News Releases

Production Delay Caused by Typhoon

Thu, 31 Oct 2019 00:16:00 GMT

In early October, Typhoon Hagibis, the most severe typhoon to reach Japan in decades resulted in the tragic loss of many lives. Hitachi Construction Machinery (Australia) Pty Ltd offers its sincere condolences to all those affected.

In addition to the tragic loss of life, Typhoon Hagibis also caused extensive wind and flood damage throughout many regions of Japan. Hitachi Construction Machinery (HCM) continues to work with local authorities to assist where they can.

HCM was fortunate in that it did not sustain damage to its production facilities, however there are a number of suppliers that feed HCM’s production facilities who have been impacted to varying degrees.

At this stage HCM believes the existing parts inventory will ensure the impact to parts supply for existing Hitachi machines will be negligible. There may however be an impact to the production of new equipment for some of the models in the Hitachi product range and this is predominately within the construction product group. Due to the scale of our network, and the sporadic damage caused, HCM are still quantifying the total impact.

HCM is currently working closely with all of our suppliers to better understand the supply situation, and where practical HCM are providing additional resources to suppliers to expedite the return to full production.

HCA and HCM will work tirelessly to minimise the impact to our customer base, and we will continue to provide updates as and when we have notable information to share.

HCA thank you for your understanding on this matter.

Instant Asset Write Off up to $30K

Tue, 21 May 2019 04:03:00 GMT

The Australian Taxation Office have made changes to the instant asset write-off for businesses. The instant asset write-off threshold has increased to $30,000 for each asset from 7.30pm (AEDT) 2 April 2019 and the write-off period extended to 30 June 2020.

As a result of these changes, Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia (HCA) are giving customers the opportunity to take advantage of this tax incentive before the end of the financial year by offering our new ZX17U-5 excavators for the price of $29,950* (ex GST). This promotion includes 300mm General Purpose Bucket, Grease Gun with Cartridge, Hydraulic Oil, LED Rotating Magnetic Beacon, Probe kit, Risk Assessment, SWL Decals, and First Service, not just a base machine. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers and will end after the 30th of June 2019.

If you are a small business (with a turnover of less than $10 million), you can immediately deduct the business portion of most assets that each cost less than $30,000 (the instant asset write-off threshold) if they are first used or installed ready for use from 7.30pm (AEDT) 2 April 2019 to 30 June 2020.

However, if the asset was first used or installed ready for use from 29 January 2019 until 7.30pm (AEDT) 2 April 2019 you can still immediately deduct the business portion of most assets costing less than $25,000 each. Before 29 January 2019 the relevant threshold is $20,000.

Businesses with a turnover from $10 million to less than $50 million may now be eligible for the instant asset write-off for assets purchased for less than $30,000 each from 7.30pm (AEDT) 2 April 2019 to 30 June 2020. For assets purchased for $30,000 or more, the general depreciation rules must be used.

For more information on Depreciation and capital expense and allowances, visit: https://www.ato.gov.au/Business/Depreciation-and-capital-expenses-and-allowances/In-detail/Depreciating-assets/Simplified-depreciation---rules-and-calculations/?page=4%20

Note: Photograph used for illustrative purposes only, may not represent actual machine on offer at the above referenced price.

Open and Interoperable Partner Ecosystem for Autonomous Mining

Fri, 03 May 2019 05:03:00 GMT

Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. (HCM) has recently announced its vision for autonomous mining — an open, interoperable network of partners that integrate their systems alongside existing mining infrastructure.

HCM is pioneering an open and interoperable approach to autonomy among global mining technology leaders. This vision is based on ISO Standards and a goal to encourage new entrants into the mining industry. HCM is supporting standards-based autonomy by offering its interoperable technology to assist mining customers in using new vendors with their existing infrastructure. HCM’s advocacy for Open Autonomy is based on its philosophy for its partner-focused Solution Linkage platform.

“Open innovation is the guiding technological philosophy for Solution Linkage,” says Vice President and Executive Officer, Chief Technology Officer Hideshi Fukumoto. “Based on this philosophy, HCM is announcing its commitment to championing the customer enablement of autonomous mining through an open, interoperable ecosystem of partner solutions.”

“We believe this open approach provides customers the greatest flexibility and control for integrating new autonomous solutions into their existing operations while reducing associated risks and costs of alternative approaches.”

