G&J Bircham adds two Hyundai HX25Az mini excavators

G&J Bircham has added two Hyundai HX25Az mini excavators to its fleet for housing, groundworks and civil engineering projects across Norfolk and Suffolk.

The 2.6-tonne machines were supplied by East Anglian compact-equipment dealer Tobin Plant and have been delivered with Strickland hydraulic quick-hitches and a selection of buckets.

Their towable size allows G&J Bircham to move the excavators between projects using a trailer and light commercial vehicle or pick-up.

Towable excavators support multiple sites

G&J Bircham selected the HX25Az as the largest machine in Hyundai’s compact range that can be easily transported behind a suitable light commercial vehicle.

This gives the contractor greater control over machine movements without relying on larger transport equipment for every relocation.

“The HX25Az is just an ideal size,” says company director Gavin Bircham. “We can move them about ourselves on a trailer.”

The two excavators have already been put to work as the company supports three active projects across Norfolk and Suffolk.

G&J Bircham expands its Hyundai fleet

The latest purchase forms part of a wider move towards Hyundai equipment as G&J Bircham replaces older excavators from another manufacturer.

“We’ve been replacing older equipment from another supplier and pretty much all of our excavators are Hyundai now,” Bircham explains.

Its existing Hyundai fleet includes five HX85A 8.5-tonne excavators and two 13-tonne machines.

According to Bircham, reliability and operator acceptance have been important factors behind the company’s continued investment.

“The Hyundais are very reliable machines and the operators really like them, particularly the big, comfortable cabs,” he says.

The HX25Az excavators are covered by a three-year warranty, with Tobin Plant providing service support during the warranty period. G&J Bircham employs its own fitters to maintain the machines after that period.

“We’ve known Simon Tobin for years,” Bircham adds. “Tobin will be providing service while the machines are under warranty, and we have our own fitters for after the warranty period.”

Hyundai HX25Az engine and hydraulic performance

The Hyundai HX25Az is powered by a Stage V diesel engine producing 18.5 kW, equivalent to 24.8 hp, and peak torque of 81.4 Nm.

Tandem variable-displacement piston pumps each provide a maximum flow rate of 28.2 litres per minute for digging, lifting and attachment operation.

The machine uses a zero-tail-swing design for working alongside buildings, boundaries and other obstacles. A choice of dipper arms is available, providing a maximum digging depth of just over 2.5 metres.

These features make the machine suitable for the housing, drainage and small civil engineering projects handled by G&J Bircham.

Operator and machine-protection features

Inside the cab, the HX25Az is equipped with a 5-inch full-colour monitor through which the operator can adjust controls and view machine information.

Auto-shift travel speeds and proportional joysticks are fitted as standard.

The machine also includes an automatic safety lock intended to prevent unintentional movement and an overload warning that alerts the operator when lifting capability is being exceeded.

Safety valves are fitted to the boom, arm and dozer cylinders, while guards protect the boom, arm and bucket rams. Attachment hoses are routed through the main boom structure to reduce their exposure to accidental damage.

Family contractor working across East Anglia

G&J Bircham was founded by Gavin Bircham’s father and uncle in 1970. Gavin joined the company in 1996, and the business remains family-owned, with his mother and sisters also involved.

The company employs approximately 26 people and delivers groundworks for housing developments, highways and smaller civil engineering projects across Norfolk and Suffolk.

Its work includes roads, sewers, foundations, domestic drainage, slab paths and patios, taking housing projects through to damp-proof level.

“They are good-quality machines and we have put them both straight to work,” Bircham concludes. “We are busy at the moment, with three active sites across Norfolk and Suffolk.”