The march of Lovol excavators and wheel loaders into Australia from Equipment Specialists Australia (ESA) continues unabated, with more and more new models making it onto our shores.
The Queensland-based authorised dealer’s marketing philosophy has always centred on higher-end product.
As ESA Operations Manager Lawrence Perkins is quick to point out, this means that the business only imports machines that will be suitable for its customers and Australia’s harsh environments.
“For example, the loaders are already being placed in recycling centres handling concrete waste, stick raking in the harsh outback and in underground mining: proof of their toughness, reliability, performance, safety and trust,” he said.
One key characteristic of the loaders is the hydrostatic transmission drive (HST), involving the transfer of engine power using hydraulic fluid. A big gain from an HST is the elimination of mechanical items with fixed gear ratios or slipping torque converters, giving operators infinite variable speed control or more direct output control without uncontrolled slippage.
“You get 25 per cent fuel saving, 80 per cent brake lifesaving along with engine life savings, less tire wear, smoother operation and increased performance, and the biggest advantage is not paying for costly overheads and a sticker,” Lawrence said.
“Currently, about 70 per cent of loaders sold in Europe are now hydrostatic, with most of the big name brands releasing them for retail sale over there.
“But more recently, larger wheel loaders with HST have been developed, as operators begin to realise that the system makes machine operation easier, smoother and much faster with owners gaining the savings and increased production – a win-win.
“For wheel loaders, HST helps in operations such as precise pallet handling, operation in tighter areas, increased loading times and advantages in fuel, tyre and brake savings.”
Lawrence said what operators say they appreciate most when comparing an HST and a powershift transmission is how much easier it is to operate an HST machine.
“Operators gain more comfort in the smoother operation, precise control, no gear changes, increased performance without the need to operate it abusively and at high RPM to fill the bucket or higher speeds to try and fill the bucket – no time is lost on the job,” he said.
“All our machines come without AdBlue/DPF/ EGR, which can disable certain components of a diesel engine’s emissions control system.
“The mechanics of the machines are a Kubota engine in the smaller HST loaders, and a Linde HST system and Cummins with Danfoss HST system in the larger machines, or a combination of the highest quality products in wet brake axles from ZF and Meritor with Rexroth joy sticks.
“There is a luxury sealed air-conditioned cabs, modern appearance and ergonomic controls layout at your fingertips. Inclusions of quick hitches such as ISO standard, various buckets, forks and other attachments to match every possible job required.”
The excavators are also catching attention with their performance alongside big name brands.
The impressive excavators from Lovol are built for tough conditions, using heavy-duty components that reduce wear and tear, ensuring durability even under continuous heavy loads.
“One owner even questioned whether a Lovol was really weighted at 33 tonne when it outperformed other big name brands of the same weight,” Lawrence said.
Lovol’s large excavator range is designed for heavy-duty construction, mining, and earthmoving projects, providing powerful, efficient, and durable machinery for large-scale operations.
Lovol offers a full range of excavators from 1.8 tonnes up to the larger ones with operating weights of 70t to 150t, and a 200-tonner in development, all catering to different types of projects requiring higher productivity and reliability.
“These excavators are equipped with hydraulic systems optimised to ensure smooth operation, faster cycle times, and efficient power utilisation,” Lawrence said.
“Lovol integrates advanced hydraulic technology in its large excavators, enhancing precision in operations, reducing fuel consumption, and improving digging and lifting capacities. These systems contribute to lower fuel usage making for costs savings with testimonials and verified data as proof along with higher work efficiency.
“Like the loaders, cabins are designed with ergonomic seating, intuitive controls, and climate control features, ensuring operator comfort during long hours of operation. Safety is also a priority, with features like reinforced cab structures, visibility enhancements, and optional rear-view cameras.”
Distinguished service
There’s more to ESA than just the import of quality machinery.
A highly-regarded aspect of the business’ operations is its commitment to aftersales servicing and parts supply.
“Seriously, the pet hate of ESA is having no parts in stock and bad after-sales service!” Lawrence said.
“We pick up the pieces from many others, suppling parts and repairs for many other brands.
“We have a huge range of parts available and nationwide support for our products.