The HCM Group is developing this open autonomy approach under the Solution Linkage initiative, a platform already available to customers in the construction industry and now being made available to mining customers with support from HCM subsidiary Wenco International Mining Systems (Wenco). Solution Linkage is a standards-based platform grounded on three principles: Open Innovation, Interoperability, and Partner Ecosystem.

Open Innovation refers to the HCM Group’s support for open standards to enable the creation of solutions that reduce costs and increase value for customers. Solution Linkage avoids vendor lock-in and offers customers the freedom to choose technologies from preferred vendors independent of their fleet management system. This approach future-proofs customer technology infrastructure, allowing for the incorporation of newer technologies as they emerge.

Interoperability creates simplified connectivity between systems to increase the sharing of information across sectors and enabling end-to-end visibility and control across the entire mining process. Customers using Solution Linkage can connect equipment from multiple vendors into existing fleet management and operations infrastructure. Interoperability also gives mines a better systems-level understanding of their operation, providing access to more robust data analytics and process management. This capability enables mine management to make superior decisions based on operation-wide insight that deliver end-to-end optimization.

A Partner Ecosystem is a structure in which customers and partners can utilise HCM’s experience and open platform to provide autonomous functionality and reduce the risk of technological adoption. HCM is actively seeking customer and vendor partnerships to further extend the value of this open, interoperable platform. If independent vendors have already been selected by a customer and are struggling to integrate into the client’s existing fleet management system or mine operations, Hitachi may be able to help using the Solution Linkage platform.

Whether customers choose Hitachi’s fleet of Autonomous Haul Trucks, Wenco Fleet Management Systems or autonomous technology from other providers, the philosophy of Open Innovation, Interoperability and a Partner Ecosystem are at the heart of HCM’s strategy and vision for Open Autonomy.

Important Update: HCA Media Release

Mon, 14 Jan 2019 03:31:00 GMT

John Deere Construction & Forestry Company (Deere) and Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. (Hitachi) have a long and successful global partnership spanning multiple continents and product lines. This partnership has served both companies well and supported each company’s global growth over the multi-decade relationship.

As part of this partnership and since 1989, Hitachi Construction Machinery (Australia) Pty Ltd (HCA) have distributed Deere branded and manufactured construction, forestry, and compact machinery. However, as our joint businesses have expanded over the years, so have each company’s priorities in various markets around the globe. As a result, after 29 years of distribution Deere, Hitachi, and HCA have agreed to end the current distribution arrangement in Australia and increase focus on our individual product lines. Over the course of the next five months Deere and HCA will work together to execute a seamless transition of business to John Deere Limited’s newly appointed construction and forestry dealers in Australia.

As of May 1st, 2019, RDO Equipment Pty Ltd (RDO Equipment) will be appointed the authorized John Deere Construction & Forestry Dealer for John Deere Limited in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory. AFGRI Equipment Pty Ltd (AFGRI Equipment) will be appointed the authorized John Deere Construction & Forestry dealer for John Deere Limited in Western Australia. In the coming weeks both RDO Equipment and AFGRI Equipment will make separate press releases and/or communications in their respective areas of responsibility about this transition.

HCA, John Deere Limited, RDO Equipment and AFGRI Equipment are committed to working together to ensure this transition has minimal impact on customers’ access to machines, parts, and/or service. Similarly, HCA, John Deere Limited, RDO Equipment and AFGRI Equipment are committed to smoothly transitioning customers who have existing agreements and service contracts with HCA.

“We thank John Deere for the partnership that has been enjoyed over the last 29 years but ultimately we believe this change in distribution will allow HCA to increase our focus on our brands, and provide an improved experience to customers across Australia.” said David Harvey, Managing Director of Hitachi Construction Machinery (Australia) Pty Ltd. The changes announced in this press release have no impact on Deere-Hitachi partnerships or distribution arrangements outside of Australia.

The First Hitachi ZX225-5 in Australia

Sun, 07 Aug 2016 23:37:00 GMT

The first Hitachi ZX225-5 mid-sized excavator sold in Australia was recently purchased by Stewart Earthworks out of our Brisbane branch.

