Gavin Wilson of Havard Logging in Masterton was so impressed when he bought the first in the world Hitachi ZX400L-7G that he got busy and bought the second one in the world as well, says Iron Test writer Tim Benseman.
He continues: “Gavin started out at Havard Logging straight from school in 1985 and, along with his wife Donna, bought the company in 2021. With a fleet of 18 Hitachi’s (23 if including subcontractors) it’s fair to say Havard Logging runs the Hitachi Army across its six crews, with a total of 36 staff including office staff and two mechanics.
“We’re here today to test the 400L-7G with its Pro Steel 1800 grapple and a live heel. The second 400L-7G Gavin ordered will get a Satco felling head.
“It is years since we have tested a Hitachi and on arrival the 400L-7G is dressed to impress with a new, stronger and more efficient engine, next-larger-class undercarriage components including carrier rollers and track motors plus a higher track frame. But more about that later.
“The dirt here is unusual. It is a good base. Where machines have tracked on it repeatedly there is a mild amount of mud developing but for the most part this ground is really good to work on. It looks like it has a layer of course volcanic ash or fine scoria, similar to Northern Kaingaroa but also mixed in with some clay patches.
“Havard Logging are shovel loggers and all the Hitachi 400’s have live heels. The best guess as to why is the terrain. It obviously suits groundbased but with short steep pinches there is a fair bit of area where a skidder might struggle. Short enough steep pinches for an excavator of the 400 class to pass them through though, so an excellent choice of extraction machine for the terrain.
“Back to that undercarriage…”
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