Woolliscroft groundworks adds to growing CASE fleet

Woolliscroft Groundworks has added a CASE CX18D mini excavator to its growing fleet.

Drainage and water treatment specialist Woolliscroft Groundworks has added a CASE CX18D mini excavator to its growing fleet, one of the first of this new range of machines in the UK. The family-owned contractor, based in Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire, offers a range of building services, including earthworks, equine building services, drainage and water treatment plants, throughout South Shropshire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire.

Run by chartered surveyor and RICS member Mark Woolliscroft, the company, which is a member of the Guild of Master Craftsmen, prides itself on being able to complete any groundworks operation to a high standard. This includes footings, foundations, beam and block flooring, drainage and landscaping.

Helping with this wide range of groundworks, the business operates four machines, including a CASE 695 backhoe loader, a CX35B ZTS mini excavator, a site dumper and now, the CX18D. This latest CASE machine has been supplied by local Case Construction Equipment dealer Warwick Ward. “The main reason that we decided to go with Warwick Ward for the purchase of our new CASE machine is that we felt the business’s aims and objectives are very similar to those of ourselves,” said Mr Woolliscroft. “We’re a small family business that cares about the customer. Warwick Ward has a depot in Bromsgrove that is only 20 miles from where we’re based. Coupled with that is a caring attitude. I know that Warwick Ward is big enough to supply our needs when it comes to maintenance and parts, so we felt that it was a good match from day one and one that we hoped to foster and work with in the future. When I came to purchase the machine, sales manager Scott Bunting and I had already established a long standing relationship. We’ve been talking for some time and I’ve found Scott excellent to deal with, he always picks up the phone, always calls you back, the communication has been fantastic with Warwick Ward from the very start. I’ve been really pleased and it makes a big difference.”

The CASE CX18D is one of a range of 20 mini and midi excavators, with operating weights of 1-6 tonnes. The machine tips the scales at 1,830kg with a canopy or 1,940kg with a fully glazed cab and is powered by a Stage V diesel engine delivering 12kW (16.3hp). It benefits from a variable flow hydraulic system and a zero tailswing counterweight design, to minimise the risk of damage on confined job sites.

“This is a brand-new model and I really wanted one, but there weren’t any available in the country. We needed a smaller model that could work alongside buildings. We also wanted something with plenty of reach and plenty of bucket breakout. The CX18D delivers all of those features,” said Mr Woolliscroft. Available with a choice of 1,150mm and 1,350mm dipper sticks, the CX18D has a maximum digging depth of 2,480mm and a reach of up to 4,120mm. Arm breakout force is 950daN, while bucket breakout force is up to 1,500daN.

“The CX18D has an excellent bucket breakout force,” said Mr Woolliscroft. “We really appreciate the long-reach arm and the zero tailswing nature of the model means that we can work very close to existing buildings and walls. Add to that the retractable undercarriage and the machine is a very versatile tool, one that we can use on the majority of our building sites.”