Stewart Earthworks was impressed with the high standard customer service provided with the purchase of their first Hitachi ZX200-3 back in 2008 of which the ZX225-5 will be replacing.

“The Machine is superb throughout the hydraulics and is well balanced and refined. It’s a major step up from our previous machine” said Nathan Stewart when asked about his experience with the new ZX-5 mid-sized excavator.

Hasson Projects Handover

Tue, 02 Aug 2016 04:31:00 GMT

Earlier this week, the team at the Hitachi Sydney branch located in Revesby had the opportunity to officially hand over a Hitachi ZX490-5 mid-sized excavator.

There was a level of anticipation handing the keys of the very first 490 sold in New South Wales to Hasson Projects which will be added to their ever growing fleet of Hitachi machines.

The 490 will be setting up shop at a north western Sydney development project where the team at Hasson Projects will be putting it through its paces.

Hitachi is looking forward to working in conjunction with Hasson Projects in the foreseeable future to help build their brand and collaborating on more projects.

Global Rebranding Program

Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:52:00 GMT

Hitachi Construction Machinery (Australia) Pty Ltd (HCA) will soon adopt the global Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. (HCM) logo across its Australian operation. The program is being rolled out globally to align all the construction machinery groups as one.

In addition, the new logo has been adopted to raise awareness with customers of HCA to represent our close affinity with Hitachi Group’s global expertise. It aims to provide consistency for all HCA customers wherever they are around the world, while not diminishing the company’s commitment to efficiency, reliability and durability.

The Hitachi corporate logo aims to communicate HCA’s key pillars of success, reliability and business solutions, and provides more unity and consistency with Hitachi Construction Machinery globally.

“This brand symbolises the merging of the Australian brand with our global brand, giving local customers reassurance of our tenured history and specialisation in the mining and construction machinery industries. We stand for technology and innovation, just like HCM and Hitachi Limited,” said David Harvey, Managing Director of HCA.

“Over time we will continue to release the new branding elements across facilities, vehicles, documentation and marketing material to align with the global strategy,” said David.

The Hitachi brand has a 105-years of history, starting with the inception of the company’s first electric motor repair shop in Japan in 1910. Since then, the brand has grown exponentially in 11 different business segments and in particular the mining and construction machinery group.

Hitachi is now a respected infrastructure solutions company with more than 320,000 employees worldwide. Although more than 100 years have passed, Hitachi founder Namihei Odaira’s original vision to innovate still permeates the company today with many game-changing products among its achievements.

The HCM group brand promise is built on the foundation of superb technological capabilities, which the Australian business values as a key factor to success. Thanks to everyone's efforts, the company has risen to become one of the world's top construction and mining machinery manufacturers.

'How To' Videos Volume 3 Shoot

Tue, 19 Jul 2016 01:58:00 GMT

With the resounding success of volume 1 of the series of 'How To' videos that were initially released in April of this year and volume 2 which is showing very promising results, the team went out to produce volume 3 in the series.

Volume 3 will have 6 videos focusing on the features of the Hitachi Zaxis-5 mid-sized excavators, the first of which will be released in the middle of August and will coincide with the official release of the new range.

The video shoot was produced in cooperation with Yatcon Civil who most graciously gave us free reign of their ZX250-5 excavator for the day.

Stay tuned to the Hitachi YouTube channel and be one of the first to watch volume 3.

Hitachi Wrapping Up at the 2016 Balmoral Burn

Mon, 04 Jul 2016 00:29:00 GMT

The Balmoral Burn celebrated its 16th year running to test the fitness of all ages on Sunday 29th May, 2016 raising much needed funds to purchase life-saving medical equipment for children’s hospitals. Hitachi Construction Machinery entered two corporate relay teams who ran the 420 metre “Hill of Pain” up Awaba Street, Mosman, representing our Sydney branch and one from Head Office. This year for the first time Hitachi Construction Machinery also welcomed a corporate group from Hitachi Limited.

This year the Sydney branch celebrated a winning time amongst the Hitachi groups of 1.23 minutes, Hitachi Limited's team came in second at 1.31 minutes and the Head Office team third at 1.45 minutes.

Two days before the big run a Sponsor’s Dinner was hosted whereby Hitachi Construction Machinery bought another two pieces of equipment to be donated through the Humpty Dumpty Foundation, including an Airvo2 Humidifier for Auburn Hospital and a Rad7 Pulse Oximeter for Fairfield Hospital.

