Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe N.V. (HCME), currently transitioning to the LANDCROS brand, today announced a strategic partnership with Akkodis, part of the Adecco Group, to accelerate the development and delivery of Advanced Integrated Solutions through its European Customisation Centre (ECC) in Amsterdam.

The partnership will expand LANDCROS Europe’s capability to design and deliver advanced smart attachments, ICT, and other technology tailored to the diverse needs of customers across Europe, and to do it faster.

It builds on a customer-focused strategy that has taken shape over the past two years: European operators are among the most advanced and demanding in the industry, running increasingly sophisticated fleets and expecting continuous innovation from their equipment manufacturers. For LANDCROS, meeting that expectation means moving beyond a single global machine specification and building the in-house engineering expertise to develop and integrate new technology as fast as the market demands.

“This initiative is a key enabler, and a clear example of the Open Source Solutions approach we’re adopting across LANDCROS,” said Francesco Quaranta, HCME President & CEO. “Akkodis’s unique skills give us the engineering capability to meet that strategic purpose, and to accelerate it.”

The ECC is LANDCROS’ dedicated facility for delivering customer-specific machine solutions across Europe. By combining engineering expertise, application and industry knowledge, and advanced technology integration, it enables HCME to respond quickly to evolving customer requirements with tailored solutions that maximize productivity and deliver value from day one. LANDCROS continues to collaborate with leading technology partners across the industry, including Rototilt, Engcon, Leica Geosystems and Trimble, with many more to come.

“Akkodis is a genuine growth partner for us, not a name behind the scenes,” Quaranta added. “The European Customisation Centre’s mission is to upgrade our reliable machines into advanced tools, ready to work.”

“This partnership shows how we adapt as HCME’s engineering needs evolve,” said Robert van der Eijk, CEO, Akkodis Benelux. “As the team grows, so does the scope of our support. We are moving from an on-site team to a dedicated engineering center and expanding beyond mechanical engineering to also cover software, systems and electrical engineering. This allows us to support LANDCROS in a more integrated way.”

The partnership reflects the LANDCROS promise: “Solutions beyond machinery.” For dealers and customers, it means faster access to tailored, ready-to-work machines, backed by a specialized engineering team and an OEM for which reliability is what they do.

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Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe N.V (HCME) announces an important evolution of its dealer network across Northwest and Central West Africa, designed to further strengthen its customer focus, expand market coverage, and support the continued growth of the Hitachi brand throughout the region.

As part of this transition, SMT will conclude its role as the authorized Hitachi Construction Machinery dealer in the affected territories at the end of the year. HCME extends its sincere appreciation to SMT for its contribution and partnership over the years in supporting customers and developing the Hitachi business across Africa.

To ensure continued investment and long-term support for customers, HCME is implementing a new distribution structure through Machinery Distribution in Africa (MDA) and Movicortes.

Machinery Distribution in Africa (MDA)

HCME is pleased to appoint Machinery Distribution in Africa (MDA) as the authorized dealer for Hitachi Construction Equipment in the following countries:

Republic of Congo (Congo Brazzaville) | Gabon | Equatorial Guinea | Chad | Central African Republic (CAR) | Niger | Côte d’Ivoire | Cameroon | Togo | Benin | Ghana | Burkina Faso | Mali

MDA will provide comprehensive sales, aftermarket support, parts distribution, and technical services to customers throughout these markets.

Website: www.mdafricagroup.com

Expansion of Movicortes Territory

HCME is also pleased to announce the expansion of Movicortes’s existing Hitachi Construction Machinery dealership territory, in line with existing market arrangements, to include the following countries:

Morocco | Mauritania | Senegal | The Gambia | Sierra Leone | Guinea-Bissau | Guinea| Liberia | Cape Verde | São Tomé and Príncipe

As a long-standing member of the HCME dealer network, Movicortes’s has built a strong reputation for customer support, technical expertise, and operational excellence. The expansion of its territory reflects HCME’s confidence in Movicortes’s capabilities and its commitment to delivering an enhanced customer experience across Northwest Africa.

Website: https://www.movicortes.pt/pt

HCME Direct Presence

As part of its strategic focus on the mining sector, HCME will establish a direct presence in Morocco and Mauritania.

These entities will manage and support the business directly, providing dedicated support to mining customers, strengthening customer engagement, and ensuring the highest levels of technical expertise and responsiveness for mining operations.

Construction equipment activities in these countries will be managed by Movicortes in accordance with the current market structure, under the proposed expanded dealership arrangement.

