Advance Excavations provides exceptional electrical services to the construction industry, specialising in cable laying and sub-station construction. Its fleet consists primarily of only one brand of machine, and for good reason.
With its vast landscapes, diverse climates, and growing population, Western Australia relies heavily on a robust and reliable power infrastructure.
Key to this is an efficient underground power network, with installations gaining significant traction as an effective solution for ensuring a stable electricity supply.
It goes without saying that the correct implementation of these systems is crucial to their success. Improper underground power installations can lead to safety hazards, system inefficiencies, and costly repairs, underscoring the importance of adhering to best practices and stringent standards.
One of the primary reasons for adopting underground power is to improve safety. Unlike overhead power lines, underground cables are less susceptible to external factors such as high winds, falling trees, and severe weather conditions, which are common in WA.
Proper installation ensures that these systems remain insulated and protected from environmental and human interference, reducing the risk of accidents and power outages.
It’s a procedure that Gnangara-based company Advance Excavations is a leader in. Formed in 1988 by Gus Garcia, the company specialises in the installation of underground cabling services, including the placement and jointing of the cables, power domes, transformers and switchgears.
Gus, who oversees the company as director, is a qualified paper lead cable jointer and layer with more than three decades of industry experience. His son Daniel has taken up the mantle of supervising the business’ many projects as Operations Manager.
“We provide services to the likes of state authorities such as Western Power, Water Corporation and the Department of Transport,” Daniel told Earthmoving Equipment Magazine.
“We’ve been in operation for 36 years, and we have depots from Perth up to Broome and operate through the NW and Kimberley.
“We are probably the largest sub-contractor completing greenfield service installations in WA.”
Daniel said that for all of Advance’s projects, it’s vital to use the best equipment available to help dig the trenches, lay the cables and carry out other associated work.
The fleet currently includes three wheel Loaders, 15 trucks, 15 light vehicles, and various small equipment.
Plus, of course, a large group of excavators. And there’s no question of which brand does the best job: it’s definitely the beasts in blue.
“Twenty of our 21 excavators are Kobelcos,” Daniel said.
“We bought our first Kobelco in the early 2000s because we were aware of their reliability and reputation as a solid product, plus there was a good price point.
“From then on, we were sold.
“We’ve tried a few different machines in between the Kobelcos, but we’ve always like them and now we’re pretty much 100 per cent Kobelco.
“We have everything ranging from the SK17SR mini excavator for minor works on some of the water and gas projects, up to to the SK210LC, which we’re using on some of the civil subdivisions to install the dig trenches of the earthworks.
“The machines are so reliable and they just keep getting better with every iteration of their models.”
Daniel said there were numerous features that made the Kobelcos stand out above their competitors.
“They have power and speed, needed when trenching,” he said.
A good example is the SK135SR-7 medium excavator, which offers superior performance, greater efficiency and productivity.
“It’s a good mid-range machine for the type of work that we do,” Daniel said.
“It’s compact enough that we can get into tight places without worrying about what’s around us too much and causing some damage to the machine itself, and also to the areas that we’re working in.
“It’s got a good rate of productivity for what we require and is just an all-round solid machine.
“We’ve got three of them at the moment, two delivered in the past two years, and a Dash-2 version from 2011.”
The Advance fleet also includes five SK55SRX mini excavators, which Daniel says are used frequently for varied tasks.
“Our cable lane and underground power crews use them a lot,” he said.
“Those guys are constantly digging in tight spaces and around and over the top of existing services. The SK55 lets us put that new service in and not be worried too much about causing any major damages.
“They’re responsive machines and also good on fuel. I chuck 20 litres in and it lasts for an entire day.
“And for the operators, it’s also nice and compact. We use it to winch in all the cables.”
But compactness doesn’t come at the expense of comfort or safety.
The cabs are spacious enough to accommodate the bigger-sized operators, while a prevalence of mirrors all round the machines offer greater vision when on the worksites.
“The new screens and Bluetooth radios are a great addition and make time spent in the cab very comfortable, while the air con works well too in the Australian summer,” Daniel said.
The LiftRite link
Advance sources the Kobelcos from WA dealer LiftRite Hire & Sales, founded in 1983 as a specialist provider of world-class materials handling solutions to the construction, mining and agricultural industries.
In 2017 the major shareholding in the company was purchased by Manitou BF, providing a strong WA company with global strength.
Today, the business is provider of excavators, telehandlers, rough terrain forklifts, industrial forklifts, skid steer and track loaders by manufacturers Kobelco and Manitou.
LiftRite Hire & Sales and Kobelco formed a dealership agreement in 2016, after Kobelco went looking for new representation in WA.
The manufacturing giant was won over by LiftRite’s experience in the industry, while LiftRite in turn recognised the quality and strength of the Kobelco product and how it complemented its other product lines.
“We’ve been dealing with LiftRite and its area manager Michael Adamson since they took up the Kobelco dealership,” Daniel said.
