Wolfe goes Komatsu

Wolfe Civil, one of Western Australia's leading subdivision contractors, is standardising its excavator and wheel loader fleets with Komatsu equipment.

Its four wheel loaders are Komatsus, while it has just bought its third Komatsu excavator – a PC270-7 – as part of its upgrading process.

Managing director Alex Wolfe said the company has opted to standardise due to performance, OH&S, fuel economy and the complementary culture at Komatsu Australia's WA branch.

"We currently have a fleet of nine excavators. Over the next few years we are planning to replace our six non-Komatsu machines with Komatsu excavators.

“A key reason is fuel consumption. We find we're getting 15 to 20% better fuel efficiency with these machines. And our workshop guys also find them a lot easier to maintain, especially the new Dash 7 line.

"Another big advantage is the larger, more comfortable cab, which is something we appreciate from an OH&S point of view," Alex said.

The other key factor is "the way the Komatsu WA team do business. It does business in a very similar way to us, Our motto is 'Performance Plus', and that's very much their approach," he said.

Alex started in the business 27 years ago when he established Wolfe ConstructionCo, specialising in the subdivision and civil sector, which is where the company still focuses its efforts.

A couple of years ago, the company changed to Wolfe Civil, which, according to Alex, reflected a part of the company's succession planning process.

While he still retains 70% ownership, three others have taken on management roles and shareholdings: Lindsay Honey, a long-time operator who's worked his way up through the business and is now operations manager; office manager and accountant Karen Harris; and administration manager Alison Wolfe.

Today, Wolfe Civil's area of expertise is concentrated on the deep excavation side of subdivision work, installing telecoms, power, gas and water and sewerage lines.

"We have the capability of carrying out every underground installation for a subdivision or project, and that's where we concentrate our resources and expertise."

Currently the company is upgrading its QA program to meet the requirements of the Civil Contractors Federation's national prequalification program.

Further information: Wolfe Civil Pty Ltd, 08 9359 1622, wolfe@wolfecivil.com.au, www.wolfecivil.com.au Komatsu Australia, 1800 853 311, fax 02 9795 8244, www.komats u .com.au , excavators@komatsu.com.au .