Commitment to Customers

The new structure reinforces HCME’s commitment to providing customers with:

• Best-in-class equipment solutions
• Strong aftermarket support
• Genuine parts availability
• Technical expertise and training
• Long-term regional investment

HCME and SMT are working closely together to ensure a smooth and seamless transition. HCME will make sure, together with MDA and Movicortes, that there is no disruption to customer operations.

Statement from HCME:

“This transition marks an important step in strengthening our presence across Africa. We are pleased to welcome MDA to the Hitachi dealer network and to expand our successful partnership with Movicortes into additional markets. Together, these changes will enhance our ability to support customers while positioning the business for sustainable long-term growth. We would also like to thank SMT for its valued partnership and contribution over the years.”

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Talented operators from nine countries competed for the accolade in the LANDCROS European Operator Challenge

The final of the LANDCROS European Operator Challenge has found the most talented operator in Europe – Guy Jacobs from Belgium. He competed against eight other contestants from France, Italy, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and the UK to win the competition, which was held at Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) NV (HCME) in Amsterdam.

The inaugural event on 11 September followed nine qualifying rounds hosted locally by leading European dealers between May and June. The national champions then met in Amsterdam to compete in eight fun and engaging skill-based tasks, using reliable orange Hitachi machines to demonstrate their capabilities.

Guy emerged as the winner after winning four of the tasks – he achieved the same score as second-placed Dutch competitor Tjerk Segers but completed the challenges in a faster time.

“I doubted myself all day, wondering if I was good enough, particularly after the flying bottle challenge didn’t go so well! I’m usually focused on precision and balance, but it was speed that made the difference today.”

In recognition of his achievement, Guy receives an exclusive trip for two to Japan. “I’ve never been before so I’m very curious about the country and I definitely want to see the Hitachi Construction Machinery factory.”

Celebrating operators and the Reliable Orange

“Congratulations to everyone who competed in the LANDCROS European Operator Challenge 2026,” said HCME Director Marketing & Brand Communication Laura Hendriks. “Thank you for your enthusiasm, passion and camaraderie throughout the event.”

“This has been a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the expertise of our talented operator community, highlight the support of our dealers, and showcase the performance of some of our most popular reliable orange machines.”

The competition precedes Hitachi Construction Machinery’s transition to LANDCROS in April 2027. “Under the new name, our customers will continue to enjoy the same reliable performance, comfort and safety they have trusted for decades” added Laura.

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Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) NV (HCME) has promoted Dr. Hubertus Muenster as Vice President with expanded responsibility for both construction and mining machinery across Europe and parts of Africa. In addition to his existing responsibilities for construction equipment sales, rental and distribution management, Dr. Muenster will now lead the mining business. This brings the company’s core equipment segments under a single commercial leadership across the region.

Since joining HCME in July 2025, Dr. Muenster has focused on strengthening dealer collaboration, fostering operational agility and harmonising internal processes. The integration of construction and mining activities is intended to shorten decision cycles and improve coordination with dealers across both product segments. It also creates a more consistent approach to business management and go-to-market activities across each segment.

For dealers, the new structure provides a more integrated collaboration with the manufacturer across the entire product portfolio, while maintaining a tailored approach to the diverse needs of different customer segments. For customers, it delivers a more consistent brand experience and enhanced access to integrated solutions that draw on the combined strengths of both business divisions.

Francesco Quaranta, President & CEO of HCME, commented: “We are simplifying how we operate and how we work with our dealers. By bringing construction and mining together under one leadership, we can move faster, reduce complexity and offer more integrated solutions to our customers.”

The organisational change supports HCME’s strategy to strengthen its position across both construction and mining markets and to further develop its capabilities beyond equipment supply, with a stronger focus on customer value enhancement, integrated solutions and lifecycle support.

It reflects HCME’s ongoing commitment to strengthening dealer partnerships, accelerating innovation, and delivering customised solutions to customers across Europe and Africa.

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Access all areas with the ZX95US-7 SLF – the latest ultra-compact and versatile special application excavator from Hitachi 

The smallest model in Hitachi’s super long front excavator range is built to make a big impression. With a 10m reach and a longer boom and arm than the standard ZX95US-7, the ZX95US-7 SLF excels at sewer installation, drainage works and urban utility projects. Its extended reach gives operators a clear advantage for slope finishing, canal lining and dredging – all while maintaining a safe working distance.

