Takco Construction Inc. improves productivity by incorporating Komatsu HB365LC hybrid excavator into fleet

An image of an operator swinging a Komatsu HB365LC-3 excavator to load a haul truck

Going Green

Takco Construction Inc. improves productivity by incorporating Komatsu HB365LC hybrid excavator into fleet

An image of Steve Lowery, Vice President at Takco Construction Inc.
Steve Lowery, Vice President

Takco Construction Inc. was founded in 2010 by Byeong “Ben” Im, who named the vertical construction company after his father, Tak, with “co” standing for construction. Headquartered in LaGrange, Ga., Takco pivoted its focus in 2016 when the firm expanded into two divisions: construction and civil. Vice President Steve Lowery noted that the company has grown tremendously over the last few years.

“We’ve transitioned from renting 100% of our equipment to owning 25-plus pieces of machinery in a short amount of time,” Lowery shared. “With that, we’re taking on larger projects and expanding the territory we service.”

Takco’s operations have expanded nationally across 18 states, with its primary territory covering Alabama, Georgia and Florida. The company employs approximately 75 people, and its workload typically consists of mass grading, storm drain, underground utilities, asphalt, and concrete projects.

An image of an operator swinging a Komatsu HB365LC-3 excavator to load a haul truck
An operator swings the Komatsu HB365LC-3 excavator to load a haul truck. “As soon as you hit the joystick, you’re swinging with a good amount of speed,” said Superintendent Justin Boswell.

HB365LC helps double production

An image of Justin Boswell, Superintendent at Takco Construction Inc
Justin Boswell, Superintendent

Recently, Takco completed work at the Hyundai seating factory in Hope Hull, Ala. The project involved underground utilities, storm structures, mass grading, lime stabilization, cut and fill excavation, topsoil replacement, pond digging, and base prepping for asphalt. Takco needed an additional machine to meet the project’s deadline, so the company rented a Komatsu HB365LC-3 hybrid excavator.

According to Boswell, the HB365LC was used for various site and underground infrastructure tasks on the Hyundai job site. The electric swing motor, a unique feature of the HB365LC, significantly increased productivity by speeding up the truck-loading process for Takco’s operators.

“We found the HB365LC to be a great, all-around machine,” stated Boswell. “It’s very versatile and could handle tasks like loading off-road dump trucks, grading, digging ponds, laying storm sewer, and utility work without struggling. When loading trucks, the hybrid electric swing motor typically doubled our production.”

The term “hybrid” refers to the combination of a traditional diesel engine with advanced electric technology. In the HB365LC excavator, the electric swing motor captures and regenerates energy during swing braking, which is then used to power the swing motor. This innovative process leads to lower total emissions compared to other excavators in its class.

“We noticed a significant drop in our fuel and DEF consumption shortly after adding the HB365LC,” reported Boswell. “With higher fuel prices these days, the excavator saves the company a significant amount of money and lowers our overhead.”

An aerial image of Takco Construction Inc.'s work at the Hyundai seating factory in Hope Hull, Ala.
Takco completes work at the Hyundai seating factory in Hope Hull, Ala. The project involves underground utilities, storm structures, mass grading, lime stabilization, cut and fill excavation, topsoil replacement, pond digging, and base prepping for asphalt.

Boswell particularly appreciated the HB365LC’s responsiveness.

“With a typical excavator, you’ll have a delay until you actually start swinging, especially with a heaping load,” said Boswell. “With the HB365LC, you don’t have that delay. As soon as you hit the joystick, you’re swinging with a good amount of speed. You can strike, turn, strike, turn, and stay dialed in.”

Takco operators have had positive experiences with the HB365LC due to its reliable performance.

Boswell stated, “Our operators have enjoyed it. They like the reactiveness of the machine, and it’s been running hard without any issues and keeping up with what we put it through.”

An image of an operator unloading material with a Komatsu HB365LC-3 hybrid excavator
An operator unloads material with a Komatsu HB365LC-3 hybrid excavator. “We noticed a significant drop in our fuel and DEF consumption shortly after adding the HB365LC,” reported Superintendent Justin Boswell. “With higher fuel prices these days, the excavator saves the company a significant amount of money and lowers our overhead.”

Advancing into the future

As Takco looks ahead, it is prepared to continue its growth and success in the industry. By embracing innovative equipment like the Komatsu HB365LC hybrid excavator, the company is setting a precedent for efficiency and productivity in its projects.

“We want to continue growing and taking on larger, more challenging projects at a variety of new locations across the United States,” said Lowery.

Boswell encourages potential customers to consider the HB365LC for their own operations, given Takco’s positive experience with the machine.

“If it’s possible, ask your sales representative to let you demo one or rent one to see for yourself how much it can reduce your fuel consumption and impact your productivity,” Boswell suggested. “From our standpoint, it’s been a great machine.”

****The opinions expressed here are from the end users who are quoted. The results described herein are those of these end users under certain conditions. Your results may vary.
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