CalContractor - 2026 Compact Equipment

Issue 7 - 2026

MAGAZINE Celebrating 50 Years of Serving Central California & Northern Nevada

COMPACT EQUIPMENT

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Financing provided by Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation. *Offer valid through September 30, 2026. Offer only available on purchases of new mini excavators, micro excavators, skid steer loaders, compact track loaders, and compact wheel loaders sold by participating Cat dealers to customers in the USA. Purchase and machine delivery must occur by September 30, 2026. Offer subject to machine availability. Offer is subject to credit approval by Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation for US customers. Not all customers will qualify. Offer may change without prior notice and cannot be combined with any other offers. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Contact your Cat dealer for more details.

on select John Deere Compact Equipment Get 0% APR financing for up to 48 months on qualifying John Deere Compact Equipment.

*0% Annual Percentage Rate for 48 months: Offer valid on qualifying purchases made 01 July 2026 through 30 September 2026 from participating dealer inventory or ordered and delivered before 30 September 2026 at participating dealers and is subject to approved installment credit with John Deere Financial. For commercial use only. Down payment may be required. Average down payment is 10%. 0% APR for 48 months only. Taxes, freight, setup, insurance, fees, and delivery charges could increase monthly payment. Available at participating U.S. dealers. Prices and models may vary by dealer.

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CONTENTS 2026 Compact Equipment BOBCAT CENTRAL, INC.

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Bobcat Central Celebrates 50 Years of Serving Central California & Northern Nevada - From a Small Stockton Startup to One of the Nation's Premier Bobcat Dealerships

CEN-CAL CONSTRUCTION

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PUBLISHER: Kerry Hoover khoover@calcontractor.com EDITOR: Brian Hoover, Senior Editor ART DIRECTOR/GRAPHIC DESIGNER Aldo Myftari

CEN-CAL Construction Builds on Relationships, Performance and Purposeful Growth - Bakersfieldbased contractor continues expanding across California with John Deere Equipment and Coastline Equipment by its side

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER: Gerald De Guzman

TAD EXCAVATION

CalContractor is published 12 times each year by Construction Marketing Services, LLC.

TAD Excavation Continues to Build Upon on a Strong Foundation - San Diego County contractor grows from one backhoe to a 30-machine fleet while staying focused on grading, demolition, utilities and familydriven values.

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION: Please call: (909) 772-3121

Copyright © 2025. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

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Don and Nancy Franzia, owners, Bobcat Central, Inc.

Bobcat Central Celebrates 50 Years of Serving Central California & Northern Nevada From a Small Stockton Startup to One of the Nation's Premier Bobcat Dealerships

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By Brian Hoover | Photos provided by Bobcat Central, Inc.

hen Louis and Josie Franzia opened the doors of Bobcat Central in Stockton in November 1976, they had no way of knowing they were laying the foundation for one of the most successful Bobcat dealerships in the United States.

The company began in a modest 3,000-square-foot business condominium and was born out of determination, faith, and a willingness to take a chance. Louis Franzia, who previously managed bottling and shipping operations for the family wine business, was introduced to 6

the opportunity by a Clark Equipment forklift salesman. At the time, Clark Equipment owned Bobcat, and a dealership territory in Northern California had become available.

The plan was for Franzia and one of the Clark Equipment salesmen to become partners.

Funding was secured, approvals were obtained, and contracts were prepared. But when the day arrived to finalize the deal, the prospective partner never showed up. Faced with a life-changing decision, Louis and Josie looked at one another and then and there

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decided to move forward on their own. “My mother and father had gone that far,” recalls company President Don Franzia. “What else could they do?”

That decision would ultimately create a company that today operates five locations across Central California and in Reno Nevada, employs approximately 100 people, and serves thousands of customers throughout the construction, landscaping, agriculture, rental, and infrastructure markets. Fifty years later, it is clear that Louis and Josie made the right decision.

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(Far Left) Lou and Josie Franzia at Grand Opening Open House, November 1976.

(Left) Original groundbreaking picture with Lou, Josie, and Don with employees, Bobcat factory personnel and San Joaquin County officials.

Building a Legacy One Customer at a Time While Bobcat Central officially launched in 1976, Don Franzia joined the family business just one year later. As a young man in his early twenties, he worked wherever he was needed. He stocked parts, assisted mechanics, delivered rental equipment, managed inventory, and learned every aspect of the business from the ground up.

Three years later, he moved into sales and quickly discovered what would become his greatest strength. “I became part of the community,” Don says. “I was out operating the equipment,

demonstrating it on job sites, making sure customers had the right attachments, the right parts, and that their machines were running properly. That's how you build relationships.”

That hands-on approach became the foundation of Bobcat Central's growth strategy. Rather than relying solely on sales presentations, Franzia immersed himself in customers' operations.

He learned their businesses, understood their challenges, and positioned himself as a trusted advisor rather than simply an equipment salesperson. Today, that

customer-first philosophy remains deeply ingrained throughout the organization.

Whether helping a contractor solve a productivity challenge, assisting a farmer with seasonal equipment needs, or supporting a startup landscaping business with financing, Bobcat Central has built its reputation around finding solutions. “What I've always enjoyed most is solving problems for customers,” Don says. “When someone tells you a machine or attachment saved them time, labor, and money, that's rewarding.”

(Below) Bobcat machines put on their delicately choreographed square dance production in the late 70s.

(Right) Another groundbreaking ceremony featuring the move to Location #2 in Stockton in the mid-1980s. Don, Lou and Josie pictured up front.

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(Above) Lou and Don Franzia at BobCare training held at the Stockton dealership in the 1980’s.

For Nancy Franzia, the path to Bobcat Central began from the customer side of the desk. Before joining the dealership, Nancy was a CPA-Tax Manager for a “Big Eight” accounting firm.

