SMT GB has recently completed deals with two Borders-based contractors for a variety of Volvo kit.
Graham J Irvine of Peebles has taken delivery of the firm’s first Volvo EC140E excavator. Once again living up to its reputation as the show where deals get done, it was at this year’s ScotPlant where firm founder Graham made the decision to go with Volvo, after visiting the SMT GB stand.
He explained, “We’ve operated a good many machines of differing brands and types over the years, but this is the first time we have opted for a Volvo excavator.
“We always look at machine specifications in detail and the more we looked into the possibility of owning and operating a Volvo, the more we started to become confident in opting for the 14-tonne EC140E.”
Graham continued, “This included positive third-party references, our own perception of the machine’s quality, particularly the operators compartment and the prospect of high residual values when it becomes time to trade.”
He added, “So far, I’ve been particularly impressed with the care and attention the team at SMT GB has offered us in the overall negotiations and the professional way the machine was delivered and handed over to us by their demonstrator.
“It’s the personal touch that counts and we certainly have appreciated it.”
The family-run groundworks and civil engineering contractor has been operating since 1979.
Meanwhile, Jedburgh-based RJT Excavations has added three Volvo A30G and – for the first time – two A40G articulated haulers to its fleet. These recent additions follow purchase of a 38-tonne EC380E and a 4.6m³ L180H loading shovel at the end of 2017.
“We have a long association with Volvo Construction Equipment and are currently operating excavators from 14 to 50 tonnes and A30 articulated haulers,” explained RJT’s assistant plant manager, Euan Heard.
“We’ve added three A30Gs to our existing three A30F trucks, but this is the first time we’ve gone larger adding two A40Gs to the fleet to satisfy a specific 40,000m³ per week project we have running in Fife.”
Ewan said the A40G would open up new opportunities going forward, especially for the firm’s contract crushing activities in the central belt and the Borders.
Founded in 1989, the general groundworks contractor offers specialised plant and equipment, bulk earthworks, groundworks, stabilisation, remediation, contract crushing, plant for civil engineering projects and other plant oriented activities across the UK.
