New Zaxis-7 Hitachi (HCM) excavator delivered to Norwegian contractor

Loyal customer, Odd Småge has recently taken delivery of a Hitachi Construction Machinery (HCM) ZX135US-7 medium excavator. The short-tail swing radius machine will join other HCM models to assist with the company’s work on earthmoving, landscaping, dredging and transportation projects.

Machines that keep running

This new model has proven popular with the team at Odd Småge, who are very impressed with their latest fleet addition. Boasting a modernised cab, Zaxis-7 machines are fast becoming a favourite with the 40 employees (who are mostly operators), as well as the owner Kjell Arne Småge who says: “I really like the new cab in the -7 series excavators – it’s the best for comfort and I see the value of investing in the latest machines.”

Kjell has opted for HCM since 2013 when Odd Småge purchased five Zaxis-5 machines: a ZX135US-5, ZX210LC-5, ZX225USR-5, ZX290LC-5 and ZX350LC-5. And they’re still operating these excavators today thanks to their excellent durability! Kjell says: “We’ve had no trouble from any of our Hitachi machines – they are all really good. What I like most about them is that they are unbelievably reliable. They just keep on running.”

Due to the remote sites where many of Odd Småge’s projects are located, reliable machines and service are essential for the business. The contractor is based on the island of Gossa in Aukra, and from here they cover a huge geographical area. “We work as far north as Frøya and as far south as Molde – and on all of the islands in between,” says Kjell.

Hitachi Construction Machinery – a lasting partnership

This latest delivery was made by authorised dealer, Nasta – who have supplied the company with HCM machines for the last 10 years. The dealer delivered another Zaxis-7 model to the contractor just two years ago, a ZX350LC-7 which came with a 6,000-hour service contract.

Kjell says: “I’m really pleased with the relationship I have with Nasta, especially our points of contact in this region for sales, Ola Vik, and service, Nils Åge Grøtta. We have a really good rapport. If I call them with a request, they just get on with it and we get help when we need it.”

The family construction business

Odd Småge has been operating for almost 70 years, having been founded in 1954 by Kjell’s father, Odd, and two of his uncles. According to Kjell, this generation built the company from scratch “with limited resources”. He says: “They invested wisely and developed the company, without ever getting themselves into any financial difficulties.”

Their specialism in construction began in 1990. Now, the company is run by Kjell, his brother and Kjell’s son Frank, who recently took over his father’s 72% share in the business – marking the third generation of family management. “Now, I’m hoping that my son will do just as good a job as the generations before him. I am very pleased with what we have achieved,” says Kjell.