She then served as Chief Financial Officer for a company that happened to be a Bobcat Central customer. Reviewing equipment expenses, she called in a Bobcat salesperson named Don Franzia to discuss leases, repairs, and equipment costs. What began as a business meeting soon became something more. Their families had known each other for years and had even attempted to introduce them long

before either was interested. Nancy was building her career, including working in San Francisco and Paris, and wasn’t particularly interested in being matched up at that time. As Don likes to tell the story, “I didn’t get the sale, but I got the girl.” The couple married in 1995 and have spent the last three decades building both a family and a business together.

Today they are trying to step back from day to day operations knowing they have a great management team with outstanding employees in place.

Along with Nancy’s financial and business experience and Don’s years of equipment and sales expertise, Bobcat Central is unstoppable.

Growing Across Northern California Expansion came gradually and strategically. The first major milestone occurred when the manufacturer, Bobcat, asked Bobcat Central to assume responsibility for the Fresno territory. The company was already selling equipment in portions of the region and was given the opportunity to take over operations there.

Later, opportunities emerged in Merced, followed by Sacramento and Reno. The Sacramento and Reno territories required a competitive selection process, during which Bobcat Central spent more than a year demonstrating its capabilities and proving its performance record.

Ultimately, the company secured both markets.

Today, the dealership’s footprint stretches across key construction and agricultural regions, with locations positioned to support customers efficiently throughout Central California and Northern Nevada. Don Franzia credits much of the company’s success to measured growth, and commitment to serving customers and dedicated employees. Good people, good product, has been the Franzia’s guiding principle. This strategy and philosophy has allowed Bobcat Central to maintain the highest levels of service while continuing to build deep relationships throughout the Central Valley and surrounding regions. { Continued on page 10 }

(Top) December 2025. Fresno store employees along with some Stockton store folks.

(Above) Sacramento store employees – Christmas 2025.

(Far Right) December 2025 - Stockton store.

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Witnessing the Evolution of Compact Equipment Few companies have had a front-row seat to the evolution of compact equipment quite like Bobcat Central. When the dealership first opened, skid steer loaders were still relatively unfamiliar to many contractors. According to Don Franzia, many prospective customers looked at the machine and questioned what practical purpose it served. “The common response was, ‘What are you going to do with that little tinker toy thing on the back of your truck?’” he recalls with a laugh.

Over the following decade, however, contractors began recognizing the machine's versatility. Its ability to replace manual labor, maneuver in confined spaces, transport easily, and operate a wide variety of attachments, transforming the way work was performed.

By the mid-1980s, the Bobcat skid steer had become an accepted and respected tool across construction sites throughout California. Today, skid steers and compact equipment in general are indispensable on almost any jobsite.

Bobcat, which traces its roots back to the original Keller Brothers machine and the early Melroe Manufacturing operation, is widely recognized as the pioneer of the skid steer loader category. The company's innovations helped establish an entirely new segment of the 10

equipment industry. As new products emerged, Bobcat Central remained at the forefront.

Mini excavators began gaining traction during the 1980s and eventually transformed utility construction, landscaping, and site development operations. Contractors who once relied on tractor loader backhoes discovered the efficiency, versatility, and precision of compact excavators.

Over time, compact track loaders became another game-changing product category. Today, rubber track machines account for the majority of the company's compact loader sales and have largely replaced traditional wheeled skid steers in many applications.

Bobcat Central has also expanded alongside Bobcat's growing product portfolio, which now includes compact track loaders, mini excavators, compact tractors, telehandlers, wheel loaders, mowers, compactors, utility products, and a broad range of attachments. The company's popular MT series stand-on loaders have become especially valuable for landscaping and specialty construction applications where access is limited.

“The attachment business drives everything,” Don says. “Customers are always looking for new ways to get more work done with one machine.”

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Track Loaders

Skid Steers

Mini Excavators

Mid-to-Large Excavators Small Articulated Loaders

C A LCO N T R AC TO R .CO M

Bobcat Central Flagship Stockton location.

A Showcase Facility That Changed Everything Wheel Loaders

Backhoes Loaders

Tractor Loaders

CALCON TRAC TOR.CO M

Today, the Stockton headquarters serves as the primary inventory and logistics center supporting all five dealership locations. Franzia sees this move as one of the most significant milestones in their company history, with roughly 48,000 square feet under roof, and located on eight and a half acres along Highway 99.

Bobcat Central moved into the facility shortly after September 11, 2001.

According to Don Franzia, the new headquarters immediately elevated Bobcat Central's profile and reinforced its position as a major player within the industry.

“This building really put a stake in the ground about who we are and what we are capable of doing,” he says. “Having this much acreage allows us to be the equipment and distribution hub for the other locations, while also providing ample room for inventory storage, rental operations, equipment staging, parts distribution, and support services for our continually growing network.” The main facility in Stockton also houses a Cart-Away concrete batch

plant operation that has become an important component of the company's business.

Serving Construction and Agriculture While Bobcat Central's customer base is heavily rooted in construction, agriculture remains an important part of the company's identity. The dealership estimates its business mix at approximately 80 percent construction and 20 percent agriculture. The company's Central Valley location places it in the heart of one of the world's most productive agricultural regions. Dairies, feedlots, poultry operations, orchards, vineyards, and specialty crop producers have relied on Bobcat equipment for decades.

Bobcat Central's rental operation also supports agriculture in unique ways.

Each year, the company rents approximately 130 compact tractors for harvest applications ranging from cherries and stone fruit to grape production. These seasonal rentals remain active from May through November and have become an important segment of the business.

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Mini Track Loaders

Telehandlers

Utility Vehicles

Service, Support and Relationships

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The company actively sells used machinery and frequently helps first-time business owners enter the industry by connecting them with affordable equipment solutions. Over the years, Don Franzia has personally assisted numerous entrepreneurs in launching landscaping, construction, and specialty contracting businesses, even if it means personally financing a deal here and there. Many of those customers eventually became long-term customers and friends.

