Youngman Richardson’s relationship with IHI kicks off with the new V4 and VX Series mini excavators.
A CULT-LIKE FOLLOWING isn’t something you would normally associate with an excavator. Those sorts of feelings are generally reserved for movies, TV shows, or bands, which feature characters you can love or hate.
Such is the pedigree of the 0.7- to eight-tonne range of IHI mini excavators that the products are being given cult status amongst operators who’ve worked with them. With the release of the new V4 and VX Series excavators, exclusive New Zealand distributor Youngman Richardson sees it as the perfect start to its relationship with the manufacturer.
“We are thrilled to be able to introduce a new model range at such an early stage of out relationship with IHI,” says Youngman Richardson sales and marketing director, Ed Richardson.
Ed says judging by the initial feedback and interest in the market, the new model range has already made an impact. Reliability and ease of operation are key features for those who have worked with IHI excavators, so it’s understandable why he’s so positive about the new range.
The company is confident that the V4 and VX Series will prove popular with both existing customers and contractors who have aspired to add an IHI excavator to their range of equipment.
That confidence is clear when Ed begins discussing the various features of the new machines.
“Operator safety and comfort is at the forefront of the new IHI VX Series models,” he says. “A FOPS/ROPS compliant four post cabin and canopy, along with enlarged cabin space and around 20 percent more leg room ensures the operator is safe and secure.”
Ease of operation is a top priority for anyone working with excavators on smaller worksites. On the new models, joystick controls and an easy check monitor, along with all other functions, are centralised beside the joystick for driver convenience. The compact body design is coupled to a long arm for extended digging and higher dumping.
An exciting aspect of the V4 Series is a 20 percent reduction in fuel consumption over previous models, which is achieved through a combination of hydraulic control, a high spec engine, and energy-saving functions.
Design unification is a key component throughout all models associated with the new IHI range. It’s been applied to the component layout, exterior appearance, cabin, and canopy. This focus however is most noticeable when it comes to parts interchangeability and commonality, meaning the machines are much easier to maintain, and providing greater cost savings by reducing downtime and increasing the machine’s productivity.
Construction and hire companies with multiple machines will benefit most from component unification as it makes regular service checks easy. Ed says the company has a reputation for being able to get parts and accessories to customers quickly and he is confident this will add to the experience of being an IHI owner.
Youngman Richardson is already well equipped to provide strong customer support with a growing number of IHI spare parts for the new and existing models.
“As well as building a significant spare parts holding for the new equipment, we are also encouraged by the weekly orders from IHI, which is allowing us to supply customers across the country immediately,” says Ed.
Youngman Richardson has been serving the construction, hire, and agricultural industries for over 30 years with a reputation for quality, service, and ethics, he adds.
Parting words from Jeremy Sole- a final column