When it comes to earthwork and site development in Western Washington, Taycon Contracting is a name that stands out. Based in Olympia, WA, Taycon specializes in land clearing, excavation, site work, utility installation, and infrastructure development throughout Thurston, Pierce, Grays Harbor, and Lewis Counties. Key to their operations is a new powerful and compact machine, the Kobelco SK85MSR-7, supplied by Powerscreen of Washington.

We caught up with Zach Taylor, Managing Partner of Taycon Contracting, during a site visit just north of Olympia. The crew was building out infrastructure for a 5-lot subdivision, including the main access road and smaller paths for well access. It was the type of job that perfectly showcased the Kobelco SK85’s capabilities.

The Right Machine for Dynamic Jobs

For Zach and his team, versatility is non-negotiable and that is one of the many reasons why he chose to go with the SK85. With an overall length of 22’2”, width of 8’5”, and height of 8’, this machine strikes the perfect balance between power and mobility. Its maximum digging reach of 24’7” makes it ideal for a wide variety of tasks, and the 72 HP Yanmar 4 TNV engine delivers the performance Zach and his team can depend on. But what really sets this machine apart, according to Zach, is its comfort and operability.

“The cab is much larger compared to most machines in its class,” Zach noted. “It’s super reliable, powerful, and comfortable. And that swing boom, it’s one of the best features for our type of work.” The swing boom, being able to go 62 degrees to the left and 67 degrees to the right, allows Zach to work in tighter spaces without repositioning the entire machine, something that comes in handy when building roads, digging around utilities, or clearing land in densely wooded areas. For Taycon’s wide-ranging projects, from rural subdivisions to city utility jobs, that added maneuverability makes a world of difference.

Comfort Meets Capability

Operator comfort isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity, especially on long days in the field. Taycon’s team appreciates the SK85’s smooth hydraulics and ergonomic controls, which reduce fatigue and increase efficiency. “It’s an extremely smooth machine and just all-around very comfortable to run,” Zach said.

Another standout feature is the cab guard, which provides extra protection when clearing trees or working on rough terrain. “It gives our operators peace of mind when tackling heavy-duty work,” he added. That added safety combined with the machine’s thoughtful design creates a stress-free environment for Taycon’s experienced crew.

Zach also highlighted the rubber bolt-on tracks, which further enhance the SK85’s versatility. “From asphalt to concrete to dirt, it moves easily across all jobsite surfaces. That makes our jobs easier and keeps our start-up process super simple. It’s very easy to load, unload, and get to work right off the trailer.”

Efficiency Through Innovation

The Kobelco SK85 doesn’t just check the boxes for comfort and power, it’s also packed with smart features designed to optimize performance and fuel efficiency. One such innovation is the exclusive iNDr (Integrated Noise & Dust Reduction) Cooling System. This system dramatically reduces dust intake and minimizes engine noise, a huge benefit on environmentally sensitive sites or when working in residential neighborhoods.

With multiple mode settings, the SK85 allows Taycon to tailor the machine’s operation to each task, maximizing power when needed or dialing back for fuel savings during lighter work. For a company constantly moving from one type of job to the next, these adjustable settings help them stay efficient and cost-effective.

Trusted Dealership Partner

Beyond the equipment itself, Taycon Contracting values the support they receive from Powerscreen of Washington. Zach was quick to share that working with the dealership has been nothing short of outstanding. “Everyone at Powerscreen of Washington has been friendly, helpful, and always ready to take a call when we need something,” Zach said. “It’s been a pleasure working with them.” He gave a special shoutout to his salesman, Doug Basler, for his dependable service. “Doug’s just a phone call away. Whether it’s a question about parts, service, or operations, he’s knowledgeable and easy to work with. That kind of support means a lot when you’re trying to keep things running smoothly.”

From building subdivision roads to clearing large plots of land, Taycon Contracting continues to make an impact across Western Washington. With the Kobelco SK85 from Powerscreen of Washington in their fleet, they have a machine that matches their pace, ambition, and commitment to excellence.