Based on a Hitachi ZX850 and weighing in at 115 tonnes operating weight, the original machine has been fitted with a triple articulated arm to provide a maximum reach of 22m.
Since its original reveal at Hillhead in 2007 and following extensive trials, the ZX850 has been working at Inverness Marina on the Moray Firth excavating gravel from the river bed and has proved to be almost twice as productive as traditional long reach machines of a similar size.
This high productivity not only dramatically reduces the cost per tonne produced by the machine but also cuts fuel costs and emissions by half, in part due to the new efficient engine, but mainly because it is digging almost twice as much in a day as Land & Water has previously achieved with other machines using a similar amount of fuel. This is a significant saving when fuel can cost 10-15p per tonne extracted.
The machine has a 22m outreach and is equipped with a standard 4.2m³ bucket that weighs over 4 tonnes empty and holds 8 tonnes of gravel.
Richard Maclean, Director of Land & Water Plant, said, “The ZX850 will outdig all other machines of its size and puts traditional long reach machines in the shade. But this is not just about size, the triple articulated boom allows the machine to be far more versatile than a standard long reach machine as it can dig large volumes close in as well as within its long outreach.”
The machine is fitted with a Prolec Digmaster which provides dig depth and angles to the operator and can be set to prevent the machine undercutting itself in a quarrying application, in addition it has real time GPS fitted which enables accurate digging, even below the sea. With the capability to lift in excess of 20 tonnes the machine is also fitted with a Prolec Safe Load Indicator so it can be used as a crane on sites.
The machine is easy to transport on the road and the dipper is removed with the bucket on and transported separately in a specially designed cradle with lifting points. The cradle also doubles as a raised platform which allows the operator to safely inspect the arm whilst minimizing risk from working at heights.
Although this machine was originally built for high production requirements, its ability to handle a 10 tonne attachment and the additional strength of the arm lend this machine to possibilities in demolition duties too.
