The L.F. George team views Mecalac equipment as the next generation of compact construction equipment, according to Charles Folkman of L.F. George.
Three companies, all part of the same family of dealers, recently became Mecalac dealers for the Midwest. Trenchers Plus, L.F. George and Midwest Underground will carry the Mecalac line of equipment at all of their locations.
L.F. George Inc. is part of a family enterprise that additionally includes Bobcat Plus Inc. with locations in Butler, De Pere, Appleton, Waukesha, Osseo and Chippewa Falls, Wis.; Trenchers Plus Inc. located in Burnsville, Minn.; Midwest Underground Supply LLC with locations in Bondurant, Iowa and Omaha, Neb.; and Midwest Underground Supply of South Dakota LLC located in Sioux Falls, S.D.
The L.F. George management team recently traveled to the Mecalac manufacturing plants in Annecy, France, to meet with Mecalac management and observe the company's manufacturing process.
“L.F. George, Trenchers Plus and Midwest Underground Supply have brought to market many innovations in the construction equipment industry over the past 65 years,” said Charles Folkman of L.F. George. “We see Mecalac equipment as the next generation of compact construction equipment.”
One advantage of Mecalac for the dealers is its innovation and versatility.
“Mecalac is two units in one, one being an excavator and the other a track loader,” said John Rabideaux of Trenchers Plus. “The contractors can bring one machine to the job site and save the hassle and expense of bringing two machines to already congested job sites.
“Finding a 'niche product' in this already competitive market, is our expertise,” he added. “We understand the need for specialized equipment in our industry and enjoy seeing our customers saving time and money with these products and like to be at the forefront of innovation.”
“We are very happy with the strong relationship that our family is building with the Marchetta family and Mecalac,” said Folkman.
The MCR Series
In the United States, Mecalac started with the MCR Series, which combines the features of a skid steer loader, a compact excavator and a telehandler and integrates them with a unique, versatile boom.
The Mecalac all-terrain skid excavator can mount a skid steer bucket, perform all of the functions of a skid steer/track loader and lift and load materials to a pile or truck as high as 16 ft. (5 m), and lower loads below grade, due to Mecalac's versatile boom with integrated high reach offset. The boom folds to 131 degrees, offering maximum stability and lifting performance.
The MCR can fully rotate while carrying a load up to 40 percent of its own weight. It also adapts well to unstable surfaces, can work on platforms in loader mode and gives the operator a 360-degree view of the surroundings, according to the manufacturer.
Mecalac's Connect quick-coupling system allows the operator to switch out the attachment for digging, ditching, skid buckets, forks, handling plates and more, in seconds. Auxiliary hydraulics permit the use of standard hydraulic attachments, including hammers, augers, cutters and more.
All models have an over terrain speed in excess of 6 mph (9.7 kmh). The process of changing from excavator mode to skid steer mode is as simple as turning a switch inside the cab.
Mecalac offers three models of its skid excavator:
- 6MCR — 12,600 lbs. (5,715 kg) 75 hp (55.4 kW)
- 8MCR — 15,900 lbs. (7,212 kg) 75 hp (55.4 kW)
- 10MCR — 20,700 lbs. (9,389 kg) 75 hp (55.4 kW)
The MWR Series
The MWR Series consists of versatile and ultra-stable machines with XS dimensions and XL lifting force, benefiting from the latest internal and external technology by Mecalac (boom with integrated offset, cylinder coupling, CONNECT quick coupler, central control selector and speed control function).
The MWR boasts an offset articulated arm (which fits into the machine's profile perfectly) and forms a positive mass and a natural counterweight, thus optimizing its lifting power and ensuring greater freedom to handle and turn with heavy loads.
The new MWRs transform worksite logistics due to their incredible stability in any position and on any terrain. Whatever the conditions, the machines stay balanced both when travelling in transfer operations between sites, as well as during work phases. This provides the machine with 360-degree lifting performance.
The cab is 20 percent lower when compared with other similar products on the market and entering and exiting the vehicle requires much less effort; it is further eased by the addition of a step that has been perfectly incorporated into the machine's design.
The MWR's fuel tank is easy to access because it is located in the undercarriage, level with the step that leads straight to the cab.
Without needing to move, the machine is always ideally positioned with high precision in cramped or sensitive construction sites. Even when behind an obstacle, such as a nearby wall running parallel to the vehicle, it can still dig downwards and lift loads up to half its weight to a height of approximately 10 ft. with an exceptional economy of movement. The unique kinematics provides its articulated arm with a range of up to nearly 30 ft. in a single operation, according to the manufacturer.
The MWR Series features 7MWR, 9MWR and 11MWR models, and a 15MWR model with an option for a Mecalac boom or a traditional excavator boom.
About L.F. George
L.F. George Inc. is a third-generation, family-owned and operated equipment dealership. Louis F. George founded the business in 1953 and, along with his stepson Charles Folkman Sr., operated the business for 25 years at its original location in Oconomowoc, Wis. In 1977, Charles Folkman Jr. joined his father and he has guided the business for the past 20 years along with his brothers, Dan and Steve.
About Trenchers Plus
Trenchers Plus is a full-service construction equipment dealer in Burnsville, Minn., in operation covering all of Minnesota since 1988. The company specializes in the sales, leasing and service of Toro Underground, Morbark Chippers, Rayco Stump Grinders and Mowers, Ring-O-Matic vacuum excavators, Finn Corporation and Takeuchi excavators and track loaders along with a line of complementary products.
About Midwest Underground Supply
Midwest Underground Supply has locations in Bondurant, Iowa; Omaha, Neb.; and Sioux Falls, S.D. opening its doors in 2000. The company carries Toro Underground, Morbark Chippers, Rayco Stump Grinders and Mowers, Ring-O-Matic vacuum excavators, Finn Corporation and Takeuchi excavators and track loaders. It offers new and used equipment and service, parts and rentals.
CEG
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