Compact Tractors

{ Continued on page 14 }

Zero-Turn Riding Mowers The attachment business drives everything.

Customers are always looking for new ways to get more work done with one machine.

Don Franzia

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"

For Bobcat Central, selling equipment has always been only part of the equation.

The dealership maintains a substantial service operation supported by multiple field technicians and mobile service trucks. Customers can bring machines in for repair six days a week, while on-call technicians remain available during weekends when urgent situations arise.

Sales personnel are expected to remain accessible as well, ensuring customers have support whenever they need it.

According to Nancy Franzia, long-term relationships matter more than short-term transactions.

“It’s a long game, not a short game,” says co-owner Nancy Franzia. “We do what needs to be done with integrity as our core value.

Our customers are what make this all possible and that reality is always at the forefront.”

That philosophy extends to used equipment as well.

C A LCO N T R AC TO R .CO M

BIG SAVINGS. TRUSTED PERFORMANCE. Celebrate 50 years with Bobcat Central and explore special offers across our equipment lineup.

COMPACT TRACK & SKID STEER LOADERS

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CONTACT YOUR NEAREST BOBCAT CENTRAL LOCATION Stockton

800-266-9631 3516 Newton Rd. Stockton, CA

Fresno

559-486-2622 2728 S. 4th Street Fresno, CA

Merced

209-724-4200 1890 E. Gerard Ave. Merced, CA

Sacramento

916-504-3461 575 Display Way Sacramento, CA

Reno

775-393-3929 2282 Larkin Circle Sparks, NV 89431

Women in Iron, Bobcat Central, Inc.

Community Commitment Beyond equipment sales and service, Bobcat Central has maintained a strong commitment to the communities it serves.

The company actively supports local 4-H and FFA programs, provides equipment for community events, purchases livestock at

youth auctions, and contributes to numerous agricultural and educational initiatives. The dealership has also funded scholarship programs and routinely supports organizations connected to agriculture, youth development, and construction. “We always have

a soft spot for kids and for hard working youth wanting to enter our industry,” Nancy Franzia says. That commitment reflects the company's broader belief that successful businesses have a responsibility to invest in the communities that support them.

Trench Rollers

Plate Compactors

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C A LCO N T R AC TO R .CO M

Preparing for the Next Chapter “We’re looking forward to growth,” beginning and have since retired.”

As Bobcat Central approaches says Don Franzia. “We have plans Don concludes. “A 50-year its fiftieth anniversary in November, in place, and we’re excited about celebration would not have the company is focused firmly on what comes next.” been possible without our team the future. Don and Nancy of professional, dedicated Franzia have already begun implementing a succession employees and trusted industry strategy, and are now looking leading vendors. We owe a to hire a Chief Operating lot to these individuals and Officer, and strengthen the thank them for all they have company's leadership team done and continue to do day Our customers are what make with dedicated management in and day out.” this all possible and that reality for sales, service, parts and From a small startup born rental operations. from a last-minute leap of is always at the forefront.

The company is also actively faith in 1976 to one of the Nancy Franzia exploring additional locations premier Bobcat dealerships in and new product lines while the country, Bobcat Central’s continuing to invest in its first fifty years have been infrastructure and personnel. defined by hard work, Meanwhile, the next generation Along with plans to hire a customer service, innovation, is gaining valuable experience Chief Operating Officer, Bobcat great employees and a relentless outside the Bobcat Central Central has expanded its commitment to helping customers before eventually starting from the leadership team with directors succeed. As the company looks ground up in the family business. and store managers overseeing toward the future, those principles For the Franzias, the goal is to key departments and operations. remain unchanged. And if the gradually transition responsibilities “The strength and longevity of our past five decades are any while ensuring the core values, business lies directly in the hands indication, the best chapters and customer relationships that of our valued employees, many of of the Bobcat Central story may built the company remain intact. whom have been with us from the still lie ahead. Cc CALCON TRAC TOR.CO M

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CEN-CAL Construction Builds on Relationships, Performance and Purposeful Growth Bakersfield-based contractor continues expanding across California with John Deere Equipment and Coastline Equipment by its side

By Brian Hoover | Photos provided by CMS and CEN-CAL Construction

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hen Jason Plank founded J.L. Plank, Inc., doing business as (dba) CEN-CAL Construction in Bakersfield in 2011, he did not start with financial backing, a large fleet or a long list of major public works projects. What he did have was field experience, a contractor’s work ethic and a clear understanding of what it takes to get difficult grading, paving, concrete and demolition work done right.

Before starting J.L. Plank, Inc., (CEN-CAL Construction), Plank worked for Granite Construction and also gained experience as a superintendent with other contractors, including Ace Engineering and Innovative Concrete. Then, when the construction market slowed during the downturn that began around 2008, Plank found himself chasing work farther from home, including time spent working in Las Vegas.

“I needed to be home with my wife 18

and kids,” says Plank, president of CEN-CAL Construction. “So, I made the decision that I wanted to go to school, get my contractor’s license, and start my own company.”

Plank attended a California Contractors State License Board school and earned the licenses needed to begin building a company of his own. Today, he holds California A and specialty licenses, along with A and B licenses in Nevada. What began as a small Bakersfield-based operation has grown into a highly capable civil construction company performing work throughout California and beyond. “Our focus is grading, paving, concrete and demolition,” says Plank. “Basically roadways, highways, streets, parking lots, anything you drive, ride, or walk on.”

CEN-CAL Construction started primarily in Kern County, but the company’s reach expanded quickly.

Within about five years, CEN-CAL was working across roughly half

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the state. A couple of years later, the company was performing projects throughout California.

