Kirby-Smith

Chris Harp, Owner/President

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Valued Customer:

I hope your year is going well so far. During this busy time in the construction season, it can be easy to lose sight of necessary maintenance for your machines.

As you focus on your projects, you can rest assured that Kirby-Smith Machinery is ready to support your parts and service needs to help you avoid unnecessary downtime.

With Komatsu Care, your machines are covered for scheduled services for the first 2,000 hours or three years. Our skilled technicians can also complete your requested services on-site and at your convenience. Please reach out to your local service department, product support representative, territory manager or branch to learn more about the service plans that we offer and to schedule your next service with us.

One way you can ensure you are keeping up with scheduled services is by utilizing your My Komatsu account. Komatsu’s digital hub lets you monitor your entire fleet — even non-Komatsu machinery that is registered in My Komatsu — from the convenience of your office, home or other locations. Read more about this efficient fleet management system on page 17. If you don’t have a My Komatsu account, contact us for information about setting one up.

This issue is filled with customer stories highlighting several industries that Kirby-Smith Machinery serves — mass earthwork, paving, civil construction, county operations, scrap recycling, and demolition — just to name a few. These stories are great examples of how Kirby-Smith Machinery and the equipment brands we offer are helping customers reach their organizational goals for growth and productivity.

Speaking of demolition, also featured in this issue are several valuable articles related to new equipment models, such as the PC490HRD-11 on page 37. If you are interested in high-reach demolition, the PC490HRD-11 with a K100 boom change system lets you do boom changes quickly from the cab and reach up to 105 feet.

As always, if there is anything we can do for you, please reach out to your nearest Kirby-Smith Machinery location, where our knowledgeable staff and I will be happy to support you in any way we can.

Sincerely,

John Arapidis President & CEO, Kirby-Smith Machinery Inc.

John Arapidis

CHRIS HARP CONSTRUCTION LLC

North Texas contractor’s move to start his own earthwork and paving business pays off as it grows along with the DFW metroplex

Seven years ago, Chris Harp’s wife, Penny, came across a book that he had written some ideas in, including where he saw himself in 10 years. “I’d like to have my own business,” was one he had jotted down.

Chris Harp, Owner/President

“She found it about a year after I started Chris Harp Construction, so it was exciting to see,” recalled Chris. “I wasn’t far off from my target. The nice thing was I had some clients that had been asking me about going out on my own because they thought I could service them better that way. I reached out to a good friend of mine who owns a civil engineering firm about doing it, and he said, ‘Man, I’ve been waiting for you to call me.’”

Chris teamed up with his friend, and the two started doing small excavation jobs with rented equipment. The first year had exponential growth, according to Chris. His plan was to

get to $50 million in revenue in 10 years. They hit that mark in four.

“It became a challenge to keep up, but we knew we could do it if we could keep our head up and keep pushing through,” said Chris. “The economy and the market were good. It was just a matter of getting our arms wrapped around everything. We did, and eventually he decided to move on. I bought him out a couple of years ago and became the sole owner.”

Today, several members of the Harp family are involved in the Nevada, Texas-based business. Penny works part time, as does the Harps’ daughter Abbie. Their son Aaron is a project manager, their son Jacob is an estimator, and their daughter Hannah is a contract administrator. Additional key personnel on the approximately 260-member staff include Vice President of Operations Clay Myre and Vice President of Estimating Brian Cottle.

Operator Antonio Biberos uses a WIRTGEN WR 240i cold recycler/soil stabilizer to condition soil with lime on a residential subdivision project.

“It’s stronger than the previous recycler/stabilizer we were using,” said Antonio. “The power is good, and it’s fast.”

Experience pays off

Chris had plenty of experience in construction before going out on his own. He grew up around his dad’s commercial contracting business and started full time in the industry right out of high school in 1992, going to work for a company that performed sitework and concrete construction in and around the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. After 11 years, he took a job with another company and worked his way up from an operator to the vice president of operations.

“They were very similar to what Chris Harp Construction does today — residential development that includes everything from clearing and stripping to mass excavation to final grade of lots and roads,” explained Chris, noting that Chris Harp Construction does not do utility installation. “After the first year, we added concrete paving and bought a new portable batch plant to supply concrete to our projects. Today, we have four that we move around as needed. We like that we can control the production and quality ourselves.”

The ability to deliver full earthwork packages and concrete paving has helped Chris Harp Construction develop a sizable list of repeat customers it works for in and around the DFW metroplex. Chris estimated that the company works on 45 to 50 subdivision projects annually, with the average contract size being between $1.5 million and $2 million.

“We do strictly concrete and strictly earthwork jobs, but it’s our preference to do projects that involve both,” commented Chris. “It’s our belief that it’s an advantage that leads to a better-quality product at the end of the day. Our customers tend to agree and like the convenience of dealing with one contractor to handle all of that.

We have tried our best to stay in the subdivision sector for the most part, and fortunately with the DFW market the way it is, we have been able to do that. We have done some highway work and poured airport runways as well.”

Excellent products, service

As Chris Harp Construction grew, it transitioned away from renting and began purchasing equipment. The firm turned to Kirby-Smith Machinery Inc. (KSM) for Komatsu and WIRTGEN GROUP products, as well as parts and service support. Chris and Equipment Manager Jason Yager work closely with KSM Territory Managers Matt Probey and David Cucinelli as well as Product Support Sales Representative (PSSR) Karl Kumpf.

“Our relationship has been fantastic, the service is great, and most importantly, the equipment is doing what it’s supposed to be doing and performing very well,” declared Chris. “We’re able to get the pieces of

equipment that we need. Kirby-Smith is a large company, but you still have that feeling that you’re being treated personally. That’s very important to us.”

Chris Harp Construction recently purchased a new Komatsu WA475-10 wheel loader to supplement a batch plant, and KSM provided classroom and on-site instruction to the company’s operators.

“It’s a little different than the WA320s that we have used for a long time,” said Jason. “With that initial training, the operators picked things up right away, and the WA475 has been a great addition to our fleet. We typically use our Komatsu loaders on the paving side, and they are pretty much bulletproof.”

Chris Harp Construction relies on Komatsu PC360LC excavators, Komatsu HM400 articulated haul trucks, and Komatsu D71 dozers to move dirt.

“They’ve been great machines,” stated Jason. “They are reliable, work

all day long, and keep our downtime to a minimum. We run 66-inch and 70-inch buckets on the excavators. They are workhorses, and we have found the same with the D71s that are our latest Komatsu additions. They are excellent for moving massive amounts of dirt when needed and for finish grading too. They have a lot of power.”

Because Chris Harp Construction often must condition the North Texas soil, it uses recyclers/stabilizers. During the past several years, the company added WIRTGEN WR 240i cold recyclers/soil stabilizers to its fleet to get the job done.

“We ran another brand for a long time; we decided to compare their models with the WR 240i, and the WIRTGEN came out on top,” noted Jason. “They have excellent power

Operator Naveri Cazares pushes dirt and puts pads to grade with a Komatsu D71PX-24 dozer. “I feel like I’m operating a video game in real life with the joystick controls and the way the machine operates,” said Naveri. “At the same time, it has good power to get the job done.”

‘It’s a great group of people to work with’

. . . continued

to easily mix in the lime. The results have been fantastic as they have sped up our productivity and helped us finish jobs and get to the next one faster. One of the nicest features is the built-in air compressor for changing teeth. WIRTGEN really pays attention to the details.”

The KSM team helped Jason set up a My Komatsu account that he uses

to track Chris Harp Construction’s Komatsu and WIRTGEN products.

“The ability to see everything we have from Kirby-Smith on one site is really nice,” said Jason. “I can check for alerts or codes, track hours, and order parts. It was easy to set up, and within minutes, I had it figured out. It’s a very simple system to operate. I can’t thank Matt, David, Karl, and

everyone at Kirby-Smith enough. It’s a great group of people to work with.”

Building a legacy

Chris is equally excited to look back on what he’s built and forward to what lies ahead. He’s hoping that the future includes the next generation taking over the business someday.

“I’m thankful for the journey and the experiences we have had along the way,” stated Chris. “There have been some ups and downs and hard knocks, but they have been learning opportunities too. What I learn, I try to pass on to the kids and others around me, so they can learn from it too. For me, it’s a legacy. This is about more than just how many jobs we can pick up and perform and how much money we can make. It’s about quality, good service, and building and maintaining long-term relationships. We have built to a point where we can do that, and I’m confident going forward that if we continue to focus on that, we will continue to be successful.” ■

*The opinions expressed here are from the end user as quoted. The results described herein are those of these end users under certain conditions. Individual results may vary.

An operator lifts a metal plate with a Komatsu WA475-10 wheel loader during the setup of a batch plant.

(L-R) KSM Territory Managers David Cucinelli and Matt Probey talk with Chris Harp Construction Equipment Manager Jason Yager on a job site in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Maximize productivity on your job sites with advanced automation technology. Komatsu’s Intelligent Machine Control (IMC) can help you get the most from your machines, crew and carefully designed plans.

• Get new operators up to speed quickly

• Go from mass excavating to finished grading faster than ever

• Helps eliminate potential damage to design surface

• Empower operators to work efficiently, pass after pass

HOOK CONSTRUCTION LLC

Construction industry veterans team up to tackle civil projects as they begin offering customers full site packages

When Kyle Kopp decided to start his own business six years ago, he wasn’t sure what to call it.

“My wife and I were trying to come up with a name, and we wanted something short and sweet,” recalled Kopp. “I love to fish, so my wife suggested Hook. It just stuck.”

Tuttle-based Hook Construction LLC has been reeling in business by providing turnkey civil construction services throughout Oklahoma and into northern Texas. Kopp is Hook Construction’s director of operations and his partner, Bill Estell, is the director of estimating. Together, they have decades of experience in the construction industry.

“Bill and I actually worked for the same company about five years

ago, which is how we met,” stated Kopp. “I headed up the concrete division, and he oversaw the earthwork side. When he joined Hook Construction a few years ago, we decided to put that expertise together and really focus on civil work.”

“I am mainly in the office crunching numbers for estimating and bidding, and Kyle does a lot of the field operations,” explained Estell. “That’s worked really well for us. When it comes down to it, though, we both are willing to do whatever it takes to make the business successful.”

