ONTRAC Group’s reputation for well-engineered bucket attachments is earning praise from across the industry.
When Ross Forsyth began his new role as territory manager for Canberra at STM Trucks and Machinery, he knew there was one brand he wanted to bring with him.
After more than a decade in the industry at CJD Equipment – including six years as a technician and five in sales – Forsyth knew a quality product when he saw one, which made ONTRAC Group’s products a must- have in the new role.
“We only partner ourselves with things that are quality … that is what we’re all about at STM, and that is what we try to align ourselves with,” Forsyth said.
“The best thing about [ONTRAC Group] is it is Australian made, and they stand by their product, so you know what you’re getting.
“Once a customer has got one [ONTRAC bucket] and they start seeing the benefits of that bucket and what it is doing for their business, they’ll keep coming back.”
As a family-owned and operated business, STM Trucks and Machinery has developed its reputation as a dealer of high-quality products, including Kobelco excavators, new and used trucks, and construction equipment. STM is known for providing honest advice and tailored service to deliver customers a comprehensive solution.
Forsyth knew ONTRAC Group’s engineering capability would help STM’s customers find the right bucket attachment to their application.
He had seen first-hand how ONTRAC Group’s team could customise a bucket attachment to suit specific needs.
In his previous role, Forsyth worked with a customer to get ONTRAC Group’s XMOR Bucket, one of the first sales of the now well-known product in the quarry industry. Years on, the operator remains impressed by the XMOR Bucket’s capacity and ease of operation. Another project saw ONTRAC Group build several desilting buckets for several long- reach excavators.
“One thing with ONTRAC Group, they work with the customer and me … and they’re very happy to work with you and customise something for the customer’s needs,” he said.
“You want reliability, and when there is a problem, you want to get on it fast and get it sorted, and ONTRAC Group has always gone above and beyond to fix problems and keep customers working and happy.”
“Buckets are not just buckets anymore; there is a lot of engineering and stuff going into them to make them last longer and get capacity in those machines.”
The ONTRAC XMOR Bucket is engineered for durability and efficiency meaning fewer replacements and lower maintenance costs.
The XMOR uses high-quality steel, including SSAB’s Hardox 500 Tuf wear plate and Strenx Performance steel, to reduce its weight without compromising on wear and structural integrity, which is key in the quarrying industry.
The rounded surfaces on the XMOR Bucket reduce bucket drag, which lessens the wear which is traditionally combatted by adding more steel, and therefore, more weight to the bucket.
The bolt-on heel segments differ from conventional welded-on parts, making it easier to maintain and repair in the field.
Recently, the STM showroom at Smeaton Grange placed a physical XMOR Bucket on display. This allowed STM’s customers to see, feel and interact with it and take in its unique design prior to purchasing.
The bucket—designed for a 50-tonne excavator— was also on display at one of Australia’s largest construction expo, Diesel Dirt & Turf, earlier this year.
Forsyth said he was not hesitant to recommend ONTRAC’s products to customers, given their track record of performance.
“Buckets are not just buckets anymore; there is a lot of engineering and stuff going into them to make them last longer and get capacity in those machines,” Forsyth said.
“I’ve done a lot of work in quarries, and I am always trying to get more capacity for my customers in their machines.
[ONTRAC’s buckets] have that capacity, and they have longevity and the ease of maintenance in the field.
“There’s nothing to weld on, it is all bolt-on with XMOR, and you can change things out in the field, and that makes it an easy task and an easy choice to go with.” •
For more information, visit ontracgroup.com.au