Deer Creek Brings John Deere Pull Scrapers to Earthmoving Contractors

Wed October 09, 2002
Aggregate Equipment Guide

John Deere tractor/scrapers are the new kids on the block and Deer Creek Equipment is introducing them to local earthmoving contractors.

In 1997, the company saw an opportunity to expand its product offerings to include earthmoving equipment, such as John Deere and Miskin pull scrapers.

“We are enthusiastic about this market and look forward to continuing to expand this segment of our business,” said Gary Sorrelle, Deer Creek’s tractor/scraper specialist. “Pull scrapers come in two configurations, ejector and carryall. We have access to both types and each one has its advantages. In addition, Deere offers both wheel tractors as well as track machines, with up to 450 hp and pans from 5 cu. yds. to 24 cu. yds. The trick is to tailor a package for any size contractor,” he said.

According to several of Deer Creek’s customers, John Deere tractors with powershift transmissions and pull scrapers have provided them with a cost-effective means to perform their excavation work. Three of those companies are: Crouse Construction, David G. Horsey & Sons Inc. and Technivate Inc.

To stay competitive, Bobby Crouse, owner of Crouse Construction, looked for alternatives to the way he was performing earthwork. Six years ago, he turned to Deer Creek and John Deere tractors/scrapers.

“Our maintenance costs have gone down by at least one-third and the purchase price is about one-half of the self-propelled [units],” said Crouse. “The new powershift transmissions have made the tractor extremely productive. The early pull scrapers were being pulled with dozers and the wear-and-tear on the undercarriage was too high. The pull scrapers also have evolved into true construction quality units.”

In addition, Crouse uses the wheel-type tractor for his construction projects. “We have tried track machines but found that because of our soil conditions, the dual-wheeled tractors have outperformed track machines. Sand seems to be the exception. Tracks work better there,” he said.

David G. Horsey & Sons Inc. had a different reason for purchasing a John Deere tractor/scraper. “We had a big job with a lot of dirt that we needed to move in a hurry,” said Horsey. “We can move dirt much faster and cheaper than the self-propelled units and do it with just one operator. The 20 Series also is saving 35 gal. of fuel a day doing the same work as the 9400.”

Technivate made the switch to Deere tractor/scrapers when the equipment it was using needed to be replaced. Economics also was an important factor for the company to purchase the John Deere combination.

“The main reason that we made the switch to Deere tractors was to reduce our operating costs,” said Monte Richardton, of Technivate Inc. “We have achieved very satisfactory results with the Deere units.”

In addition to the benefits the Deere equipment brought to their enterprises, the contractors agreed that Deer Creek Equipment had provided support after the sale.

“Deer Creek Equipment has been really good to work with. They have responded very quickly and addressed any problems that came up,” said Crouse. “Their salesman, Gary Sorrelle, has always been willing to find answers to whatever we needed.”

Horsey also agreed that support after the sale was an important factor for purchasing equipment from the company. “We have not had many problems, but Deer Creek has been there when we needed them,” he said.

“Deer Creek Equipment had done a good job of taking care of whatever problems we have had. They have given us the support that we need,” Richardton said of his after-the-sale experience with Deer Creek.

Although the three contractors are excavators, they are diversified in the type of earthwork they perform but not diversified in their willingness to recommend Deer Creek to other contractors.

Crouse Construction, located in Elkton, MD, has been moving earth for more than 30 years, particularly in housing developments. Crouse said, “Deer Creek has been selling tractors and pans longer than any Deere dealer we know. They have acquired the expertise to be able to make recommendations to match the right equipment to the contractors’ needs. That experience is worth a lot.”

David G. Horsey & Sons Inc., located in Laurel, DE, has been a site preparation contractor that performs golf course construction as well as topsoil stripping. It has been in business for approximately 10 years.

When asked if he would recommend Deer Creek Equipment, Horsey said, “Yes. This product requires a dealer that has had experience. Deer Creek Equipment seems to have had a great deal of experience with tractors and pull scrapers. You want to deal with a company that can make recommendations and give advice. Deer Creek Equipment is it.”

Technivate Inc., located in Landenberg, PA, has been in the earthmoving business specializing in housing developments for 25 years and would refer other contractors to the dealer.

“We would recommend Deer Creek Equipment to anyone looking into tractors and pull pans. They have qualified people and understand the needs of our type of business. Their support has been very good,” said Richardton.

Deer Creek Equipment is a multi-location John Deere dealership covering the states of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey. It has served the agricultural, commercial and consumer needs of the community for more than 50 years.

This story also appears on Construction Equipment Guide.