Kopp added, “That attitude has helped us grow to about 30 employees who are working on

four to eight jobs at any one time.”

Comprehensive offerings

Most of Hook Construction’s projects now involve complete site preparation, including clearing and stripping, mass earthwork, underground utility installation, fine grading, subbase placement, and maintaining erosion control. The company also performs structural concrete work such as drainage flumes, meter boxes and retaining walls.

“About the only thing we don’t do at this time is large paving,” said Kopp. “We will take responsibility for it as part of a package, but we’ll subcontract that portion. We’re really geared toward getting the site ready to be built on and paved. It’s our preference to do comprehensive jobs that involve everything we offer, but we do break out our services and do just earthwork, utility, drainage and concrete.”

Recently, Hook Construction prepared a site for two new dorms on the University of Oklahoma’s main campus in Norman. After the existing seven-story building was demoed, Hook Construction filled in the old basement area with 15,000 yards of imported select fill. Once the new basement was done, the crew backfilled around it and completed the pads.

While that project was in the works, another Hook Construction crew was doing drainage improvement work for the Oklahoma Military Department at one of its locations in the Oklahoma City area. The crew put in approximately 1,500 feet of 18-inch

An operator grades with a Komatsu D51PXi-24 Intelligent Machine Control (IMC) dozer on a project for the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Okla.

Kyle Kopp, Director of Operations

Bill Estell, Director of Estimating

to 54-inch concrete pipe, as well as associated structures.

Saving with IMC machines from KSM

Estell has a long history with Kirby-Smith Machinery Inc. (KSM) and Komatsu equipment, including Intelligent Machine Control (IMC) dozers and excavators equipped with factory-integrated GPS grade control. He knew Hook Construction would benefit from them, so he contacted KSM and started working with Territory Manager Kyle Cloyd.

“I went to work for my dad right out of high school in the early 1980s and met Ed Kirby and our sales rep at the time, so I knew how Kirby-Smith operated and valued customers,” Estell recalled. “After my dad passed away, I went to work for another company that uses Komatsu IMC machines. When I joined Kyle at Hook Construction, I told him we needed them to help

increase our productivity, so we added dozers for the first big job we did together. That was about three years ago.”

Cloyd assisted Hook Construction with the addition of Komatsu D51EXi-24 and D51PXi-24 IMC dozers. Kopp said they paid off right away and continue to provide savings in several ways, as does the Komatsu PC210LCi-11 IMC excavator the company has since acquired.

“You can take any level of operator and make them more productive,” stated Kopp. “The ability to sit in the machine and have little to no reliance on staking and surveying or someone constantly monitoring grade saves so much time and expense. The machines always know where they are in relation to final elevation. Once you hit the target elevation, the IMC excavator won’t let you dig any

further, so there is no overcutting. It eliminates unnecessary cutting and filling, so you save on fuel by not having to redo anything. There are no masts or cable to replace, so that expense is eliminated.”

Estell builds models that are uploaded to the machines.

“Once they are uploaded, it’s a matter of letting the machines do the work,” said Estell. “They have definitely sped up our projects. I would say, on average, we are 25% to 30% faster than using traditional methods.”

Kopp added, “We haven’t had any issues at all with the machines. For us, they perform perfectly.”

On a job site near Yukon, Okla., an operator pushes material with a Komatsu D51EXi-24 IMC dozer.

‘Kirby-Smith takes care of us’

Hook Construction still uses standard Komatsu equipment as well and works with Cloyd and KSM on purchases and rentals.

KSM also performs service on Hook Construction’s machinery through Komatsu Care, a maintenance program.

“Like Bill, I have a long history with Kirby-Smith,” said Kopp. “Kirby-Smith has always been good to work with. Our relationship with them really expanded when Bill came on board and recommended the IMC machines. Kirby-Smith takes care of us. If we need something, they respond. It’s become a good partnership.”

Almost there

Moving forward, Kopp hopes to expand Hook Construction slightly.

“We are not looking to be a huge company,” Kopp emphasized. “We’re almost where we want to be. We do really want to develop a utility division and possibly add a couple of crews for that, but, otherwise, we are pretty good with how things stand.” ■

*The opinions expressed here are from the end user as quoted. The results described herein are those of these end users under certain conditions. Individual results may vary.

KSM Territory Manager Kyle Cloyd (center) meets with Hook Construction owners Bill Estell (left) and Kyle Kopp (right).

Hook Construction uses its Komatsu PC210LCi-11 IMC excavator to dig trenches and set pipe.

GUEST OPINION

Speak up and stay safe — your question could save a life

I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase, “There is no such thing as a stupid question, except the one that didn’t get asked.”

Some people have trouble raising their hand and asking the question that’s important to them. Perhaps it’s the possible embarrassment of being the only one who doesn’t know the answer, or it could be that you missed an important point during a discussion and are afraid of looking like you weren’t paying attention. Sometimes other employees may show some frustrations when you ask questions and that can also discourage you from asking. Whatever the reason, we can sometimes talk ourselves out of asking a very important question that could very well be important to our safety.

In our industry many employees face different kinds of hazards on

a daily basis — risks such as entering a confined space, operating heavy equipment, digging and working in trenches, handling chemicals, and fall hazards. Part of mitigating those hazards is preplanning and implementing safeguards to protect us from those hazards. Sometimes though, things change, conditions around us change, a new piece of equipment is brought on-site. If employees are afraid to ask questions, they could be putting themselves at risk of injury or even death. When it comes to safety, it’s critical that you ask questions like what could go wrong, how can you prevent it from happening, how do you protect yourself, and what do you do if something does go wrong. By being willing to ask these and other important questions you might be helping your coworkers who may have similar questions.

Also, asking the right questions begins with the willingness to admit you aren’t trained in working certain types of equipment or projects.

Sometimes our ego can get in the way of asking questions as we don’t want to be considered the weak link on a work crew. So, we just begin working, putting ourselves at risk. Don’t let this be you. Ask the questions you need to ask.

Don’t let complacency creep in Complacency can creep in when we do the same work tasks over and over again. Workers with experience can easily become complacent and not even recognize the hazards, or they feel like there is less risk because they’ve seen it before. These employees are less likely to ask the questions that can get hazards addressed. If the work environment discourages questions, that just adds to the hazard.

Also, an employee’s lack of knowledge can be a danger too as they might not recognize the hazards that are present. This can come from a lack of training or the employee being too new to the task at hand. They probably will not ask the necessary questions because they simply don’t know what to ask.

Encouraging questions can

Don’t let the responsibility of knowing all the answers fall to them. Encouraging questions can help employees stay safe on the job. The willingness to ask the necessary questions about tasks, risks, hazards and worst-case scenarios helps maintain a good safety culture while on the job.

If you are a supervisor, encourage questions. This is just one simple step, but it can make a difference in improving the overall safety culture at your workplace. ■

Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared as an online exclusive on DigDifferent.com (https://www. digdifferent.com/online_exclusives/2024/01/speak-upand-stay-safe-your-question-could-save-a-life) and has been reused with its and the author’s permission.

help employees stay safe on the job. The willingness to ask the necessary questions about tasks, risks, hazards and worst-case scenarios helps maintain a good safety culture.

Ronnie Freeman

About the Author: Ronnie Freeman is the safety director for Mount Pleasant (South Carolina) Waterworks and Safety Committee chair for the Water Environmental Association of South Carolina.

FORMIDABLE, NIMBLE,

RCEC Roosevelt County Electric Cooperative Inc.

finds better way of removing

poles with Takeuchi compact

track loaders and the right attachments

Roosevelt County Electric Cooperative Inc. (RCEC) recently celebrated its 86th anniversary, and while times and styles have changed since it was started in 1938, its commitment to consumers hasn’t. RCEC continues to provide safe, reliable and affordable electric service in New Mexico.

“We are owned by those who we serve, and we take a lot of pride in doing right by them,” said Line Superintendent Sammy Villanueva, who is part of a 40-person staff at RCEC. “We’re just a small to medium-sized cooperative that provides power to the people of Portales, as well as Roosevelt County and a little bit into Chaves and Lea counties. We serve roughly 6,000 customers and have more than 2,600 miles of line.”

Villanueva and the 15-person line crew are tasked with ensuring power transmission gets from substations to customers’ houses. Their work includes hookups, disconnects and replacing power poles as necessary. For the latter, RCEC recently added two Takeuchi compact track loaders:

a 10,270-pound, 74.3-horsepower TL10V2 and a 13,190-pound, 111.3-horsepower TL12V2.

“In the past, we didn’t really have the capabilities of pulling a pole without a backhoe, and that involved digging a big old hole and disturbing a lot of dirt,” said Villanueva. “It just wasn’t a good situation. We were looking for a better, safer way, and the Takeuchis were a perfect solution.”

High flow, low ground pressure

While pulling poles is their main use, RCEC uses the loaders for a variety of tasks. Both feature high-flow hydraulics — 32.8 gpm for the TL10V2 and 40.4 gpm for the TL12V2 — that Villanueva said was a necessity.

“We definitely wanted high flow for some of the attachments,” stated Villanueva, noting that RCEC runs buckets, forks, a shredder, a hammer, an auger, a pole puller and more. “The pole puller was a big consideration. The Takeuchi loader is the power plant behind it, and it allows us to remove a pole

relatively quickly without major ground disturbance.”

Villanueva added, “The rubber tracks are great too because they have low ground pressure, which helps minimize ground disturbance. That also allows us to get into areas we can’t with a bigger machine, especially after a big storm. In the county we live in, there is a lot of sand, and the tracks allow us to go darn near anywhere. If we need to, we can pull our bucket and digger trucks with the Takeuchis because they have the power and weight to be able to do it.”

Operator Cesar Gonzales said RCEC often pulls 10 to 12 poles a day with the TL10V2 and TL12V2.

Equipment Manager Andy Galvan commented, “At first, I wasn’t sure about the Takeuchis, but we have put them to the test, and they have held up to everything we have asked them to do and then some.”

Excellent service from KSM

RCEC worked with Kirby-Smith Machinery Inc. (KSM) Territory Manager Brady McAlister to purchase the compact track loaders and the various attachments.

