Hitachi’s Rental Electric Excavator Powers Low-Emission Government Initiative
Hitachi’s Rental Electric Excavator Powers Low-Emission Government Initiative
In the Netherlands, the town center of Aalst, close to Eindhoven, has been revitalized thanks in large part to a Hitachi Premium Rental compact electric excavator. J. van Uijthoven & Zn BV utilized the ZE85 for utility pipe installation, sewerage work, and groundwork on the site close to Eindhoven in the fall of 2024.
Jurgen van Uijthoven, the owner of the company, had to show that electric excavators could be utilized for the job in order to be considered for the government-funded project. He chose to rent the ZE85 from his local Hitachi dealer, Pellen BV, and HCM Nederland because the project was expected to last two years.
“The team at Pellen are helpful and we have been working together for 30 years,” says Jurgen. “That’s why I went to them for an electric machine and didn’t look elsewhere.” The dealer helped him to arrange the rental contract with HCM Nederland. “It was an easy process, we got a quick response and it was conveniently arranged.”
Jurgen selected the 8.5-tonne model due to its compact size, relatively low weight, and ability to work in confined spaces. Although it can also be cable-operated, it is more practical for the operator to charge the excavator during lunch breaks and overnight on site.
A different way of working
“The performance is similar to a diesel machine and the controls are the same,” says operator Wil van Gerven, who has used Hitachi excavators for 25 years. “It is quieter than a diesel model, and you have to think about charging – it’s a different way of working. There are many different tasks on site, some heavier than others, so it depends on what you are doing.”
In addition to this model, Jurgen rented a larger ZE135 electric excavator in November 2024, to use on a six-month sewer replacement project in Bladel. The rest of his company’s Hitachi fleet, however, has been purchased from Pellen, and 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,” says Jurgen. “People don’t yet know what that value will be for electric machines, there are no used electric models available yet.
“These electric machines enable me to work on government projects, and if it’s a two-year project, and the resale value is uncertain, it doesn’t make sense for me to buy.”
A wide range of excavators from one to 50 tonnes are available through the Hitachi Premium Rental programme for both short- and long-term rental periods. The fleet also includes several electric models from five to 15 tonnes. This reflects the increase in demand from contractors seeking to comply with government requirements for zero-emission machines, particularly to work in city centers and environmentally sensitive areas, such as waterways.
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