A big step forward for excavator operator Sonnie

A road construction project

“We carry out many tasks on this project with the ZX175W-7,” adds Sonnie. “I am involved with most things that we do to build a new road. Here this includes laying water and sewage pipes, backfilling, placing the border stone and adjusting the asphalt.”

He has worked with a ZX140W-6 and another ZX175W-7 (supplied three years previously and now operated by a colleague) since joining Borg in 2017. With a total of 12 years’ operating experience, Sonnie is perfectly placed to give his view on the development of Hitachi’s wheeled excavator range.

“Overall, the hydraulics have taken a big step forward and you get a completely different feeling from driving the -7 series, which is even better than the -6 series,” he says. “It is more precise and smoother – much like a Zaxis-7 crawler excavator – and the handling is excellent, especially during the loading cycle.

Feel the difference with Hitachi wheeled excavators

“I also like the additional space and high level of comfort in the cab. The steering wheel is also more user-friendly: it’s smaller and more adjustable. The screen on the monitor is also bigger and better, and it’s easier to view. In addition, the all-round visibility has been improved thanks to the 270-degree bird's-eye view from the camera. You can set up the machine in a completely different way from the cab – without needing a computer.”