“Brady was recommended to us, so we reached out and he set us up with a demo,” recalled Villanueva. “He’s been with us every step of the way, from recommending the right machines and attachments to making sure we are taken care of from a service standpoint. Kirby-Smith helped us with the first maintenance service, and now we have our in-house mechanics doing them with parts from Kirby-Smith.

KSM Territory Manager Brady McAlister (left) presents a hat to RCEC Line Superintendent Sammy Villanueva.

I think one of the biggest things for us was that Brady answered our first call, and he’s been responsive to any need we have had, and we haven’t always found that with other dealers. The pole puller isn’t something that Kirby-Smith carries, but Brady reached out to the manufacturer to get it.”

Villanueva concluded, “We can see that these machines are the right tool for the job, and we are going to be using them for a long time to come. There are not that many Takeuchis around here, but I think that will change going forward when other cooperatives see how we use them.” ■

*The opinions expressed here are from the end user as quoted. The results described herein are those of these end users under certain conditions. Individual results may vary.

RCEC uses Takeuchi compact track loaders, including its TL12V2, to pull old power poles during replacement. RCEC also has a Takeuchi TL10V2.

IMPROVED FLEET MANAGEMENT

Mixed fleet? No problem. My Komatsu gives you the ability to manage it in one convenient location

Do you want an easy way to track telematics data from your mixed fleet? My Komatsu, Komatsu’s comprehensive digital hub, gives you an efficient way to monitor all of your assets in one complimentary fleet management tool that gives users machine-specific views for utilization and health and production information without the need for multiple user IDs and passwords.

With ISO 15143-3 API integration, My Komatsu can pull data from Komtrax and ISO API 15143-3 (AEMP 2.0) information from other original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), using the ISO feed to import numerous key data points defined by the Association of Equipment Management Professionals. You can quickly view and manage information on one dashboard, receive alerts

and order parts, troubleshoot to help minimize downtime, monitor machine location, benchmark performance, track fuel consumption, and manage fuel efficiency.

“It’s a huge benefit in time and cost savings that you can monitor an entire fleet on a single platform, regardless of OEM,” said Tommy Hergenreder, North American Manager, Digital Product, Komatsu. “Another is that Komatsu doesn’t charge for connecting other APIs, which some OEMs do. Currently, there is a long list of other manufacturers that you can get API credentials for, and it’s growing all the time.”

The first step to adding non-Komatsu machines is obtaining API credentials from your OEM representative. Once you have those,

log into your My Komatsu account and follow these steps:

• Click on the My Fleet page

• Navigate to the Other OEM Configuration screen and click the +Add OEM Configuration button

• Enter your credential information

• Test the connection

• Save your API (a green confirmation text box will indicate that you saved successfully)

“One API credential from the OEM covers all of the manufacturers’ machines that you may have and want to input into your My Fleet page on My Komatsu,” said Andrew Casey, Digital Solutions Analyst, Komatsu. “This is a very cost-effective, convenient solution to managing a mixed fleet without any additional cost to implement My Komatsu.” ■

Tommy Hergenreder, North American Manager, Digital Product, Komatsu

My Komatsu lets you access telematics data from non-Komatsu OEMs with an ISO 15143-3 API integration. You can import numerous key data points and quickly view and manage your mixed fleet on one dashboard.

Andrew Casey, Digital Solutions Analyst, Komatsu

ARK WRECKING CO. OF OKLAHOMA

Contractors combine forces to create a diverse demolition company that can handle everything from selective interior to full dismantling projects

Scott Morgan, the owner and the president of Ark Wrecking Co. of Oklahoma Inc., didn’t intend to get into heavy demolition when he graduated from Oklahoma State University in the early 1980s and started a home construction and remodeling business. A call from an old acquaintance,

Ark Wrecking founder Tom Cody, changed his trajectory.

“He asked me if I would be interested in dismantling a hospital in Arkansas that he couldn’t do,” recalled Scott. “My dad and Tom were good friends, so I knew him well; otherwise, I probably wouldn’t

have said yes. I also wanted to see what doing a demo job was like. My four-man crew and I spent about three months getting it done. It proved to be a successful venture, and my guys liked doing it.”

Due to his team’s interest, Scott started his own company focused on interior demolition. For the next several years, he and his crew also performed dismantling projects as a subcontractor to Ark Wrecking, which was originally called American Razing of Kansas. The name was altered when Tom moved operations from Wichita, Kan., to Tulsa in the 1970s after getting a contract to tear down houses to make way for the Broken Arrow Expressway. When Tom sold the business in the mid-1990s, Scott figured that was the end of his relationship with Ark Wrecking.

“One of the new owners asked me if we could help with a project they were in a bind on, and we did,” said Scott. “A few months later, he asked me to buy into Ark, so I became an owner in 2000. We combined my crew with Ark’s eight guys, and things took off. Ark went from doing about $2 million to $4 million the next year, and we kept doubling our revenue every year for quite a while. The other owners left over the years, and I eventually became the sole owner about 10 years ago.”

Experts in their field

Scott leads a team of experts with a wealth of experience in their respective crafts, including Project Manager Chris Lebow and Project Manager/Estimator Brent Morgan, who is Scott’s nephew. Tasked with keeping Ark Wrecking’s fleet in top shape are Shop Supervisor Dustin Morgan, who is Scott’s son, and Chief Mechanic Huey Colbert. In total, the company has 42 full-time staff members and about 60 temps.

Ark Wrecking’s workload is fairly evenly split between interior and

Operator Dale Edens tears out a concrete pad with a Komatsu PC290LC-11 excavator on a project in Tulsa. “The stability is excellent,” said Dale. “Even with what I would consider heavy loads, it never feels like it’s going to tip. Everything is at your fingertips, and it’s smooth to operate. It’s great on fuel too.”

(L-R) Key members of Ark Wrecking Co. of Oklahoma include President Scott Morgan, Project Manager Chris Lebow, Project Manager/Estimator Brent Morgan, Shop Supervisor Dustin Morgan and Chief Mechanic Huey Colbert.

“I can do things with it that I can’t do with a competitive

instance, I used it on a job with some big footings, and it pulled them right out. It’s a lot smoother than what I was running before too.”

full demolition projects that involve complete structural teardowns. Interior projects range from selective removals to structural shoring and are exclusively done in the commercial market.

On the full demolition side, the company does everything from removing a shed and razing a single-story home to dismantling industrial facilities such as refineries and water treatment plants.

“Tanks, towers, bridges, grain silos, right-of-way clearance for railroads and the Department of Transportation, all types of buildings — you name it, we have done it,” stated Chris. “Occasionally, we do an implosion and removal as well. In addition to demolition, we also offer land clearing.”

Brent added, “Our diversity, with the ability to do interior and full demo and work in a lot of markets, is a real strength. Another is that we have a great group of versatile people who can work on any type of project.”

Razing with Komatsu

Ark Wrecking typically has 15 to 20 projects in production at any one time and mainly works within a 150-mile radius of Tulsa. It will occasionally venture out farther for large jobs such as the implosion and removal of two dorms and a common area at the University of Nebraska campus in Lincoln about six years ago.

To complete that project, Ark Wrecking acquired its first Komatsu excavator, a PC290LC-11 equipped with a quick coupler to easily switch out attachments such as processers, shears, hammers and buckets. For nearly a year, operators used the excavator to tear down the common area between the two tall dorms as well as sort and load materials during that operation and after the implosion.

Scott commented, “Implosion brings a building to the ground; it doesn’t take it apart. Once we did the implosion, there was a 50-foot pile of rubble. We put the PC290 on top of

it and ripped the building apart, as well as loaded trucks. We’re using earthmoving equipment to tear down buildings, which involves ripping down and cutting steel I-beams that are 24 inches thick, as well as concrete structures with beams and rebar. Our application is hard on equipment, and the PC290 stood the test and continues to do so.”

Ark Wrecking still uses the 70,000-pound-plus PC290LC-11 for heavy mass demolition projects and recently acquired a new 50,000-pound-plus Komatsu PC210LC-11 excavator as well as a 28,000-pound-plus Komatsu PC130LC-11 excavator for lighter jobs. The company uses the PC210LC-11 when taking down large houses, small commercial building and pavement removal. Small houses of less than

Continued . . .

Operator Mike Snow removes concrete and loads trucks with a Komatsu PC210LC-11 excavator at Tulsa International Airport.

model,” said Mike. “For

‘Kirby-Smith takes care of us’ .

. . continued

1,000 square feet, sheds and other small structures are razed with the PC130LC-11.

“We got our feet wet in terms of Komatsu with the PC290, and it’s been flawless as far as I’m concerned,” said Chris. “We used another brand for a long time in the PC210’s class size. The performance of the PC290 gave us confidence to go with Komatsu. The performance of the new machines has been excellent.”

Scott added, “We really like the PC130 because its size allows us to

easily move it without a permit, and at the same time, its power gives us the ability to get the job done.”

Huey and Dustin keep track of the equipment with the Komtrax telematics system. Both said they appreciate Komatsu Care, which provides complimentary scheduled service done by Komatsu distributor technicians for the first 2,000 hours or three years no matter where the machines are located.

“It’s a good fleet management tool, because I can see how many

Ark Wrecking Co. of Oklahoma uses Trail King trailers purchased from KSM to transport its equipment. “We started using our first Trail King trailer about 15 years ago, and it’s performed exceptionally well; I can’t say enough good things about it,” said President Scott Morgan. “Recently, we purchased a 55-ton trailer to move heavier equipment such as our Komatsu PC290, and we expect similar results with it. Trail King makes a good product.”

hours are on a machine and know when it’s getting close to needing service,” said Huey. “I also like that I get alerted when there is a code, so we can respond to it right away if needed. Komatsu Care lets us focus on other things and not think about the services because we know they are getting done on time. It came in particularly handy when we were working on the Nebraska job.”

Ark Wrecking bought its Komatsu excavators, as well as a Komatsu D61EX dozer it uses for clearing and backfilling, from Kirby-Smith Machinery Inc. (KSM) with the assistance of Territory Manager Dan Rutz. Dan also helps with rentals as needed, and he assisted Ark Wrecking with the purchase of Trail King trailers, which the company uses to move equipment.

