JCB keeps sugar cane farm ticking
Award winning sugar cane producer trusts JCB to handle its day-to-day operationsRocky Point Mulching in Woongoolba (QLD), is Australia’s only family-owned and operated sugar cane farm and mulch processing plant. It is run by the Keith family, who last year took out the Australian Farmer of the Year award.
The business has evolved from purely growing sugar cane in the 1940s, to now also converting waste timbers and leaves into garden mulch for sale. The business now has an annual turnover of $30 million.
To ensure day-to-day operations run as smoothly as possible, Rocky Point Mulching runs a fleet of seven JCB telehandlers at the plant for a variety of jobs including picking up bales of mulch, as well as for site maintenance and general tasks around the farm.
"We’ve been purchasing JCB machinery for the past 10 years and we haven’t looked back as they are so versatile," says Rocky Point Mulching Operations Manager, Josh Keith.
He says what impressed him the most about JCB's telehandlers is their versatility and high-tech features.
"We especially find the engine upgrades with the speed cooling fan and transmission electronics most helpful, as well as the boom dampening which all add at the end of the day to our operators' comfort and machine efficiency," he says.
"The engine speed cooling fan is great in the hot and humid Queensland temperatures, as it reacts to changing temperatures, which maximises our fuel efficiency.
"The all-round visibility with tinted glass is another plus as well."
Keith also commends the team at JCB for the service and support Rocky Point Mulching has received.
"They are always helpful when it comes to service questions, maintenance or when we are looking to upgrade," he says.
Keith adds he is now looking at adding a JCB skid steer to the fleet to help with general work around the facility.
"JCB’s constant product improvements make purchasing a JCB an exciting time, and we try to add a new machine at least every 12 months to keep the fleet up to date with their technology changes."
Find out more about JCB's telehandlers at jcbcea.com.au
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