In recent years, CEN-CAL has also taken on work beyond the state line. The growth has been steady, but Plank is quick to point out that it was built one job, one relationship and one opportunity at a time. “We started out small,” says Plank. “We didn’t have financial backing or any of that stuff. We started with projects that were $100,000 or less, and now we have the ability to do $50 million projects.”

Today, CEN-CAL Construction employs between 100-125 people and completes approximately 125 to 150 projects each year. Looking back, Plank acknowledges that the growth has happened quickly, even if it did not always feel that way in the moment. “When you’re in the storm, it feels like a lot longer,” says Plank. “Looking back, it’s in the blink of an eye.”

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Jason Plank, Owner/Founder, CEN-CAL Construction.

CEN-CAL Construction headquarters in Shafter, CA.

Building a Fleet Through Long-Term Relationships Like many contractors, CEN-CAL Construction began by renting equipment before gradually adding machines to its own fleet. From the beginning, Plank’s approach was to build long-term relationships with local vendors and suppliers in Bakersfield, then allow those relationships to expand as the company’s geographic footprint grew. “We tried to build long-term relationships with local people here in Bakersfield,” says Plank. “Then we let those relationships sprout to other offices they may have across California, so that we could carry those long-term relationships with us from job to job.”

That relationship-based philosophy helped guide CEN-CAL’s CALCON TRAC TOR.CO M

fleet development. The company worked with Jim Burke Ford for vehicles, Papé Kenworth for semitrucks, various trailer manufacturers, and Coastline Equipment for John Deere construction equipment.

CEN-CAL Construction now operates a broad mix of John Deere equipment, including backhoes, loaders, excavators, motor graders, haul trucks, skid steers, skip loaders and compact excavators.

Plank says the company owns approximately 25 John Deere units within CEN-CAL’s construction fleet, while his related rental business, GradEx Equipment, maintains an even larger John Deere presence.

Plank’s preference for John Deere equipment is based on

performance, uptime and support.

“In our experience, we have higher production and lower costs associated with operating John Deere equipment. It’s what I’ve had the most success with throughout my career, including fewer breakdowns and generally less downtime overall.” Says Plank.

For Plank, the equipment itself is only part of the equation. The other part is the support behind it. “I have a very good relationship with Coastline in Bakersfield, How they treat us helps us be profitable and stay operational. The personal service equals less downtime and that means we make more money,” says Plank.

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Preparing residential streets for new asphalt pavement in Lamont, CA. Variety of equipment used for grading, compacting, excavating and dust control.

COMPACT EQUIPMENT PLAYS A BIG ROLE IN TIGHT, PRODUCTIVE WORK CEN-CAL Construction performs a wide range of civil work, and compact equipment is a critical part of the company’s production strategy. Skid steers, compact excavators and skip loaders are used throughout CEN-CAL’s operations, particularly on demolition, sidewalk, curb, gutter, driveway, utility and tightaccess work.

Plank says his crews often use skid steers to break concrete into manageable sections, prepare start and stop points for demolition, and open work areas before the larger production equipment arrives.

“The bigger machines have a larger operating cost,” says Plank. “So, we like to utilize the smaller stuff in front of it for versatility, as well as for keeping the big stuff rolling.”

On many projects, compact equipment is used to work in corners, along buildings, under overpasses, near existing businesses and within active 20

street environments where larger machines cannot operate efficiently. “We work in a lot of tight, confined areas within existing businesses, on streets and areas of that nature,” says Plank. “Having the smaller equipment helps us get up against buildings and into tighter areas.”

Compact excavators and skid steers are also commonly paired

by CEN-CAL crews, providing the flexibility needed to remove existing improvements, excavate for utilities, grade confined areas and prepare work zones for larger construction operations.

RIGGIN AVENUE WIDENING – VISALIA One of CEN-CAL Construction’s recent major roadway projects was the Riggin Avenue widening project in the City of Visalia. The project began in January 2025 and was completed in September 2025. The work consisted of removing, replacing and widening approximately 1.5 miles of a main thoroughfare.

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CEN-CAL utilized compact John Deere equipment extensively during the early and detailed phases of the project. This included the removal of existing curbs, sidewalks, driveways, curb ramps and islands, as well as excavation for irrigation and telecommunications infrastructure. The big and specialized stuff came in later to build the roadway itself.

The Riggin Avenue project included approximately 13,000 tons of asphalt, along with several thousand tons of base material. The roadway also incorporated cement-treated subgrade, where cement is mixed into the existing subgrade and activated with water to create a strong, concrete-like base beneath the pavement section. It was the kind of project that demonstrated CEN-CAL’s ability to combine heavy civil production with detailed infrastructure work in an active public environment. { Continued on page 22 } C A LCO N T R AC TO R .CO M

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Garces Circle – Bakersfield Another notable project for CEN-CAL Construction was the reconstruction of Garces Circle in Bakersfield. The historic roundabout and memorial area has long served as an important local landmark and traffic feature.

CEN-CAL began the project in April 2024 and completed the work in May 2025.

The project involved completely removing and rebuilding the circle, including demolition, grading, underground work, boring, landscape preparation, irrigation improvements and roadway paving. Plank says compact John Deere equipment was especially useful due to the amount of detailed

work required around medians, tight areas and under nearby overpasses.

“There was a lot of demolition and grading in tight areas underneath the overpasses and median islands,” says Plank. “We were getting prepared for new landscaping, irrigation, boring and roadway paving.”

The existing roadway included concrete beneath the asphalt, requiring CEN-CAL to remove the old section and rebuild the area properly.

The project combined complex demolition, utility coordination, tight-access grading and finished roadway construction in one of Bakersfield’s most recognized traffic locations.

Excavating and backfilling with John Deere backhoe loader from Coastline Equipment.

Lake Isabella Pedestrian Improvements CEN-CAL Construction also recently completed the Lake Isabella Pedestrian Improvements project in Lake Isabella, California.

