A Western Victorian plant hire company has celebrated 30 years in operation by buying a brand-new Toyota Huski skid-steer loader which has been its anchor since the business started in 1995.
Graham Koschman’s G.K. Auto and Hire, a highly valued small plant supplier in Horsham, 300km northwest of Melbourne, has become the proud owner of the latest evolution of Toyota’s Huski 5SDK5 skid steer loader.
It was delivered personally by Toyota Material Handling Australia’s (TMHA’s) area sales manager Mick Holohan who responded to Mr Koschman’s call to buy a new one, only the third in the life of his company.
“I bought my first, a second-hand blue 2SKD, when I was running a mechanical repair business and was looking for additional income,” Mr Koschman explained.
“It already had 8,000 hours on it, and I added at least 2000 more”
Confidence in the quality of his Toyota Huski skid-steer soon convinced Mr Koschman to dry hire it, which in turn led to the formation of his now thriving rental business with an inventory of more than 30 machines and implements.
“The Huski is bulletproof, even in the hands of multiple hirers,” he said. “It’s not something you can say for a lot of machines.
“You can buy some cheaper, but there’s a reason they’re cheap.”
Mr Koschman’s machine maintenance regime is meticulous, ensuring that his fleet of rental vehicles are always performing to a high standard despite their tough usage requirements.
“Specified service schedules are usually in excess of 200 hours, but we’ve halved that to 100, even with the Huski,” he said.
“Hire machines get used really hard, and yet people tend to push out their maintenance to the extremes. We go the other way.
“Oil is the best insurance policy you can buy”.
Mr Koschman noted that the Huski’s reliability has been a standout feature despite the punishing use that it gets when being hired out, calling his TMHA machines “bulletproof”.
His uncompromising work ethic requires a machine that will go the distance with him, often working around the clock to get a job finished which has earned him a strong reputation in the Horsham area.
G.K Hire has taken a unique position, complementing larger hire companies by offering service and individual solutions and seizing on customer-driven opportunities.
It specifically ordered the Huski 5SDK5 to meet demand for short-term hire in tight access situations like domestic back gardens.
The Huski’s large seat, with ten length adjustments, made it ideal for hire to a multitude of users, while its simple and easy-to-operate cabin layout is well suited for short-term hire purposes.
Featuring an operating load of 430kg, the Huski 5SDK5 provides powerful and rugged performance expected of a larger machine, while being compact enough to fit into tight spaces – perfect for residential use.
The ability for contractors to legally tow the 1865kg Huski behind their cars or utilities was a further market driver.
“I leave it to the larger hire companies to have larger machines,” Mr Koschman said. “Local contractors know where to come when they need something purpose-built for their needs.”
The arrival of G.K. Hire’s new Huski 5SDK5 was a cause for celebration.
“I’m 62 years old and I’m finally making money,” Mr Koschman joked. “We bought the new Huski outright.”
Like his first Toyota Huski, it will be the cornerstone of his business.
For more call Toyota Material Handling Australia on 1800 425 438 or visit www.toyotamaterialhandling.com.au
Graham Koschman with his new Huski 5SDK skid steer loader