More Than Machines: How AFGRI Equipment and Picton Civil Built a Partnership That Lasts

Picton Civil have been in the earthmoving and civil industry for over 50 years. Offering earthmoving, civil and mining solutions to Western Australia’s southwest. The family-owned business have dedicated themselves to delivering safe, high-quality services from their fully equipped work shop and extensive fleet since 1968.

For Josh Silver, Workshop Manager at Picton Civil, that's exactly why the company has continued to choose John Deere equipment supplied by AFGRI Equipment.

Over the past seven years, that relationship has grown from a single machine demonstration into a long-term partnership, with Picton Civil purchasing 18 machines through AFGRI Equipment and continuing to expand its John Deere fleet.

A Relationship That Started with a Demonstration

Fifteen years into his career with Picton Civil, Josh oversees day-to-day machinery operations, purchasing decisions, and evaluating upcoming equipment opportunities for the business.

The company's journey with AFGRI Equipment began around seven years ago when Construction and Forestry Sales Representative Paul Casagrande invited Josh to a demo of a John Deere 670GP Motor Grader.

That demo led to Picton Civil's first John Deere purchase.

"The main reason I went down that track was the product support, the interest that the dealer showed in our business and our day-to-day operations," Josh explained.

While the machine itself impressed, it was AFGRI Equipment's commitment to understanding Picton Civil's operations that made the difference.

Support Beyond the Sale

According to Josh, one of the defining characteristics of the partnership has been AFGRI Equipment's ongoing engagement with the business.

"Paul showed a big interest in what we do and how we go about our business," he said.

"[Paul] constantly kept us up to date with the machinery that was coming to Australia and different options that may be suitable for our outfit. He had the answers and multiple options at any time and support through both sales and product support after sales, and he's been excellent."

That level of support has helped Picton Civil make informed equipment decisions as its fleet and operational requirements have evolved.

Rather than simply supplying machines, AFGRI Equipment has worked closely with the business to identify solutions that fit its needs, providing a single point of contact and a dependable support network throughout the equipment lifecycle.

Continuing Success with the 850 P-Tier Dozer

Picton Civil's most recent purchase was the John Deere 850 P-Tier Dozer, a machine that builds on the success the company has already experienced with its existing 850L fleet.

"We've had an excellent run out of our first 850L and still are, so when we required a second 'L', we didn't bother looking anywhere else," Josh said.

"The first two dozers had built a solid track record of what we were going to get and how we were going to be looked after."

Designed for demanding Australian conditions, the 850 P-Tier combines impressive pushing power with operator-focused features, including factory-installed SmartGrade™, integrated 3D GPS technology, improved ergonomics, and a smooth operating experience that helps reduce fatigue throughout long shifts.

At approximately 23 tonnes, the dozer delivers the performance required for challenging earthmoving applications while providing the technology today's contractors expect.

For Picton Civil, the latest machine also introduced a new advantage.

"It's our first LGP, which has the latest SmartGrade technology and the wider undercarriage, which better handles the wet weather here," Josh said.

Building Partnerships for the Long Term

For Paul, the relationship with Picton Civil reflects AFGRI Equipment's broader approach to supporting customers.

"We're not just selling machines," he said. "We're supporting machines and building long-term relationships."

"We're invested heavily in providing support. John Deere has provided technology and support to back that up."

More importantly, Paul believes those relationships are built for the future.

"We're building long-term relationships with Picton Civil which will continue long into the future."

The Value of Trust

After purchasing 18 machines over seven years, Josh believes the reason for Picton Civil's continued investment is simple.

The combination of reliable equipment, strong product support, and a dealer that genuinely takes an interest in the business has created a partnership built on trust.

AFGRI Equipment's willingness to listen to customer feedback and help drive improvements in future products has only strengthened that relationship.

"Can't really put a price on that," Josh said.

"AFGRI are interested in maintaining and supporting that relationship."

For Picton Civil, that commitment has proven that the right equipment supplier delivers far more than machinery. They become a long-term partner invested in their customers' success.