A new Hitachi wheel loader for Larsen Maskin & Transport AS

A new ZW220-7 Hitachi wheel loader is one of the latest additions to the impressive fleet of Norwegian contractor Larsen Maskin & Transport AS. The company is responsible for a large part of the infrastructure in the city of Hammerfest. However, the contractor’s main activity is located on the island of Melkøya, where almost its entire fleet is located. The company has been working there since May last year.

In the past, Larsen Maskin & Tranport AS has had a number of projects on the island including foundation work for new halls and removal of old infrastructure, all carried out under strict safety procedures.

“In the next three to five years, enormous sums will be spent on projects and infrastructure around the city in connection with the plant on Melkøya, so we will have work going forward as well. That’s why I haven’t been too worried about investing in new machines just yet,” says General Manager Svend Ingvar Hoel Larsen.

Several new machines belong to the contractor in Hammerfest, a number of which have been supplied by the authorised Hitachi dealer, Nasta. “I believe that Nasta is a professional supplier to us in the construction market and they provide good and well-thought-out products. We are very satisfied with both the Nasta and Hitachi products and see that it gives us good operating economics,” says Larsen.

A powerful wheel loader

Larsen is clear as to why the Hitachi ZW220-7 was used on this project: “We bought the loader because we were going to carry out a number of heavier tasks, such as loading and extracting – and the Hitachi is a powerful and reliable wheel loader. It also has very good operator comfort.”

But is the operator as happy as the boss says? The answer is yes. Roar Negård has worked for the company for around 13 years and operates all kinds of machines. Since he is often hired out to others, he has been able to test all kinds of models and brands, so he should know what he is talking about when he says: “I am very happy with this wheel loader now I’ve been using it for a couple of months. I have heard so many strange things about them, but they are really easy to use and very straightforward!

“There are a lot of lights, cameras, and alarms, but I think that is only a plus, because it makes this stand out compared to other machines we have. Overall, it’s actually fantastic to operate and many things are easily accessible, such as the battery compartment.”

Family business with a strong future

The company has grown significantly since Larsen established it in 1992. “Today we have around 20 employees, including two apprentices and in 2022 we became Training Company of the Year.”

Both Larsen’s wife and daughter are involved in the operation. “My daughter Charlotte has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and manages the machines as well as the environmental aspects of the company. So, the heir is ready and waiting,” he says, smiling.