Testimonial #EPISODE13 from Nicolas Bonnaventure: following the open house organized by his company, we discussed the evolution of his business and his choice of PLAISANCE mulchers.
Can you tell us about your company?
It all started when my uncle asked me to help out with some logging. Then, in 1999, I set up my own hand-logging business with a tractor and a logging trailer. Over the years, the business has grown and harvesters have replaced the work of the loggers. In 2020, the company took a new step forward by investing in the wood energy sector with the purchase of a farm tractor/mulcher combination and excavator-mounted shears. With our various activities, we naturally became involved in the necessary certifications for wood energy and forestry. We are currently PEFC, CBQ+, ISO 9001 and in the process of obtaining RED II certification (promoting the use of energy from renewable sources based on the principle of sustainable extraction of bio-energy).
In addition to our certifications, our strengths are our workforce, with around twenty employees that I manage with my wife; our equipment, which enables us to carry out projects ranging from felling to cleaning up the plots; and our ability to add value to the wood according to its quality and final destination (wood for paper and wood for energy).
Which PLAISANCE machines do you own?
Our machinery includes a BF 702-2200 forestry mulcher and a BM 702-2500 stone crusher. These are used to perfect the work carried out upstream with my harvesters and to clean up the plots on which we have worked.
How long have you been working with Plaisance Equipements?
Previously, I had a forestry mulcher from another brand, but I wasn’t satisfied with it. I was looking for a French manufacturer with a real after-sales service. Thanks to various magazine advertisements, I became very interested in the PLAISANCE brand.
Initially, the co-manager, with whom I’d been in contact, offered me a reconditioned forestry mulcher so that I could compare the work of the two manufacturers. And two months later, I invested in a new PLAISANCE forestry mulcher. That was in 2017 and 6 years later, in autumn 2023, I reinvested in a new PLAISANCE forestry mulcher, but one size up. As I always prefer to work with brands I trust, I also bought a PLAISANCE BM 702-2500 stone mulcher three months ago.
How would you describe PLAISANCE machines?
The BF 702-2200 is a good size for the work we have to do. When working, its size guarantees optimum visibility, as it doesn’t exceed the width of the tractor, giving us access to the tightest spots. It is equipped with robust claws, enabling it to spread large piles of branches or turn over stumps.
We opted for single-tipped teeth, which contribute to the desired result. We already had a very positive experience with the old mulcher acquired in 2017, as much for its robustness and quality of work as for its ease of maintenance. With Plaisance Equipements, we have built up a relationship of trust that has confirmed our decision to reinvest in a larger model.
As for the BM 702-2500, we also find the same qualities in line with our expectations: ideal visibility, quick and easy maintenance, easy access to components thanks to hinged covers.
This stone crusher has excellent working stability, which contributes to keeping the ground surface relatively flat after its passage. Its hydraulic door allows us to control the desired size, particularly for platform crushing.
We would like to thank Mr. Bonnaventure and his wife for taking the time to answer our questions.
