An 18ACS GRUNDODRILL was specified as the drilling rig of choice by Fife-based FCH Construction Services for their work in the water and utilities sectors. Known as The King of Rocks, thanks to its ability to drill in all ground conditions, it was purchased outright by FCH to ensure the availability of the correct technology to complete a number of contracts for Scottish Water. The machine has now been fully branded with the corporate colours of FCH Construction Services to complement its existing fleet of trucks and construction equipment.
Fraser Hart began the business in 2009 after spotting the need for a trenchless contractor in Scotland. He has been working with the TRACTO team based in the Kirkcaldy depot; hiring in a number of specialist rigs for complicated installations. This includes the GRUNDOPIT PS60 fluid-assisted mini drilling rig which, with the support of TRACTO’s specialist operator support team, was successfully used to complete a water main that had to cross a small stream between Perth and Dundee. He has since bought GRUNDOMAT moles and enrolled his team in a range of EUSR training courses at TRACTO including GRUNDOWINCH.
After the successful completion of the small stream crossing – achieved in under a day despite a number of problems and challenges with the terrain – Fraser enquired about using the same unit for another potential project. Kevin Pate, TRACTO’s Scottish based Area Sales Manager, conducted a site visit with Fraser and Dave Stewart from FCH and recommended the larger 18ACS GRUNDODRILL due to the size and nature of the project. The trio visited the Bedford HQ of TRACTO to undertake an inspection of the drill in the flesh and a negotiation was successfully concluded.
According to MD, Fraser, the location of the depot just down the road from FCH Construction Services and the support of both Kevin Pate and Kevin Macintosh of TRACTO’s depot in Kirkcaldy were key reasons involved in the decision to buy the unit;
“The knowledge and support from the TRACTO team over the last few years has been invaluable. From advice, machines, parts and service support to site visits they have really helped us to complete some of our challenging projects. The access to other models in the TRACTO range, including pipe bursting products, and close location to the depot further supported our decision to buy the 18ACS GRUNDODRILL. It’s a superior machine that can work in both soft and ultra-hard ground conditions and has already been deployed successfully on jobs following intensive on-site training from TRACTO.”
