Product feature: Sumitomo SH235X-6 excavator
For an Auckland-based earthmoving company, a Sumitomo SH235X-6 is proving to be versatile, well balanced, and good for subdivision work
North Shore/Auckland-based earthmoving company, The Digger Collective has recently purchased their second Sumitomo SH235X-6 from New Zealand distributor, AB Equipment.
"We put it out to tender but on the condition that it was time critical; the excavator needed to be delivered and ready to go in just one week," The Digger Collective director, Keegan Webster, says.
"AB Equipment was the first one to answer the call, easily meeting the brief within the tight time frame. That’s pretty good service when you consider that we had a machine with all the bells and whistles on-site working before most of their competitors had even responded with a quote.
"Our existing Sumitomo SH235X-6 has worked well for us and is versatile. We particularly like the zero-tail swing, as we work on a lot of projects where space is limited. We also find the Sumitomo good for subdivision work. As a bulk earthworks machine, it is well balanced and works well in all areas," Keegan says.
The zero-tail swing of the Sumitomo SH235X-6, unlike a standard counterweight 20-tonne machine that swings around, is safer for this type of work. It reduces the potential for damage and minimises traffic disturbance.
"The other thing we like about the Sumitomo SH235-6 excavator is its fuel efficiency, and when compared to some of our equivalent-sized machines, the savings are remarkable," Keegan says.
According to Sumitomo, its technology is designed to match the engine and hydraulic power, further improving the operational speed while maintaining smooth control of the machine. By fusing the new-generation engine system SPACE 5 + and the new hydraulic system SIH:S +, the SH235X-6 is said to achieve a five percent reduction in fuel consumption in comparison to early models.
"Our operators are also impressed with the SH235X-6’s power and can’t get over how smooth and easy it is to operate. The addition of a Doherty tilt hitch and bucket controlled by the intuitive tilt bucket controls on the joystick has added a large degree of versatility," Keegan says.
"The cab is also very comfortable and has all the bells and whistles for operator comfort. All up, the Sumitomos have shown themselves to be a very reliable machine."
This latest acquisition by The Digger Collective comes with an optional Topcon GPS system, which has been installed to ensure that the machine digs to the right levels and eliminates over digging.
Prior to The Digger Collective being formed, Keegan along with school friend Simon Long started up The Labour Collective—a labour hire and recruitment company. They then took this a step further with The Digger Collective, which has been in business now for around three years.
"Both companies complement each other perfectly," Keegan says. "It’s great to be able to quickly access a pool of drivers who we know and who are familiar with the way we work."
About the Digger Collective
The Digger Collective specialises in small to large residential, commercial, and rural earthmoving and excavation projects throughout Auckland, including the North Shore, Warkworth, Pukekohe, and West Auckland.
The company has an extensive fleet of diggers, bulldozers, loaders, tip trucks, concrete cutters, and breakers. Current projects include a number of subdivisions Auckland-wide and a range of work on the Southern Corridor Motorway.
"AB Equipment is good to deal with, and we have had nothing but an excellent response to our servicing requirements with our first Sumitomo SH235X-6 excavator," Keegan says.
For more details, call 0800 30 30 90 for the location of your nearest nationwide AB Equipment branch.
Keep up to date in the industry by signing up to Deals on Wheels' free newsletter or liking us on Facebook.
.jpg)
