Ken Marsh finds his way back with a Volvo Excavator
Since setting up his own plant hire and ground working business 13 years ago with a brand new EC160B, proprietor Ken Marsh has reverted to owning a new EC140E thanks mainly to the aftersales support and service he’s experienced with SMT GB
Taking delivery of his new 14-tonne excavator reunites Ken Marsh with the Volvo brand. “In 2005, I decided to venture forth on my own and was offered a very good deal on Volvo’s 16-tonne machine,” he says. “I really liked my Volvo but when it came to changing, I went elsewhere at the time. However, I’m pleased to be in a position to return to buy the latest EC140E model – the machine is well built and a premium product in terms of performance, specification and build. Ultimately though, it’s all down to the aftersales support and service and the main factor for us choosing Volvo.”
The new EC140E will be deployed on all manner of operated hire and contract work with Ken Marsh’s core business working with TVO who work for the Environment Agency on flood defence and drainage projects on and around the Somerset Levels. In addition, the machine will be deployed working for the Somerset Drainage Board on rhyne maintenance as well as ground work for the preparation of laying concrete slabs and the erection of formwork for farm and commercial buildings.
“We pride ourselves on offering a complete service to our customers – this includes utilising our own personal knowledge of the locality and the lay of the land along the Somerset coastline and on the Levels,” says Ken. “To this end, we have specified our new EC140E to a high degree which includes a rotation circuit, additional lighting, 360° visibility, a Prolec Safe Load Indicator besides the standard features such as hammer/shear hydraulics and hose rupture valves. The machine also has bio-oil installed which is appreciated by our main contractors.”
Operating and looking after Ken Marsh Plant Hire & Groundworks’ new EC140E has been put in the hands of Ken’s son, Lee, who joined the family business full time last year. The machine is powered by a 4-cylinder Stage-IV compliant Volvo engine developing 122 nett hp and offers the latest in engine technology and operating sophistication. For example, pump flow is controlled for combined digging and swinging operations to reduce the flow loss through the overload relief valves, whilst maintaining digging power and maximum swing torque.
The Volvo Care Cab offers a large roomy interior with plenty of leg room and foot space. The all-round visibility is enhanced by pressurized and filtered cab air supplied by a 14-vent, climate control system. An adjustable, easy-to-read LCD colour monitor provides real time information of the machine functions, important diagnostic information and a wide variety of tool settings. The monitor also doubles as a viewer for the rear and side cameras. Lee is fastidious and keeps the cab so spotlessly clean that he removes his work boots on entering the cab and keeps his cleaning kit with the machine at all times!
Ken has just carried the Volvo brand name into his business even further with the purchase of a Volvo beavertail truck to transport his new EC140E excavator. The lorry, although not an artic, can carry up to 27ft in length and has the capacity to carry up to 19.75 tons, making this ideal to move his excavator and be able to offer a haulage division within the company, transporting for other working/hire companies within the construction industry and offer transport into sites where articulated access is not possible.
Ken Marsh Plant Hire & Groundworks is a family-run business based at Middlezoy on the Somerset Levels, work is predominantly local with most work coming from either repeat clients/contractors or where they have been recommended. Large recent works have involved ongoing flood defence works as a result of the major floods in 2014/15 and the development of the new Steart Marshes Wetland Reserve for WWT (Wildfowl Wetlands Trust) at Steart Peninsula.
SMT GB markets Volvo Construction Equipment products which include wheeled loaders, articulated haulers, hydraulic excavators, Volvo utility equipment and Volvo road equipment products in Great Britain. There are eight strategically placed customer support centres, a dedicated National Used Equipment Centre and a network of utility equipment dealers to ensure high quality customer support is maintained throughout the country.
