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SMS Equipment helps Foothills Nurseries increase operational efficiency with custom equipment modifications

Takeuchi tree spades get an important upgrade at Alberta tree farm

Foothills Nurseries (FHN) is a wholesale nursery located near Calgary, Alberta with 50 years’ experience serving the local market. The company has more than 450 acres in production, including prairie-hardy trees, shrubs and perennials tailored for the regional growing zone. They provide plant material for a broad range of commercial and residential customers, fulfilling orders from large-scale to individual trees. No matter the size of the order, FHN prides itself in connecting customers with the products they need, when they need them, facilitated by their expert yard staff and fleet of vehicles.

When FHN wanted to add some specialized equipment to their critical fleet, they turned to SMS Equipment.

“We wanted an equipment dealer that was committed to supporting customers long-term,” says Josh Poffenroth, Owner and General Manager at FHN. “Having a Canadian-based partner with a reliable supply of parts and a knowledgeable team to service and support our equipment was critical. While we looked at other providers, we were drawn to SMS Equipment’s commitment to this market space.”

“From our first meeting, the SMS Equipment team was focused on our needs, and they took the time to ask all the right questions. From then on, whenever there was a problem or a challenge to work through, they dealt with it immediately,” he adds.

Selecting the right equipment for the job

FHN initially ordered Takeuchi TL10 and TL12 Compact Track Loaders (CTL) before adding an additional TL10 about a year later. All three are fitted with tree spades, used to dig up trees with their root ball, basket them for transport and replant them at customer sites.

Poffenroth sought out the Takeuchi brand based on reputation, with additional guidance from the SMS Equipment team.

“These are heavy-duty machines that came highly recommended from some trusted customers in the landscaping industry. The value proposition is extremely good. There are fewer electronics, which allows our team to perform simple maintenance and service in-house. But overall, as we were looking at all the options out there, our SMS Equipment rep was instrumental in helping us find all the information we needed to make the decision.”

Takeuchi Compact Track Loaders (CTLs) are designed with the customer in mind, offering standard features and customizable options to suit a wide range of applications. Their ease of access to the engine compartment and hydraulic system simplifies maintenance and modifications, while factory-built stabilizer and counterweight mounting sites make customization seamless. Built tough and ready for any job, these machines deliver the durability and adaptability needed to meet FHN’s specific requirements.

Quick Specs:

TL10V2 - Vertical Cab

Horsepower: 55.4 kW (74.3 HP)
Operating Weight: 4660 kg (10270 lb)
Bucket Capacity: 0.57 m3 (20.3 cu ft.)

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TL12R2 - Radial Cab

Horsepower: 83 kW (111.3 HP)
Operating Weight: 5710 kg (12590 lb)
Bucket Capacity: 0.68 m3 (24 cu ft.)

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TL12V2 - Vertical Cab

Horsepower: 83 kW (111.3 HP)
Operating Weight: 5985 kg (13190 lb)
Bucket Capacity: 0.68 m3 (24 cu ft.)

View All Specs Request a Quote

Maximizing utilization through customization

To enhance the functionality of the CTL’s, SMS Equipment outfitted each with rear auxiliary stabilizers that both elevate the machine’s back end and increase its downward pressure. That included attaching a physical stabilizer, implementing auxiliary hydraulics, replacing the stock steering pistols with tree spade pistols and incorporating all the associated electrical — all without voiding the machines’ warranties.

“This was a real custom modification,” notes Poffenroth. “There aren’t a lot of tree farms around Alberta, but for landscapers and fencing companies, stabilizers are key. SMS Equipment drew from their related experience, tried to keep as much stock as possible, and worked with us to make sure the enhancements were exactly what we needed. They made sure the modifications were repeatable, serviceable and didn’t sacrifice any functionality.”

SMS Equipment’s Calgary service manager and service technician visited FHN’s site several times to discuss the company’s needs and begin planning the modifications. They also collaborated with the Technical Support & Engineering team at SMS Equipment’s headquarters in Acheson, drawing on their expertise in machine modifications and engineering improvements to create a final solution.

“Our partnership approach was the key to success in this project,” says Glenn Bayne, Light Construction Sales Representative. “We were able to partner with Josh and his team to research and evaluate possible solutions that would work for their specific application. Internally, we worked across branches and specialties to get the details just right.”

With three machines equipped with stabilizers, FHN is now able to improve operational efficiency and deliver their products with the highest level of service and reliability.

“We move about 10,000 trees per year, often in unpredictable conditions,” explains Poffenroth. “We’ve got to be very efficient in how we work, all while protecting the structural integrity of each tree’s roots. If you don’t have the right equipment, you simply don’t dig, or else you risk damaging or ruining the trees.”

“These customized machines give us the ability to work every day, at any site, regardless of the conditions. They let us dig safely, productively and effectively in any environment. Whether we’re at our nursery, another farm or at a customer’s site, whether we’re working with compact or dry soil, I can now confidently send a team member out and know these tree spades will tackle the job.”

Ongoing collaboration for shared success

SMS Equipment and FHN’s relationship carries on following the handover of the Takeuchi CTL’s. The Calgary branch continues to provide parts and service to the nursery’s equipment fleet.

“I appreciate that even as a small customer, SMS Equipment continues to prioritize our needs and take the time to service our equipment,” says Poffenroth.

“Their knowledgeable staff have been critical to this project’s success and in providing exceptional ongoing support. They’ve been a strong partner throughout the entire process.”