The Scene
Stewart Kammann, founder and owner of Kamco Arenas, is renowned by his clients as an unyielding operator. With a lifetime involvement in the equine industry, it was a natural fit for Stewart to transition into constructing horse arenas. His deep-rooted knowledge and experience have made him a trusted member of the equine community, ensuring that clients repeatedly seek his expertise. Working with unwavering dedication and efficiency, he seems more machine than man. Our team can attest to this after recently travelling to the picturesque Perth suburban town of Serpentine to witness Stewart and his CASE equipment in action.
From Show Jumping to Earthmoving
Beginning his career as a world-class show jumper and even winning the prestigious Bond Derby back in 1982, Stewart has been involved with the equine industry his entire life. In 1986, he entered the earthmoving industry, subsequently leaving show jumping behind. Operating across the southwest of Western Australia (WA), Stewart managed his earthmoving business for a couple of decades before transitioning to constructing small-scale horse arenas in Busselton on WA’s south-west coast. The business expanded to Perth, where Kamco Arenas was born, growing into the premier builder of horse arenas in the region.
Onsite with CASE Equipment
Onsite with Kamco Arenas, we observed Stewart and his CASE B Series Compact Track Loaders (CTLs) in action. Stewart utilises a TR340B and the newest, largest CTL on the market, the TV620B. He was revisiting a client for arena maintenance and some landscaping – a service Stewart offers exclusively to select clientele.
The Equipment: A Key to Success
Stewart purchased his first CASE machine in 2019 - the TR270. However, his initial interaction with a CASE machine dates back to when he was just 16, assisting his brother with site works and digging trenches with an old-school CASE backhoe.
Stewart had previously used other brands of construction machinery for his earthmoving requirements. Regarding the difference between the brands, Stewart remarked, “The CASE track machines are brilliant. Better for final trim, better on power, and better fuel economy." These qualities are crucial for constructing up to 22 horse arenas each year. The machines enable Stewart to undertake more projects, with him noting, “On a large arena, the TV620B saves roughly four days. It’s like a dozer, loader, and skid steer all in one machine.”
New Additions and Upgrades
The latest addition to Kamco’s machinery fleet is the CASE TV620B. “It’s big,” said Stewart, and with an operating weight of 7,311kg, an engine boasting 114 horsepower, and a bucket dump height of 2,770mm, he is not wrong. This new machine also features an 8-inch colour LCD display, giving the operator total control. “It’s so easy… you just go to the menu, press a button, and you can tailor it to whatever you want to do. You can adjust the flow to the tracks or increase flow through the tilt ram or lift ram. I feel very spoilt with this machine,” Stewart said.
The TV620B is the largest CTL on the market, with an auxiliary hydraulic flow of 157 L/min, a rated operating capacity of 2,812 kg, and a track length on the ground of 1,880 mm. This new machine means business.
Upgrading from his initial TR270 to a TR340B and subsequently adding a TV620B to his fleet, Stewart also has a CX17C mini excavator to support his arena-building efforts. As a solo operator, he brings his entire fleet to every job using a custom-built trailer he made himself to transport his CASE machinery to and from the work site.
Efficient and Reliable Performance
Stewart has put the TV620B to the test, completing a 70mx70m horse arena for the Esperance Equestrian Club on WA’s southern coast. He credits his CASE equipment with enabling him to efficiently and expertly undertake large construction projects with peace of mind. Thanks to his partnership with McIntosh & Son, he knows he will always receive the support he needs.
The Partnership: Beyond Machinery
Stewart is the first to say he could talk about CASE all day long, but one of the primary reasons he continues to choose CASE is his experience with the McIntosh & Son dealership. Andrew Cox from McIntosh & Son in Perth joined the CASE team onsite when we met with Kamco Arenas. He even jumped into the TR340B to assist Stewart, highlighting their excellent rapport.
Stewart shared that he is very open with his machinery selection, having worked with various brands. However, with McIntosh & Son, “they don’t just sell you a machine; they actually follow up. They call to check that everything is going well, and sometimes they even bring you a coffee just to make sure you’re all good,” he said.
Unlike any other machinery buying experience, Stewart stated that any warranty issue is resolved promptly. “Anything that goes wrong, I call up, they ask what the problem is, where I am, and someone comes out straight away,” he said. “Their main objective is to keep you working; that’s how they operate,” Stewart remarked about McIntosh & Son.
Andrew Cox values his relationship with Stewart and Kamco Arenas, saying, “It’s a pleasure to support Stewart and Kamco Arenas. Their commitment to quality and efficiency aligns perfectly with our values at McIntosh & Son. We are proud to be part of their success story.”
A Future with CASE
The integration of CASE construction equipment has not only enhanced Kamco Arenas' efficiency but has also solidified Stewart’s reputation for excellence in the equine construction industry. With the unwavering support of McIntosh & Son, Stewart is confident that his fleet of CASE machinery will continue to drive the success and growth of his business. As Stewart looks to the future, he remains committed to delivering the highest quality arenas, with the reliability and performance of CASE equipment by his side.