“Customer service is a big factor in our equipment decisions,” stated Dustin. “What we do is tough, and things break. Having someone you can rely on to have parts and help with repairs as needed to minimize our downtime, so we can keep ripping, is essential. Kirby-Smith takes care of us.”

Scott added, “I have known Dan for a long time, and he’s always been good about matching our equipment to our specifications, such as getting reversing fans put on a machine or ensuring the needed hydraulics to run attachments are installed in the machines.”

Not done growing

Scott plans to retire at the end of this year, so Chris, Dustin and Brent will take ownership of Ark Wrecking. They plan to keep expanding the company and reach new markets.

“The demolition industry itself will continue to grow as the country ages,” said Chris. “That creates opportunities for companies like us, and we’re prepared to handle them.”

*The opinions expressed here are from the end user as quoted. The results described herein are those of these end users under certain conditions. Individual results may vary.

(L-R) KSM Territory Manger Dan Rutz meets with Ark Wrecking Co. of Oklahoma’s Scott Morgan, Chris Lebow, Brent Morgan, Dustin Morgan and Huey Colbert.

www.kirby-smith.com

Tulsa, OK • (918) 438-1700

Oklahoma City, OK • (405) 495-7820

McAlester, OK • (918) 310-1550

Amarillo, TX • (806) 373-2826

Dallas, TX • (214) 371-7777

Fort Worth, TX • (817) 378-0600

Abilene, TX • (325) 692-6334

Lubbock, TX • (806) 745-2112

Odessa, TX • (432) 333-7000

Waco, TX • (254) 261-1370

PAVING CORNER

Get high performance in tight spaces with the new WIRTGEN W 150 Fi that features cutting-edge technology

WIRTGEN rounded out the top end of its compact milling machine class with the new high-performance W 150 Fi, which is an ideal choice for use on major construction sites with restricted space such as in inner city locations. Its size — in combination with an intuitive design, digital assistance systems, and the LEVEL PRO ACTIVE leveling system — allow for efficient one-person operation.

The agile front loader has a standard working width of 5 feet and features the latest and currently most eco-friendly engine technology to meet Tier 4 Final standards. The engine offers a maximum rated output of 426 horsepower and has been specially adapted to meet the needs of cold milling applications. Its high torque and simultaneously low noise emissions under all load conditions are impressive. Fuel consumption is low, even when delivering the highest milling performance and at the maximum working depth of 1 foot, 1 inch.

Operators can select one of three performance strategies: ECO, performance optimized, and milling pattern quality. This makes it possible to predefine the required milling pattern quality incrementally from coarse to very fine at the press of a button.

Proven systems

Mill Assist, WIRTGEN PERFORMANCE TRACKER, and LEVEL PRO ACTIVE assist operating personnel and increase milling efficiency.

These systems are proven in other F-series cold milling machines, giving users the benefits of higher performance, and thanks to an automatically generated construction site report, clearly structured documentation of all site-relevant data.

In automatic mode, Mill Assist selects the operating strategy with the most favorable balance between milling performance and operating costs, reducing fuel and water

consumption, pick wear, and CO2 emissions. Mill Assist controls engine speed automatically according to the needs of the operator. The wide range of possible engine speeds means that the machine’s uses are equally broad. The lower speed range enables a significant reduction of diesel fuel consumption and pick wear. In the upper speed range, an optimum milling pattern can be achieved at higher performance rates.

The LEVEL PRO ACTIVE leveling system is installed as a standard feature. It has an intuitive operating design and ensures precise milling results. The machine has an improved basic configuration for the integration of 3D and laser leveling systems and a revised Multiplex system with three-fold scanning. All sensors and measurement values are displayed in an easy-to-read format on the control panel in order to maximize process efficiency. Important machine functions are directly interconnected, allowing for a high degree of automation. ■

The WIRTGEN W 150 Fi compact milling machine unites high productivity with the advantages of compact dimensions. It has a standard working width of 5 feet and a working depth of 1 foot, 1 inch.

DANNY’S ASPHALT PAVING INC.

Carroll brothers do what they love while building on legacy of quality service that their father started

Joe Carroll and Danny Carroll Jr. never thought about doing anything other than joining the business their father, Danny Carroll Sr., founded in 1990. Both grew up working with their dad every chance they could as he built Danny’s Asphalt Paving Inc. into one of the Permian Basin’s top paving and earthwork contractors.

out of high school, I already had a good idea of how the operations were, so I was ready to just go to work.”

Danny Jr., who is now the company’s chief financial officer, shared a similar experience, describing the front seat of Danny Sr.’s pickup as “Dad’s real office.”

The brothers gained knowledge about how the business worked by riding with their dad as he oversaw projects and met with customers. Both could also be found working on job sites outside of school as they got older.

“The opportunity to go to college was there, but I thought this was the better choice for me,” recalled Joe, the older of the two sons by six years and the Midland, Texas-based company’s vice president. “By the time I got

“For a long time, I looked forward to working with my dad and my brother,” said Danny Jr. “I didn’t hesitate to jump in full time after high school instead of going to college.”

Danny Sr. is the president of Danny’s Asphalt Paving and remains involved with the business, but his sons have taken over day-to-day operations during the past several years. By the time they did, Danny’s Asphalt Paving had been built into much more than a handful of people

A crew lays asphalt for a new taxiway at an airfield in West Texas with a VÖGELE SUPER 2000-3i paver before smoothing it with a HAMM HD 13i tandem roller.

doing residential driveways and small commercial parking lots. The company generally has 12 to 14 projects running at any one time.

“Our range of services goes from sealcoating and chip sealing to constructing or reconstructing highways,” said Joe. “We handle everything from earthwork and putting down rock for base preparation to the finished product, including striping. We also have in-house concrete crews. We work as a subcontractor or general. The latter is our preference because we control the pace and quality. We believe that if we control everything, the project turns out much better in the end.”

Danny’s Asphalt Paving sources its own hot mix from its sister company, Basin Asphalt Products, which is located near Danny’s Asphalt Paving in Midland.

Joe Carroll, Vice President

Danny Carroll Jr., CFO

Savings with IMC

Danny’s Asphalt Paving performs a lot of its base preparation with Komatsu equipment that was purchased or rented from Kirby-Smith Machinery Inc.’s (KSM) Odessa branch with the assistance of Territory Manager Kevin Demel. The two companies have worked together for about 15 years, and the Carrolls consider KSM a partner in their business.

“Quality equipment and support after the sale is the biggest thing in West Texas, and Kirby-Smith is killing it from both standpoints,” declared Joe. “They are great about staying on top of scheduled maintenance on our equipment with minimal downtime, and when we are looking for machinery, Kevin helps us get it. We can call him practically anytime, and he will come through. He’s also great about suggesting additional machines that may be a fit for us and could increase productivity.”

One machine that Danny’s Asphalt Paving is seeing significant productivity gains with is a Komatsu D51EXi-24 Intelligent Machine Control (IMC) dozer with integrated GPS grade control. Joe sees it as the first in line toward the company’s transition to full machine control.

“The D51i is about 30% faster than conventional methods that involve setting stakes with a survey crew,” noted Joe. “Our surveying costs are way down with that machine. On a medium-sized project it takes the survey crew about a day to get everything set up and ready for the IMC dozer, and we don’t have them come back until it’s time to check final grade. Traditionally, the survey crew would be on-site a week for setup and throughout the project to check grade and make sure we are on track.”

Danny’s Asphalt Paving uses additional Komatsu equipment when needed, such as GD655 motor graders.

“Typically, we do excavation and subgrade prep with dozers, and if it’s heavy work with mass amounts of material and deeper cuts, we rent bigger dozers such as D65 and D85 models from Kevin and Kirby-Smith,” explained Joe. “Once we are to grade, we bring in the GD655 for base work. It’s terrific for finishing, but it’s built like a tank, so it will handle heavy work too, such as ripping. It has good visibility to the blade, so operators can see when they are working right up to the curb with confidence.”

WIRTGEN GROUP benefits

In addition to Komatsu products, KSM helps Danny’s Asphalt Paving find the right WIRTGEN GROUP products for its earthwork and paving operations. Danny’s Asphalt Paving utilizes WIRTGEN WR 200

Continued . . .

Danny’s Asphalt Paving utilizes a Komatsu D51EXi-24 Intelligent Machine Control (IMC) dozer with integrated GPS grade control for subgrade prep.

‘Our production increased’

cold recyclers/soil stabilizers as needed for subgrade prep, as well as HAMM compactors with a padfoot drum or smooth drum for soil compaction. It then uses VÖGELE SUPER 1700-3i and SUPER 2000-3i pavers to lay asphalt, finishing the mat with HAMM tandem rollers.

Danny’s Asphalt Paving switched to WIRTGEN GROUP products mainly because of service and parts availability issues it was having with other brands. Joe said that those improved, and the WIRTGEN GROUP products provided additional benefits.

“Our production increased, especially with the pavers,” said Joe. “We have varying sizes to match the job, but they are versatile enough that we can move them around if needed. In general, the 1700s are for parking lots and the 2000s are for roadways and state highway work.”

Joe added, “The WR 200 models are fantastic. We do a lot of municipal work with those, and they are a time-saver. They allow us to recycle existing material and use it as a subgrade, which is more cost-effective and saves money for the customer.”

Joe concluded, “Across the board, the quality of the WIRTGEN GROUP products is superior, it’s easier to maintain and repair, and the ease of operation is fantastic. Our operators can switch from one machine to another and quickly pick up on how it operates because they are all close to the same in how they operate.”

Slow, steady

Danny’s Asphalt Paving has expanded steadily over the years by design. The Carrolls want to maintain that approach.

“We seem to evolve by moving up the scale of and number of projects, as well as our crew numbers,” said Danny Jr. “The idea is to keep growing at a controlled pace.”

Joe added, “We’re comfortable with dirt work, asphalt laying, concrete and sealcoating. We have never ventured into something new unless we knew the inside and out of what is involved and that we can do it to our high-quality standards. Right now, our plan is to stick with what we know and look at opportunities that make sense.” ■

*The opinions expressed here are from the end user as quoted. The results described herein are those of these end users under certain conditions. Individual results may vary.

An operator blades a parking lot with a Komatsu GD655 motor grader on a project in Midland, Texas.

