Nortrax recently opened its doors in Northeastern Ontario to showcase the latest John Deere equipment, as well as invite operators to compete in a backhoe competition.
The company held demo days in North Bay and Sudbury. At both locations, operators tested numerous equipment options, including ADT haul trucks, 844K wheel loaders, 650K and 850K dozers, 350G and 470G excavators.
“We want folks to really get a true chance to ‘play in the dirt’ and ask questions so we can find the best solutions for their specific needs,” said Nortrax Northeastern Ontario general manager Dean Derro.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to see the latest innovations in technology and learn about our fix before fail support strategies with machine monitoring, grade-control and payload weighing.”
The North Bay event attracted about 100 people. Sudbury recorded a slightly lower headcount.
“We believe that we’ve accomplished our objective of letting the market know that our Northeastern Ontario team is ready, willing, and able to service its construction and forestry needs,” Derro said.
Nortrax Backhoe challenge
Shane Tyson from Pitfield Construction in Killarney, Ont., won the Sudbury challenge with a time of, two minutes and nine seconds.
“Our backhoe challenge saw some fierce competition,” Derro said.
Sheldon Leach of Canor Construction in North Bay won his hometown challenge with a time of one minute and 32 seconds.
Darcy Weeks from Weeks Construction in Parry Sound earned an honourable mention with a time of one minute and 52 seconds.
“Both Sheldon and Darcy were the last two North Bay competitors of the day. It was a very exciting finish to the competition,” Derro said. “We thought Darcy had it until Sheldon took the helm.”
in the end, both first place competitors went home with gift baskets that included various John Deere swag.
The demo day events were held in memory of Nortrax employee Luc Venne.
“Luc was a dedicated 32-year employee of our dealership who passed away unexpectedly just two weeks prior to the event,” Derro said.
Nortrax, based in Tampa, Florida, operates John Deere construction and forestry dealerships throughout the United States and Canada.
The company supports the construction, forestry, commercial worksite and mining markets in Eastern Canada, as well as the Midwest, Northeast, and Southeast Regions of the United States.
“These demo days were a true testament of our dedication to the northern market,” Derro said.
“The positive responses we’ve seen from our existing and potential client base have made it all worthwhile.”
