The first new Sumitomo SH240-5 Excavator, a 24 tonner with long undercarriage has gone to work at Mansfield in the high country of Victoria close to the Mount Buller snow fields.

For Tony and Jackie Allen who have been general earthworks contractors since 1974, this was their first Sumitomo excavator and will add to their fleet of 3 scrapers, 2 dozers and another Excavator.

Tony said, "We could not be happier with the Sumitomo. The operators cabin is large and comfortable, the performance and stability of this excavator when working or walking on steep slopes along forest trails gives you confidence".

"The fuel consumption has been averaging round 11 litres per hour which is very impressive."

The Sumitomo SH240-5 excavator was fitted up with a ROP/FOPS Canopy Guard, and supplied with a hydraulic quick hitch, log grab, ripper, tilt bucket, 600mm and sorting bucket, and full length bump guards.

The basic unit is powered by a Isuzu 4 cylinder turbo charged diesel developing 132kW which is Tier 3 compliant.

The unit has a 3 metre arm which gives a digging radius of 10.28 metres, digging depth of 6.9 metres, and a dump height of 9.67 metres and a transport weight of 24,400 kg.