KSM Territory Manager Kevin Demel (center) talks with Danny’s Asphalt Paving Vice President Joe Carroll (left) and Danny’s Asphalt Paving CFO Danny Carroll Jr.

The Kirby-Smith Machinery Road Construction & Minerals Division is here to partner with our customers to maximize their equipment performance and assist with:

• Best practices for Machine Alications • Start-us and product Demonstrations

• Oerations & Oerator raining • Machine Insections • eneral Q&A on Machines and echnology

Meet Our Product Specialists

Carlos Vega Crushing & Screening Product Specialist (KLEEMANN and Masaba) cvega@kirby-smith.com

806.640.7708

• Industry Exerience: 20 Years

• Extensive exerience running sand & gravel oerations

Brian Evans Crushing & Screening Application Specialist (KLEEMANN and Masaba) bevans@kirby-smith.com

682.816.5344

•Industry Exerience: 30 Years

•Significant exerience for both tracked and stationary units

•Millions of tons of crushed material

Robert Perkins Sr. Paving & Compaction Product Specialist (VÖGELE, HAMM, LeeBoy +WIRTGEN in Oklahoma)

rerkins@kirby-smith.com 501.514.4156

• Industry Exerience: 19 Years

• VöELE Alications Secialist for WI

Chris Brenz WIRTGEN Product Specialist (WIRTGEN) CBrenz@kirby-smith.com 254.447.0774

• Industry Exerience: 7 Years

• Milling, stabilization, and sliform aving

•Extensive service and alication knowledge

• project Manager/EstimatorCivil and private Sectors Jason Edens

405.508.0054

• Industry Exerience: 15 Years

• Over 7 years of exerience in service oerations for

CRANE CORNER

More reach, strength and flexibility with new Grove rough-terrain cranes

Manitowoc has launched two new Grove rough-terrain cranes that offer best-in-class boom length and strength to set new standards for the 65-ton and 80-ton classes. The GRT765 and GRT780 also deliver improved operator comfort and easier servicing inside a compact design package.

“Customers will immediately notice the significant improvements in reach and strength, but we’ve also packed a lot of other benefits into these new models,” said John Bair, the product manager for rough-terrain cranes at Manitowoc. “The operators will love the comfort of our new, wider cab as well as the expanded CCS display. We’ve also added the latest productivity and fleet management technology with our MAXbase variable outrigger positioning system and the Grove CONNECT telematics platform. Not to mention we packed all of this into a very compact and lightweight package, which makes this crane very easy to transport, as well as maneuver around busy job sites.”

Even greater power

The Grove GRT765 replaces the RT765E-2 in the current rough-terrain crane lineup. It offers a 65-ton maximum capacity and a 126-foot four-section full-power boom. The Grove GRT780 will replace both the RT770E and the GRT880 in the current rough-terrain crane lineup and offers an 80-ton maximum capacity with a 155-foot five-section full-power boom.

Both models feature a 35-foot to 56-foot bi-fold swingaway jib, which

can be manually offset up to 45 degrees. For the GRT765, there are 15,200 pounds of counterweight, while the GRT780 comes with 17,500 pounds, although customers can boost this to 20,500 pounds for even greater strength. Both can add a hydraulic counterweight removal system as an option and powerful line pull is guaranteed, with both models offering 17,160 pounds on a single line for fast setup and operation.

Transport and setup are centered around convenience. Both cranes typically travel as one load, with the GRT765 having a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of approximately 94,000 pounds. The GRT780 has a GVW of 99,500 pounds (102,500 pounds with the heavy counterweight). The overall width of both is just 9.8 feet — nearly 1 foot narrower than typical cranes in these classes. Setup is compact, and owners have

greater flexibility with the MAXbase variable outrigger system, which gives increased lift capacity and asymmetric configurations to easily fit on congested sites.

The cranes are the first Grove rough-terrains to offer Grove CONNECT telematics and fleet management system launched in 2022. For the operator, there’s a 3-inch wider, full-vision cab that tilts to 20 degrees and comes with a three-camera system for better visibility. Operations can be managed via the new, bigger 12-inch touchscreen CCS display that offers controls and layout that are common across the Manitowoc product line. For service technicians, the cranes include oCSI (on Crane Service Interface) for enhanced diagnostics and service, while centrally located service points on the superstructure and carrier make routine maintenance easier. ■

Grove’s new rough-terrain cranes — the GRT765 and the GRT780 — feature a 35-foot to 56-foot bi-fold swingaway jib, which can be manually offset up to 45 degrees. Both models offer 17,160 pounds on a single line for fast setup and operation.

SCRAP MART METALS RECYCLING LLC

St. Louis-area processor expands from one small location to three thriving operations that serve a wide range of customers

Every day Lucas Kendall drove by a site in Valley Park, Mo., he thought to himself that it would be a good spot to open a scrapyard. The location already had a paved parking lot and a building that could be utilized.

“There wasn’t anything in the area, so I was able to lease the property fairly inexpensively, and I thought if it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work,” recalled Kendall, who is the founder, part owner and president of Scrap Mart Metals Recycling LLC. “We started doing business as a peddler yard and trading office. Six or seven months in, it was growing so fast that we had to buy the building next door and put in a scale.”

Kendall also hired additional staff, including Chris Kehr — a

childhood friend who eventually became part owner of Scrap Mart and currently serves as its operations manager and vice president. Business has continued to climb for Scrap Mart, which now has three locations in the St. Louis area: Valley Park, Pevely and Jonesburg. It has also added roll-off services and has gone from a handful of employees in its earliest days to more than 40 now.

feeder yards that have about 80% of the volume brought in by individual peddlers and the other 20% are industrial customers.”

No experience, no problem

Neither Kendall nor Kehr had experience in scrap before they started in the industry. Kendall was selling real estate when a headhunter contacted him about a job for a recycling company.

“We have continued to grow and look for opportunities,” said Kehr. “Valley Park now handles more than 200 customers a day, and we are seeing large volumes of customers and materials at our other sites as well. Valley Park and Pevely are

“I had never even heard of the scrap business, and I told her that if she thought I was going to be a garbage man, she was sadly mistaken,” Kendall recalled. “She laughed and told me to just go have the interview. I did, got hired as a sales rep, and here we are some 20 years later. I learned everything I know about the trading side of the business, which was helpful when I went out on my own in 2009. I was told when I started that it gets in your blood, and I didn’t believe them, but they’re right. I enjoy it every day.”

When Kendall established Scrap Mart in 2011, he reached out to Kehr, who was a high school band teacher at the time.

“We’ve known each other since we were 15, so when I started Scrap Mart, I asked him if he wanted to do something different,” said Kendall. “He said yes, so I hired him. Chris is more on the operations side, and I’m still trading scrap every day.”

Increased production with Spaleck Scrap Mart’s feeder yards supply its shredder facility in Jonesburg that was established a few years ago and processes about 10,000 tons of ferrous and non-ferrous metals monthly.

Scrap Mart uses a Spaleck 165T Trackmobile 3D Combi Screener at its Jonesburg, Mo., location to screen fines and sort metals.

Lucas Kendall, President

Chris Kehr, Vice President and Operations Manager

Processed metals are shipped out via rail car and truck to steel mills.

“We shred autos, light tin — whatever is acceptable to go through the shredder,” explained Kendall. “There was a significant amount of shredder feed coming from Valley Park that we felt comfortable putting the shredder in. We searched a lot for a good location that was somewhat mid-Missouri that we believed would be beneficial for scrap dealers by cutting down their drive to the shredding facilities in St. Louis and Kansas City or the few others around the state. The Jonesburg location is right off I-70, so easy in and out, and it’s close to several steel mills that we supply, so geographically it’s a great location.”

Scrap Mart uses a variety of equipment it has purchased or rented from Kirby-Smith Machinery

Inc. (KSM) with the assistance of Territory Manager Larry Kohler and Material Handling Specialist Ralph Faulkner. Recent additions include a Spaleck 165T Trackmobile 3D Combi Screener used to screen fines and sort metals. Scrap Mart processes two sizes: 1 inch and down or fines, and 1 inch to 3 inches, which goes across an eddy current to sort the metals out as well as oversized materials.

“We had a big pile of fluff to screen that we figured would take about eight months to process, and the Spaleck ate through it in about three,” stated Kendall. “It ran throughout two shifts a day without any issues. You just turn it on, start feeding it, and it works quickly and efficiently. The screener has increased our production. It’s a mobile piece of equipment, which works very well for us, because we can easily move it and clean underneath it.”

Atlas material handlers improve efficiency

About the same time Scrap Mart added the Spaleck screener, it purchased two Atlas material handlers. Operators at the Jonesburg location use an Atlas 400 MH with 57 feet of reach to unload trucks, sort materials, and feed the screener. It’s equipped to run a grapple and a magnet. At the Valley Park facility, an Atlas 270 MH with 46 feet of reach is utilized to sort and load.

“The more efficient the equipment, the better the operations are, and the Atlas material handlers have definitely been game-changers,” said Kendall. “When you talk about

Discover more at KirbySmithConnection.com

An operator loads a Spaleck 165T Trackmobile 3D Combi Screener with an Atlas 400 MH material handler at Scrap Mart’s Jonesburg, Mo., location.

‘Kirby-Smith

has always been quick to respond’

price versus the competition and return on investment, Atlas is very cost-effective. Larry and Ralph helped us ensure proper sizing for the locations. Valley Park sits on a much smaller footprint with a lot of overhead power lines around it, so the longer reach would actually be a disadvantage. At Jonesburg, we needed the longer reach and some added versatility because the machine gets moved around quite

a bit. In both instances, the elevating cabs are a great advantage because the operators get a great view down into a truck or the shredder. It allows them to do their jobs much more efficiently and safely.”

KSM provides parts and service on Scrap Mart’s Spaleck and Atlas equipment, as well as its used Komatsu wheel loader and Link-Belt excavator.

“Support is a big factor in our equipment decisions, and Kirby-Smith has always been quick to respond to any need,” said Kehr. “They do routine maintenance, and they recently put a new engine in the wheel loader. We rely on their expertise, and they have always delivered.”

Keep the momentum

Now that Scrap Mart has its own shredder, Kendall and Kehr are adamant that it stays busy.

