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Sørby Utleie has managed to create an unprecedented rental adventure in Inner Østfold. And along the way come faithful wheel loaders.
Martin Authen smiles slyly as he stands at the main base in Spydeberg, just over half an hour from Oslo. Since 4 inch became Sørby Utleie in 2013, the company has enjoyed marvellous growth.
- We now have 56 employees and will have a turnover of around NOK 250 million in 2023. We've had a positive curve all the way," says Authen.
- We believe that the reason we have succeeded is down to quality, service and availability. That we are flexible and available to the customer at all times. And that we have modern machinery that is well utilised," continues the general manager.
Reliable and easy to use
Speaking of machinery. Ever since the Sørby gang started renting out machinery and equipment, they've had their eye on Kramer wheel loaders.
- "Today we have around 60 crawlers, including some telehandlers. We got our newest three months ago, so it's something we want to continue with," says Authen.
But what is it that keeps the rental company adding new Kramer wheel loaders to its fleet?
- In our experience, there are very few faults with them. The machines are reliable and we get feedback that they are very user-friendly. The crawler cranes are easy to use, and they are agile with four-wheel steering," says the manager.
High confidence
With Eastern Norway as its catchment area, many of the wheel loaders rarely stand idle «at home» at Sørby Utleie.
- They are frequently hired out and are often used for loading and unloading pallets and materials. The wheel loaders often act as service machines on construction sites, as well as helping with ploughing and road maintenance," says Authen.
He points out that some minor challenges will always crop up with machines, but on the whole, confidence in Kramer wheel loaders is very high.
- I'm not afraid to recommend these machines to others. It says it all that we are constantly acquiring more. We don't invest in machines that we don't trust - or that our customers aren't happy with.
Great excitement
The crawler cranes that rumble around under the auspices of Sørby Utleie were acquired via H&H Maskin in Moss. Or more precisely - what used to be H&H, but has now become part of Entrack.
- Kramer has some advantages that perhaps not all other wheel loaders have. Both the fact that they can be registered as tractors, as well as the concept of four-wheel steering that provides very good stability. This is particularly favourable for a rental company where there may be some inexperienced drivers from time to time," begins Hans Christian Hagen.
The man who recently switched to working with the Entrack logo on his chest is clear that the Kramer range is vast.
- It ranges from the smallest wheel loader at just under two tonnes, to the largest at 10 tonnes. And everything in between, of course. The same goes for telehandlers, which range from three to eleven tonnes," Hagen continues.
Future-orientated
Sørby's machine park also includes two electric donations from Kramer. Authen makes no secret of the fact that the environmental aspect is becoming increasingly important in the process of acquiring new machines.
- In all procurements now, we consider buying alternatives to diesel. We also do this where it makes sense and where there are good, series-produced machines. Kramer is something we want to continue with in the years to come, and it's also important that new emission-free models are introduced over time," says Authen.
- "Kramer was the first to enter the field with a fully electric wheel loader. As of today, we can offer two electric variants, and there will be even more models with new battery and charging solutions," says Hagen.
Provides benefits
Looking ahead, how does Hans Christian Hagen feel about H&H Maskin now being under Entrack's wing?
- I simply have a lot of faith in that. What was previously H&H, and importer of Kramer and Yanmar, will now have a nationwide sales and service organisation. At the same time, we'll be a far greater total supplier of equipment," says Hagen, before concluding:
- "I think many people have missed an Entrack branch in this area. With the branch in Moss now, we are centrally located both in terms of Oslo and all the way down to the Swedish border. This is a great advantage for both new and old customers!
