Hick Bros Civil Construction will soon have three new Hidromek excavators working on sites in Auckland and Hawke’s Bay
It’s probably fair to say that the current economic climate isn’t boding well for a lot of contractors, and subsequently, that has a flow-on effect for anyone who is brave enough to be in the equipment supply market.
However, judging by conversations Deals on Wheels writers have had with some contractors there could be some light on the horizon, and a case-in-point is Hick Bros Civil Construction Ltd, who have recently ordered three Hidromek excavators from New Zealand distributor Magnum Equipment.
The three new machines will be shared between the company’s Auckland and Hawke’s Bay branches, with the North Island-based civil engineering firm selecting a size range between 16 and 31 tonnes.
“We have had Hidromeks for a few years now, so we’ve gathered enough data to carry out a detailed per-hour study of R&M costs that we could use to compare across the brands we own. It enabled us to make an unbiased decision on what equipment was more suited to the type of work we carry out,” says Hick Bros general manager Dan Hohneck.
“Like a lot of other businesses watching our spend, we wanted to ensure we had the correct and most cost-effective machinery in our fleet.”
Three on duty
The smallest of the three purchases is the Hidromek HMK 145 LCSR H4. With an operating weight of 16.6 tonnes, the long carriage-short radius machine will be fitted with GPS controls and replace another brand on subdivision work, retaining wall construction and other civil construction prep work in the Auckland region.
Joining its smaller sibling in Auckland will be a Hidromek HMK 230 LC H4. Replacing a similar-sized machine of the same brand, it is powered by a 172HP(128kW)@2000rpm Isuzu engine. The 23,400kg machine will also be fitted with GPS controls and will go to a leading operator who will use it on subdivision finishing work and other tasks it is suited to.
“The new 230 replaces a Hidromek that has done around 3000 hours and the older machine will be moved across to sheet piling work,” says Dan.
New 310 for Central North Island
As for the largest of the three new machines, the Hidromek HMK 310 LC H4 has proven to be a popular model for Magnum Equipment customers and accordingly, it will replace a machine of the same type in the Hick Bros fleet. Tipping the scales at 31,600kg, power is provided by a 216HP(161kW)@1800rpm Isuzu engine and the machine will also be fitted with GPS controls.
“The 310 will be heading to our central North Island branch and go to one of our top operators who will swap off the same model that has clocked over 3000 hours,” says Dan.
“The operator wanted to go with the same again but asked for a tilt-hitch instead of a tilt bucket. I know he was initially sceptical of the brand, but it seems he has been converted.”
After proving the worth of larger Hidromeks in the Hick Bros fleet at the Harapaki Wind Farm (DOW348), the largest of the three newest machines purchased will be put to work on various duties between Taupō, Hawke’s Bay, and down to Manawatū.
“The machine will be kept busy on bridge repairs, concrete works, subdivisions, geothermal work, erosion control for local authorities, retaining walls, irrigation, stop banks and a host of other work we have become known for in the region,” says Dan.
Cost of ownership
When compared to the other brands of the same size they own, Dan says their study underlined that the Hidromeks were the cheapest to run R&M-wise in a tough environment – the average hourly cost of ownership was right down.
“Some of the lower costs can be attributed to careful operators, but we found the heavier track gear looks like it holds up, at least to what we expect to be in the 6000-8000-hour range,” he says.
Dan goes on to say that Hidromek parts were another reason R&M costs were more cost-effective.
“We found that of our three most popular brands, Hidromek parts were the most affordable,” he says. “To be fair, it was reasonably close between Hidromek and another brand we have, while the third contender was quite a bit higher. One example is a door panel for a Hidromek was one-third the price compared to the most expensive brand.”
“From there, it will be a matter of when do we call time on each machine before we have to contend with the replacement of track chains and drive components. It will be interesting to see how the machines work out over time, but so far, we’re pleased with the results.”
For more information, contact Liam Field on 021 334 098 or Luke Field on 021 988 223 or visit magnumequipment.co.nz
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