“The name of the game is putting tons in front of the shredder,” stated Kendall. “We’re always looking for ways to grow, and that may mean additional feeder yards.”

Kehr added, “I would say that location in Valley Park helped us get established, but hard-working employees have helped us build a solid list of repeat customers and three thriving operations. We want to keep that momentum going.” ■

*The opinions expressed here are from the end user as quoted. The results described herein are those of these end users under certain conditions. Individual results may vary.

At Scrap Mart’s Valley Park, Mo., location, an operator sorts materials with an Atlas 270 MH material handler, which has 46 feet of reach.

Scrap Mart, KSM and Spaleck personnel discuss business at Scrap Mart’s office in Jonesburg, Mo.

HANDS-ON HAPPENING

Customers learn how Komatsu products can help improve efficiencies, performance during Demo Days

L earning about what equipment can do provides valuable insights into how it can help your operations. The ability to experience a machine for yourself from the operator’s seat takes it to another level. Komatsu gave attendees opportunities to do both during its recent Demo Days event at its Cartersville Customer Center in Georgia.

More than 30 products were available for customers to see up close and operate, ranging from compact excavators to large construction, demolition, forestry and mining machines. Representatives from Komatsu and Komatsu affiliates Montabert, Lehnhoff and Hensley Industries provided insight on how to effectively implement the equipment and attachments into attendees’ operations.

Komatsu Smart Construction and Smart Quarry representatives had display areas set up to provide information on solutions available for job site management such as Smart Construction Remote, Office, Field and Drone, as well as Smart Quarry Site and Smart Quarry Study. My Komatsu representatives provided information about Komatsu’s central hub for fleet management.

“What we’re hoping our customers take away is our dedication to them and their business,” said Andrew Earing, Director of Operator and Technical Training at Komatsu’s Cartersville Customer Center. “We have more than 100 Komatsu employees here, ranging from service engineers to product management, to answer questions and listen to customers in an effort to learn more about their needs and how Komatsu can help them improve their job site efficiencies.”

Mix of equipment

Each day began with informative presentations about equipment, Smart Construction solutions and Smart Quarry solutions that Komatsu offers to increase productivity, efficiency and sustainability. Hands-on operation

followed, letting customers operate a mix of standard and Intelligent Machine Control (IMC) equipment in working environments on the 38-acre site.

“It’s neat to see all the yellow iron together, from motor graders to dozers to excavators, loaders and the intelligent machines,” said Eli McDonald, Equipment Coordinator for Reece Albert Inc. and CSA Materials Inc. in San Angelo, Texas. “It’s rare to see this many assets in one spot. I hope to take away the knowledge to go back and reassess our fleet and improve our operations.”

IMC 2.0 dozers ranging from the D39EXi-24 to the D71PXi-24 and IMC 2.0 excavators ranging from the PC210LCi-11 to the PC490LCi-11 — all of which are equipped with factory-integrated GPS machine control — were highly popular during the event. Customers could also operate a PC138USLC-11 with 3D Machine Guidance, a Smart Construction solution that brings 3D to most conventional excavators and gives operators in the field and managers in the office access to 3D design and topography data that helps drive accuracy.

“Our big excavators are 90% Komatsu, including IMC machines, and we also have IMC dozers,” said Dan Earley, a co-owner of LEi in Rapid City, S.D., noting that his company also uses Komatsu’s Smart Construction Office and Dashboard. “It makes my operators way more efficient. There’s so much data in there we can collect and see where production is on a daily basis. Now, with Office and Dashboard, we can see in real time what was done that day. Did we get enough moved? The information is invaluable. I appreciate coming down here and getting to run what we want. I hope to keep coming back. This is a great event.”

Andrew Earing, Director of Operator and Technical Training, Komatsu

Eli McDonald, Equipment Coordinator, Reece Albert Inc. and CSA Materials Inc.

Reece Albert Inc. and CSA Materials Inc. Equipment Coordinator Eli McDonald (left) checks out the excavators on display at Demo Days with Kirby-Smith Machinery Inc.’s Justin Ashlock.

(L-R) KSM’s Britt Stubblefield checks out a Komatsu Intelligent Machine Control (IMC) excavator with L.A. Fuller & Sons Construction’s Nick Fraley and Dustin Stovall.

Dan Earley, Co-owner, LEi

Hybrid highlight

Komatsu also featured its HB365LC-3 hybrid excavator that delivers eco-conscious performance as energy is captured during swing and stored in the ultracapacitor. When swinging, all available hydraulic power is sent to the boom, arm and bucket for improved cycle time, reduced fuel consumption and increased production.

“It seemed like it was stronger on the swing and something that I think we would really like in our company,” said Troy Henderson, a part owner of KTA Construction in San Diego. “Being in California with the emissions that we have to deal with, the hybrid is a great choice to improve our fleet and reduce emissions.”

Harry Olsen, the chief operating officer and a co-owner of Hugo Tree, a company that does land clearing, sitework and demolition in Hugo, Minn., commented, “With the hybrid specifically, I really like that the fuel consumption has dropped down. I think one of the things Komatsu’s always done really well is made a very efficient, smooth machine, and I think the hybrid is the next evolution. We do a lot of stacking and material handling, so being able to have that very finite swing is nice. It’s efficient.”

Learning opportunity

Additionally, there were demonstrations of Komatsu’s new PC490HRD-11 high-reach demolition excavator equipped with a K100 boom change system that allows for hands-free boom changes from the cab of the machine, as well as a soon-to-be-available Komatsu PC360LC-11 straight boom demolition machine. Attendees could also check out demonstrations of Komatsu’s Smart Construction Drone and Komatsu’s RF-5 reclaim feeder.

“One of things we are proud of here is we let customers get in the equipment, touch the quality, feel the performance and get the full experience of our product, but Demo Days is about more than that,” stated Earing. “It’s an opportunity for both us and our customers to learn more about each other. It’s a great platform and venue to connect with our customers and truly understand their needs.” ■

*The opinions expressed here are from the end user as quoted. The results described herein are those of these end users under certain conditions. Individual results may vary.

Customers test out various machines during Demo Days at Komatsu’s 38-acre demonstration site in Cartersville, Ga.

Troy Henderson, Part Owner, KTA Construction

Harry Olsen, COO/Co-owner, Hugo Tree

(L-R) KSM's Trey McNeel enjoys Demo Days with Cold Creek & A.L. Helmcamp's Chad Thomas and Judd Henderson.

(L-R) West Industries’ Mike West meets with KSM’s Dennis Cox at Demo Days.

REACHING HIGHER

PC490HRD-11 demolition excavator helps increase efficiency with fast boom change system, reach of up to 105 feet

From hammering to processing to loading, demolition often involves quickly changing tasks. With easy attachment switches and the ability to work at heights of up to 105 feet, Komatsu’s new PC490HRD-11 high-reach demolition excavator helps achieve greater efficiency, according to Matt Buerstetta, North American Product Manager for Demolition Machines, Komatsu.

“The PC490HRD-11 is a highly versatile machine that’s easily reconfigurable for changing work demands and can run a wide variety of attachments, including grapples, hammers, processors and buckets,” said Buerstetta. “One of the biggest advantages is our K100 boom change system that lets operators quickly switch out booms. What would normally have taken up to a day in the past can now be done in a mere fraction of the time.”

The in-house K100 boom change system uses oversized quick connectors for the hydraulic lines that minimize back pressure and oil heating without restricting oil flow. The system also features hydraulically powered pins mounted inside the main boom

structure to help reduce the risk of damage to the equipment during reconfiguration. With the K100 system, operators can easily reconfigure the machine from the cab, improving safety, productivity and efficiency.

Expandable undercarriage

The PC490HRD-11 has a base weight of 128,199 pounds and a weight of 161,500 pounds with the extended high-reach boom. At full extension, it can handle a maximum attachment weight of 5,512 pounds. A 360-degree Working Range Indicator system with side stability provides a pre-alert function.

A hydraulically expandable undercarriage enables the tracks to be narrowed for transportation and expanded for working. The tilting demolition cab can be tilted up to 45 degrees and allows the operator to use joysticks to position the cab for an optimal view.

Full demolition guarding helps protect components and keep the PC490HRD-11 running in harsh conditions. It has guards on the revolving frame and undercover, as well as level two window guards for the front and top glass. A dust protection system minimizes dust and debris in the engine and cab.

“The PC490HRD-11 has a heavier counterweight, coming in at about 18 tons, which is bigger than our standard PC490 excavator,” said Buerstetta. “It has been a proven winner in Europe for several years already. We’re excited to bring it to the North American market, and we encourage anyone who has large demolition work and wants a versatile machine that will handle a wide variety of tasks to contact their local distributor.”

Komatsu’s PC490HRD-11 is a proven demolition machine that can quickly and easily be reconfigured with the K100 boom change system to tackle a wide variety of projects and applications. It offers six working arrangements, with a boom extension for higher reach or extended digging.

Matt Buerstetta, North American Product Manager for Demolition Machines, Komatsu

DEMOLITION NEWS

Annual NDA showcase gives attendees the opportunity to see the latest demolition technology, operate equipment

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the National Demolition Association’s (NDA) annual demolition show at San Antonio’s Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center featured a wide range of products and innovative technology. With more than 1,400 industry professionals in attendance, manufacturers such as Komatsu introduced new machines, and during the outdoor demonstration day, attendees could put machines through their paces.

Those excavators will feature more reach than most standard excavators and have added guarding on the front and top windows and around the revolving frame. The machine has programmable flow and pressure control in the monitor for up to 15 attachments, and the excavators come with factory-installed plus-two hydraulic attachment piping.

After years of success in Europe, Komatsu introduced its PC490HRD-11 high-reach demolition excavator to the North American market at the event. The PC490HRD-11 has an extended reach of up to 105 feet and features a K100 boom change system that allows the operator to quickly change the configuration conveniently, from within the cab and without manually disconnecting either the hydraulic or electrical lines.

“We think that the PC490 high-reach excavator with the K100

system can be an excellent machine for a variety of applications; it’s capable of doing most demolition work that comes along,” said Simon Saunders, Product Marketing Manager for Working Gear Machines and Special Products, Komatsu. “We had a couple of demonstrations with it in North America before the show, and the feedback from users was that it was very impressive. The customers who tried it, and those who have used it in Europe, have called it a game-changer.”

