Pro-dig Earthworks and their NEW SK135SR-5

Pro-Dig Earthworks, a Launceston-based professional excavating service, is the first company to take delivery of the new Kobelco midi-excavator SK135SR-5 and it’s already giving them a boost over their competitors.

“A big plus is that it’s got the new Tier 4 Final engine – a good green tick for the larger projects we go for. Larger corporations and governments have stringent environmental policies, and this gives us a nice edge when competing for tenders,” says Callum Roberts, Director of Pro-Dig Earthworks.

The SK135SR-5, officially launched in April at the Diesel Dirt & Turf Expo in Penrith, New South Wales, is the first Kobelco midi release in Australia to showcase the Tier 4 Final engine, which meets international diesel exhaust emissions standards.

“Fuel consumption on the SK135SR-5 is excellent – it has only done 200 hours so far but we’re currently only using 6 to 8 litres of diesel per hour,” Callum says.

“We took delivery of the new model about two months ago, and our operators love it. It’s smooth, comfortable and has a heated seat which is a big bonus for us in chilly Tasmania!”

Callum and his wife Candice established Pro-Dig Earthworks in 2008 with one excavator and a truck. This year, as the company celebrates its tenth year in the game, they have about 20 staff and 35 items in the fleet. Their excavator fleet of 14 is entirely Kobelco.

“In the beginning, we went to a few different suppliers to find a new excavator and we chose a Kobelco from DLM Machinery in Launceston. It was a great decision – Dave and his team have the best back-up service I’ve ever seen,” Callum says.

He notes that another reason Kobelco features so prominently in the Pro-Dig Earthworks fleet is the return on investment the equipment delivers.

“It’s a benefit that the Kobelco excavators are so fuel efficient – with that reduced overhead we can sharpen the pencil on our tender submissions which can help bring us to a better price point,” says Callum.

“We also get a really good resale value on the Kobelco excavators.”

Business is looking good for Pro-Dig Earthworks, which works mostly on commercial development projects and car park construction.

“We’ve increased our turnover significantly over the past 24 months,” Callum says.

“There has been significant growth in mainland investment into Tasmania, tourism is also up and construction projects are going ahead. Tasmania is in a good place.”