After only four years in business, Adrian Larsen has quickly learnt the importance of reliable equipment, recently becoming one of the first operators in the world to put the New Holland C175 compact track loader to work.
His Adelaide based business, AF and KA Earthmoving, specialises in ground levelling with the C175 currently levelling a 300 by 600 metre electricity power station site north of Adelaide.
“I had been doing dispatch work for a factory in Adelaide, but I was looking for a change so decided to start my own business,” Adrian said.
“After looking around at the range of available equipment, my first piece of gear was a New Holland LS170. But after seeing the C175, I decided it was time to upgrade. Because it’s a tracked machine I can work in all conditions, even bog, which is important because it means I don’t lose a days pay when it rains.”
At only 1.9 m high, the C175 is small enough to maneuver on tight sites.
“Where I am working at the moment, the C175’s height is a real benefit because I can move around easily under the infrastructure below the power lines which avoids the station having to shut down a section of the site every time there’s work to be done.”
The C175, with its turbocharged 60 gross Hp (45 kW) engine, also has the power to perform on site.
“Plus it’s got a standard two-speed transmission which means we can travel at speeds up to 12 km per hour in high range.”
Designed to meet the needs of landscapers, construction contractors, utilities, grounds maintenance contractors and others who require the features of a smaller sized compact track loader, the C175 also features a fast boom and bucket cycle times.
With a 998 kg rated operating capacity and an operating weight of 3,418 kg, ground pressure is rated at 5.3 psi, meaning the C175 can get into hard-to-reach areas with little disturbance to the working environment and will fit on most standard trailers.
Good lift capacity is assured through the Super Boom vertical lift linkage. On top of this, the C175 features the same industry-leading visibility – with no rear frame towers to block the operator’s view.
The new machine also includes a simple, rugged undercarriage design for long life and minimum maintenance.
For those who like to work in comfort, the new option of factory fitted air conditioning will be appreciated.
“I’ve got my C175 fully fitted out with all the creature comforts from air conditioning to a radio,” Adrian said. “Given that I can spend 8-10 hours a day in the cabin, the importance of comfort can’t be overlooked.”