Long-term partnership in ground investigation

Taratest Oy

Taratest Oy, a Finnish expert in geotechnical and environmental research, has relied on Geomachine’s drilling rigs for nearly two decades. This article explores Taratest’s experience collaborating with Geomachine.

With over 40 years of history, Taratest employs more than 100 geotechnical professionals and operates offices in Pirkkala, Turku, and Vantaa. “Our mission is to deliver genuinely beneficial, technologically modern, innovative, and cost-effective solutions for construction,” says CEO Tero Mäkinen. “We focus on service quality to foster long-term client relationships, and environmental values are also important to us.”

Taratest’s turnover is approximately €21 million, offering a diverse range of ground and bedrock investigations, geotechnical design, and foundation construction consulting. Additionally, the company conducts environmental studies and assessments serving construction and industry.

A partnership spanning nearly two decades

Taratest ordered its first drilling rig from Geomachine in 2008. “We wanted to replace our outdated machines with equipment from a higher-quality manufacturer. We chose Geomachine because their machines’ advanced features convinced us. In our field, the community is relatively small, and Geomachine had a strong reputation among industry professionals.”

Today, Taratest operates around twenty Geomachine drilling rigs. “We use all Geomachine rig models except the GM8,” Mäkinen notes. “We initially acquired the GM65 rig for its versatility. As our projects became more demanding, we needed larger machines. Now, we have Finland’s most extensive fleet, focusing on larger machines like the GM100, which serves as an excellent heavy-duty multipurpose rig. We were also the first in Finland to acquire the GM100 Hybrid version.”

In the future, Taratest may expand its fleet with the fully electric GMe100 drilling rig. “Most of our projects are public sector works, where environmental friendliness is increasingly emphasized. We aim to be at the forefront of ground investigation, and as electrification is the future in our field, we’re exploring the possibility of adopting this method more extensively.”

Features at the core

Mäkinen highlights that even at the beginning of their collaboration, Geomachine was ahead of competitors in developing features crucial for work efficiency. “Safety has always been our top priority. Even twenty years ago, Geomachine’s machines had advanced protections against rotating parts and crush hazards, surpassing other suppliers.”

Beyond safety features, Geomachine’s rigs offer other strengths. “Their off-road capability is exceptional, which is vital for us as we often work in challenging environments. The machines are also equipped for various research methods, which we highly value. Overall, their usability and reliability are excellent. It’s also beneficial that different models now have similar operational functions, reducing the time operators need to learn new machines.”

In ground investigation, data is the product, and Mäkinen praises Geomachine’s digital capabilities. “The GMTracker data-logger is an incredibly useful tool. Previously, our data-loggers only provided numerical data. In contrast, Geomachine’s data-logger offers a clear graphical interface showing drilling progress, which is highly beneficial. GMTracker automatically records ground properties and machine performance data, reducing manual work for the operator. Operators can also easily add their observations during the investigation. This not only improves data quality but also simplifies quality control of work processes.”

For those seeking the best tools

Mäkinen believes that successful collaboration results from multiple factors. “As a Finnish company, it’s important for us to work with high-quality domestic tools. Geomachine’s expertise in ground investigation methods used in the Nordic countries is exceptional.”

People matter as much as products. “We appreciate that, in addition to reliable machines, we can count on maintenance and support services when needed. It’s also pleasant to work with familiar people, whether considering new equipment purchases or matters related to our current fleet.”

The field of ground investigation is rapidly evolving. “Investigations are becoming more demanding and diverse, increasing expectations for machine performance and intelligence. The importance of data production and quality will continue to grow. Therefore, when acquiring equipment, it’s essential to ensure the supplier can offer digital services that enhance work efficiency alongside traditional drilling rigs.”

Mäkinen concludes that Geomachine is the right choice when aiming to conduct ground investigation with the best available tools. “I believe Geomachine’s drilling rigs and digital products are suitable for all geotechnical companies operating in the Nordic countries. Such that prioritize working with high-quality and reliable rigs—even in extremely challenging conditions.”

Interested? Contact Geomachine!