Demoworx sorts it out
From asbestos removal to large-scale demolition, Demoworx works the length of the North Island. When it comes to attachments, General Manager James Hollingshead has a simple message for anyone weighing up a new attachment purchase: consider the post-sale service before making any decisions. For Demoworx, it has been a game changer.
The company’s Earthworm fleet has grown steadily, and now includes MBI rotating pulverisers for secondary demolition, rotating grapples on its 13 and 20 tonne machines, and a concrete pulveriser for the 21-tonne excavator.
“We first started looking at Earthworm attachments because of the price range and quality of their concrete pulveriser,” says GM James Hollingshead.
The busy company then decided to try out Earthworm’s grapples.
“The MBI has been a very good attachment,” he says. “What you get for the price, and how well it’s worked, it’s been incredible.”
Right tool. Best job.
On a typical job, much of the early work is light demolition, where the grapple comes into its own. When it’s time to bring the walls down, the team switches to the pulveriser.
Sorting efficiency and speed is vital to every project’s profitability. Light-gauge and heavy-gauge scrap metal are separated, timber is pulled aside, and as much material as possible is diverted from landfill.
“It’s better to pick the right tool for the job,” says Hollingshead.
“Having a good grapple with a nice sharp edge that can pick off the bits and pieces of timber and effectively throw them to the side and separate the scrap metal – that’s really important when it comes down to the sorting.”
“What that allows us to do is take the most expensive part of the job, which is the waste, separate as much as we can, divert as much as we can from landfill and put it into our other waste streams. That reduces the overall cost of the job, which then allows us to profit.”
Above and beyond after care
Hollingshead understands the big picture of short-term cost and long-term value, too.
“Obviously you don’t want to overpay for an attachment – no one does,” he says. “But you also want the right attachment, and the right service and support to keep that attachment, the machine and the guys working.”
That’s where the quality post-sale support comes in.
“What’s been helpful with Earthworm is the service and the aftercare, which has then led to the longevity of the attachment,” says James. “They’ve jumped on every small issue. They’ve also recommended local suppliers for repairing them.”
“Obviously you don’t want to overpay for an attachment – no one does. But you also want…. to keep that attachment, the machine and the guys working.”
When something isn’t right, Demoworx can send a video, name the part, and describe the problem, If possible, an Earthworm team member can check on site. If not, parts are dispatched quickly or the demolition specialists can be connected with local expert who knows the kit.
While he speaks highly of the equipment, James says “the main thing with Earthworm is the support you get. The advice, the check-ins, the ongoing support. It’s been awesome.”
The appreciation is mutual.
“They’re a solid Kiwi company, and James is a good guy to deal with,” says Earthworm After Sale Manager Rod Black. “It’s always helpful when the customer lets you know exactly how it is.”
One of the first things Rod did when arriving on site was to check attachment configurations across Demoworx’ range of attachments. Ensuring the flow and pressure were set correctly was a key focus.
“It’s important to get right as often an attachment might be running at 280 bar of pressure when it might be able to reach 350 bar,” says Rod. “It means they (Demoworx) could improve the power they can crush and cut with.”
“It’s like a race car where the accelerator can only be pushed 80% of the way. Sometimes you’ll need to put your foot down.”
Delivering on promises
For Earthworm, the relationship with Demoworx is built on more than attachments.
“It’s always helpful when the customer lets you know exactly how it is.”
“I think it’s been the open lines of communication from both parties, and really making sure we’re delivering on our promises,” says Earthworm Sales Manager Jerry McLean.
“If issues come up, we’re working through everything quickly and thoroughly,” he says. “Then it’s just a matter of keeping them in the loop with what we’re doing to rectify the issue.”