Customer Stories
What Customers Are Saying About Louisiana Machinery
Louisiana Rents helps Skip Converse, Inc., fulfill their “On Time - In Budget” motto.
In the world of construction, time and money go hand in hand. General contractor Skip Converse, Inc., understands this relationship and operates in accordance with a motto that respects both parameters — “On time - in budget.”
When the certified women-owned contractor, managed by President Mary Jon Converse and Secretary/Treasurer Mary Carroll Converse, was hired by Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital in Alexandria, La., to construct a tunnel 14 feet beneath the hospital, the company turned to Louisiana Rents and its reliable Caterpillar® equipment to help them uphold their motto and to complete the unique work in tight quarters.
According to Skip Converse Superintendent Tracey Tam, the project marks a first for the company. Tracey said, “We’ve built tunnels before but never underneath a hospital. This is unique. You don’t often dig under a hospital that’s already built. It’s a new experience.”
In June 2005, the hospital announced plans for its $75 million, 180,000-square-foot expansion project that will accommodate a women and children’s hospital, a new emergency room and a parking lot.
Skip Converse has specialized in hospital renovations and new commercial construction since its inception in 1959. The company, with its almost 100-person work force, proved the perfect choice to excavate and construct the 270-foot long tunnel, which will be used to bring dietary supplies into the hospital. The tunnel replaces a loading dock that was removed to make way for the expansion. Once completed, the concrete tunnel will provide a convenient passageway for carts, carrying supplies from the outside to the hospital’s existing basement. But before personnel can travel through their new access tunnel, Skip Converse employees work amid the mud and muck, using CAT® equipment best suited for the small, dark work site.
Prior to working with Louisiana Rents, Skip Converse used competitive equipment including an excavator and skid steer. The excavator had a reach problem, while the skid steer couldn’t muster the needed power to climb the ramp leading into the tunnel. In the 8-foot-wide tunnel with an 8-foot clearance, quarters can be cramped. The equipment proved too large and buckets on the skid steers were too wide.
Collaborating with Louisiana Rents CCE Sales Representative Chris Snow, Skip Converse employees were provided equipment that had all the capabilities needed for the job — a 246B Skid Steer Loader and 301.8 Compact Excavator. Tracey said, “The compact size of these CAT machines made the job a lot easier as well as the power of the compact machines.”
Ninety-five percent of 246B Skid Steer’s work is devoted to digging the tunnel, although it is multifunctional and is also used to haul material out of the tunnel. Tracey describes it as, “one of the major lifelines on this job.” Skip Converse Foreman and Machine Operator Randy Lee finds Chris to be extremely knowledgeable about the equipment and responsive to questions. Randy said, “If you have questions, then call Chris and he’ll answer. He’s been very helpful.”
Chris and the Louisiana Rents team solved yet another dilemma for Skip Converse, outfitting the 246B Skid Steer with MTL Loegering tracks. The skid steer’s tires were removed and installed the tracks which lowered the gears to provide it with more power to climb the tunnel’s steep ramp. The rubber tracks provide significantly more traction and stability, two things Randy knew they would need as he estimated the project will require about 14,000 trips into and out of the tunnel.
Tunnel construction means considerable condensation from pre-existing pipes. Because Louisiana is below sea level, construction also unearths additional water that creates a significant amount of mud. Equipment traverses along mats which provides better traction and a buffer from the mud. Again, the Compact Construction Equipment helped circumvent some of the inconvenience that could result from the atypical work space. The 301.8 Compact Excavator proved an excellent tool to dig a drainage ditch and to slope the banks of the tunnel.
Without the multipurpose CAT equipment, Tracey said, “The project would have been less productive due to the size and height of other machines. The hospital is happy with our progress.” When completed, the team anticipates having utilized the services of Louisiana Rents and the CAT equipment seven to eight months. The tunnel project not only allows Skip Converse to further expand their impressive repertoire, but also provides them confidence in CAT Compact Construction Equipment, which helped to meet their needs and support their promise “On time - in budget.”
Louisiana Machinery and Florida Marine Transporter Inc. Working Together On The Waterways
Since its inception in 1994, Florida Marine Transporters, Inc., has been dedicated to assembling a premier fleet of vessels and barges to service the oil and gas industry. So, when it came time to purchase engines, Florida Marine Transporters knew there was only one place to turn – Louisiana Machinery and Caterpillar.
“We chose Caterpillar engines and Louisiana Machinery for their price, delivery, dependability, maintenance and service support,” said Jeff Brumfield, Senior Project Manager. Adding to its fleet, Florida Marine Transporters has ordered 25 new tugboats to be equipped with 50 Cat® 3512 Marine Propulsion Engines, rated 1300 Horsepower at 1200 RPM, purchased from Louisiana Machinery.
Florida Marine Transporters, named for its state of origin, got its start by purchasing four boats and a number of barges from Brown Marine Service, Inc., to perform government contracts. Recognizing its potential for growth, Dennis Pasentine soon purchased the upstart company and moved its operations to New Orleans’ North Shore. According to R.D. Quebodeaux, Boat Maintenance and Repair Manager, Dennis is the lifeblood of the company.
