Forestry first for STM

The innovative ASV VT-100F compact track loader has been making a mark in the forestry industry on a global scale since being released earlier this year, and recently Sydney-based STM Trucks Machinery sold the first such model in Australia.

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Running a business from the back of a Holden Astra to managing a large civil and development landscape management company within 15 years.

That's not bad going by any measure, and exemplifies the commitment and dedication of Paul Munro, the Managing Director and founder of Sydney-homed ACL Landscape Management.

Paul took time to speak to Earthmoving Equipment Magazine about his operations and the sort of equipment he prioritises for his fleet.

"I started ACL Landscape Management in 2010," he said.

"I was out of work and started mowing people's lawns out the back of my Astra. I was so embarrassed I used to park around the corner from the client's place.

"But I quickly grew the business over the coming years, specialising in land and asset management and vegetation management for developers and government bodies.

"We grew big enough to be able to employ staff and add more equipment, and today service some of NSW and Australia's largest developers like Landcom and Mirvac homes.

"We have 12 staff, and a large fleet of machinery and trucks. It's come a long way from the Astra days!" The equipment used by ACL encompasses a wide range, from hand-held branch cutters to the large commercial ride-on mowers, as well as a Fecon forestry mulcher, multiple tipper trucks and landscape maintenance trucks, and small excavators.

Pride of place is the new ASV VT-100F, ASV's new compact track loader specifically designed for the rigorous nature of forestry mulching and site preparation.

The VT-100s boast a vertical lift design, ideal for various loading and grading tasks in landscaping and construction.

Both the basic and forestry models prioritise enhanced comfort, visibility, and performance, solidifying their status as leaders in the compact track loader category.