June 2023

Peter
Lavelle

Technical Trainer – Brisbane


Describe your current role, and the pathway which led you to it:

My current role is Technical Trainer for our construction equipment range. I have been a Diesel mechanic for over 30 years working on various brands. Nearly half of this time has been working for Hitachi, where I’ve had some great opportunities which have come my way. Prior to my current role, I was a Field Service mechanic which helped shape me as they type of trainer I have become. I like to present material knowing what I would have wanted to get out of it from a mechanic’s point of view.

Describe the work you do as a Technical Trainer:

I teach our service staff and apprentices about our machines and of the support network we have in place to support our products. As a mechanic, you are always learning and new technology can be difficult to learn and diagnose. Being given the opportunity to become a trainer and assessor allows me to share skills and knowledge that I was passionate about as a mechanic. I have fun doing my job. I travel and meet good people and always get satisfaction out of what I do.




What has helped you succeed in your career at Hitachi?

I have a saying, “Only dead fish go with the flow” so I strive to achieve good things, work hard and face disappointment, because every day is an adventure. I have been lucky to work with some very good people who I have been able to learn from. You need to have the right attitude to progress, and I think this has been the fundamental thing which has motivated me.

Does your role bring you a sense of purpose and fulfilment?

Yes, it has brought plenty of challenges, travel and some great laughs. My role plays a small part in the business, however I do feel part of a bigger picture and its success. I feel that I bring a fun learning environment, experience and a will to learn new things myself, as well as accept and encourage challenges. The feedback I have received shows that people benefit from my work.


Do you feel that Hitachi offers good work/life balance and future prospects?

Yes, I travel a lot which means that I’m away from home often. However the work/life balance is flexible and very good at Hitachi. I look forward to remaining with Hitachi for the long term.

What advice would you give to others who may be considering a career in this industry?

Take every opportunity that comes your way. Volunteer for the challenging tasks, ask for help when you need it and speak to your manager about your ideas and goals. Don’t be afraid of disappointment or criticism, there is learning to be gained in every job. I think I would follow the same path if I had to do it all again. I’ve learned lots along the way, had fun and travelled to some amazing places. Thank You Hitachi.





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#TheOrangeFamily

❄️ Saving the Aussie ski season. One bucket at a time.

Our machines don't stop when winter arrives.

Peter, from Peter Vagne Excavation is putting his Hitachi ZX225USLC-7 to work in the Perisher Valley, loading freshly made snow to keep the slopes topped up for skiers throughout the day.

A unique job for a machine that's built to perform in every season.

Thanks for the photo, Pete!
Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia is heading to QME 2026!

Join us in Mackay from 21–23 July and experience some of the largest and most advanced mining equipment in the industry.

On display will be the impressive EX1200 mining excavator, along with an EX8000 excavator bucket, showcasing the scale, innovation and reliability that Hitachi brings to mining operations across Australia.

Whether you're looking to optimise productivity, improve efficiency, or simply get up close to world-class mining equipment, our team will be on hand to discuss the latest solutions for your operation.

📍 QME 2026 | Mackay
📅 21–23 July 2026

We look forward to seeing you there!

#QME2026 #HitachiConstructionMachinery #MiningEquipment #Hitachi #MiningIndustry #Mackay #Excavators
Australia's highest-hour EX5600-7 has reached another significant milestone as it chases goals established by our legendary forebearer -6 models that achieved over 100,000 hrs, many of which are still operating around the world.

After more than 38,000 operating hours, the machine has undergone its first swing bearing replacement. The major component change completed safely and successfully by two dedicated crews.

The project was delivered with zero safety incidents, reflecting the planning, expertise and commitment of everyone involved throughout the change-out.

This milestone also marks 10 years since HCA’s designed and developed Elevation System first entered operation, highlighting the long-term durability and performance that continue to support mining operations across Australia.

38,000 hours.
First swing bearing replacement.
Two crews.
Zero safety incidents.

A testament to the people, planning and equipment behind one of Australia's hardest-working EX5600-7 excavators.
Stepping up its game. 👢

This Hitachi ZX85USB-7 delivered to Specialized Digging Services (SDS) (@gb_diggs) shows what precision on-site can look like when paired with an engcon rotating wrist and full attachment setup.