The ZX95US-7 SLF reflects the brand strengths of Hitachi – highlighted by the Reliable Orange campaign – such as proven durability, efficiency, reduced life-cycle costs, ultimate safety and maximum uptime.

Reduced life-cycle costs

The exceptional reliability, efficiency and productivity of the ZX95US-7 SLF allow owners to increase profits with less expenditure. Life-cycle costs are reduced with the Stage V-compliant engine, which does not require an SCR system and its associated maintenance. Operators can also control the fuel efficiency – and further reduce costs – with the new ECO gauge. In addition, the versatility of this Zaxis-7 excavator will help to boost profits.

The compact size and short turning radius enable it to work efficiently and safely in restricted spaces, while its 9.5-tonne operating weight results in low ground pressure. This makes it suitable for challenging applications, such as for work on bridges and near canals. Grading and levelling jobs can also be completed quickly and easily thanks to the optional floating blade.

Ultimate safety

The ZX95US-7 SLF has an industry-leading cab with first-class comfort and safety features for operators. The Aerial Angle camera system provides an exceptional 270-degree bird’s-eye view, and operators can choose from six image options to view the machine’s immediate environment.

LED work lights and a windscreen wiper with an increased sweeping area enable operators to work with greater confidence in difficult conditions. Repositioned lights on the boom and cab of the ZX95US-7 SLF illuminate job sites more effectively. The fuel tank has also been repositioned to make it easier and safer to refill.

Maximum uptime

Zaxis-7 excavators will boost uptime because of their ultra-reliable performance and durability. The ZX95US-7 is no exception, having been tested rigorously at dedicated facilities in Japan. It is built to last, with durability and quality in every detail. Downtime is also minimised by easy maintenance and cleaning.

The spacious engine compartment makes it convenient to carry out servicing and maintenance, the radiator is easily accessible, and the battery is also straightforward to replace. All filters are readily available in one compartment for quick and easy replacement.

“It may have a small footprint but the ZX95US-7 SLF will make a huge impact on job sites with the benefit of its enhanced reach,” says HCME Product Manager Akarsh Shetty. “This is an important model in our diverse ‘Reliable Orange’ line-up and it illustrates the depth of our expertise in key segments of the construction market.”

Specifications

• Engine rated power: 50.4 kW
• Operating weight: 9 040 – 9 520 kg
• Bucket capacity: 0.13 m³

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Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) NV (HCME) has appointed SMG Macchine d.o.o. to be its new authorised dealer in Croatia as of 1 July 2026. The Sesvete-based company has ten years of machine sales and after-sales service experience in the southeast European country, and has represented the reliable orange brand as a sub-dealer – on behalf of one of HCME’s Italian dealers, SCAI – since 2016.

In line with this announcement, SMG Macchine will provide customers with the complete line-up of Hitachi construction machinery as well as the Hitachi Premium Rental offering. Ideally located on the outskirts of the capital city Zagreb, it serves a variety of industry solutions, including road and general construction, forestry, infrastructure, and agriculture. Its customer base also varies, from small family-run farms to the largest construction companies in Croatia.

“The most important thing for our customers is being supplied with a high-quality machine for the right price, and which is supported with a high level of service,” says Zeljko Vranjković, CEO of SMG Macchine. While its experienced sales and service teams are based in Zagreb, in the near future the company plans to open a new branch to serve the Adriatic coast in Croatia’s second largest city, Split.

“We look forward to working with Hitachi, a brand that stands for quality, reliability and durability,” adds Josip Bakula, Procurement Manager. “The development of our company is based on continuous improvement, with education and training provided by leading equipment manufacturers, and respect for the needs of our customers. By establishing strong professional relationships with our partners, we want to build trust for long-term cooperation and our mutual benefit.”

HCME CEO and President Francesco Quaranta says, “We are proud to work more closely with SMG Macchine to continue providing customers in Croatia with our reliable orange equipment and solutions. It is an exciting time for this market, and we are confident that SMG Macchine will support us with the brand’s transition to LANDCROS next year.”

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Operators take centre stage in the LANDCROS European Operator Challenge

The most advanced operator skills and reliable orange machines will be in the spotlight at the inaugural LANDCROS European Operator Challenge. Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) NV (HCME) is hosting the grand final of the competition on 10-11 September, following ten qualifying rounds hosted by leading European dealers between May and June.

The contest combines real-life operating conditions with fun, engaging elements that will demonstrate the true extent of operators’ capabilities. Tasks are inspired by regular job-site activities, and include skill-based exercises to test control, precision and overall handling of the machine.

