Hitachi electric excavator used on regeneration project

Photo: Hitachi

A Hitachi Premium Rental electric excavator has been used on a regeneration project in the town centre of Aalst, near Eindhoven in The Netherlands.

The ZE85 compact electric excavator was deployed by J. van Uijthoven & Zn BV for groundworks, sewerage, and utility pipe installation last year on the two-year government-funded project.

To secure the work, company owner Jurgen van Uijthoven needed to show how electric machines could be used on site.

He chose to rent the ZE85 through local Hitachi dealer Pellen BV and HCM Nederland.

He said he selected the 8.5-tonne ZE85 for its compact size, low weight, and suitability for confined spaces. Although the excavator can be cable-operated, the operator charged it during breaks and overnight.

“The performance is similar to a diesel machine and the controls are the same,” said operator Wil van Gerven. “It is quieter than a diesel model, and you have to think about charging – it’s a different way of working.”

In November 2024, J. van Uijthoven & Zn BV also rented a larger ZE135 electric excavator for a six-month sewer replacement project in Bladel.

The company’s first Hitachi fleet, purchased through Pellen, also includes two ZXW-7 wheeled excavators, a Premium Used ZX210-6, and ZX19 and ZX38U mini excavators.

“I prefer to buy but the resale value of a machine is so important,” said van Uijthoven. “These electric machines enable me to work on government projects, and if the resale value is uncertain, it doesn’t make sense for me to buy.”

With its Premium Rental offering, Hitachi offers excavators from one to 50 tonnes, including several electric models from five to 15 tonnes. 

It was first launched in 2018 to support its sales network in establishing rental businesses.