A number of acquisitions from Hitachi have helped the SEE Group combine traditional work ethic and skills with cutting-edge technology, creating solutions that are both practical and visionary.
The SEE Group is a family-built group of companies that specialise in civil construction, engineering, mining and plant.
With offices in the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Northern New South Wales, it delivers major infrastructure, urban development and mining projects across Queensland and New South Wales.
As Plant and Logistics Executive Director Mark Turner told Earthmoving Equipment Magazine, its team of more than 550 professionals operates a robust business model that allows the business to deliver optimal results and provide value for money.
“Our innovative approach reduces construction costs and maintains control over projects from start to finish,” he said.
“SEE Group has three distinct business divisions that span the civil, fleet and quarry sectors. These divisions enable us to offer comprehensive construction solutions that cater to the diverse requirements of our clients. Additionally, this structure enables us to deliver either independent or integrated solutions.”
Mark said practising social sustainability was an important priority.
“It is a critical aspect that involves ensuring the well-being and quality of life of individuals and communities. It encompasses a wide range of issues, such as human rights, social justice, diversity and inclusion and community development,” he said.
“This includes creating equal opportunities and access to resources for all individuals. As a family-built business with strong community values, we acknowledge the role we must play in supporting the communities of which we are a part.”
Equipment fleet
Of course, as a company which specialises in construction, having a robust and efficient fleet of machinery was vital.
“Experience and just sound business sense as shown us that having the latest equipment that operates to our sustainability and environmental standards is important,” Mark said.
“Equally, machines that provide a safe and comfortable work space for operators is crucial to our business.
“We focus on equipment that is designed for the diverse tasks, is well-maintained and offers all the features and benefits needed to satisfy the environmental and performance outcomes expected by our customers.”
And with this in mind, the SEE Group looks no further than Hitachi Construction Machinery (HCA).
“Over the years, our relationship with Hitachi has been key to our plant availability target of minimal downtime,” Mark said.
“Hitachi also has an expansive support network across both our civil and mining operations which gives us a wide range of support advantages.
“An illustration of our equipment strategy is clearly shown in the recent purchase of a Bell 2806E water cart and a Hitachi ZX360 LCH-7 excavator from HCA.”
ZX360 LCH-7 excavator
The Hitachi ZX360 LCH-7 excavator adds to the number of Hitachi excavators already in the SEE fleet.
“This 36,400kg machine with 210 kW power has been put to work and is already paying big dividends in helping us complete jobs on time,” Mark said.
“Our decision to select this excavator was based on several factors. Some of these included the addition of a wide range of durable new components to the latest Stage-V compliant machine, even down to the detail of the rigidity of the door hinges.
“Features such as hydraulic and engine oil monitoring sensors to help us to reduce downtime and running costs were another key attraction.
“The Hitachi excavator is equipped with a new after-treatment system, and priority is given to easy and time-saving maintenance and cleaning. They have also made improvements to the undercarriage to add greater durability.
Peace of mind comes from such features as the two-way disconnect switch. This makes it possible to shut down power without resetting data on the monitor and prevents the battery from discharging during welding.
Adding to a safe working environment is repositioning of the pilot shutoff lever, which is now within easy reach to prevent any unintentional actions.
The ZX360 LCH-7 excavator provides a superior and expansive view of the job site from all angles, thanks to an exceptional 270-degree bird’s-eye view with the proprietary Aerial Angle camera system. Operators can choose from six image options to view the machine’s immediate environment for outstanding safety control.
Mark said that operators have been very impressed with the overall smoothness and performance of the excavator, including the cabin ergonomics and features such as powerful LED work lights, increased sweeping area for the windscreen wiper with and roller sunshades.
“Air conditioning and audio are easily controlled via the easy to view and navigate multifunctional control,” he said.
“There is a one-touch adjustment lever for the integrated console and seat that lets operators work comfortably in the optimum position. Increased legroom and an improved pedal layout also help to reduce fatigue.
“Improved sound isolation makes the cab very quiet, while easily accessible storage space keeps the cabin workspace tidy.”
To stay connected, there is a USB power supply and smartphone holder, Bluetooth for hands-free phone calls and 12- and 24-volt outlets for electrical devices.
The excavator is also fitted with durable hydraulic breakers, hydraulic hitches, buckets and ground-engaging tools, all of which are designed to increase the machine owner’s profit by maximising productivity and uptime.
Manufactured to the same high standards as all Hitachi construction equipment, these tools offer superior reliability and exceptional performance.
Capitalising on the excavator’s versatility can be achieved by selecting the right bucket for the job. For loading light materials or heavy-duty work, Hitachi buckets can be customised to meet owners’ needs and there is a wide range of options to choose from Hitachi supplied buckets with different capacities and widths.
For tough jobs, the Hitachi-approved hydraulic breakers are perfectly suited to the ZX360 LCH-7. They’re easy to maintain and user-friendly, and their high-quality materials ensure a long lifetime. This means reduced maintenance costs, fewer replacement parts and minimal downtime.
When it comes to routine maintenance, all access is at ground level for added safety and convenience.
Bell 2806E water cart
HCA is the Australian distributor of the South African manufacturer Bell Equipment.
SEE’s Bell 2806E is the first to be delivered on the East Coast of Australia.
“We purchased the machine to replace our 16,000 litre road registered truck,” Mark said.
“The Bell gives us the flexibility to work between bulk earthworks operations and also some road construction activities.
“Its single rear axle, unlike previous larger watercarts, is much more nimble and manoeuvrable in tight areas. The short front end allows this water cart to attack steeper terrain.
“The water cart’s factory fitted integrated controls are another attractive feature. Together with the Bell 2806E water cart’s superior retardation and safety features, the benefits of these controls made our purchase decision clear-cut.
“Of particular note are the in-cab controls that help to reduce operator fatigue and minimise water wastage. These advanced system controls include innovative features such as auto spread that ensures a uniform spread of water regardless of the speed of the vehicle.”
Other features of the Bell water cart include a hill-adjusted flow rate, on-board weighing, and a pulse mode where the operator can create variable bursts to preserve water. A handy reverse camera lets the operator visually monitor from the cab the spray of water.
The water cart’s automated speed pump regulates the required flow rates for all activated implements. The benefit is in removing the complexity for the operator, improving performance and comfort.
Bell’s designers have addressed comfort and safety, recognising this important element in added efficiency.
Innovative front and rear comfort ride suspension options enhance ride quality and ensure minimal exposure to body vibration.
The water tank of the Bell 2806E has a low centre of gravity that equates to better stability, together with baffle plates that reducing the sloshing effect.
Safety is always a priority. Contributing to this important consideration are the vehicle’s handrails along the staircase and on top of the water tank that ensure the safety of all roof access requirements.
Additionally, plumbing is routed internally to prevent any tripping hazards.
The park brake automatically applies when neutral is selected, while the torque dependent park brake release (hill assist) prevents roll back on slopes.
An impressive retarder and engine braking function is automatically applied when the operator lifts the foot off the accelerator.
Retarder aggressiveness can be simply adjusted on the sealed switch module to access maximum descent control.
Meeting the goals
Mark said that SEE Group partners with suppliers who help the business in its goals of meeting and exceeding customer satisfaction in terms of safety, performance and efficiency, along with the priority on all aspects of sustainability and social responsibility.
“Hitachi equipment enables us to achieve these priorities,” he said.
For further information on Hitachi construction equipment, visit hitachicm.com.au/.