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- "I've been driving an excavator for 30 years and have tried several different brands over the years. Now I'm in no doubt about what I want.
The words come from Geir Erik Ås. The 49-year-old machine operator at Bjørn Baastad AS is working on today's assignment in Trysil, and with him is his faithful companion of just over 20 tonnes. Specifically, a Kobelco SK210.
- "It means a lot that you can get up every morning and know that you have an excavator that gets the job done. I've driven this Kobelco for over 7,600 hours, and overall I think it's a very good machine," says Ås.
Reliable
Based in Trysil, the 22-strong company has a total of three Kobelco excavators in its fleet. Besides the 210, they also have the SK75 and SK140.
- "These are versatile excavators that we can use for virtually all the jobs we have. Whether it's site excavation, cable trenching, road construction, pole erection or water and sewerage projects," says Bjørn Baastad, general manager of the company of the same name.
Besides the applications, what makes the boss himself give the green light to Kobelco purchases?
- They are solid, reliable machines with very little downtime. The excavators we have now have virtually never had any problems. In addition, we find that they are fuel-efficient," he says.
They are versatile excavators that we can use for virtually any job we have.
At the same time, Baastad emphasises another important element for him as a manager.
- It's crucial that employees are satisfied with the equipment they use and feel that the machine works well in daily operation. I want operators to be involved in deciding what kind of machine they want to run.
Turned back
In the case of Geir Erik Ås, it's crystal clear. He swears allegiance to Kobelco.
- "There are people in the company who drive other brands, so there's a bit of internal rivalry," Ås grins, before elaborating further on his own experience:
- Personally, I started running Kobelco in the late 90s. Naturally, I've tried a few different things, but every time I've come back to Kobelco. It's no coincidence, and I see no reason to choose anything else now. In addition to their reliability, Kobelcos are comfortable to drive and precise," says the 49-year-old.
Solid partner
The Baastad team is clear that it's not just the machines themselves that contribute to the Kobelco experience. Dealer Entrack also plays a key role.
- "The service we get from Entrack is very good, there's never any nonsense. And that's a key point, that we know we get the follow-up we want and need," says Bjørn Baastad.
Ever since he started the company in the mid-1990s, Entrack has been a solid partner.
- We have traded extensively through them for many years. Entrack has a large selection of machines, parts and accessories, both new and used. We also use them a lot for welding buckets. The co-operation is good," says the general manager.
Excited about newcomer
Against the backdrop of Trysil bathed in winter sunshine, driver Ås steps out of his excavator. A short break awaits before new hours of labour are put in.
- I've been driving my 210 since 2017, but soon I'll be getting a new machine. I've chosen it myself, and it's going to be great fun to test it out. I'm really excited," says Ås.
The excavator ordered is a Kobelco SK270 SRLC-7.
- "It will be the first of its kind that we deliver. The excavator is a strong short-reach machine that will weigh just under 30 tonnes with all equipment," says Anders Roterud, machine salesman in Hedmark for Entrack.
He is confident that Ås will not be disappointed.
- It's always fun to bring machines to customers who have used a brand for a long time and know what it stands for. "The new excavator is a slightly larger machine with more power in every way. And Ås can expect the same reliability he's used to," says Roterud, before concluding:
- "People often want to have something different in their machine park. But my impression is that those who have had Kobelco are happy to buy it again.
