For more than two decades, Fortune Grading has trusted James River Equipment to keep its projects running across Western North Carolina. Through dependable John Deere equipment, responsive service, and readily available parts, this long-standing partnership minimizes downtime and helps crews stay on schedule.
Why Dealer Support Matters
In excavation and site development, equipment downtime can quickly delay an entire project. That's why Fortune Grading values not only reliable machines but also a dealership that responds quickly when service is needed.
James River Equipment has supported Fortune Grading since the late 1990s with equipment, parts, and factory-trained technicians committed to keeping machines working in the field.
Meet Fortune Grading
Based in Hendersonville, North Carolina, Fortune Grading specializes in residential site preparation, excavation, grading, and land clearing throughout Western North Carolina.
The company regularly manages multiple active projects, making equipment reliability essential to daily operations.
- Complete land clearing
- Excavation and grading
- Residential development projects
"There's nothing better than starting with raw land and seeing it turn into a place where people eventually move in."
Equipment Built for the Job
Fortune Grading relies on a diverse fleet of John Deere equipment to match different applications and jobsite requirements.
Their Fleet Includes:
- Compact construction equipment
- Skid steers
- Mid-size excavators
- Large excavators
By investing in dependable equipment built for long-term ownership, Fortune Grading is able to maintain productivity across multiple jobsites.
Fast Service Reduces Downtime
Quick service response is one of the biggest reasons Fortune Grading continues to work with James River Equipment.
Service Support Includes:
- On-site diagnostics
- Fast repair turnaround
- Factory-trained John Deere technicians
- Expertise with Tier 4 Final equipment
"The service has always been awesome. Most of the time, within 24 hours, you're back up and running."
One example involved a DEF system issue diagnosed on Friday and repaired by Monday using parts already stocked locally, helping minimize downtime.
Local Parts Make the Difference
Having common replacement parts available locally allows repairs to happen quickly without waiting days for shipments.
- Fast access to common wear parts
- Reduced machine downtime
- Support for both routine maintenance and unexpected repairs
"The parts department has always been top-notch. If something breaks, they usually have it on the shelf."
Built on Trust
After more than twenty years together, the relationship between Fortune Grading and James River Equipment has grown beyond equipment sales into a true partnership.
That Partnership Includes:
- Honest equipment recommendations
- Equipment demonstrations before purchase
- Support for both new and aging fleets
- Long-term ownership guidance
By helping customers choose the right machine instead of simply selling equipment, James River Equipment continues building lasting relationships with contractors across the region.
Looking Ahead
As residential construction continues throughout Western North Carolina, Fortune Grading remains focused on delivering quality work while James River Equipment continues providing dependable equipment, service, and support.
Watch the Full Customer Spotlight
Hear directly from Chris Fortune and the James River Equipment team about the partnership that has kept projects moving for more than two decades.
Watch the full Customer Spotlight on YouTube
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly does James River Equipment respond to service calls?
Many service calls are handled the same day or within 24 hours, depending on the machine, location, and repair requirements.
Does James River Equipment stock John Deere parts locally?
Yes. Local parts inventories help reduce downtime by keeping commonly needed components readily available.
Can customers demo equipment before purchasing?
Absolutely. James River Equipment encourages demonstrations so customers can ensure a machine fits their operation before making a long-term investment.
Does James River Equipment support older John Deere equipment?
Yes. Factory-trained technicians provide maintenance and repairs for both newer and older John Deere equipment.
What areas does James River Equipment serve?
James River Equipment supports contractors throughout North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and surrounding regions with equipment, parts, service, and mobile support.
Final Takeaway
Fortune Grading's success demonstrates the value of combining dependable John Deere equipment with responsive dealer support. Through more than twenty years of partnership, James River Equipment has helped keep crews productive, minimize downtime, and provide the confidence contractors need to keep moving forward.
