A landscaping supply business has boosted its operations with the purchase of a Takeuchi TB217R excavator.
When Chris Larrescy bought Gold Coast hinterland-based Scenic Rim Landscaping Supplies in 2022, he acquired a 1.7-tonne excavator as part of the deal.
With about 2500 hours of use on that machine, he wanted to add a new excavator to his fleet to eventually replace the older unit.
Due partly to his family’s familiarity with Toyota Material Handling Australia (TMHA) Brisbane Area Sales Manager Mick Brumm — as well as the company’s reliability, performance, and backing — Chris chose a Takeuchi TB217R.
“I knew dad bought a machine or two off Mick, so I thought I’d give Toyota a go,” Chris said. “All in all, I am happy with the machine.”
The Takeuchi is used for short-term hire purposes by other businesses and tradespeople, clearing and levelling earth to make room for storage tanks, tiling and landscaping.
To be used for multiple tasks every week, the Takeuchi unit needs to be both easy to operate and reliable, facing different usage cases every day.
Chris’ customers had been impressed with the performance of the Takeuchi, providing power and capability that belies its compact size.
“They all love the tilt hitch,” he said. “They reckon it’s got a bit more power. They’re all happy with it.
“As much as the breakout force is reduced with the tiltage, for a little machine like that, the extra weight on the end helps to drive it into the ground.”
Chris said the build quality of the Takeuchi unit was exceptional and a factor in the purchase, along with the competitive financing provided by TMHA, which is important for any small business.
“Everyone that’s looked at it said they’re on par, if not better built, than the other machines,” he said.
The compact dimensions and weight of the Takeuchi TB217R also mean that it is easy to transport from job site to job site — an important feature for a business that hires out its machines.
Chris has had a custom 2.8t capacity trailer built, which allows him to transport the excavator to the various projects that Scenic Rim Landscaping Supplies is involved with.
Its light weight allows it to be safely towed by vehicles with a 3500kg braked towing capacity, such as 4×4 pick-ups and SUVs.
The performance of the Takeuchi machine has convinced Chris to look at expanding his range of mini excavators by adding a 2.5t machine to his hire fleet.
He said he was working with Mick on getting a price for a larger unit, with plans to sell the older excavator that came with the business.
“Mick is getting me a price on the machine the next size up,” Chris said. “That was actually my plan all along — start with another 1.7t unit, upgrade to a 2.5t machine, and sell the old one.”
Another reason to choose TMHA was how Mick and his team ensured the Takeuchi was ready to go to work as soon as it arrived.
“I like the fact that the machine came out ready to go: I didn’t have to fit dogs and chains and figure out ways to tie it down — Mick sorted all of that,” Chris said.
“Sometimes when you buy some things, you know you’ve got to fix this and sort that. It came ready for work, which I was very surprised and happy with.”
Along with its excavator hire business, Scenic Rim Landscaping Supplies also sells a range of soils, sands, quarry materials, and concrete blocks to assist with landscaping projects large and small.
For more information, freecall 1800 425 438, or visit www.toyotatakeuchi.com.au