“The connection with Michael has been great. He often pops into the office checks out what we’re doing, or to see if we need anything else from him.
“But it’s not even just about making a sale, it’s just keeping that relationship going, talking about common interests and the like.
“Michael’s a gun about all aspects of the Kobelco line-up. When I’m talking to him about machines and my potential options, I trust his advice.
“He tells me what he believes is the best bang for my buck and how I can best utilise the machines for what I want.
“Recently we were juggling up between the SK85 and the SK75 mini excavators, and he gave me a bit of a breakdown between the two, and suggested the SK75 as a better fit for what we were looking for. We went with that and I don’t think he’s going to be wrong with that choice.”
The level of service also extends to backup support for the purchases.
“It’s just so important that we can pick up the phone, call Michael or call the dealership and just sort of nut out some issues if there are any issues with the machine,” Daniel said.
“LiftRite is excellent on booking in a service, getting the equipment in from the site in a reasonable time frame.
“It’s good to have the dealer behind you backing you up and making sure that your machines are working, because in this climate we need them to keep working and not fall behind every day.”
Michael remembers Daniel — who he first met in 2019 — as one of the first customers he had the privilege of building a professional relationship with.
“The relationship between Advance Excavations and Kobelco had begun over a decade ago through Gus, and there was already a strong foundation of trust and collaboration,” he said.
“Shortly after our initial conversations, Daniel decided to invest in a Kobelco SK35SR-6, making it one of the first machines I sold. This milestone not only marked a significant start to my journey but also reinforced the long-standing connection between Advance and our company.
“It’s been an honour to see that partnership grow and thrive over the years.”
Michael said the partnership was built on a foundation of mutual respect, open communication, and shared values.
“Both companies are committed to ensuring their customers receive the best solutions, service, and support in the industry,” he said.
“This strong collaboration with Advance has allowed both teams to work seamlessly together, addressing challenges and driving success through a unified goal: delivering unparalleled customer satisfaction.
“By aligning their core beliefs and maintaining a focus on excellence, LiftRite and Advance Excavations have created a partnership that truly prioritises their customers’ needs.”
Michael praised LiftRite’s robust network of skilled service agents and support teams dedicated to ensuring seamless machinery operation.
“Their extensive expertise and commitment to customer satisfaction make them a reliable partner for equipment sales, servicing, and spare parts support,” he said.
“Kobelco complements LiftRite’s service excellence with its extensive dealer network spanning Australia, ensuring customers receive prompt assistance, whether for routine maintenance, troubleshooting, or accessing genuine Kobelco parts.
“The combined strength of LiftRite’s local knowledge and Kobelco’s nationwide presence guarantees superior support, keeping equipment running efficiently and minimising downtime. Together, LiftRite and Kobelco deliver unmatched service and backup support to meet the demands of Australia’s diverse industries.”
The Kobelco qualities
Kobelco excavators are renowned for their superior performance, innovative features, and exceptional reliability. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what sets them apart:
- Advanced technology for efficiency anmd performance
Arm Regeneration System (HX Models): In the HX series, this system enhances hydraulic flow to the arm cylinders, allowing faster cycle times and smoother operation, especially under heavy loads. This results in improved productivity and reduced fuel consumption.
- Noise and dust reduction
iNDr (Integrated Noise and Dust Reduction) System: A patented feature that minimises engine noise and filters dust. This system not only makes Kobelco excavators some of the quietest in their class—ideal for urban job sites—but also improves engine longevity by keeping internal components cleaner.
- Engine performance
Tier 3 Engines: Deliver strong, reliable power while meeting older emission standards, making them perfect for regions where Tier 4 engines are not required. These engines strike a balance between performance, compliance, and ease of maintenance.
- Fuel efficiency
Kobelco machines are designed with advanced hydraulic systems and efficient engines, offering low fuel consumption without sacrificing power. This makes them cost-effective for operators over the long term.
- Integrated Flow Pump (MX Models)
The Integrated Flow Pump in Kobelco’s MX models optimises hydraulic power, improving fuel efficiency and delivering superior lifting and digging performance. This system ensures smoother operation and greater reliability for tough tasks.
- Durability and design
Robust construction and innovative designs, such as features that enhance stability and accessibility, make Kobelco excavators durable and versatile in tight spaces or challenging terrains.
- Operator comfort and control
Spacious and ergonomic cabs equipped with advanced controls, excellent visibility, and reduced vibration ensure operator comfort during long hours. Features like intuitive displays and telematics streamline operations and enhance precision.
- Versatility and power
Superior digging force, exceptional lifting capacity, and stability ensure top performance for various applications. Whether working in confined spaces or handling heavy-duty tasks, Kobelco machines deliver consistently reliable results.
- Environmentally friendly
Emission-reduction technologies and fuel-efficient systems showcase Kobelco’s commitment to sustainability, even in machines using Tier 3 engines.
- Specialty features
Kobelco excavators are tailored for unique needs, with short-radius designs, offset booms, and advanced systems that enhance performance in specific applications. advance