From heavy digging work through to fine control tasks (like picking up a boot), this machine has been configured to handle more with minimal changeover time and greater flexibility on site.
Less repositioning. Fewer support machines. Better overall efficiency where it matters most.

Because capability is not only about power. It is about control.
"Reliability means delivering for our customers, not letting them down and keeping the wheels turning."

That's how Cameron Madeira, Operations Manager at ECORR, describes the role Hitachi equipment plays in their operation.

Processing thousands of tonnes of concrete every day, ECORR relies on a fleet of Hitachi excavators and wheel loaders to tackle one of Australia's toughest working environments. From separating steel and concrete to keeping crushers fed and material moving, reliability isn't optional—it's essential.

We're proud to support ECORR as they continue their mission to be leaders in the recycling industry.

@ecorr_eco_resource_recovery
Throwback to our 2025 Construction Equipment Sales Conference - where the team got hands-on with the machines they talk about every day. 👷‍♂️💥

From walkarounds to machine demos, it was a chance for our Construction Equipment Sales Representatives to get up close with the gear, share knowledge and sharpen their understanding of the products supporting customers across Australia.

Because selling equipment is one thing. Knowing it inside and out is another. 👊
❄️ Saving the Aussie ski season. One bucket at a time.

Our machines don't stop when winter arrives.

Peter, from Peter Vagne Excavation is putting his Hitachi ZX225USLC-7 to work in the Perisher Valley, loading freshly made snow to keep the slopes topped up for skiers throughout the day.

A unique job for a machine that's built to perform in every season.

Thanks for the photo, Pete!
Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia is heading to QME 2026!

Join us in Mackay from 21–23 July and experience some of the largest and most advanced mining equipment in the industry.

On display will be the impressive EX1200 mining excavator, along with an EX8000 excavator bucket, showcasing the scale, innovation and reliability that Hitachi brings to mining operations across Australia.

Whether you're looking to optimise productivity, improve efficiency, or simply get up close to world-class mining equipment, our team will be on hand to discuss the latest solutions for your operation.

📍 QME 2026 | Mackay
📅 21–23 July 2026

We look forward to seeing you there!

#QME2026 #HitachiConstructionMachinery #MiningEquipment #Hitachi #MiningIndustry #Mackay #Excavators
Australia's highest-hour EX5600-7 has reached another significant milestone as it chases goals established by our legendary forebearer -6 models that achieved over 100,000 hrs, many of which are still operating around the world.

After more than 38,000 operating hours, the machine has undergone its first swing bearing replacement. The major component change completed safely and successfully by two dedicated crews.

The project was delivered with zero safety incidents, reflecting the planning, expertise and commitment of everyone involved throughout the change-out.

This milestone also marks 10 years since HCA’s designed and developed Elevation System first entered operation, highlighting the long-term durability and performance that continue to support mining operations across Australia.

38,000 hours.
First swing bearing replacement.
Two crews.
Zero safety incidents.

A testament to the people, planning and equipment behind one of Australia's hardest-working EX5600-7 excavators.
Stepping up its game. 👢

This Hitachi ZX85USB-7 delivered to Specialized Digging Services (SDS) (@gb_diggs) shows what precision on-site can look like when paired with an engcon rotating wrist and full attachment setup.

From heavy digging work through to fine control tasks (like picking up a boot), this machine has been configured to handle more with minimal changeover time and greater flexibility on site.
Less repositioning. Fewer support machines. Better overall efficiency where it matters most.

Because capability is not only about power. It is about control.
"Reliability means delivering for our customers, not letting them down and keeping the wheels turning."

That's how Cameron Madeira, Operations Manager at ECORR, describes the role Hitachi equipment plays in their operation.

Processing thousands of tonnes of concrete every day, ECORR relies on a fleet of Hitachi excavators and wheel loaders to tackle one of Australia's toughest working environments. From separating steel and concrete to keeping crushers fed and material moving, reliability isn't optional—it's essential.

We're proud to support ECORR as they continue their mission to be leaders in the recycling industry.

@ecorr_eco_resource_recovery
Throwback to our 2025 Construction Equipment Sales Conference - where the team got hands-on with the machines they talk about every day. 👷‍♂️💥

From walkarounds to machine demos, it was a chance for our Construction Equipment Sales Representatives to get up close with the gear, share knowledge and sharpen their understanding of the products supporting customers across Australia.

Because selling equipment is one thing. Knowing it inside and out is another. 👊

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