Jeff Holmes, Equipment Manager

The past several years have been tough everywhere you look, and the construction business is certainly no exception. Fewer projects and super slim margins have made equipment upgrades seem like a thing of the past. Buckner Heavylift Cranes is celebrating the arrival of some iron, however, and to say it has been a long time coming would be an understatement. Buckner recently took delivery of 8 new Western Star road tractors, and this is a first for the company. Not just the first Western Star tractor… but the first new road tractor the company has ever purchased. Buckner has always purchased their tractors from other trucking interests to keep costs down. With a double hit from the revised emissions standards and the economic downturn, there are very few suitable used trucks to choose from. Add to that the evolution of the DEF emissions engine, which has allowed for better fuel mileage and improved horsepower, and the new trucks were a perfect balance between cost conscious operations, environmental stewardship and productivity. We are really proud of the new trucks and hope it is a sign of good things to come.

Pictures below: Buckner employees with the new road tractors behind them, Michael Lawson and Jeff Holmes (Buckner Companies) with Western Star representatives.