Brad Scott, of Brad Scott Excavators, is based in Drouin, Gippsland, and runs a fleet of equipment up to 12 tonnes, including three Komatsu excavators - a PC50MR-2 and a PC128-6. He's also recently purchased a SK1020-5 skidsteer.
Brad works closely with a mate, Joe Smith of Smith Excavations - who also owns a fleet of Komatsu equipment - carrying out general earthworks, sewerage works and civil works throughout Victoria.
"Joe and I both run up to 12 tonne machines, and we share projects together," said Brad.
"I took over my dad's business 10 years ago; he'd been going 40 years, and had been running Komatsu machines going back 18 years."
Brad's main client is Farnham Construction Group, which works all over Victoria. The company does a lot of work for car dealerships and schools, and he is the company's main subbie for earthworks.
His largest project at the moment is the Martha Cove Marina development at Safety Beach on Port Phillip Bay.
Before he bought his latest PC50MR-2, Brad had a mix of Komatsu and another brand - "but last Christmas, I converted to all-Komatsu.
"This was mainly due to my local rep, Paul Killury and service manager Ian Bruce," he said.
"Ian only lives about 10 km from me, and he really looks after me. He'll often bring filters and other parts home for me, and I can then just pick them up after work. It's a very personalised service."
"The other good thing about Komatsu is the branch is at Traralgon, only 40 minutes from my place," said Brad.
"I've had a great run from the PC128, so I decided to go for the PC50MR-2."
"The PC50MR-2 is a very good machine. It's got good fuel consumption, a spacious cab and very good air conditioning. Overall, it's a good compact little package," he said.
All Brad's excavators are fitted with Andrew Millwood tilting hitches, supplied out of Devonport, Tasmania, and really add to his productivity.
Brad has also just purchased a Komatsu 1020-5 skidsteer.
"I've had other brands of skidsteer, but I needed a rubber-tyred machine, and this time I decided to go with Komatsu."
And how does he go operating all these machines?
"I mainly operate my machines by myself, but I have a guy who helps me out sometimes if there's a lot of work about. But usually I'll just take out the best machine for a particular job," said Brad.