A major curb and gutter project in the City of Homewood, Ill., required equipment that could carefully and productively remove existing concrete sections around corners at a number of intersections. To avoid the cost of bringing several extra machines to multiple work sites, and bringing in extra manpower for hand labor, Rula's Enterprises relied on the versatility and mobility of its Gradall XL 4100 V excavator to complete the work productively and efficiently.

Gradall Versatility Advantages

Rula’s Enterprises, a subcontractor for the state's intersection replacement project, assigned operator Andy Guerra to the project. With six years of experience, he had productively learned how to reposition the machine and use the joystick controls, built into the seating module, to direct the Gradall boom, which can telescope, tilt, swing, raise and lower simultaneously.

"I like the Gradall boom configuration," said Guerra, acknowledging that he could use an in-cab switch to choose either the SAE, Deere or Gradall boom pattern – whichever he preferred. The pattern options are designed to allow new operators to become productive very quickly even if they are used to boom controls on other machines. "This machine gets this work done very well," Guerra added.

Full boom tilt up to 220° continues to deliver full-attachment power, allowing Guerra to carefully remove existing curb and gutter sections as well as portions of sidewalk and even some vegetation. He also could remove concrete sections around storm sewers and utility lines without damaging them, and then load material into a truck for disposal. Gradall booms also are adept at creating the specific grades needed to install the ADA-compliant ramps.

Because the telescoping Gradall boom does not require excessive overhead clearance like a conventional excavator's knuckle boom, the XL 4100 V could reach under tree limbs and signs without damaging them. Load-sensing controls automatically eliminate the need for work mode guesswork, saving fuel and emissions. The XL 4100 V, acquired through Finkbiner Equipment, a longtime Gradall distributor, can be repositioned around corners and then from one intersection to the next from the operator cab. Using foot pedals, Guerra carefully directed the carrier chassis along curb lines and corners, then to the next job site at about 5 mph. At night, however, the operator eliminated the need for a lowboy trailer and truck because he could drive the excavator back to the equipment yard at speeds up to 60 mph, eliminating the possibility of vandalism overnight.