DAB Groundworks Customer Spotlight

It can be steep, hard going and tricky to prepare ground and construct tracks in the forestry in Scotland’s Highlands and having the right machinery is essential for Duncan Boyd, owner of DAB Groundworks. 

Currently working on a five-year Forestry and Land Scotland contract, a key priority is also to perform the work as environmentally-sensitively as possible. 

Alongside forestry, DAB Groundworks builds roads – currently working on a complex project in Strontian for the Sunart Community which creating a new road into the forest block, harvesting the timber and extracting it into the sawmills. 

DAB also offers plant hire for other regional projects, including recycling centres, quarry works, major construction engineering jobs and estates. 

“We have been working with Gordons Construction for the last 15 years and they are our go-to,” says Duncan, who is working across seven different sites for private and public sector clients. “We trust their advice and the equipment is hi spec, robust and has the latest technology that we need for the jobs we are doing. This is in terms of safety, fuel efficiency and getting the work done well. Gordons is also very responsive when we need new parts or speaking to our mechanic to help fix an issue.”   

For working on the different peaty open hillsides of Scotland’s West Coast, Duncan looks for wide track pads and a raised undercarriage which also helps minimise disturbance to the ground and ground species. Duncan bought several Develon Excavators from Gordons which are chosen depending on the ground conditions. A Develon DX-160 is ideal for softer sites, the Develon DX -225 is for sites in the middle range and the Develon DX-255 is perfect for hard ground conditions with heavier stumps.  

“To fulfil our contracts and attract future business, it’s important that we can demonstrate that we are keeping the impact on the environment as low as possible,” says Duncan, who aims to keep at least 80% of the company fleet less than five years old. “Forestry and road construction is very reliant on diesel so we focus on how we can be sustainable across all areas of the business.  

“We look for the latest efficiencies in fuel to keep emissions low, including, for example, using AdBlue to reduce nitrogen-oxide emissions. We like that the DX05V Engine in the new Develon DX230LC-9 Excavator offers increased productivity, whilst saving up to 8% fuel usage. The new fully electrohydraulic control systems also help with reducing fuel costs and increasing operator comfort and functionality.”  

The DAB team also car shares to sites, carries spill kits and train operators to reduce the risk to water pollution and reuses brash and stumps to protect the ground. 

Being able to carry an extra fuel tank to these sites is key for jobs remote areas, which all of the Develons purchased from Gordon’s can do. 

It was the safety sensors that attracted Duncan, who employs 16 people, to operate the various Excavators on different sites, not only for being aware of other operators working nearby, but, for example, in Chapman’s Woods, where there are a lot of walkers and bikers.  

For road construction, Duncan has invested in the Develon Dx225s up to DX420s which is ideal for use with the crushing bucket and rock breaking.  

Working with the community, and on projects which benefit the community, is important to DAB Groundworks, and as a business they are also keen to encourage more local school leavers to consider a career in groundworks. 

“We have a really good team of patient and good trainers who can support young people to build their experience in the industry,” says Lyndsey, the secretary at DAB Groundworks and is going into colleges to showcase the opportunities as a profession. “You learn new skills on the job, gaining tickets for these, and will have a chance to travel within the local area. You will be working with the latest machinery, and it’s well paid and rewarding work.” 

As DAB Construction continues to see 15% year-on-year growth, growing from two Excavators in 2004 to an expansive fleet of 23, Duncan adds: “Working with Gordons Construction to find the right kit with the latest innovation for the job has been invaluable in helping us to fulfil significant contracts in challenging terrains while also minimising the environmental impact of the works we are doing.”