Anthony Ellis, Director of Ellis Agricultural Services, explains why the Wacker Neuson ET90 supplied by GEM Plant Sales, is the ‘Excavator of Choice’ for his business. Ellis Agricultural Services based in Canterbury provide a range of land management solutions throughout Kent. The majority of the work carried out is for farmers and landowners which accounts for about 70%, while the remaining is for commercial work, such as site clearance, general ground works, as well as projects for private clients. Although they have owned other brands of excavators since 2015, they purchased their first Wacker Neuson in 2017; this being a TAB boom version on steel tracks fitted with a fully integrated Steelwrist X12 tiltrotator. Ellis Agricultural Services use their diggers as tool carriers and have an array of attachments which cover a variety of operations including a full set of buckets, a land clearance rake, a grading beam, a ripper tine and a 9 tine grab, which all work in conjunction with the Steelwrist tiltrotator. “We’re setup to be able to drop the tilt rotator off and pick up other attachments which include two styles of tree shear, a rotary screw splitter for timber and a fixed tooth mulching head. In fact, we liked the excavator so much that in 2019, we took delivery of our second Wacker Neuson machine,” says Anthony Ellis, Director of Ellis Agricultural Services.
Compact but in Uncompromising in Performance
Anthony Ellis, Director of Ellis Agricultural Services, explains why the Wacker Neuson ET90 supplied by GEM Plant Sales, is the ‘Excavator of Choice’ for his business.
Ellis Agricultural Services based in Canterbury provide a range of land management solutions throughout Kent. The majority of the work carried out is for farmers and landowners which accounts for about 70%, while the remaining is for commercial work, such as site clearance, general ground works, as well as projects for private clients.
Although they have owned other brands of excavators since 2015, they purchased their first Wacker Neuson in 2017; this being a TAB boom version on steel tracks fitted with a fully integrated Steelwrist X12 tiltrotator.
Ellis Agricultural Services use their diggers as tool carriers and have an array of attachments which cover a variety of operations including a full set of buckets, a land clearance rake, a grading beam, a ripper tine and a 9 tine grab, which all work in conjunction with the Steelwrist tiltrotator.
“We’re setup to be able to drop the tilt rotator off and pick up other attachments which include two styles of tree shear, a rotary screw splitter for timber and a fixed tooth mulching head. In fact, we liked the excavator so much that in 2019, we took delivery of our second Wacker Neuson machine,” says Anthony Ellis, Director of Ellis Agricultural Services.
The second Wacker Neuson ET90 was supplied by GEM Plant Sales, also based in Kent, and configured with rubber tracks and a mono boom.
As both an owner and operator, much consideration was given to the cabin which Anthony describes as being “excellent on the ET90”.
He says: “There is plenty of space, ergonomic push button controls and other nice features, such as being able to stow the lower front window inside the upper section. Visibility from the cab is also great. The machine boasts plenty of power when tracking and using multiple functions simultaneously. The ability to adjust oil flow of both auxiliary services through the menu with the jog dial means we can run a variety of attachments with the one machine. The ET90 has tremendous hydraulic output with high oil flows at a higher operating pressure than other machines in the class.”
Physically the machine is quite compact with its overall size comparable to some 6t machines from other manufacturers.
“This is a big advantage for us, allowing work to take place in orchards and areas with restricted access but having a machine that is still capable. One of our USPs is that we’re small enough to get in, but big enough to get on!”
Daily checks are made very easy, all of which are carried out from ground level. Ellis Agricultural Services conduct their own servicing, which they say, has proved very straight forward.
“From initial enquiry regarding the new machine, to helping reach a conclusion with some ongoing warranty work on the older machine, GEM Plant has been excellent. Ongoing aftercare has been great with prompt service, parts deliveries for items such as glass and service kits,” says Anthony.
“This new series of excavators has exceeded expectations. Success with innovations, such as the dual view dumper, reinforces the brand’s position which can only be a good thing for resale values going forward. Take a demo because the machine should do the talking. We plan to run our machines for up to 5 years and I wouldn’t hesitate to buy another Wacker Neuson at this point in time.”
GEM Plant Sales Ltd are the Wacker Neuson distributor for South East London and Kent, established in September 2019 by Graham Mortimore. Recently relocating to their new premises due to expansion at Unit 9, St Johns Court, Sevington Business Park, Ashford, Kent, TN24 0SJ in May 2020. Graham has now been joined by his son Hayden and they are continuing to grow the business together. GEM Plant Sales Ltd are also distributors for Arrowhead Rockdrill hydraulic excavator attachments and Western Global fuel storage products.