Over the past four years HCA has donated 60 items of medical equipment at locations all around Australia. If each piece only gets used once per week then each year we have enriched and potentially helped saved the lives of over 3,000 children. That is something we are sure that you would agree is worthwhile.

Congratulations to the employees who attended and worked on their fitness for such a worthy cause!

Hitachi ZW-5 Wheel Loader: Operator Comforts

Sun, 03 Jul 2016 23:09:00 GMT

The next video in the series which focuses on the operator comforts of the Hitachi ZW-5 wheel loaders has just been released.

To keep updated on the series, simply follow our YouTube channel

Hitachi ZX-5 Mini Excavator: Energy Saving

Tue, 07 Jun 2016 05:57:00 GMT

The next video in the series which focuses on energy saving for the Hitachi ZX-5 mini excavators has just been released.

To keep updated on the series, simply follow our YouTube channel.

HITACHI ZX-5 MINI EXCAVATOR: SIMPLIFIED MAINTENANCE

Tue, 03 May 2016 01:31:00 GMT

The next video in the series which focuses on simplified maintenance for the Hitachi ZX-5 mini excavators has just been released.

To keep updated on the series, simply follow our YouTube channel.

Hitachi at the 2016 Balmoral Burn

Wed, 13 Apr 2016 01:09:00 GMT

The Balmoral Burn is back for its 16th year running to test the fitness of all ages, walk with us and Humpty Dumpty to raise much needed funds to purchase life-saving medical equipment for children’s hospitals.

Hitachi have once again signed up for two corporate teams of four, one representing our Sydney branch and one representing head office.

DIGGING DEEP

Fri, 08 Apr 2016 01:52:00 GMT

Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia (HCA) recently auctioned off five of their ultra-reliable mini excavators raising much needed funds for the Humpty Dumpty Foundation. A children’s charity that, for more than 25 years has been purchasing essential and often life-saving medical equipment for sick and injured children in Paediatric Wards, Neonatal Units, Maternity and Emergency Departments in hospitals across Australia.

Many suppliers of HCA jumped on board to support Humpty and to make the online auction a success by providing discounted services. Hitachi Limited and Hitachi Power Tools donated a two-door fridge and a power tool pack to run a cross promotion for any customers who chose to bid, would in fact go in the draw to win one of two prizes.

All five winning bidders were then given the opportunity to attend the Humpty Dumpty Foundation’s Good Egg Luncheon held in Sydney on March 17th at the Four Seasons Hotel.

“It was a very special thank you luncheon for those who have been great supporters in the previous year,” said Humpty’s General Manager Julia Abbott.

Over $25,000 was raised and donated to Humpty to purchase vital children’s medical equipment. In fact the winning bidders will have input as to what equipment is purchased for selected hospitals.

Hitachi ZX-5 Mini Excavator: Operator Comforts

Fri, 01 Apr 2016 03:33:00 GMT

The first in a series of service videos, the team at Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia showcase the the operator comforts of the range of Hitachi ZX-5 mini excavators.

Stay tuned for more videos from the team.

Hitachi at Diesel, Dirt & Turf Expo 2016

Mon, 28 Mar 2016 22:45:00 GMT

The Diesel Dirt & Turf Expo established in 2015 is here for its first time running with Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia (HCA) amongst its list of earthmoving equipment companies. Formed by representatives of the Australian earthmoving equipment industry, the expo aims to help construction contractors keep up to date with the latest technology in earthmoving, construction, and public space maintenance equipment.

Brennan Garbutt, NSW Sales Manager at the HCA Sydney branch said his team is ‘looking forward to connecting with customers to provide face to face interaction and discuss the innovative technology surfacing from HCA recently.’

Admission to the Diesel Dirt and Turf Expo is free and open to all. The Expo will run on Friday 15, Saturday 16, and Sunday 17th of April 2016. Throughout the course of the expo, a gold coin donation fundraiser will run, with all proceeds going towards a charity organisation, MIRAA House - an innovative learning centre for young women aged 18 years and over with an intellectual disability.