Real skills, real machines, real competition

Participants can choose to compete activities on the ZX95USB-7 compact or the ZX210-7 medium excavators, and the ZW250/ZW310-7 wheel loaders. Between 12-16 operators are expected to attend each of the national events.

The first will be held by Spanish dealer HJM on 30 May, followed by HCM UK on 6 June and Swiss dealer Probst Maveg on 8-9 June. HCM Netherlands, HCM France, Luyckx in Belgium and SCAI in Italy will host their events later that month, and Moviter in Portugal, and SIA Alwark in Latvia and Lithuania complete the line-up.

The winners of the national heats will compete for the title of LANDCROS European Operator Champion at the final at HCME headquarters in Amsterdam. The overall winner will receive an exclusive trip for two to Japan, and the top three contestants will be invited to showcase their skills as brand ambassadors at the LANDCROS outdoor demonstration area at Intermat Paris 2027.

The Reliable Orange

“The LANDCROS European Operator Challenge is an opportunity to celebrate the expertise of our talented operator community and the performance of some of our most popular reliable orange machines,” says HCME Director Marketing & Brand Communication Laura Hendriks

“With the support of our dealers, we are proud to launch the first LANDCROS event ahead of the Hitachi brand’s transition next April. We look forward to connecting with our customers and operators during this fun and engaging process, and crowning our champion for 2026. Let the battle begin!”

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The first electric Hitachi EX2600-7E ultra-large excavator in Europe has been delivered in March 2026 by authorised Hitachi dealer West Balkans Machinery (WBM) to Rudnik uglja Pljevlja. The new 250-tonne machine will be used to extract coal at the Pljevlja mine in northern Montenegro, which is integral to the country’s energy sector.

Rudnik uglja Pljevlja already has three Hitachi EX ultra-large excavators working in its fleet at the mine – an EX2600-6 delivered in 2019, and an EX1200-6 and an EX1200-7, which arrived on site in 2019 and 2022 respectively. While the mine has historically relied on diesel-powered hydraulic excavators and older dragline systems, it is now moving towards more efficient and technologically advanced solutions.

The company chose to invest in its first electric-drive Hitachi excavator as part of its modernisation and sustainability efforts. Using this equipment will lead to lower long-term operating costs due to simplified maintenance compared to conventional diesel machines. The 860kW electric motor also provides constant torque, enhancing operational efficiency.

The EX2600-7E will significantly reduce the mine’s carbon footprint by reducing local exhaust emissions. This was a crucial factor in the purchase decision as Montenegro is currently aligning with EU environmental standards. Another factor was the local energy supply from the neighbouring Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant. As the mine can utilise locally produced electricity, this reduces its dependence on imported diesel fuel.

Trust in reliable partners and machines

As the first model of its kind to be supplied to the region, the EX2600-7E was assembled on site with the support of service technicians from Hitachi Construction Machinery in Japan, as well as representatives from WBM. The local dealer is a trusted supplier and partner of Rudnik uglja Pljevlja and has established a strong working relationship. WBM will continue to support this landmark machine with parts and service during the two-year warranty period (or 8,000 operating hours). “We have been working together over 20 years, and we enjoy close cooperation,” says Tomislav Marijancic, WBM Managing Director.

The mine recently extended its agreement to produce at least 1.65 million tonnes of dark lignite annually, although actual production often fluctuates between 1.5 million and 2.2 million tonnes. Approximately 85-95% of the coal produced goes directly to the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant, which provides over 40% of Montenegro’s total electricity. A smaller amount is sold for domestic heating and to businesses in the Pljevlja region. However, exports are a growing part of Rudnik uglja Pljevlja’s business strategy and the mine has contracts with Serbia’s government-owned electric utility power company, Elektroprivreda Srbije.

“We are proud to supply our reliable orange ultra-large excavators, including the country’s first EX-7 electric machine, to play an important part in Montenegro’s energy sector,” says Dr Hubertus Muenster, HCME VP Sales. “We appreciate the trust that Rudnik uglja Pljevlja has placed in our electric products and the excellent support of our local dealer.”

WBM celebrates its tenth anniversary as an authorised Hitachi Construction Machinery dealer this year. “The successful delivery and assembly of our first electric ultra-large excavator in south-east Europe is testament to the strength of our partnership,” adds Hubertus.

