Choosing Equipment as an Owner Operator

Published:09/01/2017
Media Type:Article

Tags: Bobcat, In the news

When landscape professionals invest in equipment, they naturally look for reliability in all conditions. Nathan Pidgeon is an arborist based in tropical North Queensland working for the family business, Port Douglas Professional Tree Services. The soon-to-be independent owner-operator of landscape equipment has built up an impressive armoury of Bobcat® skid steer loaders, excavators and attachments that he puts to hard use on job sites removing oversized palms, logs and maintaining impressive grounds.
 

"I mainly perform tree removal and tree maintenance works and anything else that involves machine operations, like feeding the chipper with the excavator, loading and spreading mulch and gravel with the Bobcat skid steer loader and heavy log removal," says Nathan.
 

"Some of the big challenges on the job include moving the machinery around in limited spaces as well as large tree removals also in a restricted area.
 

My first equipment purchase was the Bobcat M-Series 8550 skid steer loader from Clark Equipment in Cairns, together with the 4-in-1 bucket. This was followed by the grapple bucket and stump grinder attachments. Then I purchased the E26 compact excavator with all the buckets, then further purchased pallet forks, an auger drive and four auger pieces. By adding a trencher, sweeper and 360 log grab, I had also made up a spreader bar.
 

"The reason I use Bobcat products is that they're reliable and easy to maintain. They're also very comfortable when operating, easy to use, and the vision from the cabin when operating is exceptional."
 

Looking at his favourite attachments, Nathan cites the grapple bucket as his number one pick. "The volume of debris that you can get in one scoop is amazing, and you can't damage the machine using it.
 

"Another thing to think about when you're purchasing equipment is the re-sale value, longevity of equipment, warranty, back up service, fuel economy and most importantly is it the right piece of equipment for my work," adds Nathan.
 

To navigate your options of Bobcat® skid steer loaders, excavators, utility vehicles and attachments suited for a range of landscaping jobs, contact Clark Equipment on 1300 736 848 or visit www.clarkequipment.com


Featured in Earthmoving Equipment Magazine, December 2016/January 2017 Edition