With a third of its fleet comprised of Volvos, WA-based Densford Civil has grown to become an industry leader in civil construction.
Densford Civil is a well and truly recognised civil contracting firm today, but back when it was established in 1991 by Martin Bullock, it had just three employees.
The experienced civil engineer had already worked on several high profile projects across the UK and Africa before migrating to Australia and planting the seeds of what would grow into a company renowned in the WA construction industry.
Now, just over three decades later, its growth can be measured by the fact that its employees number about 100, working alongside a trusted contractor workforce that has the flexibility to meet the needs of its clients.
Martin still heads the company as managing director, ably assisted by directors Peter Campbell and Leigh Petherick.
Since its inception, Densford has gained a reputation for excellence and expertise in project management and civil construction by delivering numerous successful iconic projects for public and private sectors across WA.
These include projects from the Pilbara to the Great Southern Region, with capabilities ranging from land development projects, bridges to airports, marinas and mining infrastructure.
Indeed, when Earthmoving Equipment Magazine caught up with Peter for a chat, his team was busy at it helping to clear the land for a major industrial development in the urgeoning Perth suburb of Southern River.
Such bulk and detailed earthworks typically involve underground infrastructure, pavement construction, landscaping, retaining walls, fencing, and dewatering and environmental management.
“Our ‘best for project outcome’ culture means we are driven by a solutions-driven way of operating that puts our clients’ needs first,” he said.
“We build long-standing relationships with our clients that span over multiple stages and projects. With consistent leadership for over 30 years and minimal staff turnover, we are able to provide a level of service that is more personalised and consistent than that of our larger competitors.”
Joining the company about 18 years ago, Peter is somewhat of a veteran. In that time, he’s seen first-hand how Densford has blossomed, guided by its mission to safely build infrastructure that everyone can be proud of. It does this by:
- Remaining humble,open and honest in everything that it does.
- Consistently and efficiently producing a high-quality product
- Working with clients who respect the company in return
- Selecting, developing and retaining an engaged workforce
Peter said the fleet used by Densford was consistent with the types of projects the company was involved in.
“We’ve got a fairly big range of machines: loaders, excavators, rollers, water carts, skid steers, and then the smaller stuff such as jumping jacks, rammers, plate compactors and the like,” he said.
Peter said the application of industry-best civil engineering practices was fundamental to Densford’s success.
“To reflect this, our plant and equipment are of the latest generation, translating to higher project efficiencies, productivity and reliability,” he said.
As a testament to this, almost a third of the fleet is comprised of Volvo machines.
“We’ve traditionally always bought Volvo excavators,” Peter said.
Recent purchases have included EC250D, ECR235EDA and EC140D GPE excavators.
“And we’ve just bought a roller as well as the latest wheel loader, the L150H,” he said.
Peter said the company was carrying out more earthworks at the moment than it previously did, “just because of the nature of the in WA market”.
“There are a lot of residential subdivisions going on at the moment, and they all need a great deal of imported fill material,” he said.
“For that reason, we’ve gone for the L150H Volvo loader to help us; it’s the right thing for what we’re doing currently.”
“Our Volvo excavators have been incredibly reliable and low cost over decent periods
of time, and we are confident the loader will perform just as well.”
Peter said the relationship between Densford Civil and Volvo distributors CJD Equipment was as solid as some of the hardest rocks the company had to dig up.
With Densford holding in high regard the values of a strong family business, it could clearly also see the benefits of working with CJD, like itself a Western Australian, privately- owned family-run organisation.
“The service has been fantastic. CJD very much looks after us, and we enjoy working with them,” he said.
“The after-sales service, parts and maintenance for the excavators have always been very reliable.
“We’ll keep coming back to Volvos, for sure.”
Fully loaded
Speaking to the magazine at the site, CJD Equipment Regional Sales Manager Robert Amy was effusive about the qualities of the L150H.
“The L150H boasts the same striking design as its forerunner, but has been updated with the latest innovative technology, promoting greater productivity and fuel efficiency,” he said.
“The L150H is durable and built to withstand demanding applications and harsh environments, ensuring long-lasting performance for Densford Civil’s operations.”
The H series loader offers up to 15 per cent greater fuel efficiency than the previous G series, enabling operators to do more with less fuel.
“Contributing to the increase is the powerful engine, compliant with the latest emission regulations and delivering greater output and torque,” Robert said.
For improved cycle times and reduced fuel consumption, a new generation OptiShift mode integrates the Reverse By Braking (RBB) function and the new torque converter with lock-up, creating a direct drive between the engine and transmission.
The RBB mechanism, patented by Volvo, extends the life of the machine’s components. The braking function slows the machine
when the operator wants to change direction, by reducing engine RPM and automatically applying the service brakes, reducing stress on the drivetrain.
