NEWS RELEASE October 8, 2022
Construction & Forestry Technician of the Year keeps roadbuilding machines rolling
As a workshop manager responsible for a depot full of John Deere machines used to build roads, Luke Anning knows the value of a knowledgeable and efficient technician to service the fleet.
Luke is employed by the Regional Council of Goyder in Burra, South Australia, and his technician of choice is Max O'Brien from RDO Equipment in Wingfield, Adelaide, 160km to the south.
"It's rare to find someone of Max's age with the ability to problem solve, repair and maintain equipment to the standard that he does. His no fuss and no stress attitude towards any task is unbelievable. Nothing ever seems to be too hard or complex for him," Luke said.
It seems plenty of others agree. In August, Max O'Brien was named the 2022 John Deere Construction & Forestry Service Technician of the Year, winning the title against five other finalists from Australia and New Zealand.
At Goyder Regional Council, Max takes full responsibility for servicing and maintaining the John Deere 1050K Bulldozer, one of 99 pieces of equipment in the plant which includes John Deere 770 Graders, 670 Graders, a 644K Loader, 315SJ and SG Backhoes, 7200R Tractors, 320G Skid Steers and 1565 Front Deck Mowers.
"As far as I'm concerned, the dozer has been Max's baby from day one. I'm too busy so he and RDO Wingfield have done all the repairs, warranty work, everything," Luke said.
The Goyder Council crew works across 25-30 quarries on private land, crushing and carting limestone, bluestone and ironstone to build or re-sheet dirt roads across the region. There's a lot of pressure and long hours, Luke says, which makes it critical that machinery is serviced and maintained promptly.
"We sometimes work 13-day fortnights so we have to program maintenance and know when any one of 99 machines are due for service, which is why we rely on efficient service providers like Max."
About John Deere:
Deere & Company is a global leader in the delivery of agricultural, golf & turf, construction, and forestry equipment. We help our customers push the boundaries of what's possible in ways that are more productive and sustainable to help life leap forward. Our technology-enabled products including the John Deere Autonomous 8R Tractor and See & Spray™ are just two of the ways we help meet the world's increasing need for food, shelter, and infrastructure. Deere & Company also provides financial services through John Deere Financial. For more information, visit John Deere at its worldwide website at JohnDeere.com or in Australia at JohnDeere.com.au.
Media Contacts:
Stacey Wordsworth
0438 394 371
stacey.wordsworth@bluehillpr.com.au
Hannah Hardy
0421 196 004
hannah.hardy@bluehillpr.com.au