As soon as the sugar beet harvest kicks off, many regions across the Netherlands are operating at full speed. It’s a major logistical operation, where everything hinges on planning, reliability, and loading capacity. For Michel Pentenga, owner of Pentenga Dienstverlening, it’s an annual ritual, and his company has quickly become a major player in the sugar beet loading industry.”
The start of the sugar beet harvest plunges many Dutch regions into intense activity. This extensive logistical undertaking demands meticulous planning, unwavering reliability, and substantial loading capabilities. For Michel Pentenga, who owns Pentenga Dienstverlening, this yearly event is routine, and his business has rapidly established itself as a key force in loading sugar beets.
An excellent experience with Hitachi machinery. At the heart of the operation is a Hitachi ZX180W-7 with two-piece boom, which runs almost non-stop from September to the end of January. “I average around 2,500 operating hours, just during the season,” says Michel. “On top of that, another 300 hours are spent on earthmoving and assisting with contract work. It’s an intensive period, but also very rewarding.””
Hitachi equipment has proven exceptionally effective. Central to his work is a Hitachi ZX180W-7, featuring a two-piece boom, which operates nearly continuously from September through January. Michel notes, ‘I log roughly 2,500 hours during the harvesting season alone.’ He adds, ‘An additional 300 hours go into earthmoving and supporting other contractual jobs. It’s a demanding schedule, but one that offers great satisfaction.
Michel purchased his first machine in 2024. He selected a Hitachi thanks to availability and top-quality service from the dealership Hitachi Construction Nederland. “The fact that this wheeled excavator could be delivered before the start of the beet harvesting season was decisive,” says Michel. “You really get to know a Hitachi like that inside and out in those four months. It was an excellent experience right away.””
Michel acquired his initial machine in 2024, opting for a Hitachi due to its immediate availability and the superb service provided by Hitachi Construction Nederland. ‘Being able to get this wheeled excavator before the beet harvest started was the deciding factor,’ Michel explains. ‘During those four months, you truly learn every aspect of a Hitachi. It was a positive experience from the outset.
On average, the company loads around 400 to 450 trailers every week, which equates to 60 to 70 per day. “The Cosun Beet Company factory in Hoogkerk operates continuously,” he adds. “Up to 30,000 tonnes of sugar beets are processed there daily, so you have to ensure your supply can keep up with that pace.””
This is a niche sector. Each week, his company typically loads between 400 and 450 trailers, translating to 60 to 70 daily. He points out, ‘The Cosun Beet Company factory in Hoogkerk runs without interruption. They process as much as 30,000 tonnes of sugar beets daily, so maintaining a steady supply is crucial.'”
All earthmoving has deadlines, but sugar beet work is known for its tight logistics. Sugar content drops rapidly after harvest, weather can be unpredictable, and the factory needs a 24/7 supply.”
While all earthmoving projects adhere to schedules, sugar beet operations are particularly challenging due to their stringent logistics. The sugar content diminishes quickly post-harvest, weather conditions are often erratic, and the factory requires a constant, round-the-clock delivery.
“It’s a constant race against the clock,” says Michel. “We do everything we can to keep the field period during harvest as short as possible, so the sugar factory can operate as efficiently as possible.
“Michel describes it as ‘a perpetual battle against time.’ He continues, ‘Our utmost effort goes into minimizing the duration of field work during harvest, allowing the sugar factory to achieve maximum operational efficiency.’
Built for maximum efficiency. The ZX180W-7 is well equipped to maintain high levels of productivity and efficiency. It is fitted with a 2,500-litre beet grab, a tiltrotator for continuous rotation, and Hardox support wheels. “The grab weighs two tonnes, but it works fantastically,” explains Michel. “It allows me to work very quietly and precisely without sacrificing productivity.
Engineered for peak performance, the ZX180W-7 comes fully equipped to sustain impressive productivity and efficiency. It features a 2,500-litre beet grab, a tiltrotator for endless rotation, and robust Hardox support wheels. Michel notes, ‘Though the grab weighs two tonnes, its performance is incredible. It enables me to operate with great quietness and accuracy, all while maintaining high output.
Reliability is vital. As the wheeled excavator has to operate day and night, downtime is not an option. Michel is clear about that: “A Japanese quality product doesn’t disappoint easily. Everything feels very solid.””
Dependability is paramount. With the wheeled excavator needing to run continuously, interruptions are unacceptable. Michel emphatically states, ‘A quality Japanese product rarely fails. Its construction feels exceptionally robust.'”
The Hitachi Netherlands service centre is also close by if required. “I just have to call and someone is ready,” Michel adds. “Last year, a technician even came by on Sundays for maintenance. That’s exactly what you need as a customer in this business.
Moreover, the Hitachi Netherlands service center is conveniently located. Michel comments, ‘All I need to do is call, and help is on the way.’ He recalls, ‘Last year, a technician even visited on a Sunday for maintenance. That level of support is precisely what clients in this industry require.
Investing in additional Hitachi machinery. After several years of experience in the industry, Michel is seeing his business grow steadily. This may eventually offer the opportunity to invest in an additional machine to expand into earthmoving. One thing is certain: as long as he enjoys beet work, the Hitachi will remain at the heart of his business. “The ZX180W is a fantastic machine. Without a reliable excavator, you’re nowhere in this industry. Thanks to Hitachi, I know for sure that I won’t have any trouble.
Michel is considering adding more Hitachi equipment. Having gained significant experience, Michel’s business is experiencing consistent growth. This could eventually present a chance to acquire another machine, allowing him to venture further into earthmoving. However, one constant remains: as long as he finds satisfaction in beet harvesting, his Hitachi will be central to his operations. ‘The ZX180W is an outstanding machine,’ he states. ‘In this field, a dependable excavator is indispensable. With Hitachi, I’m confident I won’t encounter any issues.
