Toby and Christie

Hi Gayton and Teresa,

We have been very impressed with the J1T excavator, here is some feedback as requested.

We’ve had the J1T excavator for about a month now and despite its small size, it packs quite a punch.  The build quality of the boom is far beyond what we would have expected for a machine in this price range and it has the strength to match.  Grease nipples galore, excellent welding, a quick-change for attachments and thick, solid steel everywhere.  The GP bucket is so solid, it is hard to lift by hand and perfect for light digging.  We purchased a few attachments, including a trencher bucket and had tiger teeth put on it at Gayton’s suggestion and thankfully so as we have some very hard clay, but they push through it pretty well.  For anything really hard, we use the ripper bar to break up first, then it’s easy going again.  The mud bucket is good for shoveling gravel and soil etc, but a minor complaint is we would desire it to be a little deeper, as the machine could no doubt carry a slightly bigger load.  The auger is unstoppable, the pilot and the teeth that Gayton recommended really make it bulletproof.

Gayton himself has plenty of relevant experience and he won’t lead you down the garden path, he only wants the machine to meet your listed wants and expectations.  We also had Gayton make a custom log grab attachment and it is as tough as a rock, again a very minor point that the log grab could have had a slightly wider mouth to it, but I’ve done a quick modification and it’s now working perfectly.  Picks up some big logs and either loads them in the trailer or holds them up for chainsawing no worries.  The engine in the unit is just the right size, powerful enough to rip through anything and rock you around if you are heavy handed, but still super economical.  I reckon we’ve gone through about 1 litre per hour while trenching and with about a 6-7 litre tank, you can pretty much get through the whole day without filling up.  The tracks are geared rather low, so getting around isn’t quick, but you can go anywhere with them.  We towed a 2t 4×4 out of a bog without breaking a sweat and with the tracks being made of rubber, they aren’t too rough on the ground you are working on.  The dozer at the front easily ploughs the soil back into the hole you just dug when trenching and it’s not made of thin sheet metal either.  It is a properly welded thick metal frame and scoop that can lift the front of the J1T like it is a jumping castle.

The rest of the controls are simple but professional.  You could thread a needle with the accuracy of them, but can get the machine moving efficiently at times by operating both sides at once after you get used to them.  The limitations of the pump give you about two controls at once before it searches for more flow.  With the controls being in front of where you sit, you can sometimes throw yourself around a bit when the machine rocks, but they still fall into the good value category for the price of the machine.  The only part of the machine we would say that has been skimped on is the seat.  It’s not as bad as a plastic bench seat, but after an hour or two on it, you get a bit sore.  As it is only bolted to a hinged plate, it’ll be easy and cheap enough to swap it with something from a wrecker.  We might even just pull apart an office chair and put that in its place.

Gayton and Teresa have been very helpful and professional throughout the purchase and we are all too happy to take the time in return to provide them with this review.

We wish you all the best and will be in touch soon enough for some consumables.

Regards,

Toby and Christie.

Lance

“Based in central Victoria, we needed a machine to support a range of tasks around the property from landscaping to maintenance. The Bush Ranger has been a perfect solution for us, I can’t emphasis how many man hours it reduces. Service from both Teresa & Gayton is exceptional and the quality of the Bush Ranger’s components really stands out.”

John and Wynn
(Shugg Windows Pty Ltd)

We were and are delighted with the advice, personable service and first class customer support provided by yourselves.

What increased our respect further, was the fact that you both were highly knowledgeable and experienced with the product we purchased and with earth moving equipment in general.

We were really impressed with the time you both gave to demonstrate the equipment and tutor us in using the equipment.

We would have no hesitation in buying equipment and part through yourselves in future

Your business style shines with honesty and care.  We cannot recommend you both highly enough.

Matt MI electrical

From the minute I walked through the gate to take a look at the Bushranger, Gayton and Teresa couldn’t be more helpful in discussing and demonstrating how the machine worked, spending considerable time with me on that day.

No question was a bother and their experience in the industry really showed in the way they could answer my questions and provide further insight.

Their customer service is second to none and I wouldn’t hesitate in using or recommending there services again in the future.

