A Small, But Mighty Money Maker

Most of the customers of NuWay Rents, a division of NuWay Concrete Forms, Inc., based in St. Louis with four locations throughout Missouri, are in the business of pouring concrete. That’s why Keith Foreman, rental manager, cautiously tested the market for the Bobcat® MT50 track loader in the Spring of 2002. He purchased one unit; within two months he ordered three more. “Because of its size and simple operation, we thought the MT50 would appeal primarily to homeowners,” Foreman explains. “But about 90 percent of the people renting the machine are contractors. That’s about the same customer mix as for our other Bobcat equipment (about 80 Bobcat loaders, excavators and backhoes).” The small size appeals to contractors working on projects in backyards. They need a time- and labor-saving machine that will fit through narrow gates. It’s also ideal for those doing interior cleanup work on demolition projects. “The mini track loader gives them an alternative to power buggies, wheelbarrows and shovels,” Foreman says. “They also like it because it treads lightly and doesn’t tear up lawns.” Most customers rent the MT50 by the day and can outfit it with a smooth or tooth bucket, an auger, hydraulic breaker or trencher attachment. “Like all our Bobcat equipment, we rarely have any mechanical problems with it,” he says. “We’re very happy with the money we’re making with these machines.”