Owner of New Look Civil, John Field, talked to EEM about his experience with Hidromek and Onetrak with growing his new business.
“I’ve been in the industry for over 13 years and first started in a panel beating apprenticeship but realised that wasn’t for me. I then worked as a labourer and worked my way up to foreman for a few major projects. After a while I decided I was sick of making everyone else money and went out on my own.”
John started his business New Look Civil around two and a half years ago.
“I started off on my own as a sole trader, just hot seating between different machines. My different roles have given me a fair few contacts which have been very valuable and New Look Civil grew fairly quickly from the start. I worked on my own for about six months and then hired a few guys and we now have 10 staff.”
John’s first machine was a 3-tonne excavator and NLC now have nine pieces of equipment including excavators, posi tracks, rollers etc.
“We have naturally progressed into work such as drainage and bulk excavations and therefore our work now requires more of the bigger types of equipment, so we mostly run the 20, 40 and 50 tonne excavators.”
New Look Civil’s current job has ground which is rock from top to bottom.
“On site we have two Hidromek HMK370LCs with hammers, one HMK220LC cleaning out and the bigger HMK490LC.
“I’ve never been a brand person – I want the most suitable machine for the job. A friend of mine bought a Hidromek so I went and tried it out and then decided to give it a go.
“My favourite Hidromek model would have to be the HMK370LC. It’s smooth, it’s quick, it’s powerful. It’s just an all-round fantastic machine.
“The Hidromeks caught my eye because Turkey, where they are manufactured, is predominantly rock based so you would figure a machine that is built for those conditions would be suitable machines for the work we do.”
“I think the more people try them, the more Hidromek will be seen around Australia. People who give them a try see what a great machine they are. They are on par, if not better than other more known brands,” says John.
“Their point of different is they are close to unbeatable. They just keep going and the fuel efficiency is fantastic. Where I had to refuel every day with a previous machine, I now only have to refuel every second day doing the same task.”
The new Hidromek H4 Series was released in Australia earlier this year.
John continued, “Hidromek have really stepped it up with the new H4-series. The power is the same but they’re more comfortable and more modern with all the new features. They have gone from a Holden Commodore to a Rolls Royce in terms of refinement.”
John first started renting Hidromeks through Onetrak Rental.
“Onetrak has been great – there hasn’t been a time that I have called Onetrak and haven’t had the support I needed. They’re always very quick to get out to site if we have a problem – which has only ever been minor,” says John.
Onetrak is offering Rent-To-Buy across their range of machinery which is something New Look Civil has opted for.
“Rent-To-Buy has been great for New Look Civil because, as a new company wehaven’t been able to get the finance for all the machines we have needed to complete the jobs we have had. The payment plans are great. Onetrak has provided a really good rate and they’ve just been really supportive.
They’ve kept our projects moving which has kept us profitable,” explained John.
“Our fleet now consists of three Hidromeks. We’re looking to expand again, and we will be going with Hidromek in the future. They have not let us down and they just continue to amaze me daily.”
Finally, John gives some advice to those keen to start their own business.
“Honestly, just go out there and give it a go. If you lose and don’t succeed – try again. It’s all a lesson. It’s never a failure. Don’t be afraid to give something a go.”