CORNFOOT BROTHERS MAINTAIN THEIR KOMATSU TRADITION

"We've continued to buy Komatsu equipment, particularly excavators, due to their excellent performance"

Melbourne contractor Cornfoot Bros Earthmoving opted to purchase Komatsu excavators in the early 2000s and is still purchasing and operating Komatsu machines today.

When D2E interviewed David Cornfoot, the company's construction foreman and part owner (along with his brothers Norm and Brendan) in mid 2005, the company had purchased four Dash 7 excavators 16 to 30 tonne machines over the previous two years, due to their reliability, fuel economy and the fact that "our customers prefer them".

That tradition has continued, with Cornfoot Bros purchasing its two latest machines, a PC220-8 and a PC160LC-8 in September 2013, giving it a present total of six Komatsu excavators in its fleet.

"We've had a very close relationship with Brian Rowley, Komatsu Australia's Sales Representative all these years," said David. "He has a good knowledge of what the customer wants, and he is prepared to make sure that the deal is successful for all concerned.

"We've continued to buy Komatsu equipment, particularly excavators, due to their excellent performance, long life, good resale and excellent backup from the service department when we need it," he said.

"While we opt to service our own machines, whenever we need any technical assistance or information, Komatsu is always there to help."

More recently, Cornfoot has taken delivery of a D475A-5 dozer, the third Komatsu dozer in its fleet, which is being used for heavy ripping and material stockpiling.

"This unit is performing well, and meeting all expectations," said David. "All in all, we are extremely happy with the Komatsu product."

Cornfoot traditionally operates in the outer northern and western suburbs of Melbourne, concentrating especially in wetland developments, harness track construction, major landfill work, and larger residential earthworks in subdivisions.

Norm Cornfoot Senior, the father of David, Norm and Brendan, started in the earthmoving business in the 1950s, and his sons began working as Cornfoot Bros Earthmoving in 1992.

"As the third generation take on the challenges of the Earthmoving and Construction industry, we envisage the tradition to continue between Cornfoot Bros and Komatsu," said David.