Hitachi forestry excavator offers speed and stability

French contractor Schmitt TP has invested in a Hitachi ZX135USL-6 forestry machine (video) for environmental activities carried out by its subsidiary, Mivois Environnement. Established in 2012, it specialises in cutting down trees, extracting stumps, wood chipping, and transportation to wood-burning energy boilers.

One of its recent projects involved felling trees adjacent to a busy dual carriageway in preparation for a new intersection in Cesson-Sévigné, on the outskirts of the city of  Rennes. The project was completed in a day-and-a-half on behalf of road construction and infrastructure group Colas.

After the trees were cut down by the ZX135USL-6, fitted with a grab-and-hold shear attachment, they were grinded down into woodchips. The product was then transported by Schmitt Transport’s trucks to a furnace managed by Dalkia, on the edge of Rennes, where it was converted into heat or electricity, thus promoting the circular economy.

Enhanced durability and safety

The ZX135USL-6 special application model is factory modified by Hitachi to meet the challenges of forestry applications, such as felling, milling and grinding. It has a higher ground clearance than standard models of the same size for smooth travelling performance over uneven terrain, for example, and a durable undercarriage that provides exceptional stability. Further protection for the operator is also provided to enhance safety.

“This machine is more stable than the standard excavator we used for projects like this previously,” says Mivois Environnement Director David Bodin. Operator Christophe Polisse agrees: “What I like most about the ZX135USL-6 is the stability and speed. For my work, I need to be able to see everything. I have the camera, and excellent visibility, it’s great.”