High reach first from Hidromek on show in Turkey

Lurking at the back of Hidromek's stand at the recent Komatek exhibition in Ankara, Turkey, was this Turkish company's first foray into the high reach demolition excavator sector, based on its 37 tonne HMK 370 tracked machine, the heaviest it currently produces. A prototype still undergoing testing, the HMK 370DLC is a 21.5 m (70.5 ft) pin height machine that can carry a 2.5 tonne tool at full height. It weighs in at 44.5 tonnes (including additional counterweighting, strengthened undercarriage and 35 degree tilting cab).

According to the company, the new machine will be available as a production model in 2012 and has been developed as a result of a perceived demand for such equipment in Turkey and the surrounding region, especially in urban centres such as Istanbul where space is at a premium.

When available next year, the new machine will be in the company's new white and black livery. By that point, it should also feature a hydraulic modular joint on the boom to allow for quick boom changes from standard dig configuration to high reach. The company also says that it is examining the use of a hydraulically extending undercarriage for added stability.

The HMK 370DLC is part of a product development programme that should also see a 50 tonne standard excavator being added to Hidromek's range next year. This also could become a carrier for a high reach rig, assuming the success of the 21.5 m machine in the market.