ANDERSON Construction, a contractor based on the west coast of Scotland with over a decade of experience in civil engineering and groundworks, has upgraded its Kobelco SK75SR-7 excavator after being impressed by the performance of the firm’s previous model.
With support from Molson Scotland, the machine has been delivering stability and efficiency on a range of tasks. The Anderson team takes on a diverse range of projects, from remote infrastructure such as hydro schemes and powerlines, to repairing forest roads.
The business opted to upgrade to the Kobelco SK75SR-7 to replace an older model. Danny Anderson explained, “We couldn’t fault our last (Kobelco), and the new SK75SR-7’s mono boom was a major factor in our decision. The mono boom provides excellent stability and balance, making it ideal for the varied terrain encountered during projects like forest road repairs.”
The mono boom design helps centralise the weight and reduces side forces, making it especially effective when using a tiltrotator for more detailed work. The SK75SR-7 also offers versatility, with an option for a side drain boom. The model comes with the new Yanmar 4TNV98CT engine that meets Stage V emissions standards. Due to its increased power output of 71.1hp and improved hydraulic system, the machine is described as providing a faster cycle time of 15% compared to its previous model.
Due to the nature of work Anderson Construction undertakes, including many projects in remote locations, the requirement was for something that wasn’t only efficient but also comfortable to spend a full day in. Equipped with the cab from a 14t machine, features include an air ride suspension seat, multi-vent air conditioning, and ergonomic controls for a more natural hand placement when controlling the excavator.
Anderson’s latest forestry road construction took place on the outskirts of the village of Acharacle near Kentra Bay in the Highlands. To build the path, the firm needed to crush larger aggregate on site into a usable size.
For this, Anderson turned to a BF80.3 MB Crusher bucket, mounted on a 14-tonne digger. The setup allowed for material to be processed on site as it progressed along the route, eliminating the need for a separate crusher or reliance on pre-processed stone. The BF80.3 is suited to eight to 14-tonne excavators and produces material from 15mm to 120mm. With a 0.80m3 capacity and Hardox build, it easily handled the heavy aggregate required for the track.
While the 14-tonner handled the crushing duties, the new SK75SR-7 was used to shape and level the route. The two machines working side-by-side kept the team efficient and self-sufficient.
While Anderson Construction handles all servicing and maintenance in-house to keep downtime to a minimum, the company relies on Molson Scotland for parts support. Having access to genuine parts and fast delivery means it can keep machines running smoothly without waiting on supply chains – crucial when working in remote areas where delays aren’t an option.
“Dealing with Molson has been great – the service and sales team has been fantastic to deal with,” Danny added.
