From Bogged Tractors to "Bulldozers": Why Koala Services Switched to ALTOZ
If you manage plantations or large-scale acreage, you know the drill. If the land was flat and dry, there’d be houses on it. Instead, you’re usually dealing with floodplains, low-lying boggy patches, and months of overgrown vegetation that would make a standard mower weep.
Stu from Koala Services knows this struggle better than most. Managing client plantations means facing thick, waist-high growth on ground that’s often more mud than soil. After years of battling with traditional equipment, Stu made the switch to the ALTOZ tracked zero-turn.
Here is why he calls them his "bulldozers" and how they’ve transformed his business operations.
The Problem: When Tractors Just Don't Cut It
Before bringing the ALTOZ TRX series into the fleet, Koala Services relied on 35–40 HP tractors. On paper, they have the power, but in the real world of plantation maintenance, they hit three major roadblocks:
The Weight Issue: Heavy tractors leave massive, damaging tracks in low-lying, soft areas. Stu recalls many "fun" afternoons spent trying to winch out bogged 4WD tractors using a bucket.
Manoeuvrability & Damage: Cabin-style tractors might keep the dust off, but in a plantation, they are glass-breaking magnets. Low-hanging branches and tight rows lead to expensive repairs and smashed windows.
Transport Logistics: Dragging two tractors to a site requires serious haulage. In contrast, Stu can fit two ALTOZ mowers on a single trailer, making it a one-man, high-productivity operation.
The "Bulldozer" Approach: A Two-Step Finish
Stu’s secret to a "park-like finish" in a wild plantation isn't a single pass; it’s a strategic system using the right tools for the job.
1. The Heavy Hitter: ALTOZ TRX 766i
This is the machine that earns the "bulldozer" nickname. Equipped with a 66-inch rear discharge slashing deck, it’s designed to go into areas that haven't been mowed for months.
Swing-back Blades: These pivot when they hit hidden obstacles, protecting the machine while it tears through the thickest scrub.
Rear Discharge: Unlike standard mowers that clog trying to spit clippings out the side, the 766i lays the material down evenly behind it, ready to be processed.
2. The Specialist: ALTOZ TRX 561i
Once the "bulldozer" has cleared the way, Stu brings in the 561i. With a slightly smaller 61-inch deck, it’s nimble enough to weave between trees where the larger deck won't fit. By fitting Gator blades, he can turn a rough-cut area into a smooth, professional finish.
"These things just get through and get it done. They glide over the mud and water where a tractor would be stuck in seconds." — Stu, Koala Services.
Better for the Bottom Line
From a business perspective, the switch was a no-brainer. While a tracked mower is a premium investment, Stu notes that compared to a tractor, they are competitively priced, significantly faster, and far more manoeuvrable.
By using the ALTOZ to handle the initial "smash," the rest of his fleet (like his Hustler mowers) can come in afterward to maintain the site without being thrashed by overgrown conditions. It’s about using the right tool for the right stage of the job.
Ready to Conquer Your Toughest Ground?
Don't let wet ground or steep slopes stop your progress. Whether you're a contractor like Stu or a property owner tired of getting bogged, the ALTOZ tracked advantage is the solution.
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