The power of combination

In the Belgian town of Sint-Katelijne-Waver, a Doosan DX170W has been standing since mid-2019  tire crane, equipped with EC219 slewing tilt, double quick coupler (QSD60-QS60), EC-Oil quick change system and DC2 control system. Family business Houwelyckx wegenbouw NV may be almost a hundred years old, but there is no shortage of innovation. Fourth generation Olivier Dom is managing director at Houwelyckx and talks about the company, its people and experiences with engcon. 

Early adopter

The drive for innovation runs deep at Houwelyckx Wegenbouw. For example, the administration is highly automated. Various machines are 2D-, 3D- and GPS-controlled. Machinists can read plans directly into the crane and adjust them where necessary. Site and project managers walk with a rover and transmit coordinates on the spot. Although Houwelyckx in Belgium was not the first with an engcon in earth moving, in road construction they were definitely an early adopter.

It is well known that you gain time with an engcon, especially on a mobile tire crane.

Gaining time every day

One of the instigators was villager Mobaut, engcon's service partner. He proactively made Olivier an offer. The purchase was then completed fairly quickly. Olivier: "We trusted Mobaut's judgment, a young and dynamic entrepreneur. Moreover, we already had the system on our radar. Our machinists and customers were also asking for it. It is well known that you gain time with an engcon, especially on a mobile tire crane. The first operator who works with it is very enthusiastic. It took some getting used to at first, but the system works very easily and efficiently. Levelling, digging an embankment: in practice it turns out to be so much faster with the swivel arm than without. The quick couplers also make coupling and uncoupling a matter of seconds. Once you've experienced it, you can't really do without it."

The power of the engcon combination

At a nice project in Wezembeek Oppem, the Doosan recently performed all the exterior work for a general contractor. From placing sewers, laying terraces to placing elements, the engcon system came in handy everywhere. According to Olivier, it is really the combination of the bodywork that is so powerful. "The turntable itself, the quick coupler, the EC-oil and the control system are all useful features, but above all together it really works super."

The drive for innovation runs deep at Houwelyckx Wegenbouw.

Modern and extensive machinery

The strength of the partnership also reflects on Houwelyckx as a company: "We are a family business and really treat all fifty employees like family. We have short lines of communication and we can switch quickly. We work continuously on professionalization. Our people are highly motivated to deliver good work. That is why we have such modern and extensive machinery. This is how we optimally support our people and our customers. The convenience of engcons is pure conservation for the employees. Now that we have experienced the convenience and efficiency of engcon it certainly tastes like more. So the other machinists on the team are definitely interested as well," said a satisfied Olivier Dom.