First Hitachi ZW310-5 wheel loader arrives in the UK

Hitachi Construction Machinery (UK) Ltd are pleased to announce the sale of the UK’s first Hitachi ZW310-5 Wheel Loader to TJ Transport Ltd, a large waste management, haulage and recycling company based in Fareham, Hampshire. Included in the order were also two Hitachi ZW220-5 wheel loaders.

The new Hitachi ZW310-5 has been designed with a range of innovations created to maximise efficiency, productivity, operator comfort, safety and serviceability, whilst reducing its environmental impact. Fuel efficient features help to reduce running costs, while its enhanced manoeuvrability will boost efficiency on the jobsite.

The 12.9 litre six-cylinder Hino water-cooled turbo engine produces powerful levels of digging and travelling performance, while the two engine modes provide a 10% reduction in fuel consumption through use of the Eco mode when the full capability of the machine is not required. A new hydraulics circuit optimises loading speed by facilitating combined operation of the bucket and lift arm for loading, while prioritising use of the 4.4m bucket for unloading.

The spacious cab offers class leading visibility, with a pillar-less windshield, large sun visor, additional panels in the door and rear view monitor, while the heated air suspension seat with adjustable lumber support, precise temperature regulation, MP3/radio capabilities and a cool box to store food and drinks enhances operator comfort.

Serviceability has been optimised for the ZW310-5 to ensure maximum availability, with easily accessible greasing points, oil levels and fuel filters. The automatic reversible cooling fan allows for straightforward cleaning of the radiator, with its one minute automatic reverse rotation every 30 minutes of operation.

The new Hitachi ZW310-5 was built to comply with EU emission control stage IIIB and has a range of features to boost fuel efficiency, including, fuel-saving work mode, optional engine shutdown during periods of long idling and Eco display. The muffler filter captures air pollutants, which are automatically burnt through exhaust temperature control and an oxidation catalyst. Additionally, nitrous oxide levels are reduced through a variable geometry turbocharger that encourages optimal combustion and high volume-cooled exhaust gas recirculation.

The reliability of the Hitachi brand was a key factor in the purchase decision of TJ Transport, who have been using Hitachi construction equipment for the past eight years. Managing Director John Gosling says “we chose the new Hitachi ZW310-5 to add to our fleet because Hitachi has continuously proved to produce superior machines, and this wheel loader is no exception. Models from other manufacturers used on single month loans simply did not have the power needed for the business we provide to our 3000+ clients and were unable to match the build quality of the Hitachi”.

The purchase also marked the first time TJ Transport opted for the Hitachi Construction Machinery (UK) SOLAS service and extended warranty package, which they have since retrospectively added to the rest of their Hitachi fleet. John Gosling explains “the machines have now developed to such a high level of engineering complexity that maintenance from Hitachi really is the only option. With the expert product knowledge offered by Hitachi engineers, as well as continuous preventative maintenance to avoid problems and breakdowns, SOLAS provides us with guaranteed peace of mind”.

In the last two years, TJ Transport has expanded to employ 140 members of staff, an increase of 40, due to its acquisition of new contracts. The TJ Group was established in 1995 by Terry ‘TJ’ Higgins and includes TJ Waste and Recycling as well as TJ Transport. The acquisition of the Hitachi ZW310-5 coincides with the company recently expanding its fleet of vehicles to over 100 for the first time, marking another milestone in a long prosperous relationship between TJ Transport and Hitachi Construction Machinery (UK).