“ESA adopts the same high quality principles used by European trucks and machines for our aftersales support on all our products.
“Many of our products we sell have originated or are currently still being built in Italy – known for its highest quality.
“The ESA professional team of sales, parts, warranty and workshop personnel take care of all of our customer’s needs; be it our brands of construction and agriculture equipment and other brands who don’t offer a higher level of service or sourcing further industry related products such as attachments.
“We have personnel associated with us that live in China and other countries, making it easy to source many items fast and at cost effective prices.”
In addition, the Equipment Specialists workshop of trade qualified specialists and experienced personnel supports all the products the company deals in, from the assembly and fit-outs process of new equipment imported to warranty, servicing and maintenance.
“Our customers know the service we provide is at the highest level, as the owners of Equipment Specialists also have multiple other businesses (ETS) such as authorised Scania/ Mack/Volvo and UD Truck Service Centres … and so they offer this same high level to their Equipment Specialists business products.
“We offer workshop and field services to customers who want the job done right the first time, with honest and reliable dealings at a reasonable price.
“With such service, it’s no wonder one of our biggest selling ways is through recommendation.”
Forging ahead with Faresin
It’s not just Chinese brands that ESA brings in. If they’re quality brands and will do well in Australia, then they meet the criteria.
One of the other popular makes that ESA handles is Faresin, and as if to prove how well the company has distributed the product, it was named Faresin Industries Dealer of the Year for 2024.
Faresin Industries, headquartered in the Italian town of Breganze, designs, manufactures and markets mixer wagons and ration analysis instruments for the livestock sector and telescopic handlers for agricultural and industrial use.
The major equipment sold to the industrial side has been its telehandlers, with a range from 2.6 tonnes through to 7t, and boom reaches from 6 metres through to 17m and everything in between.
There are two separate lines within the telehandler range: one being the conventual diesel-powered version, and the other fully electric.
Faresin’s big range series, with telehandlers that can rise to 16.4m, was designed especially for the construction sector.
“As we were the first brand to bring them to Australia, we have learnt about what the market is expecting with the machines, and the machines’ capabilities to do the required work. This is why Faresin has launched bigger fully electric versions to cater for the Australian market,” Lawrence said.
“Faresin had been looking for a dealership which wasn’t connected to other brands and were willing to make inroads in the market with a product range which has a good following in the area.”
The Faresin award was proof of ESA’S commitment to the brand, the supporting of their customers and the marketing and sales strategies shown by the team.
Dealing with Dynaset
Another feather was placed into the ESA cap recently when it was named dealer partner for Dynaset in the construction industry in Australia.
The company manufactures compact equipment designed to boost the productivity and versatility of machinery, with an extensive range of integrable solutions crafted to simplify work across industries.
Dynaset products are hydraulic-driven tools and equipment commonly used in construction, mining, and utility work. The core idea behind Dynaset technology is to convert the hydraulic power of a machine (like an excavator, truck, or tractor) into other types of power — such as electricity, high-pressure water, compressed air, or magnetism.
Products and applications for construction and earthmoving include:
- Hydraulic generators: electric tools, lights, heaters and coolers, backup power and welding
- High-pressure water pumps: power washing, sandblasting, dust suppression, pipe cleaning and site washing
- Compressors: pneumatic tools, filling tires, cleaning, air flushing, brake systems
- Hydraulic submersible pumps: draining excavations, pumping sludge, container filling and flood pumping solutions
- Hydraulic magnets: metal handling, sorting and recycling
- Hydraulic vibras: enhancing excavation power, soil compaction, precise asphalt cutting, bucket or truck bed emptying, and pile driving
- Hydraulic pressure intensifiers: boost for hydraulic tools
Lawrence said there were many reasons to choose the Dynaset solution for construction sites.
“Most mobile machines like excavators, loaders, and trucks have hydraulic systems. Dynaset taps into this hydraulic system to power auxiliary tools or systems without needing separate engines, generators, or compressors,” he said.
“With integrated hydraulic motors, there is no separate engine to maintain.
“They’re reliable, easy to install, and simple to manage, and can integrate into any machine or vehicle .
“They are available any time, also while driving, they increase machine productivity and versatility, and their compact size saves space.”