The H4 series raises the bar with stronger builds, smarter design, and field-tested toughness
In last month’s issue we looked back at some of the first buyers of Hidromek excavators in New Zealand. This month, we jump ahead a couple of years and focus on the introduction of the new H4 models.
It was at the National Agricultural Fieldays held at Mystery Creek in 2020, that punters were first introduced to the latest H4 series that heavy equipment manufacturer Hidromek had recently introduced to the global market, in the form a handful of the 16.6-tonne HMK 145 LCSR H4 demonstrator models that had arrived just in time for the show.
The short radius of the LCSR (long carriage short radius) machine also allowed New Zealand distributor of the brand, Magnum Equipment, to offer a model that wasn’t previously available before then.
As the distributor expected, the H4 model was a popular exhibit at the show and laid the groundwork for the acceptance of a number other Hidromek H4 models and equipment types that were to follow.
Corey Van De Steeg of On Point Earthworks was the first recipient of an H4 model after inspecting a demonstration excavator at Fieldays and purchasing a HMK145 LCSR H4, then going a step further by adding a Leica iCON MC1 system to help boost productivity.
“Corey was at Fieldays and purchased the first H4,” says Magnum Equipment founder and director Liam Field. “He was keen to get going, so we organised an H4 machine for him to use, as the first main shipment was still on the water.”
The H4 design
Prior to the introduction of the H4 series, Hidromek reportedly had over 45,000 machines operating in more than 100 countries, so even then the manufacturer was no slouch when it came to getting equipment into buyer’s hands, but the introduction of the new series stepped up the game as far as design and machine productivity was concerned.
The new H4 design heralded a complete shift of virtually all construction equipment products Hidromek made not only in a completely different look from previously, but also new engineering specifications, in what must have been a huge logistical challenge for the manufacturer.
As far as excavators were concerned, the most noticeable difference to the untrained eye would have been the higher reae end of all the models from the previous Gen 3 series. For anyone taking a closer look at the H4 design, the solid build quality would be carried over from the previous generation in the form of heavier gauge steel on the steel panel exterior, along with the use of noticeably thicker steel on the undercarriage.
Right: Corey Van De Steeg of On Point Earthworks
“These are premium priced machines and part of the price a buyer pays for is the solid build of the machine,” says Liam. “It’s why they sit firmly on the ground and bounce around less than most other brands of a similar size.”
Operators of the H4 series excavators would find a spacious redesigned cabin, along with a heated, air-suspended seat that reclines back 35-degrees, perfect for those really slow days.
The eight sound speakers Hidromek slotted around the cab interior were more than enough to keep anyone in a happy enough mood even if they were to spend most of the day listening to talkback radio.
“The aircon is one of the best features, most people reckon,” says Liam. “It has one of the best heating-cooling systems in its class I understand.”
Across to the hydraulic componentry, Hidromek continued to use well-respected suppliers for the H4 series of excavators, with engines from Isuzu and pumps courtesy of Kawasaki.
“The best thing about using these suppliers is the aftermarket parts availability for owners once a machine comes out of warranty,” says Liam. “Genuine or aftermarket parts are affordable and easy to source, so it doesn’t break the bank when maintenance needs to be carried out as the machine ages.”
Backbone of Hidromek
The H4 series continues to be the backbone of the Hidromek stable of machinery, with a significant number of machines now operating in New Zealand, representing a size range from 14.8 tonnes through to large 50-tonne behemoths, which are primarily used in quarry situations. Add to this are other H4-styled types, which include compaction rollers, graders and backhoe tractors.
“We’ve been quite lucky to be at the forefront of the H4 series,” says Liam. “The model really allowed us to gain acceptance in the marketplace sooner than even we expected. The H4 series across all the machinery types has been well-designed and the build quality is superb. It represented a significant shift from what users had been accustomed to.”
For more information, contact Liam Field at 021 334 098 or Luke Field at 021 988 223 or visit magnumequipment.co.nz
Images from DOW library