The company, which employs 650 people, currently owns and operates a fleet of more than 51 boats and more than 117 barges, providing a full range of tug and barge services along the Inland River system and the Gulf of Mexico. Of the 50 boats currently in Florida Marine Transporters fleet, Jeff and Bob Tournet, Louisiana Machinery Marine Engine Sales, estimate 32 are powered by Cat engines. R.D. said the company heavily relies on their boats’ propulsion to transport cargo-carrying barges from one area to the next. Bob said, “They aren’t self-propelled barges; barges have to be pushed or towed wherever they go.”
According to R.D., although their work is typically cut and dry, as far as movements go, Hurricane Katrina did present a number of challenges for both crews and equipment. R.D. said the company brought a tow offshore and back into the Intracoastal Waterway to circumvent blockage that was prohibiting fuel deliveries to a Florida air base. R.D. added, “We’ll go wherever we have a customer or anywhere we have a need.” Since their equipment was stored in a safe harbor, R.D. noted the company didn’t experience the same amount of downtime as other transportation companies. R.D. said, “In fact, we are one of the few fleets that went to work that next day.”
Florida Marine Transporters receives technical assistance from Louisiana Machinery Technical Communicator Joey Bruni, who performs their CAT training and teaches employees to perform maintenance and troubleshooting. This helps them maintain high levels of reliability and customer service. R.D. said, “Louisiana Machinery has always been there for us. Their training has been very beneficial.”
In addition, Florida Marine Transporters and Louisiana Machinery are developing a Customer Support Program, which according to Bob Tournet, will commit two employees working on a rotating 14 on and 14 off schedule to serve Florida Marine Transporters’ needs. Bob said, “These mechanics will perform more than maintenance and repair work. They will actually help train people on the vessels while they work on them.”
Jeff Brumfield added that training isn’t the only quality service provide by Louisiana Machinery. It also provides invaluable oil sampling, which he described as beneficial. He said, “There have been a couple of cases where it showed something trending.” Since barges operate at a rate of six miles per hour, downtime is unacceptable. “If we have a breakdown or need a part, we call the Louisiana Machinery’s Parts Department,” Jeff said, “They know we need our parts now.”
R.D. said as Florida Marine Transporters and Louisiana Machinery continue their long-standing relationship, their cooperative efforts help provide much needed goods and services throughout the Intracoastal Waterway from Brownville, Texas, to St. Marks, Fla., and along the Mississippi River from Venice, La., to St. Paul, Minn., – a service of which they all are proud to be a part.
Louisiana Machinery Helping Gilchrist Construction Pave its Way to Success
American writer John W. Gardner, once described excellence as doing ordinary things extraordinarily well. Gilchrist Construction Company LLC – one of Louisiana’s top highway contractors – concurs, noting excellence is a trait they look for in their employees and equipment. That’s why Gilchrist Division Equipment Manager Jerry Arnold; Gilchrist Parts Manager Johnny Hart; Gilchrist Equipment Maintenance Manager Greg Reynaud and their employer count on Louisiana Machinery for their Caterpillar® equipment support needs.
Jerry said, “Gilchrist is a very large company and we need to utilize our time as best as possible.” which is why they rely on Louisiana Machinery. According to Jerry, Louisiana Machinery provides high quality service. Other competitors aren’t geared up to meet Gilchrist’s needs and cannot provide the same level of support as Louisiana Machinery. Jerry boasts that they do a great job representing Caterpillar.
Founding his business upon the cornerstone of excellence, Randy Gilchrist built his construction company in 1981, starting with a work force of less than 15 employees. The small, start-up company initially performed commercial site work and concrete construction such as foundations, sidewalks and parking lots, but ventured into the Louisiana highway market in 1988. Due to its vision and aggressive growth strategies, it now employs more than 700 employees.
According to Greg, Louisiana Machinery’s Customer Support Agreements have been a key to that growth, serving as a helpful agent to manage and maintain Gilchrist’s ever-growing fleet of equipment. Greg noted that, “Louisiana Machinery services 95 percent of our fleet.” The company has more than 25 Caterpillar Excavators and Compact Excavators ranging from 303.5s to 345s. It also relies upon Cat 972H and 966H Wheel Loaders.
Since Gilchrist works on hundreds of miles of highway at a time, Greg revealed that dependable equipment is essential to smooth operations, which is why he cooperates daily with Louisiana Machinery’s Product Support Sales Representative, Greg Andes, who is always there to resolve any potential issues.
According to Greg Andes, maintenance outlined in CSA’s can include anything from total maintenance to hydraulic and undercarriage maintenance to fluid sampling, which helps companies monitor fluid cleanliness and wear and tear on parts. In the spirit of partnership, CSA’s allow Louisiana Machinery to inform managers of potential problems, helping them make equipment management decisions.
Greg Reynaud said, “Greg Andes keeps me well-informed about the status of the fleet.” He finds that fluid monitoring helps prevent breakdowns, especially on the final drive gear, which is subject to excessive wear from contact with dirt.
