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- "My card says construction manager, but I still love driving an excavator. I'm probably in the machine up to four days a week," chuckles Trudvang.
The 54-year-old has taken his place on the streets of Oslo, where Transtema G-Trench is tackling today's challenges. The company's latest Yanmar excavator - an SV60 - operates among ploughed edges and mirror-smooth roads.
- This is currently the last in the series. We received the machine this summer and are very pleased with it. We didn't expect anything else," says Trudvang.
Good experiences
The site manager quickly turns the clock back to 2019 when the excavation company was born. Investments were to be made in four machines, divided into 6- and 8-tonners, and various suppliers were approached.
- "We asked for machines to be brought to my home to test them out. Evaluation forms were drawn up and several people tested the excavators. Eventually, the decision was made in favour of Yanmar machines," says Trudvang.
Since then, more and more Yanmar machines have made their way to Transtema G-Trench. Today, there are a total of eight machines in the fleet.
- We have from 1.8 to 8.5 tonnes. And our experience is good, there is never any nonsense with the machines. To date, we haven't had any downtime on any of them beyond the agreed services. That's worth its weight in gold, because we're dependent on the excavators running as planned.
Stable
Transtema G-Trench has its main base at Fjellhamar in Lørenskog, and has an annual turnover of just over NOK 50 million. With Eastern Norway as its catchment area, Trudvang and co. are mainly involved in fibre trenching, as well as some power trenching.
- I'd like to emphasise stability as one of Yanmar's main strengths. They have relatively long tracks on the undercarriage that make the machine stable. There are also good hydraulics and comfortable cabins. Personally, I'm no small guy, I'm more than 0.1 tonnes of digger so to speak. Nevertheless, I have plenty of space in the cabin," says the site manager.
Fast and agile
He is joined by colleague Nikola Ivancevic (35) - the man who drives the newest excavator the most.
- "I've also previously had a 6-tonner from Yanmar, and these machines are favourable for jobs in Oslo. They have enough power, but are also very fast and agile," says Ivancevic.
The operator makes no secret of the fact that he has become an avowed Yanmar fan over the past few years.
- Personally, I'm extremely satisfied. They are reliable engravers that may not be as expensive as some other brands, but in my eyes at least as good.
Nothing to complain about
However, it's not just the machines themselves that Transtema G-Trench appreciates. All of the Yanmar excavators were purchased through H&H Maskin, the company that has now become Entrack's branch in Moss.
- "I can honestly say that our co-operation with H&H Maskin has been impeccable. We have nothing to complain about," says Trudvang.
He points out that an investment in machinery is so much more than just the donation itself.
- The personalised service has so much to say. The people at H&H Maskin have always been easy to get hold of, and they sort things out quickly if there's a problem. They also make time for a chat if we have any questions or challenges - without pushing sales. I value that highly.
Does not change brand
The experienced machine operator does not fear that the closeness will disappear now that H&H has become part of a larger player like Entrack.
- Not at all. It hasn't been many months yet, but we haven't noticed any difference since they were acquired. I'm absolutely certain that the co-operation will continue to be good. Entrack is also a name that is synonymous with quality and good service in the industry," says Trudvang.
And when it comes to new excavators in the future, the site manager is crystal clear.
- Today, I'm glad that we chose to invest in Yanmar when we started up. Both the machines themselves and the follow-up we receive work well. There's no reason to change brands as long as we're happy with what we have," concludes Bjørn Ivar Trudvang.