Farmers Review Africa Sept/Oct 2018 FRA - September - October 2018 digital 5 | Page 27

FEATURE
Kubota U15-3
punches above
its weight for
CSA Landscaping
P
aarl-based CSA Landscaping &
Contractors recently purchased
one of the first Kubota U15-3
mini-excavators to be deployed in the
Western Cape, and apart from the
versatility of the machine, the owner is
‘surprised by the power that this small
machine can deliver’. knew that with its compact size and
power, it would be a perfect fit
for CSA Landscaping’s needs.
“Because of the machine’s
versatility, great power and
functions like adjustable tracks, I knew
that the U15-3 would be the ideal tool
for CSA,” says Joubert.
CSA Landscaping & Contractors
recently became one of the first
companies to take delivery of one of
the two Kubota U-15 mini-excavators
sold by Wynland Agri Services,
Smith Power Equipment’s authorised
distributor in the Western Cape
territory of Paarl, Wemmershoek,
Pniel, Stellenbosch, Klipheuwel,
Malmesburry, Hermon and Wellington. CSA Landscaping went on to purchase
one U15-3, and owner, Carl Arnold,
says the machine is performing
beyond expectations. It is used across
a range of applications, but largely for
soil preparation, digging tree holes and
irrigation trenches. “The U153’s ability
to work with a range of attachments
makes it a versatile proposition for
us. Its size also makes it very easy
to transport between sites, given the
nomadic nature of our business,”
explains Arnold. “I am surprised by the
power that this small machine can deliver.”
Established in 2008, CSA
Landscaping is a well-known
contractor for landscape architects,
developers and individual property
owners in the Paarl area. The company
specializes in the maintenance of
corporate gardens and estates; custom
designed drainage systems for sports
fields and building sites; building of
natural working routes, wooden paths and
decks; as well as construction of gabion walls.
Traditionally, landscaping is renowned
for being manual labour intensive,
but the recent arrival of compact
equipment has changed the status
quo. For this reason, when the Kubota
U15-3 was launched locally this year,
Jean Joubert of Wynland Agri Services
For most landscaping contractors,
machine size is critically important.
Given the nature of their applications,
contractors are aware that they are
likely to encounter worksite limitations,
often restricted working width. With
an operating weight of 1.5-tonne, the
U15-provides enough power to tackle
some of the toughest jobs in space-
constrained environments.
However, a key feature that speaks
directly to the common problem of
width restrictions on landscaping sites
is the U15-3’s hydraulic track that
can adjust the track width from 1 240
to 990 mm. At the touch of a lever,
operators can reduce the width to allow
for navigation through narrow spaces, or
increase the width, for better stability.
“The adjustable track width function
allows the operator to retract the
undercarriage, pass through single
opening doors or gates, and then
expand the undercarriage when
working, for better machine stability,”
explains Joubert.
Powered by the Kubota D782-E2-BH7
engine delivering 9,9 kW (13,3 hp)
of power at 2 300 rpm, the machine
comes with a range of advanced
functions and cutting-edge technology
synonymous with Kubota, the world’s
leading supplier of compact excavators.
For example, the three-pump system,
which uses three independent pumps
for boom, arm and swivel to make
the cooperation between the three
components smooth and efficient.
Apart from the array of innovative
features, Arnold is also impressed by
the aftermarket support from Wynland
Agri Services.
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