Hydratec keeps you moving
04/09/2024
Celebrating five years in business, Hydratec is a leading hydraulic hoses and fittings specialist that provides a 24/7 onsite repair and replacement service to a large and loyal client base across the South-East and Midlands.
Acutely aware of how disruptive a hydraulic hose breakdown can be, Hydratec managing director Tommy Byrne is on the scene fast to put things right. Their mobile response units operate as onsite workshops, which allows for a quick turnaround, and minimal machine downtime.
“We pride ourselves on our prompt and efficient service,” says Tommy, who set up Hydratec in Mullinahone, Co. Tipperary in 2019.
“We’re mobile-based which means we come to the customer. We have two fully-kitted vans, including a new Iveco, to carry out repairs on site. We can fix any type of hydraulic hose and carry a complete range of hydraulic fittings to suit every application.
“In the unlikely event of us not being able to attend a breakdown, we can arrange for a subcontractor to do it. We attend a lot of evening and after hour breakdowns, and will never see anyone stuck. When we say we'll be there, we mean it. We don’t mess anyone around.”
In addition, Tommy offers preventative machine maintenance and is a fully certified technician, who can test and provide a GA1 certification for a wide range of plant and machinery lifting equipment, non-lifting equipment and accessories. A GA1 certification verifies that the equipment meets the necessary HSA requirements to operate. Regular planned maintenance and servicing offers the most effective means to prevent costly hydraulic failures and ensure your business can keep running smoothly.
“Breakdowns and call-outs make up 70% of our business, with preventative maintenance accounting for the other 30%,” he explains.
“We service machines for many of our customers on a regular basis, advising them on what needs to be changed or replaced. On average, we attend to five-six breakdowns per day, so there is never a dull moment. We have approximately a thousand customers, half of whom we deal with at least once a year. We maintain a great relationship with our customers and suppliers.”
Tommy caters for customers across a wide range of sectors, including haulage, quarrying, agriculture, plant, construction, industrial, commercial, automotive, pharmaceutical, railway, forestry, utilities and marine.
“We initially focused on haulage, quarrying and agriculture before branching out to cover nearly every sector. Hydraulics are the lifeblood of excavators and cranes, so there is always a big demand for our services. We have the expertise, knowledge and equipment to spare our customers the hassle of trying to carry out the repairs themselves.
“We cover a wide area from Cork to Wicklow and treat every customer the same regardless of how big or small they are, while also catering to local companies such as Dowling Quarries in Abbeyleix, Kilkenny Block Co, Pat Foley Transport in Callan, Tony Egan Transport in Mullinahone and Raher Transport in Lemybrien to name a few!”
Hydratec insists on using superior quality hose products from Intertraco and Bridgestone. Intertraco has worked with a worldwide customer-base to introduce new designs and standards that provide international conformance and compatibility. The Italian brand’s products include fittings for flexible hoses, quick release couplings, adaptors, swivel joints and valves.
Bridgestone hose products are characterised by their highest quality and superior performance, maximising the customer’s productivity. Their hydraulic and industrial hoses not only meet but exceed all industry standards.
“With Intertraco and Bridgestone, our customers can be assured they are getting the best product at a reasonable price,” Tommy adds.
With a background in machinery and repairs, the affable Kilkenny man was always destined to end up working in the sector.
“I started my career in pharmaceutical operations, but office work didn’t really suit me,” he smiles.
“I then worked for a transport company in Kilkenny carrying out agricultural machinery maintenance and DOE preparation. Whilst there, I saw an opportunity to put a van on the road doing hydraulic repairs. I decided to go for it and haven’t looked back since. I started out with a Ford Transit which I still have, and have since added an Iveco that was purchased from Longhaul Commercials in Tullamore.”
“The new van has everything we need to get you going again. It was kitted out in the UK and is stocked with a huge range of hydraulic hoses and fittings.”
Tommy continues: “No sooner had I started the business than lockdown came. There was uncertainty initially before we became an essential service to the transport sector. We picked up a lot of business during that time through word of mouth and referrals from customers.”
As Hydratec continues to go from strength to strength, Tommy would like to take this opportunity to thank his customers, suppliers and subcontractors for their unwavering support. He is also grateful for the support of his wife Kate. The couple are proud parents to 18-month-old Roan who may just follow in his dad's footsteps in the future.
For all your hydraulic hoses and fittings needs, make sure to give Tommy a call.
Hydratec
Mullinahone,
Co. Tipperary.
Telephone: 087 189 3892
Email: [email protected]
First published in Irish Trucker magazine July 2024, Vol 27-4