The project began in August 2025 and was completed in June 2026.

The work was spread throughout the town and included removal and reconstruction of neighborhood roads, new sidewalks, curb and gutter, driveways and curb ramps. Because the project was primarily focused on pedestrian improvements, compact equipment played a major role. “A lot of the 22

work was in the sidewalk area,” says Plank. “We did rebuild some full roads, but the majority of the work was for pedestrian traffic.”

Projects like Lake Isabella are well suited for compact excavators, skid steers and skip loaders because much of the work takes place along existing streets, near homes, around driveways and within limited-access areas. For CEN-CAL, the ability to place the rightsized machine in the right location helps crews maintain production while minimizing disruption.

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John Deere backhoe loader excavating for utilities in Delano, CA.

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CEN-CAL Construction utilizes all sizes of John Deere equipment on projects throughout Central California, including the large excavators, mini excavator and skid steer shown here.

Coastline Equipment and the Value of Doing What You Say CEN-CAL Construction’s relationship with Coastline Equipment has been an important part of the company’s equipment story. Plank has worked with Coastline for years, but he says his relationship with Joe Harrison Jr. helped lead to a major equipment purchase tied to the growth of GradEx Equipment LLC, a rental company he owns with business partners.

Plank says he and Harrison had known of each other for some time but only recently had the opportunity to meet in person at a local fundraiser. Shortly afterward, Plank decided to steer GradEx Equipment more heavily in the John Deere direction. “I went to him and we made a $4.5 million single purchase on John Deere equipment,” says Plank. “I was impressed with Harrison and the

entire Coastline sales team.

Everything he told me came to fruition. That’s rare in my business.”

That experience strengthened an already long-standing relationship between Plank, CEN-CAL Construction and Coastline Equipment. “He led the charge on that, and I was very appreciative and honored to deal with him,” says Plank. “We’ve become close personal friends since then.”

GradEx Equipment LLC Extends the Contractor Mindset into Rentals In addition to CEN-CAL Construction, Plank owns GradEx Equipment LLC, along with his wife Stephanie and partners, Johnny and Justin Leach. GradEx is a rental company focused primarily on serving contractors, while also renting to homeowners and weekend users on a smaller scale.

GradEx Equipment rents to outside contractors, including CEN-CAL competitors, as well as to itself. The fleet is approximately 80 percent John Deere and

includes large excavators, small excavators, skid steers, backhoes, skip loaders, track loaders and dozers. Motor graders and scrapers in the fleet are currently CAT machines.

Plank believes GradEx Equipment is positioned differently because it is led by people who understand what contractors need in the field. Johnny Leach, formerly with Coastline Equipment’s rental department, serves as operations manager of GradEx Equipment.

His brother, Justin Leach, who also previously worked with Coastline and has been with CEN-CAL for several years, is also a partner in the business.

Plank says his own experience as a contractor helps shape the rental company’s approach. “Being a contractor, I know what the contractor wants out of a rental company and we strive to provide exactly that” says Plank.

That understanding helps GradEx Equipment bridge the

gap between the language of the jobsite and the language of the rental counter. “Some contractors aren’t able to achieve that, whether it’s lack of knowledge or the inability to get across what they need from the rental salesman,” says Plank. “We bridge that gap, and we’re teaching our salesmen how to understand and provide what the contractor is really

looking for. If the customer is uncertain we work with them to develop a plan.”

The company emphasizes timely service, newer low-hour equipment, limited downtime and machines that are still under warranty. Plank says that matters because downtime affects the most expensive part of nearly every job: labor. “In our market,

the biggest expense is labor,” says Plank. “So as much as we can keep the machines running, the contractor is going to have a greater success rate. Therefore, they’ll keep going, profitably.”

GradEx Equipment also relies on telematics to monitor its fleet and help maintain productivity, service and accountability for their rental customers.

Jason Plank and his partners own and operate a bare and operated equipment rental company (GradEx Equipment) also located in Shafter, CA. Approximately 80% of the fleet is made up of John Deere machines from Coastline Equipment to include all-sizes of excavators, skid steers, backhoes, skip loaders and dozers. GradEx also offers Cat motor graders and scrapers.

Growth With a Purpose Looking ahead, Plank expects both CEN-CAL Construction and GradEx Equipment to continue growing, provided the market continues to support new opportunities. He says both companies use a purchase plan based on rental history and fleet utilization, reviewed quarterly.

“As long as the market keeps providing the work, then we’re going to get our share,” says Plank.

That confidence is grounded not only in equipment and opportunity,

24

but also in the relationships that have helped CEN-CAL Construction grow from a small Kern County contractor into a statewide civil construction company.

Plank is quick to credit his wife, Stephanie Plank, who is heavily involved in both CEN-CAL Construction and GradEx Equipment.

“She is my biggest supporter and is truly the brains behind the entire operation, none of it is possible without her support her knowledge and her presence” says Plank.

CO M PAC T E Q U I P M E N T / 2 0 26

For Plank, the story of CEN-CAL Construction is about more than machines, quantities or project values. It is about building something lasting through honest work, strong relationships and the integrity to follow through.

“We are blessed! And we are thriving, but we wouldn’t be if it weren’t for the relationships we have built with honesty and integrity,” says Plank. Cc

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TAD Excavation Continues to Build Upon on a Strong Foundation San Diego County contractor grows from one backhoe to a 30-machine fleet while staying focused on grading, demolition, utilities and family-driven values.

By Brian Hoover | Photos provided by TAD Excavation

W

hen CalContractor last caught up with Todd Hanna and TAD Excavation in 2014, the San Diego County contractor was already well established as a dependable grading, demolition, and utility contractor built on hard work and trusted relationships.

More than a decade later, the company is larger, the fleet has grown substantially, and a second generation is helping lead the way.

