Taylors Contracting Co Ltd is a leading civil engineering contracting company based in Brightwater, near Nelson, New Zealand, specialising in earthmoving, civil construction, forestry infrastructure, and quarry services throughout the South Island.
Their technology-forward business features integrated design and contract management systems, GPS survey equipment, and the latest soil testing equipment. Taylors Contracting Co Ltd also boasts a communications network that covers over 130 machines, ensuring seamless coordination and efficiency.
A recent addition to the Taylors fleet is a John Deere 850L Crawler Dozer with factory forestry guarding, bought in to replace a J series Dozer with over 23,000 hours on it.
The John Deere 850L delivers more horsepower and torque than its predecessor, but for operator John Brunsden (JB) the real revelation has been the transition from a bull blade on the J to the six-way blade on the 850L.
With the ability to move and push material at up to six different angles, the six-way blade offers maximum operator control. Being able to tilt the blade and angle it to the left or right means operators can contour their cut or spread, and move material with precision. This versatility reduces the number of passes required and improves overall efficiency, helping to finish the job quicker, especially on uneven terrain.
“Everyone’s noticed the difference, I think. Even the forest engineers,” says JB. “Things happen a bit more efficiently. Putting benches in, that sort of thing, it’s just way ahead of the bull blade.”
JB, a long-time employee of Taylors, is currently in the process of modifying an old skid site in Pigeon Valley, Tasman. Putting benches around the edge and getting rid of all the rubbish onto the benches before lowering the whole skid site to make it bigger.
Job satisfaction, and great machinery is what keeps JB in his job. “I came to work for Taylors about fifteen or sixteen years ago just to give them a hand, because I’d retired,” says JB. “I wouldn’t even be doing this if I couldn’t have a John Deere. I don’t have to be here; I’m doing it because I enjoy it.”
While the new dozer took some time to adjust to after spending so many hours in the previous one, JB says that it is doing everything he could want it to do and more. He is particularly impressed with its agility and technical features.
“This old fella has to get used to all the modern technology,” he jokes. “But it’s balance, efficiency, it’s just right up there. The maneuverability of the John Deere – there’s nothing that’ll touch it. Honestly, they’re just out on their own.”
Improved ripper controls and a comfortable cab are other key features identified by JB, as well as the blade-shake button, that when pressed causes the blade to shake repeatedly to help shed materials such as sticky soil from the blade.
“I’m actually falling in love all over again,” says JB
For more information on the range of John Deere Construction & Forestry equipment available from Drummond & Etheridge, contact your local branch on 0800 432 633, or visit www.dne.co.nz
For more information on the civil services offered by Taylors Contracting Co Ltd, phone 03 542 3150, or visit www.taycon.co.nz
