“The majority of our projects include the proper handling and disposal of regulated and hazardous materials such as PCBs and ACMs,” says Richard. “The laws and regulations concerning the handling of these materials are continually changing and vary by state, which means we need to constantly reevaluate and readdress our remediation processes.”

The goal of each demolition job is to recycle as much material as possible. In a given year, Adamo Group reclaims more than 250,000 tons of steel, concrete, wood, and other recyclable materials.

Why Cat Machines?

Since the beginning, Cat equipment has been helping the Adamo Group perform work safely—a critical requirement of the demolition industry.

“With today’s equipment, we can work with surgical accuracy and keep away from the hazards,” says Richard. “Thirty years ago we’d have laborers with torches precutting iron before our machines could go to work. Now a single machine can do the work of 10 laborers thanks to advancements in technology and tools.”

 

“WITH A MP40 OUT FRONT, THE JOB IS EASIER, SAFER, AND MORE PRODUCTIVE BECAUSE WE CAN CUT, SEPARATE, AND LIFT MATERIAL WITHOUT MANUAL INTERVENTION. WORK TOOLS AND HYDRAULIC INNOVATIONS HAVE CHANGED THE INDUSTRY FOR THE BETTER.” 

 

One of those tools that stand out is the Cat MP40 multiprocessor. 

“We estimate projects based on how many square feet we can take down in a work day,” says Richard. “A project we are currently working requires removing 40,000 square feet per day. That’s why we bring in a lot of big iron like the 374. With a MP40 out front, the job is easier, safer, and more productive because we can cut, separate, and lift material without manual intervention. Work tools and hydraulic innovations have changed the industry for the better.”

Adamo Group’s fleet is 98 percent Cat equipment, mostly excavators. Models include the 385C, 374D, 349E, 345D, 336E, 329E, 328D, 316E, and the 312E. The company also uses specialty excavators like the 385CL UHD and APEX70 with Cat attachments.

“We use 320s for residential areas that require power, productivity, and versatility,” says Richard. “We use compact radius excavators to work in tight and compact applications. In fact, we were the first company in Michigan to use a compact radius excavator, the 328D L, for demolition.”

 

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Adamo Group also uses many other Cat machines. Cat 950 wheel loaders handle bulk material with demolition grapple buckets, and Cat skid steers and track loaders help with the cleanup.

Dealer Makes a Difference

Adamo Group keeps its fleet productive with the strong support of Cat dealer Michigan Cat.

“We have a certified Cat field technician on site 24/7 to help keep Adamo’s fleet in top working order,” says Greg Schneider of Michigan Cat. “I have worked for other brands and dealers, and they say they have the same level of service as Caterpillar and Cat dealers, but they don’t.”

Adamo Group actively manages its fleet utilizing Cat Connect, a technology solution that includes Product Link. 

“We use Product Link to track maintenance and troubleshoot problems,” says Al Penrod, Adamo Group fleet manager. “It’s easy for me to call Michigan Cat from my desk and tell them what’s wrong with a machine in a different state.”

A Bright, Yellow Future

The need for demolishing and remediating old structures will continue to grow, and Adamo Group—and big, yellow Cat equipment—will be a part of it.

“My goal is to see the company continue to grow and prosper for another 50 years,” says Richard.