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Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) NV (HCME) welcomed members of its European dealer network to a milestone gathering and award ceremony at its Amsterdam headquarters on 11-13 March. The prestigious occasion was an opportunity to celebrate their past achievements and look forward to the brand’s evolution to LANDCROS next year.

Following informative sessions on strategy, collaboration, business growth and shared priorities, the dealers enjoyed hands-on machine demonstrations in the dedicated demonstration area. A tour of the new-look factory, restructured in advance of the launch of LANDCROS FIT, brought the new customisation programme to life.

“It’s important to look back at what we have achieved in our shared journey,” says HCME President Francesco Quaranta, “as well as focus on what comes next. As we prepare for an exciting new chapter in our company’s history, we are building on strong foundations with our loyal dealer network.”

The glittering awards evening highlighted the sales performance of dealers in various machine categories. Winners of the ‘Performance Growth Award’ included Rotator (Finland) for crawler excavators, Nasta (Norway) for wheeled excavators, HJM (Spain) for wheel loaders and CMD (Israel) for mini excavators. Belgium’s dealer Luyckx collected the Sales Funnel Management Excellence Award.

“This year’s awards reflect not only outstanding sales performance, but also the depth of commitment our dealer network brings to every market they serve,” says Hubertus Muenster, Director Sales at HCME. “The strength of our commercial results across Europe is a direct testament to the dedication of our partners. As we approach the transition to LANDCROS, I am confident that these strong relationships will continue to drive growth and open new opportunities .”

Building on strong foundations

Additional accolades were presented to dealers excelling in the provision of parts and rental equipment. Delvator AB (Sweden) picked up the Parts Sales Performance Award. And SCAI collected the Rent2Rent Fleet Growth Award in recognition of its success with the Hitachi Premium Rental programme in Italy.

Further awards were collected by Kiesel (Poland) for marketing, Probst Maveg (Switzerland) for extended warranty, Hitachi Construction Machinery NL for ZAXIS Finance, and Hitachi Construction Machinery UK for dealer intelligence platform adoption.

“Bringing our dealer network together in Amsterdam was a powerful reminder of the shared vision that unites us,” says Laura Hendriks, Director Marketing & Brand Communication at HCME. “The recognition given to Kiesel for marketing excellence is particularly meaningful – it combines innovative thinking with clear strategic objectives and original campaign execution. As we prepare to introduce LANDCROS to the world, events like this are essential in building the alignment and enthusiasm that will make our brand evolution truly resonate across Europe.”

Francesco adds: “We are FIT for the future – with loyal partners, to outstanding customers. We appreciate our Dealers loyalty and expertise in Europe, and the role they play in providing our customers with outstanding Hitachi’s products, solutions, service and support. Congratulations to all who celebrate our achievements and focus on shaping our future brand LANDCROS.”

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Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) NV (HCME) has introduced the ZX135-7EB, a 13-tonne battery-electric excavator, expanding its range of zero-emission construction equipment. The model is designed to meet growing demand for emission-free operation, particularly in urban and residential environments where noise and exhaust emissions are regulated.

The ZX135-7EB produces zero exhaust emissions and operates at lower noise levels than comparable diesel machines. According to Hitachi, the electric excavator also offers reduced maintenance requirements and lower downtime.

Comparable performance to diesel model

The ZX135-7EB is designed to deliver a level of performance comparable to the ZX135-7 diesel excavator. It is intended for a wide range of applications, including urban construction sites and residential developments, where restrictions on emissions and sound levels apply.

Flexible charging and operation

The excavator can operate in two modes: battery-powered operation using 198 kWh lithium-ion batteries, or wired grid assist mode, which allows the machine to continue working while connected to a CEE 400 V AC three-phase power supply. This dual-mode approach enables extended working hours and continuous operation. Hitachi states that owners can expect reduced maintenance costs compared to diesel-powered  excavators. The electric drive system, including battery status and motor load factor, can be monitored remotely. Lower external sound levels allow increased flexibility in working hours, particularly in noise-sensitive areas. Safety features include the Aerial Angle camera system, providing a 270-degree bird’s-eye view of the working area.

Focus on zero-emission development

“Our largest battery-powered excavator is capable of working productively and efficiently on urban and residential construction projects,” says Norihiko Kinugawa, Product Manager at HCME. “The ZX135-7EB combines robust build quality with a charging
system designed to support daily operation.”

He adds: “We continue to respond to growing demand for zero-emission equipment while addressing customer requirements for safety, productivity and reduced life-cycle costs.”

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