Case study: How Franc Landscapes turned a near-impossible backyard into a pool oasis
"Their team gave me outstanding advice and clearly recommended the 1.2 ton Takeuchi as the best option for the tight access on this project. It was a pleasure working with Pronto Hire." - Kevin Franc, Franc Landscapes
When the job looks nearly impossible on paper, that's usually where the most rewarding results come from. For Auckland-based Franc Landscapes, a recent plunge pool installation pushed the limits of what a compact excavator could do, and the 1.2T Takeuchi from Pronto Hire delivered.
Who Is Franc Landscapes?
Franc Landscapes is a boutique landscape construction company based in Auckland, specialising in bespoke, high-quality outdoor projects. Their work spans concrete, carpentry, garden design, and full landscape construction, but their true passion lies in landscaped pools.
"These spaces often become the heart of family entertainment and significantly enhance both the enjoyment and value of a property," says Kevin. Their signature design, elegant half-moon decks surrounding stainless steel plunge pools, has quickly become a standout in the Auckland market. It's a look that's visually distinctive, makes smart use of limited space, and delivers a premium result at a more accessible price point than a traditional pool build.
At Franc Landscapes, the team genuinely love what they do, and that comes through in the results. From the first conversation to the finishing touches, clients are kept in the loop every step of the way, and the relationships that form tend to stick around long after the job is done.
The Solution: A 1.2T Takeuchi That Punched Well Above Its Weight
With access constraints ruling out anything larger, Kevin reached out to Pronto Hire. The team recommended the 1.2 ton Takeuchi, a compact excavator specifically designed for restricted height and width situations.
What followed surprised even Kevin.
"Despite its small size, the machine proved incredibly powerful. Its performance was impressive, it handled the pool excavation and all the earthmoving with ease, performing just like a larger machine. We were very pleased with it and it was definitely a major contributor to the success of the project."
The fireplace demolition put the machine under real pressure. Constant pushing, pulling, and lifting through thick reinforced concrete, all day, at high throttle.
"It performed flawlessly. No overheating, no loss of power. It was a little bouncy at times due to its compact size, but overall it was an absolute asset and a great help in that tight situation."
The Outcome: A Backyard Transformed
What had been an awkward, underutilised space is now a complete outdoor entertainment area, with a sleek plunge pool, generous lounge area, custom concrete pavers, aluminium fencing, and synthetic lawn. The clients decorated the finished space with stylish furniture and finishing touches that brought the whole thing together.
"By the time we left, the entire area looked absolutely stunning," Kevin says. "They were genuinely excited about using and relaxing in their new space and enjoyed every step of the project."
The working relationship mattered just as much as the result. Franc Landscapes maintained daily communication with the clients throughout, regular updates, no surprises, and a process that felt smooth from start to finish.
"A real relationship developed between our team and the clients, and we're confident we'll stay in touch well into the future."
- Constraints turned into a creative, high-impact design solution
- 50+ cubic metres of hardfill removed through a sub-900mm access point
- Full pool, retaining walls, paving, fencing, and landscaping delivered
- Machine performed without overheating or loss of power, even under heavy demolition loads
- Clients thrilled with the process and the result
Why Franc Landscapes Recommends Pronto Hire
Kevin's experience with Pronto Hire from first call to delivery was straightforward and well-supported.
"Our experience with Pronto Hire was excellent, seamless from start to finish. The booking process was very straightforward, and the machine was promptly delivered by transport truck. The technician took the time to give us a thorough run-down on operating the machine and provided all the necessary support contact details."
The advice upfront made a real difference. Rather than leaving the machine choice to guesswork, the Pronto team took the time to understand the site constraints and point Kevin toward the right option.
"Can't wait to hire from you again on our next project!"
Choose Pronto Hire for your next landscaping or construction project:
- Expert advice on machine selection for tight access, restricted sites, and specialist jobs
- A full range of excavators from 1.2T to 30T, with options for every access situation
- Fast delivery across Auckland, Waikato, and Northland
- Flexible short or long-term hire terms
- 24/7 breakdown and maintenance support
About Franc Landscapes
Franc Landscapes is an Auckland-based landscape construction company offering a full range of outdoor services under one roof, from pools, decks, and concrete to exterior renovations, tiling, and landscape design. They're best known for their signature stainless steel plunge pools with half-moon decking, but whether you're starting from scratch or transforming an existing space, the team can handle the whole project from ground-break to finishing touches.
Donation
Request
While we appreciate the many causes that reach out to us, we are not able to support every request we receive. We carefully evaluate each opportunity to ensure alignment with our mission and resources. Thank you for your understanding.
Request
hire
Make an
enquiry
