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Ole Kristoffer Melsnes squealed with excitement when the new excavator arrived. With the machine also came an unexpected bonus.
The rain is pouring down as Melsnes crawls into the cab. New hours of work await the 25-year-old and his new Kobelco SK140.
- "I didn't have much experience with Kobelco excavators before. Now I'm using it regularly, and the first few months with the machine have been very positive," says the operator.
Went up in size
Melsnes works for Team Huddig, a mechanical contractor based in Kirkenær in Grue municipality. The company has 15 employees and an annual turnover of just over NOK 25 million.
- As the name implies, the base of the machine park has been Huddig machines. But we've also added several Kobelco excavators, and today we have four of them," says Roger Hansen.
The general manager goes on to say that the excavators are mainly used in connection with line construction and cable digging.
- The Kobelcos include a mini excavator, two 8-tonners and the latest 14-tonner. "We're getting bigger and bigger cable drums, so we had to go up a bit in size.
Unexpected twist
The latest addition was put in place just before the summer. However, that's when a small surprise arose for Mr Melsnes.
- You're like a little kid in a candy store when you get a new machine. So I was looking forward to it all the time - the excitement was great," begins Melsnes.
- We were originally going to have the Kobelco in its original colour, but then the machine was delivered to Entrack with a black finish. Then we were asked if it was okay, and we said yes straight away. For me, it was just a bonus, as I like the black colour even better," grins the 25-year-old.
Precise and steady
After a few months of driving, Melsnes is really getting to know his new work tool.
- "I'm very pleased with it so far, it's worked painlessly. The hydraulics are very precise and the machine is very stable. I encounter quite tough terrain at times, but the excavator handles it well," says the driver.
He is clear that the new acquisition has lived up to expectations.
- Absolutely! I actually like it better and better every day I use it. The only thing I might miss is a little more power in the hydraulics.
Solid co-operation
General Manager Hansen describes the company's Kobelcos as faithful machines you can rely on. However, he is quick to point out an additional element that makes the excavators extra interesting. Specifically, dealer Entrack.
- We have a very good relationship with Entrack. One thing is the proximity, they are located right next to us. Another is the service and their enormous inventory. It's simply superb," says Hansen.
The manager lists a number of things where the collaboration is evident.
- That's where we weld buckets, buy wear parts, belts, buckets, spikes... Entrack is in many ways a total supplier for us. They're solution-orientated and help us quickly if there's a problem," he continues.
A sense of trust
The rain at Skotterud has begun to subside, and on the horizon Ole Kristoffer Melsnes can glimpse a long career behind the controls of a Kobelco.
- It would have been fun to test different brands to gain even more experience, but I think I'll end up with Kobelco in the future too. Why replace something you're happy with?" asks the driver, before concluding:
- But for now, I'm going to enjoy the one I already have. Regardless of the brand, I really appreciate getting a new digger. It makes you feel that the company trusts you and recognises that you're doing the best you can. It also provides even stronger motivation in everyday life.
