Tradie Tips Q&A: Colin Aldred - Engineer

Colin Aldred of Aldred Engineering bought his Ford Ranger XLS new in 2018.

Colin Aldred's Helensburgh-based company, Aldred Engineering, tackles a huge range of jobs including CNC ( Computer numeric control) machining and cutting, custom fabrication, as well as fully engineered and customised staircases, balustrades and signage, and much more.

The company is also well known for its expert engineering work on structures at Symbio Wildlife Park and other major developments in NSW.

Col bought his 2018 Ford Ranger XLS 3.2L 4x4 auto new in 2018.

Crafty: Why did you buy your Ford Ranger?

Colin: 1. To look more professional when quoting and doing site work.

2. As an old man it helps with my body, comfort. (Crafty says: "Ha! He's bloody younger than me!")

Colin bought his Ranger to look more professional when quoting and doing site work.

The Ranger helps Colin with his body comfort.

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Crafty: What's a typical work day for your ute?

Colin: Driving one hour to a site with five people in the ute, doing a 10-hour work day and then driving an hour home.

As the tray is not really able to carry the frames or gear around we use, I tow a car trailer around a lot.

The tray is home to all of Colin's tools.

The Tray isn't able to carry all the frames or gear we use, so Colin tows trailer around a lot.

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Crafty: Do you use your Ranger outside work?

Colin: Not really. I would love to if I had the time.

Crafty: Any mods?

Colin: A heavy-duty tow bar, side steps, an ARB Canopy, a lift kit (2-inch at the front, and 3-inch at the rear), as well as bigger rims and tyres: Toyo Open Country All Terrains (LT285/70R17).

Colin has added bigger rims and tyres to his Ranger.

The side steps are aftermarket additions.

At the back is a heavy-duty tow bar.

There's also roof rackets and an ARB Canopy (not pictured).

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Crafty: Any problems?

Colin: Not really. If I was going to have to pick something: after I’ve finished towing, the gearbox kind of struggles to adjust back to normal changes.

I’m lucky to have a great mechanic (Brook Cheffirs of Switched On Mechanical), who resets the computer for me.

Crafty: Anything else you'd like to do to it?

Colin: No.

Crafty: Would you buy another Ranger next time?

Colin: Yes.

Call Aldred Engineering on 0416 090 676 or visit his website for more details.