Western Sydney contractor selects Takeuchi TL6R track loader for major residential development earthworks.
Sydney’s boom in large-scale residential development and construction has put deadline pressure on contractors to complete a high volume of work.
Earthworm Excavations is a contractor that provides comprehensive site preparation packages that include excavation and landscaping, concreting, fencing, infrastructure and other services.
“Our seven machines and 16 operators are kept very busy performing work on projects for some of Australia’s biggest names in large-tract residential development. So far, we have completed site works and landscaping for 200 new homes and we have many more to complete,” said Earthworm Excavations’ Dave Butfield.
“Checking out the market for some new equipment to give us improved productivity, we recently decided on purchasing the latest Takeuchi TL6R track loader. We have been using a skid steer for some time, however we wanted to see how a tracked loader would perform on our job sites.
“We needed a compact loader that was small enough to give us the flexibility on typical residential site development particularly with the ability to manoeuvre down driveways and into garage spaces. It’s a great size and fits inside the dimensions of house garages, which makes it a very versatile machine, using a 4-in-1 bucket and a broom attachment, the latter of which is used for cleaning roads at site exits.
“The pickup load capacity of 835 kilograms is excellent and even conservative. At this rated weight, the machine never feels under stress and there’s enough reach over the side of a bogie tipper for loading.
“The downside with some of the skid steers is the feeling of instability under a full load. On the other hand, the track machine feels more stable and safe, with the extra weight of all muscle in the back end thanks to an efficient and thoughtful design that eliminates need for a counterweight.
“From an operator’s viewpoint there’s heaps of room in the cabin. The air conditioner is very efficient and the sound level in the cabin is fine, even when working all day.
“We’re also happy the TL6R includes all the little extras such as pressure release valve, two speeds, extra hydraulics and a reversing camera. Controls are all very easy and the hydraulic pilot control system gives the machine’s operator a comfortable, positive feel that enables very direct and precise operation”, said Dave.
Operator comfort
Also handy for safety is the TL6R’s large LED work lights for those times you really need to see your work in low-light visibility. For the operator’s comfort, there’s a full-size suspension high back seat that gives additional support and significantly reduces vibration for less fatigue and makes the work space more comfortable. Other comfort touches include cup holders, a phone charging port and a radio.
Great value
“The TL6R is great value for money and has definitely lived up to our expectations for power and productivity. It’s been worked solidly since day one on the job site and more than up to every task we have asked it to perform. It has demonstrated more pushing power than we have been accustomed to, particularly on muddy surfaces”, Dave concluded.
