Unit #67 will be entering the final testing phase this month. This state-of-the-art piece of equipment represents the culmination of our commitment to building and refining our own tools to meet the demands of the industry. It is the 5th truck of the 225 generation (developed in 2020) and boasts all the hydraulic attachment capabilities of our RGZ Track Cranes – with the benefits of a picker truck. Of note, this is our Assembly Shop Project Leader, Jack Beattie’s, first build.
The RGZ Picker Truck, designed with the same innovative spirit that drives all our projects, is the latest example of how DFI continues to push boundaries and lead the way in piling operations.
The History Behind Why We Build Our Own Equipment
At DFI, innovation is at the heart of everything we do. Our journey into building our own equipment began in the early 1990s when our founder, Dave Freeland, recognized the limitations of the standard cranes and hydraulic systems available on the market. These off-the-shelf options didn’t meet our needs. Rather than settling for less, Dave saw an opportunity to create something better. This belief, paired with a team ready to take on the challenge, led to the decision to build our own cranes – literally – from the ground up.
The Team Behind the Innovation
Dave didn’t embark on this journey alone. He was joined by a talented group, including welder Robert Zawadiuk, who played a critical role in bringing the vision to life. Together, they designed and built cranes tailored specifically to DFI’s needs, setting the stage for greater efficiency and effectiveness in our operations.
The Power of DFI’s RGZ Cranes
Today, DFI’s RGZ cranes have proven time and again to be the best multi-purpose pile installation equipment in the piling industry. Purpose-built, these cranes prioritize functionality and durability, optimizing piling operations across various environments.
Our track-mounted RGZ cranes deliver exceptional performance in the most rugged situations. Agile and light, they can be hauled to site and set up faster and easier, making them both cost-effective and efficient.
Meanwhile, our rubber-mounted RGZ cranes offer unparalleled versatility, able to carry their own equipment – including hammers, leads, and even piles – directly to the job site. This unique capability ensures that our operations remain smooth and streamlined, reducing downtime and increasing productivity.
The Benefits of Building Our Own Equipment
One of the key advantages of building our own equipment is the ability to continuously innovate and improve. We’re not tied down to the limitations of third-party suppliers. Instead, we can quickly adapt our machinery to meet the challenges we face in the field. This hands-on approach has allowed us to refine our tools and processes, keeping us ahead of the competition and ensuring that we’re always operating at our best.
At the End of the Day
The decision to build our own equipment was a game-changer for DFI. It has allowed us to maintain control over our operations, ensuring that our tools and equipment are always perfectly suited to the job at hand. As we look to the future, we’ll continue to embrace this spirit of innovation, always striving to find new ways to improve and lead the industry.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this journey. Your hard work and dedication are what make DFI the innovative leader it is today.