Brand loyalty is not always a given in any business, even in the construction industry. Such loyalty has to be earned, and it doesn’t happen overnight; it can take years to build and much hard work to maintain as we at Awesome Earthmovers regularly discover in talking to operators, distributors and manufacturers.
Take Dennis Barnfield Ltd, for example; they have been supplying and servicing construction machinery across the North West of England for more than half a century, taking on the CASE Construction Equipment franchise in 1983, and today remain the longest serving dealership in the UK.
With over 40 years’ experience working with the CASE product, the company have built up an enviable reputation for being able to provide unrivalled support for operators like JLC Groundworks Ltd whose loyalty to both the brand and the dealer stretches back to 2002. “We have every confidence in CASE,” says JLC Groundworks Ltd director John Cookson.
Based in Preston in Lancashire, JLC Groundworks Ltd’s 36 strong machinery fleet includes no less than 29 CASE excavators from six tonnes upwards, the latest addition from Dennis Barnfield being a new CASE CX210E-S, which has been described as the ‘Essential’ alternative to the regular CX210E. It retains all the performance and operator comfort as well as quality and reliability of the standard model.
A Solid Investment
John Cookson’s first introduction to the CASE brand came about quite by accident. “We were operating with a different make of machine back in 2002, but when we wanted to add another to the fleet, there was none of that particular brand available, so we took a close look at CASE and have never looked back since.
“We have remained loyal to the brand not least because of reliability and, of course, price, plus we have also built up a close and successful relationship with our local dealers Dennis Barnfield who provide an excellent level of service and support.
John first established the business as a sole trader in 1994, becoming a limited company two years later and he and his team, which includes his wife and fellow director Sheila, have worked hard in building the company into a thriving operation, successfully surviving a couple of recessions and downturns, as well as the Covid-19 lockdown.
Today, the company’s main focus is on providing groundwork services for new housing developments, and is currently working on around half a dozen projects across the Lancashire region.
Awesome Earthmovers met up with John and his team on one such development to see the new CASE CX210E-Sworking alongside a number of other CASE excavators.
“WE HAVE REMAINED
LOYAL TO THE BRAND
NOT LEAST BECAUSE OF RELIABILITY AND, OF COURSE, PRICE...”
Superior Japanese Technology
The new CX210E-S features a number of improvements over the older model, but it still uses Japanese technology and components and to improve durability and quality the undercarriage has been reinforced to give it more protection, while the boom base has been heavily plated as has the dipper to cope with any tough conditions.
Another big difference is the upgraded engine from the previous D model which was powered by a four cylinder Isuzu engine. It now boasts a six cylinder FPT NEF6 Stage V diesel engine, which is also used by many other leading manufacturers. It produces the same horse power as the Isuzu, but at a slightly lower rpm, with a bigger displacement and improved digging power.
It comes factory-fitted with a standard quick coupler circuit and high-flow multifunction auxiliary hydraulics; a low-flow circuit also available for enhanced versatility with all kinds of attachments.
This new E-S model tips the scales around 500kg heavier than the CX210E, due to the heavy-duty build of its frontend equipment, lower structure and undercarriage. It boasts lifting capacity and drawbar pull virtually unchanged and the machine also delivers the very same breakout forces.
A number of work modes are available, including SP (Super Power) mode for maximum productivity (as in D-Series) with the throttle set at maximum power; P (Power) mode which replaces H and A mode in D-Series, with throttle settings from 1 to 10; L (Lifting) mode which is optimized for object handling with power boost permanently activated.
There’s also a ground-breaking and increasingly popular Eco mode which reduces fuel consumption through selective control of the engine and pump depending on the movement. It maintains maximum pump torque to deliver high productivity, while minimizing fuel consumption during low effort operations.
Quiet Working Environment
The operator’s cab offers an excellent and quieter working environment, with wide access space and increased foot space, and robust and comfortable steps, as well as a handrail for safe access to the top of the hood. It also boasts a pneumatic and heated operator’s seat with suspended joystick consoles, a 10’’ display – the biggest in the industry -with integrated A/C and five configurable buttons, a Bluetooth radio, and an LED light package for brighter and wider illumination.
Included, too, as standard are rear- and right-hand cameras, and a factory fitted travel alarm for greater safety on the jobsite around the machine, while an auto lever lock safety feature immediately stops machine movement when the operator unintentionally unlocks the gate lock, and for the operator’s bits and pieces, there is plenty of storage capacity with a lunch box tray and a cool box, a smartphone tray, and two large drink holders.
“We already have a number of CX210s in the fleet and they have always proved reliable, so when we had the option to invest in the new CX210E-S we had no hesitation to do so; our operators love the CASE brand.”
Service & Support
Dealers Dennis Barnfield will look after the machine while it remains under warranty, but after that JLC Groundworks’ own team of fitters will take over. “Our fitters are very familiar with the CASE brand and do an excellent job in keeping them on the move,” says John.
“They are in regular contact with their counterparts at Dennis Barnfield, with whom they enjoy a good working relationship, and we never have any problem getting spare or replacement parts, which makes servicing the machines a lot easier for us.”