A family run Gold Coast earthmoving company has expanded and upgraded its fleet by commissioning products from Hino and Toyota Material Handling Australia.
1st Choice Group, based at Upper Coomera, recently acquired a new 700 Series Hino FS2848 and two Toyota Huski skid-steer loaders.
The 1st Choice fleet already includes a 2006 Hino Dutro and a 500 Series FM Tipper from the same year.
Company principal Travis Northcott said he bought the new Hino because of the good experiences he’s had with his existing Hino trucks, as well as the strong value, suitability and comfort of the 700 Series.
“We bought our 700 Series Hino FS2848 truck to haul our tag trailer, which weighs 20 tonnes when loaded. It has more than enough power to tow the trailer easily,” Mr Northcott said.
“I am looking for longevity, so I chose a truck from a proven brand with power and a big gearbox.
“We’ve had no dramas with our existing Hino trucks,” he said
The company commissioned one of its new Toyota Huski 5SDK-8 skid-steer loaders as a replacement for an earlier model Toyota 4SDK-8 while the other is an additional unit.
1st Choice has used Toyota Huski skid-steer loaders since the company was founded in 2006.
“Toyota is tops for reliability, operator-friendliness and serviceability,” Mr Northcott said. “I wouldn’t consider any other skid-steer loader.
“The serviceability is impressive; I know that from doing the service in-house. There is easy access to the key components and the fact that so little maintenance is required keeps the machines ‘in the dirt’ for longer.”
Mr Northcott said his Hino trucks and Toyota Huski skid-steer loaders perform a wide range of general contracting and civil works across south-east Queensland.
“Being in the earthmoving industry is not just a job for our family-run business: it is what we do best and what we know best.
“In terms of civil works, last year we completed a 10-acre mushroom farm at Yalata, halfway to Brisbane. More recently we completed a new service station/convenience store on the Gold Coast,” he said.
General contracting work includes working with plumbers, electricians and landscapers.