KMC1200S – the largest demolition excavator in Spain

In the course of the energy transition, coal-fired power plants all over Europe are being decommissioned and the surrounding areas revitalised. This was also the case at the thermal power plant in Anllares in the north-west of the province of León, which went offline in December 2018. Despite preliminary blasting, the ongoing demolition work is taking place at heights of 35 metres and higher. For these applications, machines such as the KMC1200S from KTEG are proving indispensable – as the only machines that can manipulate the required attachments at the aforementioned heights without any problems.

The “demolition monster“

For applications of this kind, KTEG develops and builds highly specialised machines such as the KMC1200S. Where other excavators reach their limits, our “demolition monster” truly shines. Its interchangeable boom system allows the reach to be varied from 27 to 51 metres. At the same time, the special arrangement of the hydraulics means the KMC can operate an impressive three tonnes of attachments at a height of 51 metres. When doing do, the vehicle remains completely stable thanks to the 30 t counterweight and the almost square standing surface of the specially developed undercarriage. And, like the undercarriage, the entire machine has been designed to withstand the toughest conditions. The frame construction on which the upper structure rests is unique. It houses rotary gear and associated components that are typically found on 250 t cranes. The hydraulic cylinders were sourced from Hitachi and have been tried and tested thousands of times around the globe. This combination of proven Hitachi quality and components that are suitable for the toughest applications make the KMC1200S a genuine “demolition monster”.

However, the KMC1200S not only showcases its sophisticated design while on the job – but also on the way there. “Only a week ago, it arrived at its first work site. It was ready to start work in just a few days – thanks to the well thought-out transport concept. The drive units are removed prior to loading. This reduces the transport width to a tolerable level,” explains Timo Vestweber, the project coordinator at KTEG.

A win-win-win situation

Accompanied by Managing Director Harald Thum, Vestweber is making a special trip from Germany to oversee the ceremonial handover of the KMC1200S to Lezama. Their luggage contains everything needed for a celebratory “excavator baptism”. “Together with a satisfied customer, this is the culmination of a perfect a project for us,” explains Vestweber with a smile.

At the customer’s site, all project participants receive a warm welcome. After all, they already know each other well as a result of the intensive planning phase that spanned the previous six months. “We work very closely with our dealer network on projects of this kind. In this case, the dealer is the company Hispano Japonesa de Maquinaria (HJM), which supplies the whole of Spain from León in northern Spain,” explains Harald Thum. “This is not only essential during the quotation phase, but also when it comes to after-sales. Like all machines that are designed to prove themselves in the toughest applications, our KMC1200S also needs to be professionally maintained. With HJM, we are delighted to have such a competent partner at our side.” A sentiment shared by the customer, Lezama Demoliciones. After all, they have been a customer of HJM for many years and operate a large fleet of Hitachi machines, which are supplied and maintained by HJM. “The long-standing partnership and mutual trust between Lezama and HJM underpinned our investment in our new flagship,” explains José Fernández, owner of Lezama Demoliciones. “The first impression was enough to convince us and the machine’s first few days in operation here have reinforced this conviction still further.” He proudly points to the KMC1200S behind him, which began working the moment the handover ceremony was finished.

“We are very proud to have brought the first KMC1200S to Spain and want to thank Lezama Demoliciones for the trust they have placed in us. The whole of Spain is watching this lighthouse project,” says Juan Rodriguez, owner of HJM. “KTEG has proven to be a perfect and professional partner in this process, and not only by delivering a product,” he continues. “When it came to questions of financing or staff training on site, it was also clear that we were dealing with consummate professionals. We are already looking forward to working with KTEG on future projects.”