In addition to diagnosing and fixing problems fast, Greg Reynaud said Louisiana Machinery field service technicians can help companies of any size manage their equipment with regularly scheduled maintenance to prevent problems. Greg Andes makes the extra effort to maintain an open line of communication with Gilchrist employees. Greg Reynaud stated that Greg Andes keeps he and his team well informed on the status of their equipment and spares no method to contact him about pertinent information regarding Gilchrist’s Cat equipment. Greg Reynaud says, “He will tell me in person, call me or e-mail me. If he can’t get in contact with me, he contacts my staff. He’s on top of it if it’s something I need to pay close attention to.”
According to Greg Andes, another way he has supported Gilchrist’s operation is by compiling a list of all the machine models owned by Gilchrist into a consumable list from CAT. Using the list as a guidepost Greg Andes says, “We are trying our best to stock every part that could cause downtime. I think we’ve done a pretty good job of covering all the belts and high-wear items so we can minimize their downtime.”
Johnny Hart likes Louisiana Machinery’s additional convenience of the easy to use aspect of ordering parts online, “I like it. It’s a lot faster than getting on the phone”.
Greg Reynaud, Johnny Hart and Jerry Arnold all agree that whether you’re a small-scale business or a large construction company like Gilchrist Construction Company, Louisiana Machinery’s exceptional maintenance, Customer Support Agreements and online parts store will help your company maximize equipment uptime and keep your costs under control.
Louisiana Rents & Total Golf Construction Go For a Hole In One
Thanks to the cooperative efforts of Total Golf Construction and Louisiana Rents, golfing enthusiasts in New Orleans will soon be playing on the newly remodeled greens at Lakewood Golf Club. In business since 1978, Total Golf Construction Owners Larry Trenary and Jeff Brewster, and their work force of 100 employees, have sculpted numerous projects throughout the United States and abroad, making them one of the premier golf course builders. Total Golf Construction is also a certified member of the Golf Course Builders Association of America.
Total Golf Construction’s General Superintendent Ron Lapikas said, “It’s been awesome” when asked what is been like working with Louisiana Rents.” Upon the team’s arrival in the New Orleans area, Ron turned to Louisiana Rents because of his long standing confidence in Caterpillar® equipment. Ron said that the team knew they would purchase another dozer to add to their existing Caterpillar fleet: A D8, D7, D6 and three D5 Cat Track-Type Tractors, a 322, a 325 and 345 Hydraulic Excavator, plus a brand new 950H Wheel Loader and other Cat units.
According to Total Golf Construction’s Project Manager Brandon Faulkner, the Louisiana Rent’s Belle Chasse store is nice with a wide selection of equipment that has fulfilled the project's needs. At one time during the renovation, Louisiana Rents was the supplier of four CAT dozers on the job site in addition to the CAT dozers that were already owned by Total Golf Construction.
Louisiana Rents Outside Rental Sales Representative, Mark McElroy, has been helping to arrange for Total Golfs Caterpillar equipment needs since the renovation project began back in March. During the renovation of the aging Lakewood Golf Course, Faulkner and Lapikas relied upon Mark for a wealth of information. Ron stated Mark’s responsiveness to the team proved one of the greatest benefits to working with Louisiana Rents. Brandon echoed his sentiments stating, “Mark has been very helpful.”
Total Golf Construction encountered challenges with drainage construction due to working below sea level. Ron and his crew noted that the dirt took a long time to dry out because of its ability to hold moisture. According to Ron, “Anywhere else you dig a lake you’ll get the water coming up and have to run pumps, but here the only way we’ll get water back is if it rains or if we fill it up. The water doesn’t come up and it doesn’t go down. It was definitely a learning experience.” The team also found the installation of underground drainage a challenge because of how the material moves. But, thanks to the cost efficient 302 Hydraulic Excavator and Total Golf Construction’s employees’ ingenuity, drainage issues were quickly resolved. In confined spaces, such as between trees, the 302’s were the perfect size to dig out material in preparation for the 4-inch perforated drainage pipes. Ron emphasized, “the 302 saves at least three laborers” which helps Ron use his workers more efficiently elsewhere on the job site.
Noting from experience that they always can count on Caterpillar equipment to successfully perform challenging tasks, Ron said crews used the D6 Track-Type Tractors to move the bulk of the dirt into place before the course was shaped by the D5s. According to Ron, “Once the rough shaper (using the D6) is done you can begin to see what the hole is going to look like. Then the finish shaper (using the D5) fine tunes the greens and bunkers.” Ron also said that the team relies upon the 257, 267, 277 and 287 Multi Terrain Loaders to haul rocks, load trucks and to also move materials. Once completed, the property will feature a 180-acre golf community featuring a Class A golf course, a four-star luxury hotel, a conference center, golf villas, condominiums, a retirement village, office suites, restaurants and specialty retail shops.
Total Golf Construction is currently on schedule to complete the restoration of the Algiers Community landmark in early 2008 and bring the Lakewood Golf Club back to its PGA tournament heydays.
For more information, contact us at info@louisianamachinery.com
