Based in Halsall, Lancashire, 13 miles north of Liverpool, Joe Massam Agricultural Contracting is a division of Massams Supplies Ltd.
It is run by Joe’s father Steve and his wife Janet who set up the company in 1987. Steve started out with a Priestman Mustang 120 excavating farm tracks for local farms. He then acquired two 108 Priestman excavators and a Cat 951 track loader.
Steve started selling topsoil to households in the north west of England and went on to employ a team of staff. Thirty-seven years later, Steve and Janet have a very successful company with their main sector being landscape, building supplies and golf course supplies.
AE caught up with Joe at a lawn turf growing business a couple of miles from Formby, Merseyside where he was creating a base for new agricultural sheds using his Hitachi ZX130- 7 equipped with a Rototilt R4. Whilst Joe’s first machines when starting out were Volvo EC140Bs, he has stuck with Hitachi since first acquiring a Fiat Hitachi 130-3. He currently runs a 14-year-old ZX130-3 alongside the new ZX130-7.
Performance and operator comfort
The latest model Hitachi ZX130LCN-7 excavators are highly efficient machines that boast a range of features designed to improve performance and operator comfort. With up to 9% reduced fuel consumption compared to previous models and an industry-leading hydraulic system, HIOS V, these excavators are designed to offer enhanced efficiency and productivity.
Additionally, the Stage V-compliant engine eliminates the need for a SCR system, reducing the need for maintenance and filter replacements. The cab of the ZX130LCN-7 has also been improved with an integrated console, seat suspension, reduced noise levels and low vibration all of which provide a comfortable and productive work environment.
When it comes to reliability and service, Joe speaks highly of his experience with Hitachi excavators. He purchased Hitachi machines in the past because he knows he can count on them.
As he puts it: “Hitachis have never missed a beat, and there’s never been any major breakdowns. That’s why I didn’t want to move away from Hitachi and stuck with them.”
Joe also takes good care of his machines, servicing them every 500 hours by Duncan at TPS. He particularly likes using Hitachi for fine grading and fine-tuning work as they are well-suited for such precision tasks.
Joe hasn’t had much experience with Hitachi UK’s backup services, simply because his Hitachi machines have been so reliable. However, on one occasion when he needed help with a fuel regulator valve on his Hitachi 130-3, Hitachi UK sent someone out to solve the issue, who Joe says was fantastic. Overall, Joe believes that Hitachi excavators are renowned for their reliability, and his positive experience with the brand has only reinforced that belief.
Joe comments that he believes the Toyota engine in the Dash 7 Hitachi excavator is not as fuel-efficient as the Isuzu engine in his 14-year-old Dash 3. In addition, Joe would like to see Hitachi offer a greater range of specification choices when purchasing an excavator.
Specifically, he would like to have the option to choose a heavier counterweight or a longer, heavier undercarriage – similar to what other manufacturers offer. Joe believes that having more options would be beneficial for machine stability, especially when using his Rototilt R4. By tailoring the excavator to his specific needs, Joe would be able to achieve optimal performance and productivity on the job.
Rototilt R4
Joe’s Hitachi ZX130-7 utilises a Rototilt R4, a top-of-the-line tiltrotator attachment that’s specifically designed for excavators weighing between 10-16 tonnes. It’s built to withstand tough working conditions and can easily handle the significant stresses and harsh environments that come with excavation work.
Despite its compact size, the R4 is a heavy- duty attachment that boasts an impressive breakout torque of up to 163 kNm, thanks to its innovative worm gear technology. Additionally, the R4 features a rotation sensor that provides precise positioning whilst its smart grease fittings and lower radial bearings in bronze make maintenance a breeze.
The R4’s oil-filled rotor housing is also cast in a single piece, which ensures minimal wear, maximum lubrication and a long service life. When combined with Rototilt’s QuickChange™ quick coupler system and SecureLock™ safety solution, the R4 is a highly efficient and safe attachment that’s ideal for a wide range of excavation applications.
Joe purchased a Rototilt R4 attachment for his Hitachi excavator after researching various tilt rotator manufacturers. He found that Rototilt was the easiest to communicate with and was locally based at a price point he was comfortable with.
His experience with Rototilt has been very positive and he describes them as “absolutely fantastic.” He was initially introduced to Rototilt by another golf course landscaping company that used Rototilts on their Komatsu excavators and they praised the attachment’s durability saying: “They are bomb proof, you can give them plenty of stick.”
Joe agrees, noting that his Rototilt can take a lot of abuse. With the Rototilt, Joe has been able to significantly increase his productivity in golf course work, and he finds the attachment so versatile that it never needs to be taken off.
Overall, Joe considers the Rototilt R4 to be an excellent investment that has greatly benefited his business.
The cab top and counterweight of the dash 7 have been fitted with MittX light bars from StypeX, a company founded by Pat Bulcock. The company provides equipment operators and owners with a source of custom lighting bars, accessories from MittX, premium Hardox buckets from EMA, high-quality excavator attachments from German company Echle and hardwearing work clothes from Bläkläder.
The new company has already gained popularity as it caters to the growing market in the UK of operators and owners wanting to add to the specification of their machines. Joe purchased the MittX light bars from StypeX as he wanted to make his Hitachi stand out and look different. He was impressed with Pat’s work and the quality of the light bars.
The MittX light bars are designed to suit specific machines and are not adapted from other designs. They offer flashing amber or red LED lights and a bright white LED light. Joe thinks StypeX is a fantastic idea, catering to an untapped and growing market in the UK of operators and owners wanting to add to the specification of their machine to make it more attractive and comfortable.
The project Joe is currently working on, is a large-scale site preparation for agricultural sheds. The area was previously a field which has been stripped while hardcore has been imported and levelled with footings dug.
Topsoil has been used to create bunds around the perimeter and the rest of the soil will be levelled in the field once the turf is harvested. The next phase will involve stoning up to slab height. The sheds will serve a 100-acre lawn turf harvesting area.
Joe currently has an arsenal of attachments, including a 3m dipper extension arm, tree shears, forks and flail that enable him to tackle various tasks effectively. Additionally, he often fabricates his equipment to meet specific requirements.
Going forward, Joe is currently looking to invest in a specialist grading beam from Titus Attachments, which can be used with or without rollers. Overall, with his expertise and equipment, Joe is well-equipped to handle large projects like this and deliver top-notch results.
The tagline on the back window of the Hitachi cab says: “If in doubt, get Massam out.” We don’t doubt Joe could handle any project with his impressive line-up of machines, attachments, experience and expertise.
