Equipment World Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/548484
W ith this issue, we'll have printed our fifth Reader Review, our series where real-world machine owners and operators give us their opinions, based on thou- sands of hours of operating time. Readers to date have reviewed two excavator models, two back- hoes and one skid steer. While five reviews does not a trend make, there already are definite take- aways for the industry. Telematics disconnect Manufacturers are one voice these days in touting the benefits of telematics, even though some were on board a lot sooner than others. But when con- tractors ask you to "explain what that is'" when you ask them about the standard telematics systems on their machines, you know the message isn't reach- ing the masses like they envision. There are disconnects on the dealer side: "My dealer said he would go over it with me, but I nev- er heard another word, so I still don't know what it is." On the contractor side: "I wish I had more time to fully learn it, so I could better integrate it into our evaluations of productivity." And on the manufacturer side: "Occasionally readings are false, stating the machine is running over the course of a weekend when, in fact, the machine is off." And, quite frankly, the benefits still need to be sold: "There are so many things affecting idle time, especially with what others are doing on the site, it's not something I can control, so I don't track it." But the early adapters are reaping the rewards. "You just don't worry about the machine," says at Komatsu PC210L-10 reviewer in this issue about Komtrax. "If something happens, they alert you." Performance scores high Our reviewers definitely appreciate today's high speed, high flow hydraulics. They cite faster cycle times and increased responsiveness. Some have skipped a few letters in a machine series, and the differences between old and new are night and day. They're definitely not as worn out after a long day behind the controls. But no surprise: the love does not extend to emis- sions control systems. When asked why he rated a machine's emissions control so much lower than other performance factors, one reviewer openly ad- mitted it "was more of a political response. But as far as performance, it is what it is." The essential dealer Reviewers ranked five key factors of their machines – serviceability, performance, operator features, machine options and dealers – and dealers ranked the highest, averaging 9.1 out of a possible 10 for all Reviews. The high-touch nature of this industry is re- flected in their comments, with one reviewer calling their Komatsu salesperson "relentless. And he follows up regularly and even stops by our jobsites to talk with the operators." Says another: "Uptime and parts availability make Cat the only choice I would make." Finally this from a Deere 310SK reviewer (also in this issue): "I don't think I've ever spent a day down because they didn't have a part." EquipmentWorld.com | August 2015 11 on record | by Marcia Gruver Doyle MGruver@randallreilly.com Reader Reviews: What contractors are saying What's been reviewed so far: Bobcat S650 skid steer (April) Case 580 Super N backhoe (April) Cat 336E L excavator (April) Deere 310SK backhoe (August) Komatsu PC210L-10 excavator (August) The full reviews – including how individual reviewers scored the machine – can be found by going to equipmentworld.com/reviews/ And add your voice – do you agree or disagree with our reviewers' ratings?