demolition, and quarrying. For this project, the crawler excavator was fully customised to meet specific operational needs.
Originally weighing 122 tonnes, the machine has been upgraded with an additional 14 tonnes of counterweight, 900 mm wide tracks, and a 30 m extended boom to deliver exceptional digging reach. It is also equipped with an integrated Leica Geosystems GPS system, a Pladdet chain bucket with 3 m³ capacity (ideal for underwater work) and a quick coupler system with hydraulic valves, ensuring easy, leak-free attachment swaps.
“We spent a lot of time specifying the machine,” says Director Rick Dieker. “Thanks to the modifications, such as the AMC automatic lubrication system – which pays extra attention to continuously working underwater with the boom – the EX1200-7 is perfectly tailored to our operations. This makes it not only powerful but also incredibly efficient.”
A successful start on site
Immediately after delivery, the EX1200-7 was transported in sections to Germany and assembled on site. The machine is now being used to excavate an area up to 12 m underwater and has already moved more than 100,000 tonnes of sand, with around 40,000 to 50,000 tonnes still to go.
“The machine is running fantastically,” adds Dieker. “The boom was extended from 21 to 30 m, and we knew this could be a risk because there wasn’t time for extensive calculations. But the result has exceeded our expectations – the machine is stable, powerful, and meets all our requirements.”
A partner in innovation
Founded by Johan Dieker and now led by his son, Rick, Dieker Overslag has built a reputation for innovation and customer focus. In addition to ship transshipment, it offers dredging, internal transport, and machine rental services. Its fleet includes transshipment machines, cranes, dump trucks, wheel loaders, a sand dredger, and more.
Earlier this year, the company relocated to a new 8,000 m² site in Reusel. “Our philosophy has always been to keep innovating and improving,” says Dieker. “This applies not only to our fleet of machines, but also to how we work. We want to operate sustainably and efficiently, so we can fully unburden our customers.”
Partnership with Hitachi
The choice of the EX1200-7 was strongly influenced by the company’s close relationship with Hitachi Construction Machinery Netherlands (HCM NL).
“We are extremely proud to have delivered this unique machine,” says Ruud van Grotel, Account Manager, HCM NL. “The EX1200-7 is a fantastic example of what is possible when you combine customisation with technological innovation.”
After its successful debut in Germany, the machine will be available for flexible deployment across future projects. Thanks to its interchangeable BE front, the EX1200-7 can be used for a wide range of heavy-duty applications, including standard large earthmoving projects.
Machine specifications
- Engine Rated Power (kW): 567.0 kW (760 HP)
- Operating Weight: 115 000 - 118 000 kg
- Backhoe Bucket ISO Heaped: 5.2 - 7.0 m3
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