New customer testimonial #EPISODE12: EURL Florian ZANELLI. He is a contractor offering several activities: earthmoving, landscaping and forestry work. He has been a loyal customer of our self-propelled machines for many years. He employs one person and one apprentice on his sites at Hannogne-Saint-Martin in the Ardennes.
Can you tell us about your company?
I started out in green space maintenance and earthworks. Then I moved on to forestry mulching. To do this, I started by attaching a mulcher to my tractor. Over time, the activities were reversed and forestry mulching became the main activity.
For me, it was easier to take on these jobs because I could work on them on my own. With this turnaround, I invested in more efficient forestry mulching equipment to meet demand for larger plots of land.
To get started, I bought a second-hand Galotrax 400. It enabled me to complete the work I could already do with my tractor and mulcher.
Clearing a plot of land to build a house
Which Plaisance machines do you own?
I have a used Galotrax 400 self-propelled tracked machine, which came out of the workshop in 2020. I’m going to replace it soon with a new Galotrax 450B! This model enables me to maintain large plots and prepare the ground. I also own a second-hand Galotrax 200. It enables me to carry out small-scale land clearing and partitioning maintenance work.
Which machines do you prefer and why?
I prefer the Galotrax 200 because it’s newer, more responsive and more comfortable.
How long have you been working with Plaisance Équipements?
I bought my first Plaisance forestry mulcher in 2019.
How did you hear about the brand?
I had contacted dealers and retailers to buy a forestry mulcher. I especially wanted a French machine, as I found it more convenient to talk to the manufacturer and have a follow-up.
What do you think of the evolution of self-propelled machines?
Between the Galotrax 400 and the 450B, which I’ll be acquiring soon, I’d say comfort, but on several levels. Firstly, the GX 450B has better visibility from the driver’s seat. Secondly, it’s more responsive and faster. In fact, Plaisance’s B series offers better performance on a machine of equivalent size, with a gain in power. Finally, the big advantage is the rotor, which doesn’t need to be reactivated if it’s stopped after shredding a stump.
I also had the opportunity to test the Galotrax 300H this winter. Thanks to the hydraulic system, the rotor doesn’t stall. It’s also a very good, versatile maintenance machine. However, my playing field is larger and the power of the GX 300H would limit my activity. I therefore preferred to invest in the GX 450B for the full mulching I need.
How would you describe the Plaisance machines?
In my opinion, they perform well and weigh less than the competition. This means greater efficiency. What’s more, the machines are designed to allow easy access to all components. Self-propelled machines are easier to maintain. Another advantage is the low ground pressure in relation to the power of the machines and to other brands on the market.
Finally, I’d like to say that, for me, the great advantage of the Plaisance company is the after-sales service. When I call, there’s always someone available to answer my questions quickly.
Many thanks to Florian Zanelli for giving us a few minutes of his precious time to answer our questions.