Komatsu also showcased a PC360LC-11 with a straight boom, part of a lineup of new demolition-focused excavators that will be available in the near future.

At the event, the PC360LC-11 was equipped with a Lehnhoff (a Komatsu-owned company) SQ80V fully automatic symmetric quick coupler that allowed the user to quickly switch among several Montabert (also a Komatsu-owned company) hydraulic demolition attachments without leaving the cab.

All attachments are distributed by the Komatsu Attachments Group. Customer feedback

Attendee Rodney Loftis, President of Rodney Loftis & Son Contracting, currently runs more than a dozen Komatsu machines and was excited to test out the PC360LC-11.

“I have been looking forward to this machine coming to North America

Komatsu’s new PC490HRD-11 high-reach demolition excavator features a K100 boom change system for faster reconfigurations.

Simon Saunders, Product Marketing Manager, Komatsu

Matt Buerstetta, Product Manager, Komatsu

Scott Ruderman, Product Marketing Manager, Komatsu

for a long time,” said Loftis, who has seen similar machines running in Europe on social media. “The extra reach will give us the capability to take down taller buildings. Having almost 10 feet of extra reach over our standard PC360 is going to mean a lot.”

Neil Edwards, the owner of RENDCO Inc., currently uses several Komatsu excavators in his operations and came to the show to see how he could expand his business.

“I want to see the new technology and gain knowledge about what’s out there in the field now with demolition attachments,” said Edwards. “I attended some education sessions. It’s a great event.”

Committed to the industry

According to Komatsu personnel, the annual demolition show is a very unique event.

“There are not many like this where attendees can see and operate

a wide variety of equipment and attachments and compare them at the same time,” said Matt Buerstetta, North American Product Manager for Demolition Machines, Komatsu. “NDA was a great success for us. It really gave us an opportunity to demonstrate that Komatsu is committed to the demolition industry.”

Komatsu Product Marketing Manager Scott Ruderman said Komatsu is already looking ahead to next year’s show, which is scheduled to be held in New Orleans on March 5-8, 2025.

“Komatsu is focused on the demolition industry, and we have a wide range of products to help facilitate customers’ success in going after jobs and being competitive in the industry,” Ruderman emphasized. “You need the right tools and the right machine for the application, and Komatsu’s here with machines that can fit

your needs. The NDA live demo event is a perfect opportunity to showcase machine and attachment performance in close to real industry applications, giving customers the opportunity to crush concrete, pick rebar and shear I-beams.” ■

The Komatsu PC360LC-11 with a straight boom is part of a lineup of new demolition-focused excavators that will be available in the near future.

Watch the video

Rodney Loftis, President, Rodney Loftis & Son Contracting

Neil Edwards, Owner, RENDCO Inc.

NEW SOLUTIONS

Komatsu expands fleet management offerings with acquisition of technology company iVolve

To increase its fleet management offerings for customers, Komatsu acquired iVolve Holdings Pty Ltd., an Australian-based technology company that provides fleet management solutions for small to mid-tier quarry, mining and construction operations.

The acquisition bolsters Komatsu’s existing suite of fleet management technology offerings, which include Smart Construction for construction, Modular for mining, and Smart Quarry for aggregate applications. Komatsu previously partnered with iVolve on Komatsu’s Smart Quarry Site.

“The team at iVolve have been great collaborators, and this acquisition

offers exciting potential to further our global work together,” said Mike Gidaspow, Vice President, Products, Service & Solutions for Komatsu North America. “For quarry customers in particular, we believe iVolve’s offerings and experience will be a great addition to Komatsu’s suite of technology.”

Improve safety, productivity

Komatsu plans to globally deploy iVolve’s fleet management system to further contribute to improving safety and productivity at customers’ workplaces. So far, iVolve has achieved optimal operation management at customer sites in Australia and North America.

“We have enjoyed a long working relationship with Komatsu and believe this agreement aligns with our goals and vision, and importantly, the resources of Komatsu will help us achieve our growth goals,” said Kim Parascos, CEO and co-founder of iVolve. “As a Komatsu brand, we aim to widen our market presence, elevate our product line, and preserve flexibility for our customers. Our existing customers will also benefit from this new alignment, as we leverage the expertise, commitment and reach of Komatsu to improve our offering.”

While furthering development of its products and solutions, iVolve will continue to provide its services as an independent group company. ■

Komatsu’s acquisition of iVolve, a technology company that provides fleet management solutions, expands Komatsu’s existing suite of offerings such as Smart Construction and Smart Quarry. Komatsu plans to globally deploy iVolve’s fleet management system to further contribute to improving safety and productivity.

LIFE CYCLE SOLUTIONS

Remanufactured parts and components could help decrease your machinery’s total cost of ownership, promote profitability

Do you want to save money without sacrificing quality and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time? Using remanufactured parts and components could be the answer.

“Fewer raw materials are used in remanufacturing than new parts manufacturing,” said Matt Beinlich, Senior Director, Remanufacturing Business, Komatsu. “According to a paper from the Rochester Institute of Technology titled ‘Capturing Energy and Resources through Remanufacturing,’ the rule of thumb is that 80% of the mass of a component is reused through the remanufacturing process, reducing the need to extract new materials from the earth. Remanufacturing is necessary and good for the industry and the environment because it contributes to sustainability.”

It can also contribute to profitability, Beinlich added.

“Remanufactured components are a much more cost-competitive option compared to new ones because fewer raw materials are required,” Beinlich emphasized. “The quality of genuine Komatsu remanufactured parts and components is better than will-fit items. That’s why we back them with a one-year, unlimited-hours warranty and a quality assurance program of up to 10,000 hours on major components.”

Enhancing availability

Beinlich leads a new team of Komatsu remanufacturing personnel that is committed to increasing customer utilization of reman parts and components. It includes longtime remanufacturing specialists such as Senior Product Manager Goran Zeravica, as well as Remanufacturing General Manager Isamu Hamai, Parts Sales and Marketing Manager Eric Uehara, Reman Procurement Manager Krutarth Desai, Senior Quality Engineer

Cody Clark, and Quality Assurance Specialist Bryan Davis.

“When customers buy a Komatsu machine, they expect that those machines will have readily available, reasonably priced, high-quality parts and components necessary to keep them running throughout the machine’s life cycle,” said Zeravica. “Genuine Komatsu remanufactured components can play a significant role in meeting that expectation. Our goals include improving availability and

utilization so that our customers have a better total cost of ownership.”

Zeravica added, “To promote our customers’ success with remanufacturing, we have brought a lot of people together from various parts of the Komatsu family including suppliers, our parts depots and distributors. Ordering reman parts and components will be easier too, as we bring that into the digital age by making them available through My Komatsu.” ■

Using remanufactured parts and components can help promote profitability and sustainability as well as help control your machinery’s total cost of ownership.

(L-R) Komatsu's remanufacturing team includes Eric Uehara, Krutarth Desai, Isamu Hamai, Goran Zeravica, Arek Krynski, Pierre Deering, and Matt Beinlich.

ASK THE PSSR

Geofencing through TFM is an effective way to deter theft, monitor your Takeuchi equipment for fleet management

Proper maintenance and service is critical to long-term equipment productivity. Telematics in today’s machinery, such as Takeuchi Fleet Management (TFM), makes tracking and managing your machinery easier than ever.

“Telematics gives you the ability to know where your machine is in terms of location and hours at all times by computer and/or smartphone, without the need to rely on old ways of doing things such as having someone phone in the information,” said Mark Tadlock, Product Support Sales Representative (PSSR) at Kirby-Smith Machinery Inc.’s (KSM) Kansas City, Kan., branch. “Customers use TFM to set alerts that let them know when a machine is almost due for routine service, track production time for billing purposes, and more. Everyone who uses equipment

should be using telematics to keep track of it.”

Tadlock emphasized that TFM and other telematics systems can be good anti-theft tools. They offer a key feature known as geofencing that lets users set up a virtual perimeter around a machine. If the machine leaves that perimeter at any time, an alert is sent to the machine owner and/or the designated representative and Tadlock.

“If a thief knows a machine can be monitored remotely, they are more likely to not take the chance of stealing it,” said Tadlock. “If they do, and we get the alert, that allows us to notify law enforcement and work with it to track the machine to wherever the thief took it. We have recovered several machines over the years thanks to TFM and other telematics systems.”

Simple and effective

Setting up the geofence in TFM is relatively simple, according to Tadlock. The first step is signing up for a TFM account through Takeuchi’s website (www.takeuchi-us.com).

Once that’s done and your account is activated, you can register your machine with its serial number. The machine’s location will show up on your device’s screen.

“Using your fingers, you can draw the geofence around it to whatever size you need,” explained Tadlock. “Usually, it’s for the particular job site you are on. It’s a very simple process but very effective. If there are any questions on using telematics, setting up TFM or another system, or how to more effectively use it as a fleet management tool, I encourage customers to contact me or their local PSSR to learn more.” ■

Mark Tadlock, PSSR, KSM, Kansas City

Geofencing through telematics such as Takeuchi Fleet Management (TFM) allows users to set a perimeter around their machines and receive alerts if the machine leaves that area. Setting up a geofence is easy and can be done on your device with a TFM account.

ASK THE PSSR

Pre-operation inspections help you identify and address small problems before they become catastrophic failures

Apre-operation inspection is a simple way to ensure your machinery continues to perform at a high level of productivity. It could also save you significantly in repair costs and unneeded downtime.

“Whatever machine you have, there’s always items you should check before you start it,” said Karl Kumpf, Product Support Sales Representative (PSSR) at Kirby-Smith Machinery Inc.’s (KSM) Dallas branch. “When a customer gets a new machine delivered, I show up and meet with the site foreman and any operators who may use it. I show them a checklist that I have with all the points on the machine that they should be paying attention to and checking before turning the key.”

Karl Kumpf, PSSR, KSM, Dallas

and coolant. In general, engine oil is checked with a dipstick in the engine compartment, hydraulic fluids using a site glass, and coolant in the coolant overflow tank. Plus, make sure all grease points are properly lubricated.