Above: Todd Hanna (right) with his son Andrew, at the Hawthorne Cat Operator Challenge with their dog, Boss.

Todd Hanna, owner and president of TAD Excavation, says the company’s core mission remains consistent.

“We work for custom home builders and for developers on multi-unit housing projects,” says Todd Hanna (Todd). “We perform demolition, grading, wet and dry utilities, and we like to offer turnkey services whenever possible.”

Built on the Same Foundation Founded in 2003, TAD Excavation began with a backhoe, a strong work ethic and a practical opportunity. Todd had been working for a demolition and grading contractor and had always intended to go out on his own.

When his father-in-law purchased a backhoe for his plumbing company and needed someone to operate it, the two partnered, and Todd began

backfilling, digging ditches and excavating footings.

Todd eventually bought out his father-in-law in 2019, and today TAD Excavation has grown into a 31-employee operation serving San Diego County. The company continues to perform the work that built its reputation, now with more resources in-house. “We’ve maintained our old customers and the smaller work, but we’ve also taken on much larger projects,” says Todd. “Where we may have had one large job going at one time before, now we may have two or three.”

TAD Excavation’s client list includes recognizable names such as Wermer’s Corporation, Hill Construction and California Home Builders. Todd says the company has intentionally stayed focused on working with custom builders, apartment projects and select development work rather than heavily pursuing tract home construction. “We dabbled in tract work for a minute,” says Todd. “We did four or five jobs and then got away from it.

The custom work is better for us, and I’ve intentionally stayed away from the tract work.”

Above: Cat 259 compact track loader and Cat 303.5 mini excavator digging footings and loading out spoils.

Growing the Fleet In-House One of the biggest changes since CalContractor’s last visit has been the growth of the company’s equipment fleet. In 2014, TAD Excavation had roughly 10 to 12 machines. Today, the company owns approximately 30 machines, with about 95 percent of the fleet made up of Cat equipment. “We continue purchasing equipment, and now we pretty much do everything in-house,” says Todd.

“That includes trench plates, traffic control and our own fleet of dump trucks. We don’t rent much anymore because we’ve worked hard to own what we need.”

The fleet includes 16 excavators ranging from a Cat 302 up to three Cat 336 excavators. TAD Excavation also owns two Cat dozers, a couple of Cat wheel loaders, six Cat skid steers, rollers, backhoes and a growing dump truck fleet. Todd’s relationship with Hawthorne Cat began around 2008, when the company was renting a significant amount of equipment. Over time, that relationship transitioned from rental to ownership, with Hawthorne Cat playing an important role in TAD Excavation’s growth. “We were CALCON TRAC TOR.CO M

renting a lot from Hawthorne, and then we started purchasing and that has made a positive impact on our bottom line,” says Todd. “Gus Peña, my machine sales representative, has been instrumental in the growth of our fleet, and he has sold me almost every one of our machines. He and Hawthorne stand behind everything they sell and they have never let me down.”

TAD Excavation originally started with another equipment brand, primarily because the company began as a backhoe-focused operation. As the company’s work evolved and the fleet expanded, Todd says the move to Cat equipment made sense for a number of reasons. “We found that our productivity improved greatly when we started going with Cat mini and mid-size excavators over backhoes. These machines working side by side with our skid steers make a big difference on the jobsite,” says Todd. “With Hawthorne Cat, the equipment is reliable, the serviceability is good, and parts accessibility is first rate.

They’ve helped us out of many tough spots through the years.

Staying with Cat is really about the whole package; resale value, durability and the fact that they last.”

Service and support continue to be a major factor in the company’s loyalty to Hawthorne Cat. “We can get parts overnight, and when we need a service tech or our own mechanic needs a hand, Hawthorne Cat is there for us,” says Todd. “They are knowledgeable, responsive and a true partner in our continued success.”

While many contractors have moved aggressively into machine control, GPS and other advanced technologies, Todd describes TAD Excavation as still being “old school” in many ways. The company does utilize Cat’s online and mobile service monitoring tools to help track machines, but Todd says the business remains grounded in practical field experience. “We can monitor the machines online or through our cell phones,” he says. “But other than that, we really have not evolved very far into telematics or automation. We probably need to at some point, and that is something we’ll investigate soon.”

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Above: Cat 320 excavators completing a demolition project.

Taking on Larger Projects One of the company’s recently completed larger projects was the Aero Apartments project in Kearny Mesa, a 465-unit apartment development that began in 2022 and was completed in January.

TAD Excavation performed the demolition, grading and utility work on the project.

The utility scope included two large storm drain tanks, one of which required excavation down approximately 20 feet. The company also installed roughly 450 feet of storm drain pipe at depths ranging from 10 to 18 feet, along with

approximately 300 feet of new sewer main in the street.

TAD Excavation also handled the surrounding road restoration, subcontracting out the paving portion.

The grading scope was also substantial. Todd estimates the company moved around 15,000 yards during grading, with another 5,000 to 10,000 yards moved during utility work. “We demoed it first, and that was probably a twomonth process,” says Todd. “Then there was a short period before we started the grading. We had to dig

the basement and export, and then we moved into utilities and backfill.

We were there for the better part of the year doing the grading and utility work.”

TAD Excavation utilized an extensive fleet of Cat equipment on the Kearny Mesa project, including Cat D6 and D8 dozers, a Cat 336 excavator, a sheepsfoot compactor, a Cat 308 excavator, and several Cat 305 excavators.

“We pretty much had one of everything out there at some point,” says Todd.

Below: TAD Excavation’s dump truck working with Cat 320 excavator and Cat 305 mini excavator performing street improvements.

Above: A Cat 306 mini excavator and Cat 246 skid steer working on site improvements.

