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CONSTRUCTION WORLD
MAY
2015
SKIDSTEERS
Not only is the skidsteer/mini exca-
vator combination better suited to
operation on constrained sites,
but these machines are perfect for
multi-tasking on projects. “The machines
allow work to concurrently take place in two
different areas on a site, whereas a stan-
dalone TLB does not offer this flexibility,”
says Van Zyl. He cites the example of the
mini excavator excavating a trench while the
skidsteer is removing the rubble.
Both the skidsteer loader and mini exca-
vator can be used for a variety of applica-
tions including loading earth into a truck,
digging, moving building and landscaping
materials, cleaning roads on building,
trenching, landscaping and road building/
refurbishment contracts.
The skidsteer loader is distinguished by
its steering system, whereby the machine’s
movement is controlled by varying the
speed and direction of the two sets of wheels
on each side independently. This feature
guarantees high manoeuvrability and there-
fore makes it a very useful machine on
sites where it is required to operate in
tight spaces.
Similarly, the mini exca-
vator is ideal for use in areas
where space is at a premium
and also brings its own bene-
fits to the table. These compact and light-
weight machines provide very low ground
pressure which ensures that track marks
and top ground damage are minimised, an
issue that is hard to overcome with a TLB.
In addition, they are capable of a 360° swing.
A skidsteer/mini excavator combination
offers other tangible benefits including their
attractive fuel efficiency. “Since skidsteers
and mini excavators are small machines
with smaller engines than those powering
backhoes, they use less fuel. Attachment
selection is another big plus and this is
evidenced by the sheer number and variety
of attachments available for skidsteers,
making them extremely versatile items of
plant for a diverse number of applications.
A fairly broad selection of attachments is
also available for mini excavators,” Van Zyl
points out.
The Lambson’s Hire’s Compact Plant
Division offers both Wacker and Caterpillar
skidsteer units. The Cat skidsteer has excel-
COST
and
TIME BENEFITS
Lambson’s Hire has reported
a high utilisation of its
skidsteer loaders and mini
excavators. “It appears these
units are being hired in place
of the traditional tractor
loader backhoes (TLBs),
which can be attributed to
contractors being able to
achieve far more with the
two units working together
as opposed to a standalone
TLB,” Devin van Zyl, CEO of
Lambson’s Hire, says.
Lambson’s Hire’s Compact Plant Division offers the Wacker Neuson 3,5 t mini excavator which is ideal
for use in areas where space is at a premium and these lightweight machines provide very low ground
pressure which ensures that track marks and top ground damage are minimised.
>
The skidsteer loader is
distinguished by its steering
system, whereby the machine’s
movement is controlled by
varying the speed and direction
of the two sets of wheels on each
side independently.
lent capabilities, high breakout forces and
constant hydraulic power on demand. It is
driven by a 45,5 kW engine while its oper-
ating weight is 2 641 kg. Applications range
from simple load-and-carry operations to
truck loading, as well as more specialised
tasks such as grading and dozing. The rated
operating capacity is 680 kg.
Lambson’s Hire’s Compact Plant Divi-
sion offers the Wacker Neuson 3,5 t mini
excavator. It is available with bucket widths
of 350 mm and 550 mm and an optional
hydraulic hammer. Low fuel consumption,
reliability and minimal downtime are often
cited by customers as their main reasons
for hiring this piece of equipment. Another
leading feature is high stability due to
optimal weight distribution and its vertical
digging system.
“Offering a skidsteer/mini excavator
combination promotes our philosophy
of being a single-source provider for our
customers,” adds Van Zyl. Lambson’s
Hire’s compact equipment fleet has grown
consistently to cater to customers’ changing
requirements. The division has its own dedi-
cated workshops operated by specialised
personnel, who are also trained to provide
on-site servicing and maintenance.
“Lambson’s Hire will continue to
make the latest products available to its
customers as it strives to remain ahead of
the rapid technological development in the
compact plant sector. We will acquire exper-
tise in specific fields to pass on to our
customers, as well as increase our service
levels. Ultimately we strive to drive down
our customers’ costs and increase their
profitability,” Van Zyl concludes.