“Volvo engines are known for high torque at low RPM, producing more power at lower RPMs, so we’re using less fuel,” Robert said.
The loader uses an Eco pedal, which saves on machine wear and increases fuel efficiency, by applying a mechanical push-back force in response to excess use of the accelerator.
“What it does is give the driver feedback through the foot pedal as well, so the machine will detect whether it’s working in an efficient mode, so to speak,” Robert said.
“So if it detects that it’s not working efficiently, then it’ll respond through the pedal to get the operator to back off to make sure he’s got the optimum range for the for the tasks that he’s doing.”
For ultimate stability and high efficiency, the H-series wheel loaders have been upgraded with a new transmission, which works in harmony with the engine and axles.
The new converter delivers increased torque output, resulting in better performance at low speeds. For faster acceleration and smooth operation, the steps between gears have been reduced, resulting in a productivity boost of up to 10 per cent, and enabling projects to be completed quicker.
Robert said there was also a range of purpose-built attachments to choose from.
“They can be ideally matched by size and design to your machine’s parameters
– including link-arm geometry, breakout and lifting forces. If we don’t have the right attachment, Volvo can custom build one to your specific requirements,” he said.
As an example, the new range of rehandling buckets offered up to 5 per cent greater productivity.
“The redesigned buckets are easier to fill and minimise spillage, thanks to new convex sides and the improved spill guard,” he said.
“To prevent spillage and absorb shocks, opt for the Boom Suspension System, which automatically engages, depending on gear or speed selection.
“This system was developed by Volvo to try and cancel out the sort of dynamic effects to the machine when it’s driving down the road.
“If you have a full load in your bucket, the boom suspension system will cancel out that dynamic effect which in turn will keep more material in the bucket as you’re going. So there’s less loss when you’re actually driving, especially on a bouncy road. And it makes for a more comfortable ride for the operator.”
And speaking of operator comfort, driving the L150 is a dream.
Drivers have access to a range of apps through Volvo Co-Pilot, the 10” in-cab display which enables them to boost the efficiency of their operations.
The assist programs include on-board weighing, a tyre pressure monitoring system, operator coaching and a map that allows operators to monitor on-site traffic in real time.
And to help make it easier with the mass of data produced by modern construction machines, the loader comes with CareTrack, the telematics and fleet management system developed by Volvo CE, which provides customers with real-time insight into how their machine performs, allowing them to get the most out of the equipment, maximising uptime and reducing repair costs through predictive and preventative maintenance.
The system is installed in many Volvo products, including articulated haulers A25 to A60, wheel loaders L60 to L350, and excavators EC140 to EC950.
Caretrack offers a variety of optional features that effectively enhance productivity and equipment availability. For example, with time and geofencing functionalities, customers can pinpoint their machine’s exact locations and record its hours.
There’s also an optional anti-theft tracking system to safeguard investments and mitigate theft risks. Various events trigger this system, including unauthorised machine use, tampering, movement detection,
and geofencing functions. In the event of unauthorised use, the system allows for remote immobilisation of the machine, ensuring asset security.
“Volvo has a portal and the customers also have theirs. We can both log in and Caretrack just gives you operating information about the machines,” Robert said.
“There are different levels of Caretrack depending on how deep the customer wants to go. So you can find out more about productivity services like fuel efficiency, or obtain machine utilisation and operator feedback reports as well.”
Essentially, the L150 has been built with the client in mind, and for increased productivity, the Volvo cab can also be customised to users’ preferences.
To enhance visibility, the H-series wheel loaders can be equipped with a rear-view camera, optimised by the radar detect system, which works with the camera to give a visual and audible alert to the operator of unseen on- coming objects. These are integrated into the Volvo Co-Pilot.
Orange handrails and steps have been placed on the machine, intended to stand out to the operators and maintenance staff.
The cab can be equipped with a new adjustable seat, while door can be opened with ease, thanks to the optional remote-control opener. And standard comfort features like air con, bluetooth and sound systems are a given.
There’s also a smart function called Comfort Drive Control (CDC), which helps reduce operator fatigue and improve productivity.
“So instead of tight situations where you need to swing your steering wheel around a lot of the time, what you can do is operate the steering with a little joystick,” Robert said.
“It’s just a little toggle on the control, instead of throwing your arms around. You can just push the toggle left or right and that’ll do your steering.”
Ultimately, no matter how good or efficient a machine is, it’s no good without an operator.
And keeping the operator satisfied can often be the first thing a customer looks for in any equipment.
The last word on this comes from Peter.
“Apart from their fuel efficiency and powerful performance, the comfort level of the Volvos are a big selling point,” he said.
“In the current market, it’s hard to find skilled operators, so Densford Civil is very conscious of buying machinery that people want to hop in and sit on all day.
“And the guys really enjoy sitting in the Volvo cabs: ease of use, good layout and visibility, cool and comfortable, and reliable.”
