Fast Track Construction’s Latest Acquisition

Based in Poulsbo, WA, Bret Schwarz has spent nearly three decades building Fast Track Construction into a respected name across western Washington. Specialising in underground utilities, septic systems and full site prep, Bret recently added a key piece of equipment to his fleet: the Kobelco SK170LC-11 excavator, purchased from Powerscreen of Washington.

Fast Track Construction operates across Pierce, Kitsap, Jefferson and Mason counties, where reliability, power and mobility are essential. The SK170 has quickly become a central tool in Bret’s operation, supporting everything from stump and brush grinding to debris handling and heavy craning work.

The Schwarz family has been doing dirt work in Washington since the late 1950s. What began with Bret’s grandfather became a lifelong trade for his father, and eventually the mantle fell on Bret, who told Awesome Earthmovers: “I learned the trade the old-fashioned way,” he said. “My dad took me out of school early to get hands-on in the field. That’s where I learned everything.”

Bret credits that upbringing not only for his skill set, but for his approach to business. “Without my father and grandfather laying the groundwork, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I wouldn’t have been able to go to school and learn this the way I’ve come to understand it in real life.” That experience shaped the philosophy he still follows: “If you do what you say you’re going to do, and you’re serious about your work, and you have nice, reliable, powerful equipment… the money will always follow.”

For Bret, dependable equipment has always been Kobelco. He has been running their excavators since the late 1980s, and his loyalty has never changed. When it came time to upgrade, after meticulous research, Bret’s sights were set on the Kobelco SK170LC-11. Bret said on the SK170LC-11: “There’s more power than my previous machines, no bugs, no breakdowns. Just solid, smooth performance.”

The machine is run daily for heavy-duty tasks including lifting large septic tanks, which require strength, balance and precision. With 28,300 lbf of digging force, 9,640 lbs of lift capacity, and a 123 hp Tier IV Final Yanmar engine, the SK170 is one of the top specced excavators in it’s category.

Kobelco’s new Generation-11 series also brings refinements that make long days easier and more productive. “This model is the strongest and smoothest excavator I’ve ever run in this weight class,” Bret said. “The air ride seat is super comfortable and easy on the body. The controls are more intuitive and easier to navigate than on my last machine.” The upgraded 10-inch monitor allows operators to fine-tune performance and fuel economy, helping Bret maximise profitability without sacrificing capability.

One of the biggest advantages for Fast Track Construction has been the machine’s mobility. “I can still haul the SK170 behind a dump truck without a lowboy,” Bret noted. “That flexibility is a game changer for moving quickly between job sites.” Mobility keeps his operation agile, something that matters when juggling several projects across multiple counties.

Powerscreen of Washington

Dealer support is equally important, and Powerscreen of Washington continues to impress. “Powerscreen of Washington is a breath of fresh air to deal with,” Bret said. “Their parts department responds quickly, and TJ Gleason, the Kobelco Sales Manager, has been on the spot every time we’ve needed anything.”

One moment in particular cemented his loyalty. While transitioning from his old excavator to the new SK170, Powerscreen allowed Bret to keep operating his previous machine until the exact day the new one was delivered. “That was huge,” he said. “It meant zero downtime for our company. This small gesture proved to me that this company cares about my success as a customer and not just as a transaction.”

Nearly 30 years on, Fast Track Construction shows no signs of slowing down. With a new generation of machines and dealer support he trusts, Bret is well equipped to continue doing what he does best: moving dirt, solving problems and carrying forward the legacy built by his father and grandfather. For him, it all comes back to the same belief that has guided him since he was a teenager learning the trade in the field: “If you’re serious about your work and you have the right tools, everything else will fall into place.”

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