Beens Group celebrates 65th anniversary with two new Hitachis

With the purchase of two Hitachi ZX-7 crawler excavators, Beens Groep from Genemuiden is once again investing in sustainability. The machines meet the strict Stage V emission standards and can run on HVO biodiesel to further reduce emissions.

Beens Group wants to be a leader within its own field when it comes to sustainable construction. For example, green hydrogen is used to charge electric equipment, including the work vessel Karst. Yet electrification was not an option in the recent expansion of the fleet. "The new Hitachi will be used multifunctionally for both ground or foundation work and transshipment. There is no electric crane available yet from the factory to work with a vibrator," says Gerben Busweiler, head of equipment at Beens Groep. "Then clean diesel technology is the best alternative. Compared to the previous ZX350 - with over 20,000 hours on the clock - we are taking a good step in making our equipment more sustainable. With that, this choice fits within the roadmap towards a completely emission-free fleet of machines."

Very complete

Beens Group is committed to innovation to make processes more efficient and future-proof. The Hitachi ZX350LC-7 is a paragon of advanced technology and customization for structural hydraulic engineering. The customer-specific construction by Hitachi Nederland in cooperation with Van den Heuvel Werkendam means that the machine is perfectly tailored to specialist projects. Equipped with jib with winch and vibrating block, it is already clear from a distance that this is a special and very complete machine. The ZX350 is equipped with numerous options, such as 4 tons of additional counterweight, 2-piece boom with dom, spigot lock on jib, load moment safety device, connectomate, protective grilles at front and roof window, laminated roof window with windshield wiper, Freshfilter overpressure system, emergency stop, clear coat, etc.

Seventh Hitachi

For Beens Group, they are already the second and third excavators of Hitachi's ZX-7 generation. After previously investing in a 30-tonne ZX300LC-7, the extensive fleet has been reinforced this year with a ZX250LC-7 (expansion) and a ZX350LC-7 (replacement). In total, the company has 20 excavators, including seven Hitachis. In addition to the three ZX-7 models mentioned above, these include two older types of ZX250 and ZX350, a ZX470 and a 65-ton ZX500. Busweiler says: "We are still working on a 9-tonner and another machine is on the verge of being replaced. I assume that in a year we will be at ten Hitachi machines. We like the cooperation. There is a lot of technical know-how and adaptability and representative Paul Visscher is on top of things in a positive way. In this way, Hitachi is relieving us in the best possible way."

No excess

The ZX350LC-7, painted in yellow house style, is an excellent fit for Beens Group's challenging projects. Through modifications to the hydraulic system, the machine delivers 200 l/min of flow at 350 bar working pressure via the double-acting auxiliary function. This is necessary to drive the vibrating block even under the toughest conditions. Machinist Henk Rook often deploys this multi-purpose digging, lifting and foundation wonder with a grading grab or vibratory block. The versatile Hitachi crawler crane performs all common work on a project, from demolition activities and installing steel sheet piles to finishing the site. "Characteristically, we do not have an excess of equipment, but rather highly specialized machines that are suitable for a diversity of work."

Appropriate solution

This allows Beens Group to offer a suitable solution for every job. The company, founded in 1959 by Karst Beens, has dedicated itself for 65 years to craftsmanship on the border of land and water. From quay walls along city canals to large-scale dredging, coastal and shore work at seaports. From a solid and broad expertise, over 150 employees develop, organize and realize solutions for hydraulic structures and dredging works that contribute to a safe and accessible Netherlands, now and in the future. Besides the head office in Genemuiden, there are branches in Amsterdam, Ridderkerk and Lelystad. Beens Group operates on the basis of three core values: competent, committed, meaningful. It has relied on Hitachi machines for more than 30 years, a partnership that has received a further boost with the ZX250LC-7 and ZX350LC-7.