Volvo’s new electric machines are proving to be key tools in a drive by earthmoving company S3B Machines towards greener, emission-free production.
When an equipment hire business owner loves his fleet so much that he actually gives each machine a name, it’s a sure sign that the company values and maximises their performance, bringing the same level of care to projects as it does to its equipment.
Shaun Baker, director of Brisbane-based S3B Machines, is one such individual. He talks effusively about Dr Emmett, Vivian, Herbie, Bert, and Ernie: and then you realise he is referring to his metallic marvels.
The sign of affection signals that utmost care is taken to ensure only the best equipment is kept, used and hired by the company.
“We specialise in both wet and dry hire machinery solutions, from tight-access backyard jobs to large-scale civil earthworks,” Shaun said.
“With more than 30 years in the trade and the construction industry behind us, we understand the realities and demands of job sites.”
S3B is not the only feather in Shaun’s cap: he also owns Baker Booth Plumbing and Gasfitting, and is a co-owner of JS Customer Concepts, which designs, creates and manufactures unique, sustainable products across a broad range of sectors.
But he’s especially proud of S3B Machines, which he says has “grown into its own entity” in the past two years.
“S3B Machines is a proud family-owned and operated earthmoving business, with my eldest daughter and son-in-law actively involved in the day-to-day operations, helping shape the business’ future,” he said.
“Our HR and Administration Manager, Jenny, has been by my side for over 16 years — she’s more than a manager; she’s family.
“We currently have three full-time operators, three office staff, and myself as director.”
Shaun said there were many projects that the business had carried out over the years that showcased its versatility and ability to complete a range of tasks.
“One recent project involved building a 50-metre man-made decorative creek on a private property,” he said.
“The project took three weeks and required four of our machines — a 22t Volvo, 5t, 3t, and Posi-Track — all working together to bring the client’s vision to life. With plenty of moving parts and the added challenge of working alongside an existing house, it was a complex job that showcased both the capability of our fleet and the skill of our team.”
Shaun said one of the real highlights of working for three decades in the trade and construction industry had been watching the industry evolve toward more environmentally friendly solutions — “and being part of that change myself”.
“Every day is about finding smarter, more sustainable ways to get the job done,” he said.
“It’s exciting to help shape a cleaner future while also seeing the business benefits.
“Electric machines are not only better for the environment, they’re cheaper to run with lower operating costs, no fuel requirements, and fewer maintenance needs.
“This means more uptime on site, less downtime in the workshop, and a smarter way of working for our customers.”
Top gear
Shaun said the move into the earthmoving industry was a natural progression from running his plumbing business.
“I was working with a 3t excavator to handle trenching and backfilling for plumbing jobs, but quickly realised I wanted a change,” he said.
“What started as a practical decision soon became the beginning of a new chapter, branching out into a whole new industry.”
Today the S3B fleet of 17 machines is purpose-built for builders, contractors, landscapers, and even weekend warriors.
“From tight-access machines to large-scale equipment, every machine we stock is easy to operate, well-maintained, and built to tackle Queensland conditions,” he said.
“We offer everything from mini loaders and tracked dumpers to excavators ranging from 1-8t, with larger options up to 20t, ensuring projects are completed safely, efficiently and without compromise.
“We select our machinery for power, reliability, and site compliance, which is why we stock only reputable brands, like Volvo, Kubota, and UHI.
“Each machine is maintained to the highest standard, and we take pride in giving them affectionate names: from our Volvos — Dr Emmett and Vivian — to our Kubotas — Herbie, Bert, and Ernie.
“At S3B Machines, we are committed to providing quality, reliable, and clean machines for our customers.”
For Shaun, the Volvo contingent of Dr Emmett — a 1.89t ECR18 electric mini excavator — and Vivian — a 22t EC220 excavator — have been standout performers.
“I first approached CJD Equipment at the Acacia Ridge branch in April 2023, looking to buy the 22t excavator,” Shaun said.
“We were impressed. The Volvos are well-built and carefully thought-out machines for operators using them day in and day out.
“We invested in Vivian because we needed a reliable, high-performance machine capable of handling major earthworks and large-scale civil projects.
“It strikes the right balance between power, fuel efficiency, and environmental responsibility.
“The EC220D delivers reduced fuel consumption, faster cycle times, and up to 12 per cent greater fuel efficiency — all while boosting digging performance. For us, that means completing big jobs more productively while keeping operating costs down and reducing our environmental impact.
“We have also recently added a Volvo 14t EC140 excavator to our fleet.”
Dr Emmett was acquired earlier this year, which Shaun said was purpose-built for indoor construction and smaller outdoor projects.
“As the company’s first electric machine, Dr Emmett marks an exciting step forward — delivering lower emissions and reduced noise, making it perfectly suited to environments where sustainability and community impact matter most,” he said.
In fact, the machine was of particular use for S3B’s urban clients, such as the Keperra Country Golf Club, which needed a small trench dug to upgrade its plumbing.
“As the course is surrounded by residential properties and inhabited by wildlife, it was important a sustainable solution could be provided,” Shaun said.
“The electric excavator was the perfect answer: zero emissions, no exhaust fumes, and reduced noise while maintaining optimum productivity.
“Dr Emmett provided exactly what was needed — reliable performance, site compliance, and environmental benefits. We were able to work quietly and cleanly in a sensitive environment, without compromising on efficiency.”
Shaun valued the strong working relationship which he had with CJD, with S3B consistently receiving professional and timely service from “a team of great people”.
“Our partnership with CJD and Volvo, combined with our investment in electric machinery, has given S3B Machines a real competitive edge,” he said.
“Embracing electric technology allows us to expand our capacity while demonstrating our commitment to sustainability.”
When it came to backup, maintenance and repairs, Shaun said the level of service was impeccable.
“CJD regularly services our Volvo machines, ensuring they remain compliant, reliable, and perform at peak efficiency,” he said.
“Their ongoing support gives us confidence that our fleet is always ready for the job.
“It’s just one of the reasons why S3B Machines has become a repeat customer of Volvo.
“And we put people first. We know that our team is our greatest asset, and Volvo’s focus on safety and wellbeing lines up with our own.”
Shaun said both companies shared the same environmental philosophies.
“We also share aligned values and a commitment to growth while reducing our climate footprint,” he said.
“We have a common vision to lead the way with electric machinery that shapes the future of the construction industry.
“S3B Machines aims to be a leader in sustainable earthmoving. Our goal is simple: when businesses think of ‘green machines’, we want them to think of us.”
Electric connection
CJD Equipment has three branches located in Queensland — Brisbane, Mackay and Rockhampton — with a service agent supporting customers in the North of the state.
Its Volvo Construction Equipment State Sales Manager (Qld) Oliver James said he was delighted to have S3B as a customer.
“When they approached us, we had an EC220DL excavator in stock, which suited their needs perfectly,” he said.
“Then this year, we sold them the JECR18E electric excavator.
“The EC220DL was purchased for their rental fleet for bulk earthworks, while their JECR18E was purchased as part of S3B’s investment into zero-emission electric earthmoving equipment.
“This is a strong play on their green credentials. As S3B continues to grow a fleet of electric machines to build their stock of zero-emission equipment, we expect more purchases.”
Another hydraulic excavator has joined the fleet, with S3B having just taken delivery of a new Volvo EC145FL5.