KADS chooses ACCO

A Melbourne-based plant hire firm says the dependability of two previous Iveco ACCO trucks prompted it to purchase a new 8x4 ACCO recently, with the twin-steer tilt-tray model now used to deliver equipment all over the Victorian capital.

The owner of KADS Plant Hire, Don Emtsis (pictured), says his previous work in construction saw him identify a need for a fast and reliable plant hire service. After starting out part time with half-a-dozen machines, Don dedicated himself to KADS in 2003, and now has around 370 units with over 50 more on the way.

The company now has a team of 12 including several family members, with a large facility in North Laverton and a second outlet recently opening in nearby Sunshine. Don says exemplary customer service has underpinned the company's success.

"I firmly believe that KADS' growth has been due to our high customer service levels and our punctuality – with our clients you're just not a number, we know them on a first name basis," he says.

"If they have a problem or need something they can ring me up and we'll make it happen, even if it's at two or three in the morning. If you have good service and punctuality, you’ll never go wrong."

Instrumental in that level of service is the KADS fleet. While the company uses utes and trailers for delivering lighter gear, for heavier equipment it uses an Iveco Eurocargo tray truck with beavertail, and its recently purchased 8x4 ACCO.

The ACCO has the top-spec 8.9-litre Cummins engine that produces a claimed 254kW (340hp) and 1500Nm, with the grunt fed to the rear two axles via an Allison six-speed fully automatic transmission.

The auto transmission makes life easy for the driver when negotiating Melbourne's congested city streets, while the Hendrickson airbag suspension delivers a smooth ride and allows the truck to be lowered, adding convenience when loading and unloading.

Don's driven and purchased a variety of trucks through the years but says he's particularly fond of the ACCO, with KADS previously utilising a 2007 ACCO crane truck and before that an older International ACCO.

"The International ACCO was always my favourite – it did everything I asked of it and it didn't cost me anything to run," he says.

"The 2007 model was also good; we went for an automatic transmission so it was easy and comfortable for the drivers to use.

"Going for the twin-steer in the latest model allows us to load and unload the machines more easily and efficiently; it doesn’t matter which way the machines are facing, so you're not limited to where you can put your weight.

"The new one's a lot nicer than the 2007 model and our driver Ross is proud as punch with the thing."

Both Ivecos are on the road from 6:00am to 4:00pm most days, delivering equipment around Melbourne to assist KADS' many clients.

"The ACCOs have never given me any grief, just the normal wear and tear stuff – no breakdowns," Don says.