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He's been drooling over the digger ever since it was launched three years ago. Now it's finally in place at Kjell Jone Nygård.
- "People turn round a bit more when they see this. Both people in the industry and those who don't really have anything to do with digging," smiles Nygård.
The 44-year-old machine operator at Torbjørn Helland Maskin in Egersund has taken a seat in front of his new work tool. A brand new Kobelco SK380.
- "Ever since the first 380 was launched, we've talked about how it seems like a really good machine. So when the 260 I used to drive started to show its age and was approaching 13,500 hours, there was little doubt about what we should go for," he says.
Standing out from the crowd
This summer, Nygård's wait was finally over. The 40-tonne short hedger appeared in the machine park - with a look that you can safely say stands out from the crowd.
- "It was ordered in a different colour to the original. This meant that it took a little longer to get it, but it was worth it," says Nygård.
- I have previously seen a smaller Kobelco in Sweden with the light grey colour. It simply looked very nice, so I wanted the same thing myself. The colour makes the excavator a bit special," continues the operator.
Add to this the fact that the decor includes an image from the company's memory book, and Nygård is left with an SK380 that easily sticks to the retina.
- "The result was great, I'm very satisfied," he says.
Reliable
However, it's not the aesthetics that have made Nygård a sworn Kobelco man. Soon he will be celebrating 20 straight years with the same brand.
- I started running Kobelco permanently in 2005, and I've been running it ever since. Its greatest strength is its reliability. They are reliable machines that require little screwing. At the same time, they're great to drive," says the driver.
He is joined by Torbjørn Helland, the general manager of the company of the same name.
- We have extensive experience with Kobelco. There's little nonsense with the machines, while their stability is impressive. Even though they're short-handed, they're very stable and good when we're loading," says Helland.
Favourable combination
Today, the Egersund team has a total of seven excavators bearing the Kobelco logo. Typical assignments include plots of land, building sites, cabin sites and industrial areas.
- Excavators are used in many ways as all-round machines, so it's important that we have the ability to do the job from start to finish," says Nygård.
At the same time, it highlights an important benefit of the latest work tool.
- The SK380 is a compact machine. Even though it's big and strong, it doesn't take up too much space. The excavator can be used in tight spaces and for small jobs, while at the same time having the power and capacity to take on larger jobs. It's a very favourable combination," says the operator.
Despite only having a few months' experience with the latest Kobelco, Nygård reveals that the high expectations have been met.
- Yes, without a doubt! It always takes a bit of time to fine-tune a new machine exactly the way you want it, but I don't miss anything about the 380. The ride comfort is very good, while at the same time it's soft and nice on the hydraulics.
Solid co-operation
After several decades with Kobelco as an important contributor to the machine park, the chief himself sees no reason to scale back his efforts.
- "Kobelco will continue to play a major role for us in the years ahead. As long as the machines maintain the same high quality and are competitive on price, there is no reason to believe otherwise," says manager Helland.
He also points to the good interaction with dealer Entrack.
- We have good experiences with them. Both in terms of trade and follow-up. Service is provided through Rogaland Maskinservice, and we get quick help if we need it," says Helland, before concluding:
- There will always be a few minor issues with any machine, but all in all, we really only have positive things to say about Kobelco and the dealer!
