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Cat® 299D3 Helps Advance Solar Energy in Europe
The Cat 299D3 compact track loader is helping Sunotec, one of Europe's largest solar farm producers, expand renewable energy options in the region.
Sunotec has become one of Europe’s largest solar farm producers in just ten years. Today, they employ over 1,500 people, have completed over 450 sites and are working to complete another 36 solar farms.
This rapid growth is due to the significant investment in expertise and service diversification, including the growth of a machinery fleet and the development of an international expert team, which is unrivalled in the area.
Ivan Prodanov, Sunotec’s Managing Director, says, “Sunotec specializes in photovoltaic power plants. These are large-scale solar farms that are connected to the grid and sell their power directly to energy companies. Over the years, we’ve probably experienced every kind of challenge there is, and one of the biggest challenges for us has been the supply of reliable machines. Like any site, you need to be able to rely on your machines if you’re going to hit your completion date. Reliable machines are something we believe we’ve solved with Bulgarian Cat dealer Eltrak.”
Sunotec specializes in photovoltaic power plants. These large-scale solar farms are connected to the grid and sell their power directly to energy companies.
The Cat Advantage: Reliable & Available
Originally, Sunotec used competitor machines on their sites, but they found them unreliable and not as tough as they’d hoped. There were also problems getting the machines in the first place. When an order for 15 machines failed to materialize, they contacted Cat Dealership Eltrak Bulgaria for help.
Stanimir Stanev, Sales Manager, Eltrak Bulgaria, continues, “When they first came to us, they pretty much bought whatever machines we had, just to get the job done. But when they came back with their next order, we had the time to discuss their needs in greater detail. For instance, the Cat 279 and 289s they had taken proved to be too small for what they wanted, while the larger, faster Cat 299D3 was the perfect solution.”
The resulting order was to purchase 20 machines, covered by extended warranty under service contracts.
Stanimir Stanev
Sales Manager
Eltrak Cat
The Cat 299D3: Comfort & Longevity in Rough Terrain
The track life of Cat equipment also impressed Sunotec. “One of the biggest problems we’ve faced with competitor brands in the past was undercarriage performance,” says Ivan. “The sites we work at can have extremely difficult terrain, so the machines are always under pressure.”
Sunotec relies on the Cat 299D3 for its smooth, comfortable ride and long track life.
Fortunately, the Cat 299D3 has a suspended undercarriage, known for its smooth, comfortable ride - and long track life.
Both dealer and customer use Visionlink technology to maximize efficiencies. Eltrak has a staff member dedicated to analyzing machine performance. They contact Sunotec’s fleet manager whenever the data suggests a potential problem or when routine maintenance is due.
All of which makes for a very happy customer.
As Ivan said, “Of course, this is still early in the relationship, but we’re very proud of what we’ve achieved so far together.”
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