BG Contracting recently added a Cat® 255 next generation compact track loader with a GB120 smart grader blade to its fleet. Images: Jamie Gray

Before making a significant investment in a new piece of equipment, most contractors want to step into the cabin of a machine and put it to the test, so they can assess how it will perform in their business.

New Zealand’s BG Contracting is no different, having recently added a Cat® 255 next generation compact track loader (CTL) paired with a GB120 smart grader blade to its fleet after being blown away by its capabilities at a demo day, held by its local Cat dealer Terra Cat.

When the time came to look for a new CTL, the company did extensive research of everything on the market, with the Cat 255 proving to be the best option for BG Contracting.

“We looked at the costs involved in running the machine, and the long-term gain that we could have from something that was super reliable and easy to use,” BG Contracting operations and plant and equipment manager Paul Van Der Meer says.

“The first one has sold the second one, the second one’s going to sell the third one.”

Smooth operation

Based in Rangiora – around 30km north of Christchurch – BG Contracting specialises in greenfield subdivisions, in which the Cat 255 has made easy work of everything from kerb preparation and road formation to finishing and levelling.

BG Contracting foreman and plant operator Chris Tonkin has been lucky enough to be running the CTL with the GB120 smart grader blade on a day-to-day basis.

“For me, having the GB120 paired with the Cat 255 just makes a smooth integration,” he says.

“You can actually feel the attachment on front of the machine.”

Tonkin has been particularly impressed with the advanced joystick controls, which he says ensure smooth operation.

“Over the past 10 years, I’ve run quite a few different CTLs, but the way the controls are set up on the Cat 255 seem to be a lot smoother than anything else I’ve operated,” he says.

“Most of the other machines have toggles up and down, whereas the Cat 255 utilises a right joystick, giving you the flexibility to ease into the blade or go full noise with it.”

The Cat 255 has thrived in everything from kerb preparation and road formation to finishing and levelling

Tonkin adds the GB120 attachment has allowed him to conduct grading work in a much smaller machine than what would normally be required.

“On a lot of these smaller subdivisions, the Cat 255 offers greater manoeuvrability and flexibility around manholes and so forth compared to a full-size grader,” he says.

Onsite productivity has improved because of this, with the attachment ensuring BG Contracting maintains the highest levels of accuracy.

“The CTL coupled with the GB120 smart grader blade gives us the ability to produce millimetre perfect finish for footpath or kerbing and gives us hundreds of metres per day compared to 10s of metres using three men,” Van Der Meer says.

“This smart technology is the way of the future.”

Next generation

Behind every positive machine experience is a strong dealer relationship, with the purchase of the Cat 255 CTL with the GB120 smart grader blade facilitated by Terra Cat territory account manager for the Canterbury region Tony Simpson.

Simpson says he has ‘really enjoyed’ working with BG Contracting to ensure it is receiving the best possible aftersales support and that the machine is performing at the desired level.

“BG Contracting came to see us for the demo day in Christchurch, having never been in one of the next generation CTLs,” he says.

“Once the operators hopped in the machine, they couldn’t believe how spacious the cabin was, which is 22 per cent larger.

“They got to operate it onsite with the smart grader blade and were blown away by its performance.”

Advanced joystick controls ensure smooth operation for Tonkin

Tonkin can vouch for the cabin’s comfort, which he says has greater visibility and much more legroom than previous CTLs he’s operated – ensuring long-working days aren’t fatiguing.

Simpson says the advanced joystick controls help contribute to a comfortable working environment.

“Rather than looking up and touching the screen, BG Contracting can do all their grader blade functions on the joystick,” he says.

“This ability means they don’t have to take their eyes off the work while they’re operating the machine.

“At the end of the day, they get out of the machine, and they don’t feel fatigued.”

Improved performance

Beyond the next generation cabin, BG Contracting has been impressed with the CTL’s 74.7hp (55.7kW) Cat C2.8T engine, which delivers 13 per cent more drive torque to the tracks compared to the 259D3 model.

“This increased torque down to the tracks comes from the removal of the fuel tank up to the side, and the pillars, engine and cooling package have been dropped lower in the machine, which allows more traction on the ground,” Simpson says.

BG Contracting specialises in greenfield subdivisions

Additionally, the Cat 255 can lift 24 per cent more than the 259D3, with a 1,740kg rated operating capacity, while being able to lift material to a height of 3.15m. It has two-speed travel capabilities and the GB120 features blade assist.

Van Der Meer says the versatility of the machine has been key to BG Contracting.

“It’s easy to load, easy to unload, and easy to set up,” he says.

“We can be here today, then a new site across town tomorrow and we’re back in business, so the Cat 255 fits our business perfectly.

“In the future, when we look at new machinery, this is where we’re going to look.”

For more information about the next generation Cat 255 CTL and GB120 smart grader blade contact your local Cat dealer, or visit cat.com/en_AU

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