It’s easy for Shannon Valley to draw comparisons between the new Zaxis-7 and the earlier Hitachi models in its fleet. Managing Director Michael English says: “It’s quieter, a little faster, and lighter on fuel than previous models – the fuel economy is a big plus. The cab is also more comfortable, so our operators are happy.”

Shannon Valley Group invested in the latest model as it prepares for Stage V emissions regulations. The ZX690LCR-7 complies with these thanks to the combination of the selective catalytic reduction system, diesel oxidation catalyst and catalysed soot filter.

“We decided to invest in the Zaxis-7 model, because we are looking to the future. Stage V emissions are a factor for rock extraction on urban sites, so the decision was taken from an environmental point of view.”