Greece’s gateway to Europe

The Olympia Odos is one of the most important strategic projects in Greece, connecting the regions of Attica, Peloponnese and Western Greece and Athens with the country’s gateway to Europe, the port of Patras. The new toll road will bring significant economic, social and cultural benefits, by improving links to tourist areas, and strengthening export and agricultural production.

On a new 75km stretch of the motorway, between Patras and Pyrgos, several Hitachi Premium Rental machines were used by Aigistos SA to help move an estimated three million cubic metres of earth as part of the Olympia Odos extension.

Road construction is typical of the work carried out by Aigistos, which also specialises in dams, quarrying, energy and construction projects. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Athens, the company employs 350 people and operates across the country.

Responsible for 35km of the new section, Aigistos had a ZX890LCR-7 large excavator and a ZW220-7 wheel loader on site at Kourtesi, in November 2023. Both machines were supplied by Hitachi dealer Helma SA.

Aigistos Project Manager Vasilis Koletsis said: “Hitachi machines are very fuel-efficient and easy to operate. We are extremely satisfied with the service we receive from Helma. Their technician can be at the job site at 7am if needed.”

Hitachi also stood out from the competition regarding the supply of genuine parts: “The availability of spare parts is great, it can be two days’ delivery time for filters, for example. With other brands, it can be one or two months!”

Powerful and reliable

Operator Andreas Dimopoulos is highly satisfied by the performance of the ZW220-7. After working with the wheel loader for six months, he was impressed by its reliability and speed: “The machine makes me happy. It is very powerful and reliable.”

The ZW-7 model has been designed to increase uptime with durable components, intelligent prevention systems and easy maintenance features. It is fitted with a Hitachi bucket, also supplied by the Greek Hitachi dealer, Helma SA. “The bucket is very good and for the size of the machine, it is just right,” adds Andreas.

The ZX890LCR-7 excavator was operated by Zigeris Christos. “I’ve been working with this machine for a year and I’m quite happy with it. I don’t think there is anything Hitachi needs to improve on this machine. It’s relaxing for the operator – the cab is comfortable and spacious. Even after several hours of work, you get out of the machine feeling rested and in the mood to go and grab a coffee.”

Rental advantages

The ZX890LCR-7 and ZW220-7 are part of Aigistos’ sizeable Premium Rental fleet – the company has also rented two additional ZX890-7 and four ZX490-7 large excavators, and two ZX180W-7 wheeled excavators from Helma SA.

“An advantage of renting construction equipment is that new machines are more fuel-efficient and reliable, so they have less downtime than older models,” says Vasilis.

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