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Spring 2007

Improving Flatwork Quality

A Bobcat laser-guided grader attachment, mounted on an S250, plays a key role in helping Nachatelo Construction, Mauston, Wis., achieve one of its main objectives — providing customers with a superior product.

"Quality is our top priority," says Ferrel Nachatelo. "We build the best product out there."

He and Mark Reavis own the general contracting firm which builds dairy facilities and is expanding into commercial construction, such as retail buildings.

The ability of the laser-controlled grader to control the sub-grade within +⁄- .25 in. is especially critical in minimizing errors when pouring large concrete floors. Typically, the floors of the company's dairy barn projects average the size of a football field. Even a minor variation can lead to a major difference in thickness and quality of a floor when spread over such a large area.

Before switching to the laser-controlled grader system, along with a laser-controlled screed, the company set the grade by hand.

"Since then, the quality of our floors has gone up tremendously," says Nachatelo. "There are no high or low spots. When we tell a customer the floor is 5-in.-thick, it's exactly 5-in.-thick. I want to keep my word and the laser-controlled grader system helps me do that. I can rest at night knowing that our customers are getting 100 percent value for their money."

The company's choice of Bobcat equipment, which also includes 763 and 773 skid-steer loaders, an MT52 mini track loader and various attachments, also reflects its emphasis on quality. "We've tried other brands but went to all Bobcat compact equipment because it's so user-friendly," Nachatelo says. "Bobcat makes a dependable machine backed by dependable service."

"The truth is, Bobcat has earned my affection. The equipment always runs and the service from our dealer (Mid-State Group, Inc., Prairie du Sac, Wis.) is so excellent. They provide the parts, rental equipment and technical information we need and are real partners in our business."