Prichard’s reap the benefits of new Cat 950GC

Welsh provider of construction and support services benefitting from versatile, cost-saving wheel loader

PRICHARD’S, a leading provider of construction and support services based in Llantrisant, South Wales, have purchased a Cat 950GC wheel loader from Finning UK & Ireland. The machine was chosen for its manoeuvrability, excellent visibility and fuel-saving benefits.

Dean Thomas, plant manager at Prichard’s Llantrisant branch, was looking to expand the company’s current fleet and add a versatile wheel loader that could be used in many different applications. The machine needed to be suitable for industries such as quarrying, mining and agriculture, and offer cost-savings to the customer.

After seeking advice from the Finning team, the company purchased the Cat 950GC in March 2019 and since then the machine has been on hire at a busy recycling site operated by Project Yellow Recycling.

The wheel loader features load-sensing hydraulics that only produce flow and pressure when required, thereby reducing fuel consumption, whilst the Engine Idle Management System (EIMS) reduces the rev/min after a specified amount of idle time for further fuel savings. The machine also features a Ride Control System that improves ride, performance and load retention over rough terrain.

To help utilize machine’s capabilities, the Cat 950GC is fitted with Product Link, which remotely tracks the machine and connects to the VisionLink interface. From VisionLink, machine usage, fuel burn and productivity are monitored. This information provides the Finsight team with feedback and identifies parts that require maintenance or are nearing replacement, before any machine downtime occurs.

Peter Bachelor, loading shovel operator at Prichard’s, said: ‘For the last three months, I’ve been driving the Cat 950GC and it is proving to be a very reliable machine. We have been operating in a tight environment which has proved advantageous for a smaller wheel loader. Many wheel loaders would require a 20-point turn in this environment, but the 950GC is able to manoeuvre in small spaces with ease.

‘The visibility throughout the cab has helped me operate the machine efficiently and safely. Many different lorries are moving around on site which I need to allow for when driving. To help me further, the camera system is excellent as there is no glare from the screen, providing me with perfect visibility at all times to ensure safety.

‘Also, the cab is large and comfy when operating the machine for long periods of time. I’m in the cab throughout the entire working day, so it is very important for me to be comfortable. Before operating the machine, I have to complete my pre-start checks, and this has been made even easier than previous machines because everything is accessible; I do not have to lean into the machine to access anything.

‘My experience with the 950GC has been great – it’s reliable, has superb visibility and manoeuvrability, and I’m looking forward to continuing to use this machine in the future.’

Dean Thomas added: ‘We chose the 950GC for its versatility and low operating costs. The 950GC offers a range of features and benefits for our clients in many different industries such as demolition, landscaping, mining and quarrying.

‘We are very happy to add to our growing fleet with a machine that can serve so many purposes, and cost-saving features such as the EIMS and load-sensing hydraulics allow us to pass these savings on to the customer.’