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Compact Equipment, Big Impact At the other end of the project spectrum, TAD Excavation also recently completed a technical custom residential demolition and grading project in La Jolla. Known as the Abbott Residence, the project involved demolition of a 12,000-square-foot home located on a bluff with an existing pool and extremely tight access. “This project was on the technical side because there was an existing pool in place, and it was right on the bluff,” says Todd. “Everything had to be taken out with small, compact machines that could fit into tight spaces.”

Access to the work area was limited to a narrow path approximately seven feet wide alongside the existing garage and down the slope. To complete the demolition, TAD Excavation relied on compact Cat excavators, including 305 and 306 models equipped with thumbs. Cat 259 compact track loaders were then used to transport debris out to the street and later haul backfill

material back in, preparing the pad for construction of the new structure.

This particular project highlights the growing importance of smaller machines within TAD Excavation’s operation. Todd says approximately half of the company’s fleet is now compact equipment, including nine Cat mini excavators. “Even though we have a wide range of large machinery, the compact equipment is the secret weapon that keeps every job going,” says Todd. “We have three 305s, a 306 and 303.5s, and those are always busy.”

Todd says one of the biggest industry changes over the past 20-plus years has been the shift away from backhoes and toward mini excavators. “When I started, we were using backhoes, and mini excavators weren’t as prevalent as they are now,” he says. “Now the backhoes have taken a back seat in some ways, and the majority of just about everything is done with a mini excavator. That’s probably one of the bigger changes, the

Above: Cat 308 mini excavator and Cat 305 mini excavator with breaker trenching for utilities.

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equipment has gotten smaller while maintaining equal or better power and productivity.”

For Todd, the value comes down to versatility, production and cost efficiency. “What these Cat machines can do, considering their size, is impressive,” he says. “The breakout force, the amount of earth they can move, and the lower cost to run them compared to a large machine make the compact stuff irreplaceable.”

TAD Excavation often uses compact excavators and skid steers together, depending on the application. Todd says the company frequently equips mini excavators with larger buckets when it needs to move material quickly or load trucks efficiently in confined areas. “We can load a truck fairly quickly with these compact machines,” he says.

“When we need to move a large amount of material quickly, we put a larger bucket on them and get it done.”

Above: Cat 320 excavator setting 48” concrete pipe.

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The Cat 306 Mini Excavator stays busy on site—setting concrete drain boxes and loading trucks with ease.

The Next Generation Another major development at TAD Excavation is the increased involvement of Todd’s family.

His daughter Faith has been in the office for the past two years, and his son Andrew is steadily moving into a larger leadership role. Andrew joined the company full time in 2018 after graduating from high school. Having grown up around the business, he was already familiar with the equipment and the work. “Andrew started off doing small jobs as an operator,” says Todd. “He had already learned the groundwork as a laborer, and now he is taking on larger project responsibilities in a new leadership role.”

Today, Andrew is one of TAD Excavation’s main foremen and will soon be moving into a field superintendent position. Todd says the long-term goal is to keep building the company in a way that allows Andrew to take on more responsibility. “We’ll continue doing what we’re doing and grow where it makes sense,” says Todd.

“We will probably increase the trucking side of the company and begin setting things up for my son to take over. That way, he can decide where he wants to take the company in the future.”

Andrew has already made an impression beyond the company. He competed in the Cat CALCON TRAC TOR.CO M

Operator Challenge sponsored

by Hawthorne Cat and finished in second place. Todd says he believes Andrew has the ability to go even further in future competitions. “I fully expect he has a good chance of going forward and representing Hawthorne in the regional event and hopefully the finals,” says Todd. “That was his first Cat Operator Challenge, and now that he has one under his belt, I think he is ready to go for the prize when the next competition rolls around. He and other young men and women like him are our future, and we enjoy watching them thrive in this business.”

As for new equipment, Todd says future purchases will continue to be driven by the work. The company recently added a Cat 259 compact track loader and will continue maintaining and adding to the fleet as needed. “We’ll get a new project, and if we need something, rather than renting it, we will figure out a way to purchase it and keep it busy,” says Todd.

There is, however, one machine Andrew would like to add to the fleet someday soon. “My son dreams about having a Cat D8 in our fleet,” Todd says with a laugh.

“I am sure he will find a way to make that happen and keep it busy. Time will tell.”

Although Todd no longer spends much time operating equipment himself, he remains closely connected to the field. He is now primarily in the office, visiting jobs, meeting with customers and generating business, but he still makes it a priority to stay personally involved with the work.

“I still drive the jobs,” says Todd.

“I’m typically at them every other day, and I still go out to meet customers and check on the work.

Unfortunately, I can’t spend time on the equipment anymore.”

Continuing to Build After more than two decades in business, Todd says the plan for TAD Excavation is not to reinvent itself, but to keep building on what has worked: strong relationships, capable people, dependable equipment and the ability to handle more of the work in-house.

From a single backhoe in 2003 to a 30-machine fleet today, TAD Excavation has grown steadily while staying focused on the work that launched the company. With Andrew and Faith now involved, and with continued support from Hawthorne Cat, Todd sees a strong future ahead. Cc

CO M PAC T E Q U I P M E N T / 2 0 26

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Industry News CASE Launches New 3-Ton Mini Excavators, Balancing Performance and Precision to Maximize Site Potential

CASE Construction Equipment has launched three new D Series mini excavators in the 3-ton class engineered for compact performance and jobsite versatility: the CX30D, CX34D and CX38D. These power-packed machines offer an ideal balance of muscle, precision and attachment compatibility for efficient work in tight quarters. With a compact zero-tailswing design, operators can work up close against walls, near structures or around hazards with confidence, improving productivity on any jobsite.

Operator-First Functionality The new CASE 3-ton mini excavators combine businessclass comfort with no-nonsense performance. Built with operators in mind, the automotive-style cab with ergonomic controls, suspension seat and excellent all-around visibility elevate the operator experience and jobsite awareness. Conveniently placed 34

access panels and a tilting cab also make daily and preventative maintenance easier.

