HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY

Liverpool Plains Shire Council Director of Works Mr. Greg Tory (left) pictured here with Hitachi’s Government Business Manager Mr. Keith Bailey.

There has been a lot of talk as of late about the recently introduced new model of John Deere Backhoe Loader - the 315SJ. Packed with a huge range of enhancements and new features such as ergonomically-designed pilot controls, fuel-efficient Power-Tech^TM John Deere engine, best-in-class on-board diagnostics, front limited slip differential/rear difflock, cruise control, 4wd ‘on the go’ and a full lighting package to name just a few.

Nestled 354 km north of Sydney and 63 km south west of the Golden Guitar town of Tamworth lies the historical rural town of Quirindi, the hub of the picturesque Liverpool Plains Shire Council. Servicing an area of approx 5120 square kilometres of broadacre farming, the Council’s operations are predominantly directed at maintaining and enhancing its rural road infrastructure.

We spoke to the council’s Director of Works Mr. Greg Tory about the purchase of their 315SJ Backhoe Loader. Machine delivery took place in late June 2008.

“The backhoe was trialled against several other machine brands also in the running” Mr. Tory said.
“They were put through their paces in our own working environments and conditions. The 315SJ ended on par with two other well known brand contenders.”

— “Our Workshop Supervisor also had a good look at all tendered machines from a service and maintenance perspective and the John Deere 315SJ was again in our opinion on even par with its competition”. —

Liverpool Plains Shire Council has owned Hitachi machines for several years. “Hitachi displayed a proven ability for parts backup and prompt service over this time. The Council was confident Hitachi could do the same for the new Backhoe also.” Yet another tick in the 315SJ box.

Mr. Tory did mention that an in depth cost analysis prior to purchase was conducted on all tendered machines including depreciation considerations. The result?

— “The 315SJ was considered to represent the best value for money in our application”. —

When asked if he would recommend the backhoe to other potential customers - he said he’d certainly encourage them to look closely at it. “Of course the 315SJ is a new model and we have yet to test it long-terms in the field but if they consider the machine in terms of their own application I’m sure they will find it to be a competitive option”.

There’s a lot to be said about the new John Deere 315SJ Backhoe Loader but only first-hand can you appreciate what this outstanding machine has to offer. Test-operate one at your nearest branch of Hitachi Construction Machinery (Australia) Pty Ltd today or call your local Hitachi Sales Representative for more information.

(By Vaughan Kidd)

*For more information, please contact us (Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia Pty Ltd.)
*Duplicate of articles shown is prohibited without permission.
*The machines may not meet the regulations depending on countries.

Send Us an E-mail