Clyde Excavation’s Journey with the CASE CX145C excavator
Adam Attfield, the owner of Clyde Excavation Ltd, operates out of Southland and Central Otago, areas known for their tough terrain and demanding projects. After years of experience in mining and construction, including a 15-year stint in Australian mines, Adam wanted to take his business to the next level. When his predecessor retired, Adam took over Clyde Excavation and made it his mission to “fly his flag” in the construction world. He thrives on the variety the work brings, from creating tidy landscapes to laying tracks, all while solving the unique challenges that forestry and construction throw his way.
Why CASE CX145C?
Before switching to CASE, Adam relied on a Sumitomo excavator, which he found reliable but realised the frequent 250-hour servicing was limiting his productivity. When Adam discovered that CASE offered 500-hour servicing intervals on their heavy construction equipment, it became a key factor in his decision to switch to a CASE CX145C excavator. This extended servicing time meant less downtime and allowed him to meet client needs more efficiently, especially for his forestry projects.
Looking for a machine that could deliver both performance and reduced downtime, Adam made the move to CASE.
“Every 4-5 weeks, I’d be dealing with downtime for servicing, and it all added up,” Adam says.
The downtime wasn’t just about the cost—it was the lost hours that really affected productivity. Every hour the machine was down meant less time getting the job done, which could quickly add up and slow down progress on-site. For any owner-operator, this kind of delay can be frustrating and costly, impacting the ability to stay on schedule and keep projects moving forward. Adam reached out to several manufacturers, including CAT, Kobelco, and MIMICO.
It was MIMICO’s Daryl Highsted who stood out, offering a hands-on approach. Daryl didn’t just pitch the CASE CX145C excavator; he carefully worked through Adam’s requirements and came up with a custom setup that made operating the machine straightforward. One key feature Adam appreciated was having the thumb work off the boom—something that significantly simplified his operations.
“Having a thumb work off the boom was crucial for me,” Adam notes. “Daryl was head and shoulders above the rest in terms of customer service and preparation.”
Built for Efficiency and Minimal Downtime
What really sold Adam on the CASE CX145C was its extended servicing intervals. Most brands require servicing every 250 hours, but CASE equipment offers servicing every 500 hours. This effectively reduced Adam’s servicing downtime and costs by 50%. Over time, these savings have been a game-changer, allowing Clyde Excavation to pass on the savings to clients while keeping project rates competitive. Beyond the servicing benefits, Adam praises the CX145C’s fuel efficiency, smooth operation, and overall reliability. As an owner-operator, he spends long days in the cab, so comfort is key. Adam notes that the CASE machine offers a better seat and a more comfortable ride than his previous Sumitomo, which makes all the difference when working those long hours.
Tight Spaces? No Problem
Thanks to its short swing/radius, the CX145C is well-suited to confined spaces, a crucial factor when working in forestry or on projects with tight access. Yet, it’s also well-balanced for larger jobs, making it a versatile all-rounder. For Adam, it’s the perfect balance between power and precision, handling everything from delicate track work to heavy digging with ease.
The CX145C’s short swing/radius also makes it versatile for working in tight spaces, while still being well-balanced for larger tasks.
Looking Ahead and Expanding with CASE
Adam’s success with the CX145C left him eager to continue growing his fleet. He’s already eyeing up a smaller CASE 1.9T excavator, which he plans to offer as a rental option for his clients. This will allow him to provide a full range of reliable equipment, keeping the standards high for every project Clyde Excavation takes on.
Final Thoughts
Adam sums up his experience with MIMICO and the CASE CX145C as a smooth, reliable process that’s made his operations more efficient and less costly. For a contractor who values uptime and comfort, the CX145C has been a true game-changer, offering the perfect combination of reliability, efficiency, and ease of use.