Gustav

We operate a small farm and were looking to purchase a small excavator for use on the property. We required a unit that is structurally sound, priced at a reasonable level to make it affordable for a small property owner and backed by service delivery that would keep us happy well into the future.

We looked at various options available at the lower price point within the market. In March 2018 we settled on the McLoughlin J1T Excavator. Although this was not the cheapest on the market, it appeared to be structurally robust, easy to operate and suitable for our application. Add to this the friendly and helpful advice and service we received from both Gayton and Teresa from Stranset and the deal was done.

Service a step beyond

Not only did Gayton and Teresa agree to include a free 100 hour service on top of the normal 12 month warranties, but even included a small box of tools and grease to facilitate regular user maintenance.

Gayton even agreed to deliver the excavator to the property for free, which is a 150km round trip. At the property he demonstrated the correct use of the excavator to achieve the best results, while maintaining safety and proper care of the equipment.

The excavator, although small in stature is a great workhorse. At times I tackle jobs, which would be more suited to larger machines, but it gets the job done, be it a bit slower. The excavator starts first time and runs on a whiff of diesel – great fun to say the least. As I tell my wife, it might be small, but it beats a shovel and pick hands down.

I am happy to recommend both the excavator as a machine and Gayton and Teresa from Stranset Enterprises for their superior customer service. If the finances allow, I will certainly purchase my next piece of equipment from them.

Chris

The bush ranger has been fantastic machine lots of power to get those jobs done. Big thanks to Stranset for there after support and service

Would highly recommend this machine that is in the market for one

Gday Jaxon
(Stawell, Vic 3385 )

Thanks for everything you guys have done definitely will deal with you guys again

Cheers

Mick
(BARKERS TRANSPORT)

Just bought a McLoughlin Bush Ranger mini loader from Stranset Enterprises in Thomastown.

From my first phone call to Gayton & Teresa to delivery was a hassle free experience.

When I went to pick up my Bush Ranger , Gayton demo’s all equipment while loading on trailer ,while Teresa gets all the paper work in order,

Plenty of communication & all questions answered.

Great mini loader ,well presented ,strong & simple to use, easy access to all maintenance requirments.

Thanks Gayton & Teresa for your help & knowledge in my purchace.

Regards Mike

Craig Reaper
(KERANG VIC 3579)

Gayton and Teresa are absolutely, fantastic People.  There honesty, dedication to customer service is exceptional.  You can be assured after you buy from these guys, the dedicated service to you will continue to impress.  You don’t see this anywhere else.  I Bought a J1T mini excavator.  Wonderful machine.  Ease of operation, fuel efficient.  And when you operate, you notice the quality.  I’ll be giving these guys more work as required.

Cody Lee Friend

Have bought a few things through these guys and the service is unbeatable.
Delivered to my door and shown over the new attachments, didn’t leave until they knew I was happy with the product I’d purchased.
Will be dealing with you guys again down the track.

Brett Rodgers
(BRIDGE WATER HOMES PTY LTD)

Let me just say that I am very happy with my purchase.  After looking at all options available on the market, I decided to buy the Bush Ranger, for my construction company.  We needed it mostly for the auger for drilling foundations.  The machine has exceeded my expectations. I have also used the 4-in-1 bucket for carting rubble and concrete; and for moving soil, or filling skip bins.

I especially like the ease in which the machine can be controlled.  All with one hand.  The modern stick control can be mastered almost immediately; other products on the market have old school twin valve control leaver set ups, that can be difficult or confusing, and leave room for error.

The Bush Ranger is an excellent addition to my company.

I would also like to commend the staff at Stranset Enterprises.  Teresa and Gayton were very helpful and informative.  Gayton is a wealth of knowledge and I have all confidence that my digger will be always in great working order.  Nothing seems to much to ask him. Any little issues that I came across, (my lack of knowledge; first time owing a machine like this); Gayton had given his private mobile number and spent as long as needed on phone talking me through everything.

I would recommend the Bush Ranger and Stranset Enterprises to anyone. Private or Professional this little beauty will serve you very well, and the after sales service is exceptional.

Brett Rodgers

Bridge Water Homes Pty Ltd.