Motion Machinery is a Texas-based equipment rental company in a very competitive market. With a fleet of more than 80 machines, the company has a wide array of equipment, including machines from several premium brands. But two factors were cutting into the company’s bottom line: initial acquisition costs and time-consuming maintenance.
In a move toward a more profitable wheel loader lineup, Motion Machinery purchased a SDLG LG938L on the recommendation of Conrad Construction, another Texas-based company using the brand’s machines. The initial price of the wheel loader was significantly lower than premium machines, and the company since found that the loader’s easy-access design will reduce the amount time and money spent on keeping it running.
“I have a friend from Conrad Construction who had recently purchased an SDLG wheel loader, and he loved it,” explains Don Cannon, owner of Motion Machinery. “I previously worked as a dealer, so I know that acquisition and maintenance costs are the key to making money in the rental market. The LG938L’s price was right where we needed it to be and the easy maintenance will save us money over the long haul.”
Cannon says premium brand wheel loaders are becoming increasingly complex, making it more difficult for small shop owners to repair and maintain their machines. They have to spend more time figuring out how to work on the machines, which costs money, and the actual maintenance and repairs inherently take longer. In the rental market, downtime means a hit on the bottom line. The quicker a machine is up and running, the quicker it can make money for its owner.
All SDLG wheel loaders feature easy-access engine compartments on all sides of the machine. Most of the machine’s vital parts are accessible within seconds, reducing the amount of labor hours needed for maintenance or repairs. The LG938L also has dry disc brakes that are easy to access for changing brake pads. Cleaning and routine tasks are simpler and take less time than when working on premium machines.
Cannon says that his SDLG wheel loader has been performing so well that Motion Machinery rarely sees the machine in the shop. The machine has reached some 80% usability in its 10 months on the fleet.
“We rarely get to see the machine at our yard,” he explains. “Even better, the renters return the machine feeling very satisfied - we have had no issues or complaints. The SDLG wheel loader performs just as well as any of the other premium brand equipment I have owned.”
The LG938L has shown provided other benefits to Motion Machinery’s fleet, too. Its no-frills configuration is easier for rental customers to learn and operate. The added features of premium brands often mean more time spent figuring out how to use them. Also, the company doesn’t have to pass on the price of those extra features to customers.
“We didn’t have to pay for any of the extra features that our rental customers don’t need,” Cannon says. “And we don’t have to charge our customers for features they won’t use. We were able to get all of the attachments we needed to ensure the LG938L would be flexible and able to work on different applications too.”
The LG938L is a 2.5 yd³ wheel loader with an operating weight of 23,150 lbs. It features a Tier 4 Deutz engine with 160 hp and 530 lbs.-ft. of torque; ZF transmission; dry disc brakes; a hydraulic quick coupler and third function hydraulics; a modern fit and finish with high visibility; and an operator-friendly cab. It also comes with a 12-month, 1,500-hour warranty.
Another big plus for Motion Machinery is SDLG’s support and service network. The company purchased the wheel loader from Dallas-based ROMCO Equipment, a dealer it had worked with for years and trusted. ROMCO assisted in picking out a model that would be ideal for the local rental market, and outfitted the machine with the requisite bucket and fork attachments.
SDLG makes it a point to partner with seasoned, expert dealerships that can facilitate the brand’s 21st Century Product Support. The brand now features locations across North America, all with dealers that have significant time spent working in their local markets.
“Between the price, the great features and the dealer support, the SDLG wheel loader has been a great piece of equipment to own for the rental market,” Cannon says. “I have been very satisfied and I have recommended the SDLG brand to other equipment owners. I am even considering adding more SDLG wheel loaders to my fleet when the need arises.”
