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Maximizing fleet efficiency
Horizon Contracting, Round Hill, VA, is primarily focused on erosion control. Started in 1997, it constructs right-of-ways, public areas, swales, berms and underground drains for building contractors.

The company's 100-employee workforce is split into 25 or 26 work crews. Some of the crews are for general labor and some are set up for new construction. "The crews cross over quite a bit," says Jerry Fletcher. The tasks performed by the crews determines which equipment they take with them.

Horizon Contracting's 19 Bobcat 773 turbo and 185 skid-steer loaders and T190 compact track loaders are the true workhorses of the fleet since they allow access to tight areas. "They are easily hauled with a 1-ton truck and a 10,000-lb. trailer, with some implements on the trailer, as well," says Fletcher. "So I have been able to use a trailer that can carry a machine and attachment without going to a CDL driver."

Trailers are purchased from the local Bobcat dealer. "We will modify them ourselves, welding different things on them for holding buckets or different attachments," says Fletcher. They are all set up the same so that one trailer can be used for all equipment.

Several attachments are used to complete landscaping tasks, including Glenmac Harley Power Box Rakes pulled behind Kubota tractors. The tractors are also fitted with mounting plates so they can run skid-steer attachments.