The Many Faces of Brokk Operators: Jim

Hi fellow Brokk Ops, my name is Jim Coleman and I have been asked to be one of the many faces of Brokk which is an honour.

My current location is South Wales and surrounding areas, but I spent many years in London. I have been in the diamond drilling/sawing and demo industry for about 37 years-ish and Brokking for about 25 of them. I have a full NVQ in robotic demolition but also operate other plant. 360 excavators, bob cats, telehandlers etc… but Brokking has always been my passion in our chosen industry. Even after all these years I still get a kick out of how such a versatile and compact machine can show the big boys (big excavators) how its done and get into spaces where no other machines can get.

When you turn up on a job, back the Brokk off the van/trailer and track it up the several flights of stairs, it often attracts attention from other contractors on site and they are amazed at what a compact machine can get done in a short time. Until you start breaking out then its run for the hills!

I have used most models of brokk through the years from the 80s brokk 250 and 90s brokk 150 up to current ones.

Like the 110 and our mighty Brokk 500. But my firm favourite over the years is the ultimate stair climber the mighty Brokk 90. It’s not without its limitations (limited slew and plastic covers) but I’ve taken them up so many staircases with such ease, and got the job done!

But fast forward to current and the 70. 110. 200. And our mighty 500 has come a long way with more
power at your finger tips and a much more robust build quality. Add smart power and a quicker response to the controls into the mix, and they make my day job just that bit easier.

I have used other robots from other manufactureRs but this old dog just prefers using a proven product.

Advice for any newbies in the game would be take your time. Get to know your surroundings, make sure you know the slabs can hold the weight. Don’t stand too close to the Brokk, they have a habit of moving around when you get the jaws on. And if traveling up staircases get to know your pivot points, and have a couple of lengths of 4×2 timbers with you (trust me they will help). Even after 25 years I still get nervous on staircases which is a good thing as it keeps you focused. No 2 Brokks are the same, each one has their own little personality. So with that said, enjoy it and go home safe!

Thank you Brokk for all the years of fun I have had and the people i’ve met along the way. cheers, Jim