Hitachi delivers with 150-ton EX1200-7 excavator giant to Dieker Overslag

The bigger, the better, is often claimed. The latest acquisition from Dieker Overslag certainly belongs in that category. With an operational weight of almost 150 tons, the EX1200-7 delivered by Hitachi Netherlands with 30 meters of excavation reach is no slouch. The giant is currently deployed on a challenging project in Germany.

Designed with a strong focus on efficiency, durability and reliability, the impressive Hitachi EX1200-7 is used worldwide for heavy earthmoving, demolition and quarry work. For Dieker Overslag, the machine has been fully customized to meet the specific requirements of their projects.

Boom of 30 meters 

The original 122-ton crawler excavator is equipped, among other things, with 14 tons of additional counterweight, 900 mm wide tracks and an extended 30-meter boom, allowing for a significant digging range. In addition, a Leica GPS system is integrated and the machine is equipped with a Pladdet chain bucket with a capacity of 3 cubic meters, ideal for working under water. The quick-change system with hydraulic valves, built by Jan Nagel, makes it possible to change attachments easily and without oil leakage.

Rick Dieker, director of Dieker Overslag, emphasizes, "We spent a lot of time specifying the machine. Thanks to the modifications, such as AMC's automatic grease lubrication system, which pays extra attention to continuously working underwater with the stick, the EX1200-7 is perfectly tailored to our operations. That makes this excavator not only powerful, but also incredibly efficient to operate."

Successful start

The EX1200-7 was deployed immediately after delivery on a large-scale project in Germany, where Dieker Overslag is excavating a site up to 12 meters underwater. Since the start of work in September, this giant has already moved more than 100,000 tons of sand, with about 40,000 to 50,000 more tons to go. "The machine is running great," Rick says enthusiastically. "We knew that the boom, extended from 21 to 30 meters, could be a risk because there was no time for extensive calculation. But the result is beyond expectations; the machine is stable, powerful and meets all our requirements."

Transporting the excavator to Germany was a logistics operation in itself. Hitachi's modular design allowed the EX1200-7 to be transported in sections and assembled efficiently on site. This flexibility is essential for a company like Dieker Overslag, which operates at dozens of locations in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.

Family business with vision

Dieker Overslag, founded by Rick's father Johan Dieker, is known for its innovative approach and strong customer focus. In addition to ship transshipment, the company offers additional services such as internal transport, dredging and machinery rental. The company manages an extensive fleet of equipment including fourteen transshipment machines, four wire or harbor cranes, three mining dump trucks, twelve wheel loaders, several skid steer loaders, a ship, a sand dredger and a sand wheel.

Earlier this year, Dieker Overslag moved to a new location in Reusel, on an 8,000-square-meter site. "Our philosophy has always been to keep innovating and improving," Rick explains. "This applies not only to our machinery, but also to how we operate. We want to operate sustainably and effectively, in order to completely relieve our customers."

Advanced technology

The EX1200-7 fits perfectly within that vision. In addition to its impressive performance, the machine also offers sustainable benefits, such as reduced emissions and improved efficiency thanks to Hitachi's advanced technologies. The choice of this 150-tonne crawler crane was partly driven by the excellent relationship with Hitachi Nederland. The excellent support during the purchase process has ensured that the machine fully meets the requirements of Dieker Overslag.

"We are extremely proud to have been able to deliver this special machine," says Ruud van Grotel, account manager at Hitachi Netherlands. "The EX1200-7 is a wonderful example of what is possible when you combine customization with technological innovation." After completion of the project in Germany, the EX1200-7 will again be able to be used flexibly. Thanks to the interchangeable BE front, the machine is suitable for a variety of applications, such as standard large earthmoving.