Long-lasting Volvos preferred by Prichards
South Wales-based contractor takes delivery of 22 new excavators plus an articulated hauler
PRICHARDS of Llantrisant, in South Wales, have added a range of Volvo excavators and a new A30G articulated hauler to their extensive plant fleet thanks to the reliability and longevity of their existing Volvo Construction Equipment products.
The latest package comprises five 5-tonne ECR50Ds and five 9-tonne ECR88Ds from Volvo’s compact excavator range, whilst from the larger stable, five 14-tonne EC140Es and five 22-tonne EC220Es are complemented by a 30-tonne EC300E and an EW160E rubber duck. Lastly, an A30G articulated hauler has also been selected.
‘We are continuing to invest in Volvo equipment for the fleet for two main reasons,’ said plant manager, Dean Thomas. ‘First, our existing Volvo machines have proved to be robust and reliable, giving us good longevity.
‘For instance, we don’t experience anywhere near the same level of wear we encounter with some other makes of equipment. In addition, the machines still look good after five or six years, or more, and our operators appreciate the comfortable cabs.
‘Secondly, but equally important, we enjoy first-class support and service back-up from SMT GB’s local support centre at Treforest.’
All of the latest Prichard machines are covered by a Volvo Blue customer-support agreement, which means Volvo-trained service engineers will regularly maintain them using genuine Volvo parts.
The machines will be deployed on a wide variety of activities undertaken by Prichards, which includes bulk earthmoving, civils, demolition, remediation and quarrying, plus a rapidly growing division within the company that handles the recycling of waste material, including inert demolition and building waste, glass, green waste and waste wood destined for biomass.
Established in 1995 by managing director Tom Prichard, the business has grown into a company employing 120 personnel with a plant fleet of in excess of 500 machines, including excavators, shovels, haulers, screens and crushers.
The company also has a large road-going fleet of tipper lorries and skip lorries, and operates four recycling yards along the M4 corridor in South Wales. In 2017, Prichards generated a turnover in excess of £15 million.
