Volvo Construction Equipment is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of construction machines, featuring a full product range, manufactured, serviced and supported all over the globe.
TLC: What are some of the mistakes you’ve seen landscapers make?
Joel Powell: Mismatching the machine size for the types of jobs they’re focused on. Very often, compact purchases are made with two main criteria in mind – acquisition price and operating weight (for transportation considerations). While these are certainly viable and influential factors, one must consider if the hydraulic capability, lift requirements, digging power, etc., are enough to adequately and efficiently perform the task at hand. Another common oversight is not preparing for your business to grow! I heard a line from a movie recently which went something like this “…prepare your fields for rain. When it comes, you’ll be ready.” Consider buying one size class higher, and that unit may help not only today’s business but the near future’s opportunities. You want to be there when the opportunity presents itself and to “upsize” your company’s ability to take on larger-scale jobs.
TLC: Does your company help find solutions for these mistakes?
Joel Powell: Volvo offers a full range of equipment, over 25 compact models in all, to suit a variety of job demands. The ability to power the enormous range of attachments that are available can allow operators to rent or buy whatever is needed to fit a niche job’s requirements, while increasing the versatility and utilization of the primemover itself.
TLC: Do you have an equipment tip for landscapers?
Joel Powell: Consider multiple types of equipment rather than what you have been using or what everyone else seems to be using. For instance, ask yourself if a landscaping job requires a skid-steer loader due to space constraints, or could a compact wheel loader with a skid-steer attachment bracket be more effective? Does the job require mobility and dig depth of backhoe loaders, or is a tracked compact excavator the best choice?
