DEVELON dealer Gordons Construction has been helping a Highland contractor to balance tough terrain with environmental care during demanding forestry tasks.
Duncan Boyd, owner of DAB Groundworks, is working on a five-year Forestry and Land Scotland contract, where a key priority is to deliver the work as environmentally-sensitively as possible.
Alongside forestry, DAB builds roads and is currently working on a complex project in Strontian for the Sunart Community, creating a new road into the forest block, harvesting the timber and extracting it into the sawmills.
DAB also offers plant hire for other regional projects, including recycling centres, quarry works, major construction engineering applications, and estates.
“We have been working with Gordons Construction for the last 15 years and they are our go-to,” explained Duncan. “We trust their advice and the equipment is hi-spec, robust, and has the latest technology that we need for the jobs we are doing. This is in terms of safety, fuel efficiency, and getting the work done well. Gordons is also very responsive when we need new parts or speaking to our mechanic to help fix an issue.”
For working on the peaty hillsides of Scotland’s west coast, Duncan looks for wide track pads and a raised undercarriage, which also helps minimise disturbance to the ground. He bought several Develon excavators, which are selected depending on the ground conditions. A Develon DX-160 is ideal for softer sites, the DX-225 is utilised for sites in the middle range, while the DX-255 is called upon for hard ground conditions with heavier stumps.
“To fulfil our contracts and attract future business, it’s important that we can demonstrate that we are keeping the impact on the environment as low as possible,” added Duncan. “Forestry and road construction is very reliant on diesel so we focus on how we can be sustainable across all areas of the business.
“We look for the latest efficiencies in fuel to keep emissions low including, for example, using AdBlue to reduce nitrogen-oxide emissions. We like that the DX05V engine in the new Develon DX230LC-9 excavator offers increased productivity, whilst saving up to 8% fuel usage. The new fully electro-hydraulic control systems also help with reducing fuel costs and increasing operator comfort and functionality.”
Being able to carry an extra fuel tank to sites in remote locations is key. The safety sensors on the Develon excavators was another major plus point.
For road construction, Duncan has invested in Develon DX-225 and DX-420 models, which are described as ‘ideal’ for use with the crushing bucket and rock breaking.
DAB Groundworks is keen to encourage more local school leavers to consider a career in groundworks and prides itself on working with the community to benefit local areas. The business is seeing 15% year-on-year growth, having grown from just two excavators in 2004 to an expansive fleet of 23 machines.
Duncan concluded, “Working with Gordons Construction to find the right kit with the latest innovation for the job has been invaluable in helping us to fulfil significant contracts in challenging terrains while also minimising the environmental impact of the works we are doing.”
