When Perth-based ETS Earthworks needed a 14-tonne excavator for a particular job, leading earthmoving equipment dealer LiftRite knew exactly which model would suit the job.
ETS has been operating since 2012 and excels in a comprehensive range of services tailored to both residential and commercial projects, with offerings including general contracting, project management, home renovations, extensions, and new builds.
The business also provides specialised services such as plumbing, electrical work, and landscaping, positioning themselves as a one-stop solution for various construction needs.
As principal Daniel Cullen tells Earthmoving Equipment Magazine, the company is known for its commitment to customer satisfaction, taking the time to understand each client’s vision and requirements.
“This personalised approach ensures that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the client’s specifications,” he said.
This meant ensuring that the right equipment was on hand for the requirements of particular jobs.
“We carry out quality detailed earthworks with contractors that call for a lot of batter work and tasks like deep sewer service trenching,” he said.
We caught up with Daniel at one such site where precision was paramount and there was no room for error: a beachside development in the Perth suburb of Coogee, close to a new marina.
“We’ve been working on this project since it was bushland,” he said.
“We used a multiple number of machines but the scale of this task required us to bring in a 14 tonner excavator, with short radius for easy manoeuvring. Plus we wanted an automated dig function for safety reasons, so that we did not have to have workers in the trench.”
A quick call to LiftRite Southern Region Area Manager Dean Bailey provided the perfect solution: a Kobelco SK135SR-7 fitted with Topcon 3D MC-Max Excavator machine control.
“I heard of Dean through one of my mates, who had already bought three machines off him,” Daniel said.
“The machine was put straight into work at Coogee, and it’s been fantastic, it has not let me down.”
Dean said the dash-7 suited Daniel’s requirements perfectly, with its power matched by the short radius.
The SK135SR-7 sets the benchmark in the 14-15t range, having been the number one selling machine in its class for 12 years running in Australia.
“In regards to performance, bucket breakout force is over 105kN and it’s also best in class in slew torque and draw bar pull or tracking power at a massive 141kN,” Dean said.
“So this means its compact size lets it work in tight spots but gives the sort of performance you expect from larger machines, making it perfect for batters, bulk earthworks and detailed final trim works,” he said.
Daniel was impressed with the Topcon autograde system, with its operations easy to understand and get the hang of, despite him not having used it before.
“The team from Topcon dealer Aptella came down and showed me how it worked, and I’ve pretty much nailed it now,” he said.
“With intuitive interfaces and real-time feedback, MC-Max simplifies machine operation, reduces the learning curve for new operators, and minimises the need for manual grade checking.
“It will be easy for operators to hop into the cab and understand how to use it.”
In essence, MC-Max, built on Topcon’s MC-X platform, is a cutting-edge machine control solution designed to enhance efficiency, precision, and flexibility in construction operations.
Key features include:
- Flexible configuration: MC-Max supports various machine types, including dozers, excavators, and motor graders. It offers both 2D and 3D guidance modes, with options for automatic blade and bucket control, allowing operators to tailor the system to specific project needs.
- Advanced positioning technologies: The system integrates multiple positioning methods, such as multi-constellation GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou), robotic total stations, and Millimeter GPS. This ensures accurate and reliable positioning even in challenging environments.
- Real-time connectivity: MC-Max enables real-time data sharing, remote support, and progress monitoring, facilitating seamless collaboration between field and office teams.
“By automating grading processes and providing precise control, MC-Max helps complete our projects faster, more safely, and with fewer errors,” Daniel said.
“The system also reduces material waste and labour costs by optimising operations and minimising rework.”
The improvisations didn’t stop there.
Daniel also wanted the machine specced up with a tilt hitch, and LiftRite duly provided, fitting the machine with an Attach2 Heli-Tilt coupler.
“So the total package had the Topcon system, the hitch plus the buckets we needed,” he said.
“The hitch is fantastic for cutting batters and various types of detailed earthwork.”
Another benefit of the SK135SR-7 excavator is its Isuzu 4JJ1XDJA engine, a four-cylinder, four-cycle, water-cooled, direct injection diesel engine equipped with a turbocharger.
“The SK135SR-7 is available in both Tier 3 and Tier 4 Final engine configurations. The Tier 3 version does not require AdBlue or a diesel particulate filter (DPF), simplifying maintenance and reducing operating costs,” Dean said.
Of course, when it comes to operating machines, comfort and ease of use are key features, and the Dash-7 has them in spades.
“The excavator offers a cabin designed for exceptional operator comfort and intuitive control, enhancing productivity and reducing fatigue during long working hours,” Daniel said.
He liked the heated, air-cushioned Grammer seat that integrates joystick and armrests, ensuring consistent control and comfort regardless of seat adjustments. The seat’s extensive adjustability allows operators to find their ideal posture, promoting all-day comfort.
“The cabin features a spacious interior with a 4 per cent increase in space compared to previous models. The control levers are ergonomically positioned to reduce wrist twisting, minimising operator fatigue.
“Also, a powerful automatic air conditioning system directs airflow toward the operator’s neck and back, maintaining a comfortable environment throughout the year.”
Dean said the Kobelco came with its unique and innovative iNDr (Integrated Noise and Dust Reduction) cooling system: a superior method of noise suppression that promotes low noise, exceptional engine cooling, enhanced reliability, minimal machine downtime and a more comfortable working environment for the operator.
“It’s a filter system for the cooling package that manages airborne debris,” he said.
” Instead of going through the cooling package, it gets collected in that that screen and prevents the cores from being blocked.”
External air feeds through the patented iNDr filter system to trap dust preventing it from entering the engine compartment.
This creates a virtually dust-free air flow, which improves the efficiency of the cooling system and further amplifies engine reliability.
“A clean engine compartment contributes to clean daily inspection and maintenance,” Dean said.
Daniel said that intuitive operator controls made driving the machine a breeze.
“Inside the cab, we’ve got a huge screen in there with the cameras and 360-degree visibility,” he said.
The largest in its class, the 10-inch colour monitor provides clear visuals for machine information and camera feeds, enhancing operational awareness.
The jog dial interface allows operators to navigate settings and machine functions effortlessly, even while wearing gloves, streamlining operations.
“The Kobelco’s hydraulic control system responds to shorter lever strokes, delivering swift and precise movements, and includes seven pre-set hydraulic attachment modes for various tools,” Daniel said.
And for more security, interior LED lights activate when the door is opened or the ignition is turned off, ensuring safe entry and exit in low-light conditions.
Service and support
Dean emphasised the importance of backup support and service.
“The machine purchase is one thing, but ongoing support throughout our service and parts departments is critical, and especially so with owner operators like Daniel,” he said.
“If there’s an issue, we understand it needs to get sorted right away, being that any machine down on site can prove to be troublesome for the contracts and clients.
“LiftRite will be there every step of the way whenever ETS has an issue that needs to be resolved quickly.”
It’s a commitment that Daniel of course values greatly.
“With Dean, it’s been fantastic. He answers every phone call whenever we want to know something about the machine,” he said.
“We know that the support in terms of maintenance and repairs will be first class, but we haven’t had to make use of this yet because the machine has been working without any problems.”
And that, perhaps, is the best testament yet to the durability and reliability of the Kobelco brand: machines which consistently deliver exceptional build quality and engineering excellence, delivering powerful performance across the most demanding job sites.
