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- Fortunately, I'm so childish that I still think it's really cool to have a new machine," Gullbekk grins.
The 57-year-old is standing in the courtyard in Asker, right in front of his trusty Ljungby L13 wheel loader.
- I bought this one six years ago and it's simply been very good. That's why I've ordered an identical one now. That way, there won't be any arguments about who should drive which wheel loader," chuckles the general manager.
Fast and strong
Headquartered in Asker, Geir Gullbekk AS is mainly involved in snow ploughing in the winter and digging in the summer. Its machinery includes six wheel loaders, two of which are Ljungbys. The oldest, an L11, will soon be replaced in favour of a brand new L13.
- Ljungby has always been interesting. "The main reason for this is the engine - it provides both speed and strength. The wheel loaders are primarily used for ploughing, so we need to be efficient," Gullbekk begins.
- "I'm very pleased with the power of the L13, it's incredibly responsive. For example, when we're driving with a six-metre flapping wing at the front, full of snow, we need a lot of power to keep going. We can do that with Ljungby and its 300 horses. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that where many others downshift, the Ljungby upshifts," he continues.
High comfort
However, Gullbekk has noted several strengths of the versatile wheel loader. Among other things, he emphasises the machine's good turning radius and stability.
- The lifting height is also a huge plus. "This one lifts at least half a metre higher than other wheel loaders I've come across. This is of great importance to us, as we can then drive with higher additional limbs - and remove more snow on each load," Gullbekk points out.
The general manager estimates that the company's only L13 to date has loaded around 10,000 cubic metres of snow this winter.
- When it's out and about after a snowfall, the working days are often long. That's when you appreciate a high level of driving comfort. Little things like underfloor heating and the ability to adjust the position of the pedals count, and I'm also very happy with the cabin suspension," says Gullbekk, before adding:
- One last thing I appreciate is that it's easy to change the oil on the machine. You just press a switch and it pumps out the oil itself. It doesn't get any easier than that.
Rock solid
With a new wheel loader on the way, it means an upgrade for the company's «crown prince» - Mats Engen Carho (30).
- "The boss himself will be driving the new one, while I'll be taking over the L13 we already have. So we'll have more or less the same machines and the balance of power will even out a bit," smiles the machine operator.
- "We can talk about 35 years when he's been driving snow as long as I have. Then Mats will have first dibs on the latest machinery," Gullbekk counters.
Regardless, Engen Carho is adamant that Ljungby is a good investment.
- In my opinion, they are rock solid machines. Even if you're carrying three tonnes in front of you up a long hill, the Ljungby just keeps going. There's no bumping up and down when you drive it," says Engen Carho.
Highly relevant in the future
What about challenges - have Gullbekk and co. experienced any problems with Ljungby in the past?
- "Some minor issues crop up with all the machines, but it hasn't been anything major. They've never had any downtime," says the general manager.
He has also made his latest wheel loader investment via Entrack.
- "We've bought wear steel and parts from them before, but this is the first time we've bought a machine from Entrack. The impression has definitely been a good one," says Gullbekk, before concluding:
- "It's highly relevant to buy Ljungby again at a later date. Because those wheel loaders are really perfect for our use!
