S220 Excels in New Home Excavation Work

Traci and Felix Contreras

When it was time to update their fleet of skid-steer loaders, excavating contractors Traci and Felix Contreras chose the Bobcat® S220. In fact, they bought eight S220s for their company A-1 Excavation, Inc., Melissa, Tex. They also operate a 773 and five 863 skid-steer loaders.

A-1 Excavation specializes in providing excavation services for new home construction—from cutting out areas for foundations, driveways and sidewalks to final grading. Traci says their 20-year-old business is the largest excavating firm in the North Dallas area.

The hefty, radius lift path S220s have proven ideal for this work, notes Traci. Powered by a 75 hp liquidcooled, turbo-charged Kubota diesel engine, the S220 combines the size needed to work in the tighter spaces of today’s residential developments. It has impressive tractive effort and pushing ability to move dirt quickly and efficiently. “It’s a busy machine,” she says. “The S220 gives us all the performance we expected and then some.”

That includes a rated operating capacity of 2,200 lb., a reach of 21.7 in. and a 122.4-in. lift height which pays off when loading trucks. “Our operators are really impressed with the S220,” says Traci.

They also like the extended wheelbase. “The ride is very smooth,” she explains. “When you’re operating the machines 10 to 12 hours a day, that makes a big difference in comfort.” Adding to the comfort is the operatorfriendly cab, which she describes as “a perfect fit,” and a suspension seat on each of the S220s.

The loaders are also equipped with steel tracks, as needed. “We mount the tracks when compacting cuts and when working in muddy conditions,” Traci says.

Excellent service over the years from their dealer, Bobcat of McKinney, also factored into the decision to buy the S220s. “If any of our machines need repair, our dealer gets right on it,” she says. “They really care and appreciate us as much as we appreciate them. That’s hard to come by these days.”

That, plus the profit-making performance of the S220s, add up to a very satisfied owner. As Traci puts it, “Bobcat makes a great machine.”