CONARRD and Melbourne Tractors Forge Ahead with the Kobelco SK380XDLC

I was delighted to receive this material from our friends “Down Under” at Melbourne Tractors, who were keen to tell us their latest news about their partnership with an up and coming civil engineering business.

In the dynamic world of civil construction, success often hinges on the strength of partnerships. One such partnership—between Melbourne Tractors, a trusted supplier of earthmoving equipment, and CONARRD, a rising force in Victorian civil works—is proving that shared values and smart investments can drive exceptional outcomes.

Founded in mid-2023 by Anthony Rice and Rob Donev, CONARRD has quickly built a reputation for delivering high-quality work across subdivisions, lifestyle communities, and complex road infrastructure. With over 35 years of combined experience, Anthony and Rob bring a hands-on, client-focused approach to every project.

“We’ve worked together for a number of years at other businesses and just decided that we wanted to give it a go ourselves,” Anthony explained. “As a company, we don’t pigeonhole ourselves to any specific area of civil construction. Whether it’s residential subdivisions, industrial estates, or signalised intersections—we’re very much at home doing that kind of work.”

That versatility is matched by their commitment to quality, which is why CONARRD recently expanded their fleet with the Kobelco SK380XDLC, supplied by Melbourne Tractors. The machine has already made a strong impression on-site at Butler Court in Wallan, where CONARRD is undertaking a major earthworks operation.

“We’ve stripped the job now and we’re doing the cut-to-fill operation,” Rob shared. “The 380’s been great—very responsive, light on its feet, and you can definitely feel the power in it.”

Fuel efficiency has also been a standout. “We’re getting about two and a half days out of a tank, which is fantastic given fuel prices,” Rob added. “It’s always good to save where you can.”

Anthony echoed the sentiment, praising the machine’s performance and the support from Melbourne Tractors. “The dealings with Kobelco and Melbourne Tractors have been second to none. We’re Kobelco people for life now, I think.”

The name “CONARRD” itself is a reflection of the founders’ personal investment in the business. “The C-O-N is for construction, A-R is Anthony Rice, and R-D is Rob Donev,” Anthony explained. “We’re actually wrapped with how the logo’s come up on the machines—it looks awesome.”

But beyond branding and machinery, it’s the company’s culture that sets CONARRD apart. Both founders are deeply involved in day-to-day operations, often found on-site, boots dusty, machines running. “The client can come out any time and speak to myself or Anthony,” Rob said. “They get information first-hand, not a week or two later.”

That accessibility and transparency have helped CONARRD grow quickly through word of mouth. “We’ve won multiple jobs just from delivering them on time, under budget, and safely,” Rob noted.

Anthony reinforced their long-term vision: “We’re not trying to be a $100 million business. We’re happy to stay smaller and provide a good service. That’s our biggest thing—providing a safe environment and a place people want to come to work every day.”

Melbourne Tractors, with its reputation for reliable equipment and customer-first service, has been a natural fit for CONARRD’s values. From compact excavators to heavy-duty machines like the SK380XDLC, Melbourne Tractors continues to support businesses that prioritize quality, safety, and integrity.

As CONARRD looks ahead to future projects, the partnership with Melbourne Tractors—and the power of the Kobelco fleet—will remain central to their success. Whether it’s the next subdivision or a complex road upgrade, the team is ready to deliver.

And as the SK380XDLC hums away on-site, it’s more than just a machine—it’s a symbol of what’s possible when two companies come together with a shared commitment to building better.

Big thanks to Stefan Knoeckel of Melbourne Tractors & Brisvegas Machinery for sharing a bit of blue Kobelco news with us here on the Digger Man Blog, its much appreciated mate!