More Standard Features Each new model is equipped with different standard features to meet varying operational demands.

The CX38D has a long arm with a thumb bracket, hydraulic auxiliary flow control and electronic throttle control with auto idle for smoother, more efficient operation. Both the CX30D and CX38D models include an industry-leading lights package for better visibility in low-light scenarios. A two-piece roll-up front window, included on all three models with the cab, also provides excellent operator visibility and easier communication on the jobsite.

Attachment Compatibility Adaptability is central to the design of these new mini excavators. Compatible with attachments for digging, trenching, dirt moving, vegetation

CO M PAC T E Q U I P M E N T / 2 0 26

management and more, these machines can transform for any job. An optional 6-way dozer blade is available for the top-of-class CX38D that makes grading and backfilling a breeze. In addition, operators can easily swap attachments with multifunction one- and two-way hydraulics and a second two-way auxiliary hydraulic circuit. Plus, an optional third hydraulic circuit and a constant-flow circuit enable the use of power-hungry attachments for more specialized tasks. For added convenience, a hydraulic pin grabber coupler provision comes standard on all three models, allowing operators to quickly swap attachments as needed.

For more information on CASE mini excavators, please contact your local Sonsray Machinery location or visit www.sonsraymachinery.com or www.casece.com/en-us/ northamerica/products/excavators/ mini-excavators. Cc C A LCO N T R AC TO R .CO M

Industry News Volvo CE Launches Three New-Gen Compact Excavator Models Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has enhanced its compact excavator lineup with the launch of three new-generation models: the ECR90, EC65 and EW65. These models replace the previous generation’s ECR88, EC60 and EW60 respectively, featuring updates that translate to faster cycle times, increased versatility and maximum uptime for customers.

All three excavators offer noticeable improvements over their predecessors, intended to maximize customers’ productivity.

The 9-ton ECR90 is a powerful short-swing excavator built to compete with larger models, but at a size that’s ideal for confined, restrictive jobsites. Compared to the ECR88, upgrades include: • 28% more engine power • 15% more pump torque • 13% more bucket force • 11% more arm digging force • 7% more tractive force • A 30% larger cab The 7-ton EC65 and EW65 deliver 4% and 6% more engine power respectively, along with a 9% increase in boom lifting force, all of which lead to faster, more reliable operation.

All three models support Volvo’s full range of compact excavator attachments, and their auxiliary hydraulic flow has increased, offering more precision and power for a wider range of tasks. On the EC65 and EW65, hydraulic flow is 100% higher, and on the ECR90, it’s 15% higher.

CALCON TRAC TOR.CO M

To further boost efficiency and versatility, these new machines are well-suited for tiltrotators. This allows for 360-degree rotation and 45-degree tilting of the attachment, so an operator can perform complex tasks without repositioning the excavator, saving time and fuel.

The ECR90, EC65 and EW65 are built to minimize downtime and reduce total cost of ownership.

Larger fuel tanks and extended service intervals, like 8,000 hours for DPF cleaning and 1,500 hours for hydraulic return filter changes, reduce time spent on these common tasks. Wide opening hoods and ground-level access to grouped service points mean safer, faster maintenance.

Standard telematics or optional advanced telematics boost productivity and uptime even farther. And, keeping the future in mind, the excavators’ connectivity platform supports the integration of upcoming service enhancements.

These mini excavators also feature a fully refreshed cab environment designed to keep the

operator comfortable, safe and productive all day. A high-definition touchscreen display offers helpful functions like attachment presets, rear and side camera views, service interval settings and Bluetooth® pairing.

Continuing the Volvo CE tradition of class-leading ergonomics in compact equipment, all three machines include new seats with optional air suspension, wider adjustable armrests and a new tiltable left-hand console for easier entry and exit.

The launch of these three models demonstrates Volvo CE’s ongoing commitment to compact equipment, with six new models launched in the past year and more than 50% of the lineup being updated within the past two years, including battery-electric compact excavators and wheel loaders.

Learn more about the next-gen ECR90, EC65 and EW65 compact excavators at www.vcesvolvo.com or by going to volvoce.com/ united-states/en-us/products/ excavators/#compact-excavators. Cc

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CO M PAC T E Q U I P M E N T / 2 0 26

C A LCO N T R AC TO R .CO M

60

ON ALL COMAPCT CLASS EQUIPMENT

POWER. PRECISION. PERFORMANCE.

A WIRTGEN GROUP COMPANY

HD 13i VV

HD 10 VV

HAMM VV Models Have It All.

Weight: 9,735 lbs Drum width: 51.2 in Engine : KUBOTA

HD 12 VV & HD 12e VV

Hamm VV Rollers – Power in Every Pound

HD 14i VV

Models available in a range of operating weights: From 5457 lbs to 10,330 lbs Engineered with Hamm’s cutting-edge vibration technology. VV Rollers deliver unmatched performance for compaction projects.

Available Now And In Stock

California's Largest General Line Construction and Municipal Dealer. Dealer.

California’s Largest General Line Construction andEquipment Municipal Equipment (909) 930-1822 So. California: 2044 S. Vineyard Ontario, CA Ontario, 91761 CA So. California: 2044Ave., S. Vineyard Ave., 91761 • (909) 930-1822 (209) 830-8600 No. California: 800 E. Grant Line Rd., Tracy, 95304 No. California: 800 E. Grant LineCA Rd., Tracy, CA 95304 • (209) 830-8600 Nevada:Drive, 2750 Marion Drive,NV Las89115 Vegas, NV 89115 • (702) 342-8100 (702) 342-8100 Nevada: 2750 Marion Las Vegas, www.nixonegli.com www.nixonegli.com