Dave Hockin joins the “Tilty” revolution

by Nick Drew | Mon 14 May 2018

Dave Hockin joins the “Tilty” revolution

Devon based Dave Hockin Plant Hire has recently taken the plunge and purchased a Steelwrist X06 tiltrotator which has been fitted to a brand-new Hitachi Zaxis 55U-5.

Dave Hockin and his long-term operator Liam Mounce have been doing their homework on tiltrotators for some considerable time. This included some intensive research on social media, manufacturers websites and watching videos on You Tube, as well as talking to owner operators who already run them. The “must have” attachments are not cheap, so its important to think about it and get the brand that you feel is right for you, in terms of what you can expect from the unit and in the field back up service going forward.

As part of their research the lads came out and had some “stick time” on my Takeuchi TB235 with Engcon EC204, as there really is no substitute for getting “hands on” with a tiltrotator to appreciate what can be achieved with one fitted, this encounter led to some extensive discussions with the four major players in the market, Engcon, Rototilt, SMP and Steelwrist.

Talking about his decision Dave said, “We had a good chat with everyone, all of whom were very pleasant and helpful, but I decided to go with the Steelwrist X06 S40 because of Pat Bulcock’s region specific knowledge of tiltrotators and the back-up service we felt they would offer us, so far its proven to be the right move for us”.

The new Hitachi Zaxis 55U-5 has replaced an outgoing Kubota U45-3@ which has been a very reliable machine but was starting to look tired. The Hitachi is powered by a 4-cylinder Yanmar EDM-4TNV88, 4-cycle water-cooled, direct injection diesel engine, offering a power output rating of 28.2kw (37.8hp) tipping the scales at 5370kgs the machine has a maximum dig depth of 3830mm (slightly more with the Steelwrist on both counts).

Dave opted to have Scandinavian style buckets manufactured for the machine instead of purchasing the more expensive branded ones. These buckets and a grading beam were fabricated by Hertfordshire based J. Silk Agricultural Co Ltd to Dave’s specific requirements. They have also been personalized, something that is becoming increasingly popular with bucket and attachment manufacturers, a nice touch and a deterrent to anyone who might be looking to steal the buckets!

Liam Mounce who is the regular operator on the new machine was thrown in at the deep end on his first day out on the machine, grading stone and then sand with the grading beam on what was his first full day using a tiltrotator! Its early days yet but both Dave and Liam are enjoying the benefits that running a tiltrotator can bring.

We caught up with both men and machines at the Halwill Village Hall, on a Parish Council job where they were engaged in stoning up a foot path and a viewing ledge for supporters of the local village football teams. Dave was operating the 1.9 tonne Zaxis 19U-5 levelling stone that was being brought over by Liam in the 55U-5. Summarizing Dave said, “I do love my Hitachi’s, I really don’t think you can beat them, now with the addition of a tiltrotator, its taken us to a new level. We have gone for a top and bottom hitch so we can take the “tilty” off if people don’t want to pay the extra rate, but on our own price work it will be staying on as it speeds up the job without any doubt at all”. Check out this video taken during the site visit.

The magazine for owners + operators

Digger Man Blog

Dave Hockin joins the “Tilty” revolution

Loads more

Getting Attached with Holp

Red & Grey all the way for Mays

It’s Intermat Time!

Subscribe to Earthmovers