ForConstructionPros.com

Although most contractors realize they can increase utilization of compact equipment by using attachments, there are those who have turned it into almost an art. Such contractors have managed to take a small fleet of carriers and convert them into multipurpose workhorses capable of taking on most any task a project owner or general contractor can dish out.

This strategy is proving especially effective as the construction economy slows in certain market areas. Consider Egnoski Excavating & Construction, Whitewater, WI. Tom Egnoski and his son perform a variety of trenching, digging, landscaping, demolition and other work for both residential and commercial clients. The fleet includes two Caterpillar 247 multi terrain loaders and two IHI compact excavators (Models 20JX and 40JX).

“Back a couple years ago, when we saw the recession coming, we were wondering what would happen,” Egnoski says. “So we keyed in on every job no big contractor would want to take. We went out and talked to general contractors, electricians, plumbers.”

Thanks to a sizable collection of attachments, Egnoski Excavating & Construction has been able to take on numerous smaller jobs for these contractors on a subcontract basis. The result has been the company’s busiest year ever. “I’ve never seen anything like it in 30+ years in the trades,” Egnoski asserts.

“I think [the attachments] doubled my business, because it’s basically just that much more versatile,” he says. “I can offer something that most people don’t have.”