ForConstructionPros.com

Lake Services, Inc., Stafford, VA, may be a relatively small firm compared to some of its peers in the mechanical dredging business. But the company has come up with some unique ways to maximize the operating efficiency of its equipment and, consequently, the profitability of the projects it tackles.

Consider its most recent equipment purchase — a Volvo 290 BLR long-reach excavator. "There is no question that the Volvo excavator is the heart of the dredge operations," says Martin Firth, owner of Lake Services. "We have operated many long-reach machines through their life cycle in the 20 years we have been doing this type of work. Our confidence in the Volvo excavator's capacity and ability, along with the knowledge and support that our dealer, McClung-Logan Equipment Co., offers in supporting this machine, made the decision to select the Volvo 290 BLR an easy choice."

To further enhance the capabilities already offered by the excavator, Lake Services has equipped it specifically to meet the unique demands of working on water.

Adapting to marine life

The long-front excavators used by Lake Services are typically mounted on small sectional barges. These barges pin together, and can be transported by truck for added mobility. This flexibility enables the contractor to take on dredging jobs ranging from small lakes and ponds to larger canals and waterways.

Because a number of its jobs involve working on large expanses of water, establishing machine position in relation to the project plans can be a challenge. "When we're out on a channel and it's three miles to the next piece of land, it's quite difficult if you don't have some buoy stakes or some other devices to establish where you are," says Firth.