Everyone is a winner with the Hitachi auction

Tue, 23 Feb 2016 04:48:00 GMT

On the back of the Hitachi auction where we successfully auctioned off 5 mini excavators to raise money for the Humpty Dumpty Foundation, we also drew from the pool of bidders, two winners to receive a secondary prize each of a Hitachi Fridge and a set of Hitachi power tools.

The draw was held at the Sydney head offices of Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia and was witnessed by representatives from Hitachi Limited and Hitachi Powertools.

Winners of the draw were contacted straight away with the Hitachi fridge going to Murray Scott of Wildfire in Western Australia and the Hitachi powertool set going to Ben Ladner of Albourne Construction in Victoria.

2016 Hitachi Technicians Competition

Sun, 24 Jan 2016 22:00:00 GMT

The ninth annual Asia & Pacific Technician Competition will be held in Singapore later this year.

Service technicians from Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia will all put their professional skills to the test when they compete against each other.

The 2016 Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia Technician Competition recently took place at our Sydney branch to find our representative for Singapore. This year we had a number of entrants with seven service technicians all competing for the chance to represent Australia.

Service technicians from Melbourne, Launceston, Perth, Emerald, Sydney and Mackay had their product and technical knowledge skills tested with a series of practical and theory based scenarios.

This year’s competition also included an overview on the ZX210-5 and ZX135US-5 excavators.

Thank you to Andrew Arnold, Ryan Puckey, Mark Sutczak, Stephen Francis, John Vidler, Piotr Pisarek and Chris Rousefor taking part in this year’s competition.

Ryan Puckey from Somerton won the Best in Theory category, while Piotr Pisarek from Revesby took out Best in Practical. Andrew Arnold from Mackay was the overall winner and will now represent HCA at the Asia & Pacific Competition.

We wish Andrew the best of luck!

Hitachi Sponsors IQA National Conference

Thu, 19 Nov 2015 23:34:00 GMT

The Institute of Quarrying Australia's (IQA) 58th National Conference was held on October 14th to 17th, 2015 at Adelaide Convention & Exhibition Centre. This year’s conference theme was “The Infrastructure Boom: Our Industry Building Communities’ with a focus on the opportunities open to the quarry industry during the challenging times.

As a Platinum Sponsor of the conference, HCA hosted the Welcome Reception for approximately 300+ delegates.

Guests of the evening were entertained throughout the night by DJ Bos who provided the perfect atmosphere for people to kick back, relax and catch up. As the evening continued, guests were given a unique insight into the life of Bryan Dawe when he performed a political satire presentation. A roving magician also moved around the crowd performing tricks with a touch of flair and sass. Guests were offered to enjoy foods from a list of cuisines, to ensure variety was plentiful throughout the evening.

Each year the IQA recognises and celebrates key industry members through their awards presentation. Blake Ardrey, was the recipient of the 2015 Hitachi Individual Safety Award, an award that recognises an individual’s contribution to the advancement of OH&S in the quarry industry.

Our exhibition space showcased a static display of the Hitachi ZW140-5 Wheel Loader, giving delegates a firsthand insight into our extensive wheel loader range.

On the Friday, over a 160 delegates made the trip to McLaren Vale Quarries to view a live demonstration of the latest quarry machinery from many leading OEM’s. HCA were excited to have the opportunity to showcase and put to work the new Hitachi ZW370-5 wheel loader, creating a high level of interest. Also on display was a Bell B50D ADT.

Distinguished Gentleman's Ride

Mon, 02 Nov 2015 23:38:00 GMT

On Sunday 27th September, more than 30,000 smartly dressed gentlefolk in over 400 cities across the world took part in the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride to raise money for prostate cancer.

Gavin Edge and Keri MacDonald of Perth Branch recently put on their suit and tie to ride across the city.

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride was founded in 2012 in Sydney, inspired by a photo of Mad Men’s Don Draper astride a classic bike while wearing his finest suit. From this, the idea to bring together niche motorcycle communities was created to support a worthy cause.

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is a celebration of the art of being dapper and the style of classic custom motorcycles.

To date, $2,319,134 (USD) has been raised worldwide with over 37,000 registered riders taking place in this year’s ride.

Kerri participates in the ride every year, and this year (finally) took out the Slow Race award which is awarded to the last participant to cross the finish line while balancing your motorcycle without putting their foot down.

Congratulations to both Gavin and Keri for participating in this event for such a great cause!