When you talk to Karn, you quickly realise he’s someone who has earned every step of his career through hard work, practical skill, and a genuine commitment to helping customers keep their machinery moving.

Karn began his full‑time working life at just 16 years old, spending 14 years in forestry – one of the most demanding industries in the South Island. During this time, Karn worked his way up through the ranks, operating heavy machinery, handling basic repairs on the fly, and learning firsthand how critical hydraulic reliability is when you’re deep in the forest and every breakdown costs time, money, and safety.

After more than a decade in the industry, Karn made the decision to step out of forestry and into hydraulics. He joined Jesco Hydraulics, where he spent a year and a half learning the fundamentals of hose servicing – from mobile callouts to workshop basics. It was here he discovered how much he enjoyed solving hydraulic problems for customers who needed fast, expert support.

That foundation led him to Force Fed Hydraulics, one of Dunedin’s most respected hydraulic service providers.

Force Fed operates 24/7, utilising two mobiles including a 4WD, to deliver on‑site services, minimising downtime for valued customers. They have earned a strong reputation in Dunedin, focused specifically on mobile and static hydraulic machinery essential to local and export industries.

In early 2025, Force Fed Hydraulics officially joined the Hydraulink distributor network, gaining access to world‑class training, product quality, and a support system of more than 400 service points across New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific.

“We occupy a unique niche in Dunedin,” says Kent. “Our clients run some of the hardest‑working machinery in the South. Joining Hydraulink strengthens our ability to support them with global standards of supply, quality, and technical backing.”

“As locals, Shane and I understand the importance of a strong reputation in this area. That’s why, from the moment Karn joined Force Fed Hydraulics, we saw something special.”

His forestry background meant he understood machinery from the operator’s perspective. He knew what downtime meant. He knew the pressure of getting equipment running again. And he knew how to stay calm and practical in tough environments.

“He’s hands‑on, he’s reliable, and he genuinely cares about doing the job right. He’s the kind of person customers trust immediately,” says Kent.

Shane agrees: “Karn’s experience in forestry gives him an edge. He understands the industries we serve because he’s lived them. That makes him incredibly valuable to our team and our customers.”

As Karn continued to grow his skills – both in the workshop and out on the hose truck – he quickly became one of the most trusted hydraulic hose technicians in the Dunedin region. His commitment to learning, improving, and delivering great service reflects the same values that led Force Fed to join Hydraulink.

We set Karn a target with a promise: if he hit the goal, we’d put up a billboard in Dunedin featuring him and recognising his achievement – a public celebration designed to fuel his momentum toward the next milestone.

Karn delivered.

True to our word, Hydraulink is proud to honour that commitment. We’re glad to recognise a local Dunedin technician who represents the best of the hydraulic service industry.

Karn’s goal moving forward is simple: to keep learning, keep growing, and keep delivering the best hydraulic hose solutions to the customers who rely on him every day.