Kirby-Smith Machinery gives customers the opportunity to run machines and see the latest solutions to make their job sites more efficient
Kirby-Smith Machinery Inc. (KSM) gave customers the opportunity to try equipment and talk with KSM personnel and manufacturers’ representatives during Demo Days, which were hosted by the company’s Dallas, Lubbock and Oklahoma City locations.
“These events let customers see and get their hands on machines from our manufacturing partners and understand that we have solutions for all of their job site needs,” explained KSM Executive Vice President of Sales Gavin Cole. “We have the products, and we have knowledgeable people who know how to match those machines to meet customers’ needs. Demo Days showcases that. Our previous Demo Days focused on Komatsu’s Smart Construction equipment and solutions. This time around, we expanded on that to include standard Komatsu equipment, as well as some of our other lines that can be greatly beneficial in several applications.”
In addition to Komatsu, customers could test drive Takeuchi and Magni machinery and see products from WIRTGEN GROUP, Terramac and others. Representatives from those manufacturing lines as well as Werk-Brau, Montabert, Lehnhoff, Stanley, LaBounty, NPK, Strickland, Weir Esco, Vacall and HydrauliCircuit were on hand.
Speeding up the process
Several pieces of Komatsu equipment were available for operation, including standard and Intelligent Machine Control (IMC) dozers, excavators and motor graders. Representatives were on hand to provide information on the equipment and show how Komatsu’s Smart Construction solutions, such as Office, Drone, Field, Dashboard and more, can improve job site productivity and efficiency.
“Komatsu has some of the best technology in the industry, but Kirby-Smith provides the sales and support in the field to help keep machines running,” stated Buck Lawson, Senior District Manager for Komatsu, who covers North Texas and KSM. “Kirby-Smith is a leading dealer in North America because it has highly trained people who know the products and what their capabilities are, so they can maximize production. We’re proud to support events like this because it gives those in attendance a chance to run equipment, see the latest technology, and see the partnership between Kirby-Smith and Komatsu and how we work together to support customers.”
Troy Neeley, General Superintendent for CDM Holdings, attended the event to check out the Komatsu IMC dozers. He ran a D51PXi-24 with integrated GPS grade control.
“It’s a nice machine and would fit with our operations,” commented Neeley, noting CMD Holdings currently runs standard Komatsu D39 dozers, a Komatsu PC210LC excavator, a Komatsu PC210LCi IMC excavator, and Takeuchi track loaders. “We use our IMC excavator to cut ditches right to grade, and I think the dozer would give us the same ability. I appreciate Kirby-Smith putting this on, so we can get a firsthand look.”
Tucker Tarpley, an operator for MD Dirt, said his company is already using IMC dozers and attended Demo Days to run a Komatsu PC210LCi-11 IMC excavator. He said it would be useful in the company’s moisture conditioning operations and make digging trenches to grade faster.
“IMC machines speed up the process because it reduces the need for stakes,” stated Tarpley. “The dozer guys know exactly how much cut and fill they need. Everyone I’ve talked to has been knowledgeable about GPS, equipment size and control. That helps me make decisions when buying equipment.”
Beau Clem with Clem Excavation & Land Services already runs IMC dozers. He was interested in the GD655-7 motor grader with an add-on GPS system.
“I loved it,” Clem declared. “I need one now, and we are working on making that happen. This event is great. I like everything about it. I get to run equipment and learn about each piece of equipment.”
Versatile equipment
Takeuchi Regional Product Manager Jeff Baldwin said any time there is an opportunity to attend an event like KSM’s Demo Days, Takeuchi representatives like to be there. KSM showcased Takeuchi compact machines, including an 8,310-pound TB335R compact excavator with a cab that features intuitive functions.
“When we get a chance to educate and learn, it’s a win-win for everybody,” emphasized Baldwin. “We want customers to understand that it’s a true partnership that Takeuchi has with Kirby-Smith and them. We are after the same goal of taking care of the customer. Our hope is they get to see the durability and performance of our products and that we get a better idea of their operations and how we can be of benefit.”
KSM also showcased a Komatsu PC360LC-11 excavator equipped with a LaBounty MSD 2500R shear with new and improved rotation as well as dual blades for handling demolition and scrap materials. The 14,600-pound attachment has a 32-inch jaw opening and 34-inch jaw depth. According to LaBounty Field Service Technician JR Cranfill, it’s good for cutting I-beams, H-beams and more.
“Metal, concrete — it will handle practically anything you can throw at it,” noted Cranfill. “The wear parts are new for this series, and customers can get double the life out of a set of blades, depending on what they are doing. With a good maintenance plan, you could get 400 to 500 hours from a set. It’s a great investment.”
Additionally, KSM highlighted the versatility of a Magni RTH 6.30 rotating telescopic handler that can be used with forks, winches and platforms and has full 360-degree rotation. It has a 13,200-pound load capacity, 5,500 pounds at its max height, which is 97 feet, 9 inches. Its load control system detects risks of overload and inhibits further movement.
PB Materials uses Komatsu loaders, excavators and trucks. Regional Manager Scott Valentine wanted to get a close look at a KLEEMANN crusher. He also found the Magni RTH 6.30 intriguing.
“The KLEEMANN is something we are definitely interested in going forward,” said Valentine. “The Magni would be a good fit for doing maintenance work; I could see it possibly being used in place of a small crane. It has a lot of multifunction to it. Being able to control it remotely from the outside of the cab is nice. It’s a versatile piece of equipment. Kirby-Smith always puts on good events. There’s a lot of vendors here with a lot of knowledge.”
Success story
According to Cole, the events were successful thanks to the vendors, the KSM staff’s hard work, and the customers’ willingness to come out and enjoy some time at Demo Days.
“I believe Kirby-Smith has the best team in the industry, and I’m proud of our ability to get out, get dirty, and invest quality time with customers to learn their business and come up with solutions designed to make them better,” concluded Cole. “Our manufacturing partners play a big role in that by offering us ongoing training and support, so we can effectively match customers with the right products and new technologies and quickly service their machines. We appreciate customers taking their valuable time to come out and spend some of it with us to learn more about what Kirby-Smith has to offer.”
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