“If any of those items are low, be sure to add some before operating and as needed,” said Kumpf. “It’s good practice to always keep those items handy and readily available, both at the job site and in the shop. Be sure to store them correctly. You can always contact your PSSR, use your My Komatsu account, or call the local Kirby-Smith branch to order some.”

Check the GET

In addition to the machine, it’s essential to check ground engaging tools (GET) such as cutting edges and bucket teeth, according to Kumpf.

“Don’t overlook them,” Kumpf stated. “If those are loose or worn, you have to get them taken care of because they affect performance and productivity. As with fluids and lubricants, keep replacements on hand. Our stores stock a sizable inventory of those items, so they are readily available.” ■

Kumpf’s checklist includes several key items that should be done at the beginning of your shift and periodically throughout it, starting with looking for any visible damage.

“Machines are in the dirt and all kinds of weather conditions, and sometimes damage just happens no matter how careful you are,” said Kumpf. “If you see something, address it right away and determine if it’s something that requires the machine to be taken out of service. A dented panel is likely okay, and you can keep operating until you get a new one. A leaking hose or a broken belt should be taken care of before you ever operate that piece of equipment. Running it could make the damage worse or lead to additional damage that could be very costly. It’s much less expensive and time-consuming to fix something small.”

It’s critical to check fluid levels, including engine oil, hydraulic fluids

Pre-operation inspections are essential because they help you catch small issues and address them before they potentially lead to catastrophic failures. According to KSM PSSR Karl Kumpf, you should look for damage, check fluids, and ensure wear items are in good working order before you start your machine.

Kirby-Smith Machinery is your one-stop shop for all Morbark, Boxer, Denis Cimaf, and Rayco Equipment in Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri and southern Illinois. Call us today at 888-861-0219 or email us at sales@kirby-smith.com with your questions or to schedule a demonstration.

ON TRACK

Komatsu and Williams Racing reignite historic partnership with multiyear deal

Komatsu is back in the racing game after signing a multiyear deal with Williams Racing to become the British team’s principal partner for the start of the 2024 FIA Formula One World Championship (F1) season. Komatsu’s logo and branding will feature prominently on the 2024 Williams Racing livery, as well as the team’s overalls and kit, during the F1 season.

Komatsu was a key F1 partner of Williams Racing during the 1980s and 1990s, a period of abundant success for the team. The most notable achievements were in 1996 and 1997, when Komatsu supported Williams Racing to Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships with Damon Hill and Jacques Villeneuve, respectively. With an eye to the future, both brands are excited to build on their shared history as they embark on a new era.

Komatsu’s official designations with Williams Racing reflect the companies’ shared focus on the long-term development of engineering,

technology and new generations of talent: Official STEM and Early Careers Partner, Official Esports Partner, and Official Construction Machinery Partner. These areas will overlap and combine within the partnership, as Komatsu endeavors to engage and bring focus to the next generation of innovators through STEM events enriched by the Williams Racing esports platform.

“Komatsu and Williams Racing have shared values around innovation and the development of our people,” said Hiroyuki Ogawa, President and CEO of Komatsu Ltd. “Through our partnership, we look forward to creating value together, both on and off the track. Our partnership with Williams Racing is aligned with Komatsu’s mission to create value through manufacturing and technology innovations to empower a sustainable future where people, businesses and our planet can thrive together.”

Foundation for cross collaboration

One of the driving forces behind the partnership was the alignment of vision that the two brands share. The characteristics embedded in Komatsu’s DNA and values, such as cutting-edge technology, outstanding quality and unwavering reliability, are all demonstrated by Williams Racing at the highest level of motorsports. This new partnership creates a foundation for cross collaboration between the companies into the future.

“Williams Racing is delighted to be rekindling our relationship with Komatsu,” said James Vowles, Team Principal of Williams Racing. “We have enjoyed huge success together in the past and reuniting is a significant step in Williams Racing’s long-term mission to return to the front of the grid. Both Williams Racing and Komatsu are committed to attracting and developing the best young talent in pursuit of our goals, and we look forward to working together again.” ■

Komatsu’s logo and branding will feature prominently on the 2024 Williams Racing livery, as well as the team’s overalls and kit, during the Formula One season.

FACES OF KIRBY-SMITH MACHINERY

Avery Theeck enjoys being a field technician, keeping customers’ downtime to a minimum

Working on equipment comes naturally to Avery Theeck. It’s something he’s done practically his entire life and has always wanted to do.

“I grew up on a ranch with machinery, so I was always tinkering with something,” said Theeck, a field technician at Kirby-Smith Machinery Inc.’s (KSM) Abilene, Texas, location. “I have a brother who’s nine years older than me, and growing up, he was a diesel mechanic working on pipelines. I got to watch him work, and I always admired what he did. Since I was little, I knew this is what I wanted to do.”

and told the class about the program at Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology (OSUIT) that’s backed by Komatsu and distributors such as KSM, which sponsored Theeck.

“It’s a great mix of on-campus learning and hands-on experience in an actual shop,” said Theeck. “Having Kirby-Smith backing me was another positive thing about the program. Kirby-Smith was committed to my success, and I couldn’t have been happier to come to work here after I was done at OSUIT. I still feel the same way. It’s a great company that really cares about its employees and takes care of us.”

Theeck tears them down and rebuilds them to like-new condition. He estimated that now his time is split fairly evenly between field work and hammer rebuilds. Whatever the day’s tasks, Theeck looks forward to doing them.

“I enjoy the challenge of solving an issue with the right fix as quickly as possible,” said Theeck. “Every minute a customer is down it’s costing them, so the pressure is on. Seeing an operator go back to working that machine is very satisfying. I love seeing customers so happy. I also love getting to travel and meet different people.”

Theeck was part of an agriculture mechanical program in high school. He hadn’t necessarily considered diesel technology until a recruiter from KSM visited his classroom

First hammer tech

KSM further helped Theeck build his skills by training him to be the Abilene branch’s first hammer technician.

Theeck concluded, “I definitely am encouraging others to consider this as a career. There’s a lot of new technology, and you get to work on big machines. The pay is great too. I love it — the work, Kirby-Smith — and I see myself here for the long haul.” ■

Avery Theeck, a field technician for KSM, works on rebuilding a hammer at KSM’s Abilene, Texas branch.

Avery Theeck, Field Technician, KSM, Abilene

FACES OF KIRBY-SMITH MACHINERY

Fort Worth Sales & Operations Manager Steve McCondichie brings extensive industry experience to his new role

Kirby-Smith

Machinery Inc. (KSM) has announced the promotion of Steve McCondichie to the role of sales & operations manager for the Fort Worth branch.

McCondichie will be responsible for overseeing the Fort Worth sales team, building and growing customer relationships, and supporting the rental, parts and service departments.

“Fort Worth and Kirby-Smith Machinery are the ideal place

for me to apply the invaluable lessons I’ve gathered throughout my equipment career,” stated McCondichie. “I look forward to being part of the KSM team and continuing to build upon our legacy of success.”

McCondichie brings extensive industry experience from both the distribution and manufacturing segments of the heavy equipment industry.

Before joining the KSM team in 2023 as a territory manager, McCondichie served as the vice president of construction equipment sales for Komatsu America Corp., served in national accounts and remarketing, and oversaw the sales and operations of nine locations for Tractor & Equipment Company in Georgia.

“I know Steve’s leadership, experience and determination will be a huge benefit to Kirby-Smith in this position,” stated Executive Vice President of Sales Gavin Cole. ■

New Assistant Sales & Operations Manager JP Cotton will help KSM expand its capabilities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area

irby-Smith Machinery Inc. (KSM) has announced the promotion of JP Cotton to the role of assistant sales & operations manager for the Dallas branch. Cotton will be responsible for supporting Sales & Operations Manager Chad Cox with the day-to-day operational needs of the Dallas branch and provide an increased focus on growing additional sales opportunities. This new position for Cotton will help KSM expand its capabilities in the Dallas-Fort Worth market and will also serve as a developmental role, reflecting the

Assistant Sales & Operations Manager, Dallas, KSM

commitment to raising the next generation of leaders at KSM.

Cotton started his career at KSM in 2017 as a territory manager and has served the past several years on the Kirby-Smith Finance Team, with a focus on West Texas and industrial equipment. With 16 years of experience in the heavy equipment industry, spanning both the manufacturer and distributor sides, Cotton brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role.

“I don’t have the words for what this opportunity means to me,

except there’s nothing like KSM anywhere else out there, and I’m excited to work with Chad and do my part to help lead the charge in Dallas,” said Cotton. “One of our core foundations is family first, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to now be a lot closer to my own family in DFW. But more than anything, I want to say thank you to my Kirby-Smith family.”

Executive Vice President of Sales Gavin Cole spoke highly of Cotton, commenting, “This new position of assistant sales & operations manager will allow him to further hone and develop his skills as a manager, and I look forward to seeing what he does with this new opportunity.” ■

Steve McCondichie, Sales & Operations Manager, Fort Worth, KSM

JP Cotton,

The original leader in construction sweepers

With a wide range of options, Broce Brooms are versatile enough to handle nearly any sweeping challenge. From optional curb sweepers and water spray systems to scraper blades and a choice of engines, you can customize your Broce broom to meet individual job site needs.

For more information about the Broce 350 Series sweeper, contact:

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The My Komatsu Parts Store makes it easy to get what you need to keep your equipment running at its best.

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Kirby-Smith - Connection - Summer 2024

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

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DEMOLITION NEWS

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NEW SOLUTIONS

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Improve safety, productivity

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Remanufactured parts and components could help decrease your machinery’s total cost of ownership, promote profitability

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Simple and effective

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ON TRACK

Komatsu and Williams Racing reignite historic partnership with multiyear deal

FACES OF KIRBY-SMITH MACHINERY

Avery Theeck enjoys being a field technician, keeping customers’ downtime to a minimum

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FACES OF KIRBY-SMITH MACHINERY

Fort Worth Sales & Operations Manager Steve McCondichie brings extensive industry experience to his new role

New Assistant Sales & Operations Manager JP Cotton will help KSM expand its capabilities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area

The original leader in construction sweepers

The original leader in construction sweepers

The original leader in construction sweepers

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Assistant Sales & Operations Manager JP Cotton

Sales & Operations Manager Steve McCondichie