Stuart and his wife, Bessie, are proud to be the new co-owners & operators of Hydrautech Ballarat, having taken over from John and Mandy Franczak in May 2025.

Stuart has 30 years of heavy diesel mechanical experience and he and Bessie have been owning and operating businesses in Ballarat since 2006.

They are excited to continue the legacy of excellent service and look forward to supporting Hydrautech’s valued customers for many years to come.

Service / Workshop Manager

Andrew is a qualified fitter and turner and has been at Hydrautech for over 25 years. Andrew is the workshop manager, controlling workflow and ensuring that jobs are completed in a time-efficient and quality manner. 



Andrew's days are filled with helping the Hydrautech staff achieve the best outcomes for clients and assisting clients in understanding their jobs and the optimal results for those jobs.

Sales Manager, Fitter & Turner and Parts Specialist

Ben, our Sales Manager, is also a qualified fitter and turner with over 26 years of experience at Hydrautech. He takes pride in delivering efficient solutions for our clients, helping to minimize downtime and keep their operations running smoothly.

In addition to managing sales, Ben plays a key role in serving customers at the front of our retail store. His extensive knowledge of hydraulics, hoses, and fittings makes him an invaluable member of the Hydrautech team and a trusted resource for our clients.

Brett has been a valued member of the Hydrautech team for over 20 years. He brings extensive expertise in sales, hoses, welding, and quality control. Known for his problem-solving skills, Brett is committed to identifying issues quickly and delivering high-quality outcomes for his customers.



He is also highly competent in new plumb-ups and has a strong understanding of the hydraulic requirements involved in setting up new machinery. Brett’s technical knowledge and hands-on experience make him a reliable and trusted resource for both customers and colleagues.

Hydrautech is pleased to welcome Richard Wright to our already highly experienced team. Richard brings over 28 years of expertise in the hydraulic industry, with advanced knowledge in developing technical solutions tailored to complex hydraulic challenges.

He is highly skilled in on-the-spot troubleshooting and has a proven track record of planning and implementing system improvements that enhance efficiency and performance. Richard’s deep understanding of hydraulics and his practical approach make him a valuable addition to the Hydrautech team.

Workshop Technician

Andy has been a valued member of the Hydrautech team for 12 years. A qualified fitter and turner, he specializes in cylinder reconditioning within our workshop and also supports customers with their hydraulic needs.



Andy enjoys being part of a proactive team that is dedicated to delivering excellent results for every client. His hands-on expertise and commitment to quality make him a key contributor to Hydrautech’s ongoing success.

Fitter & Turner

Jack is a qualified fitter and turner and a valued member of the Hydrautech workshop team. Always willing to lend a hand, Jack plays an important role in supporting our operations and ensuring quality outcomes.

He specializes in truck plumb-ups and hydraulic fit-outs, bringing precision and reliability to every project.



Outside of work, Jack enjoys camping and exploring the outdoors in his 4WD.

Matt F

Fitter & Turner

Matt is our breakdown service technician - he is always out and about helping our valued customers. Born and raised in Ballarat, he’s enjoying the opportunity to work full time alongside our experienced workshop team.

Matt brings enthusiasm and a strong work ethic to the workshop team. Outside of work, he enjoys four-wheel driving, shooting, and fishing.

Matt B

Fitter & Turner

Matt has been a qualified Fitter and Turner with Hydrautech for the past six years. Known for his willingness to help and positive attitude, he has developed a broad range of workshop skills, making him a valuable asset to our team.



Outside of work, Matt is an avid fisherman who loves nothing more than heading over the South Australian border to Beachport for a weekend of fishing and relaxation.

Tavis

Sales / Front Counter

Tavis recently relocated from Melbourne to join the Hydrautech team, where he assists customers at our front retail desk. With a background in the trades, he quickly became an important part of the front-of-house team alongside Ben, Brett, and the workshop team.



A dedicated dad, Tavis spends his spare time with his wife and three children, supporting them at their various sports and activities.

Rob

Mobile Service Technician

Rob brings over 10 years of experience in hoses and fittings, offering extensive knowledge in this specialized area.

He is available to provide on-site service to our customers using one of Hydrautech’s three mobile service vans, ensuring fast and efficient support wherever it’s needed.

Outside of work, Rob enjoys four-wheel driving and has a passion for cars and motors in general.

Xavier

Fitter and Turner

Xavier is a qualified fitter and turner who specializes in machining our cylinders, alongside a variety of general workshop tasks. A popular member of the team, he is always ready to assist customers with their queries, offering reliable and knowledgeable support.



Family is very important to Xavier. Outside of work, he is a street car enthusiast and enjoys four-wheel driving and camping.

Nathan

Apprentice Fitter and Turner

Nathan is currently completing his apprenticeship with us and his studies at Federation University.

Nathan is always learning and has shown great skills in his time with us. He benefits from the other qualified technicians who surround him in our workshop. He finds the team very helpful and always willing to teach him the skills of the trade.



Nathan enjoys camping, fishing, motorbikes and four wheel driving when not working.

Dani

Administration

Dani has been a valued member of the Hydrautech Administration Team since 2004. With over 20 years of service, her role has been both varied and integral to the daily operations of our business.

She is involved in front counter sales and parts interpreting, and also serves as a key liaison for our customers. Whether over the phone or via email, Dani provides dedicated support to help maintain stock levels, source specialised components, and deliver accurate quotations.

Her experience and commitment make her an essential part of the Hydrautech team.

Lou

Administration

Lou is relatively new to the team at Hydrautech. Having a background in finance and accounts at a local Agricultural dealership. Lou brings her many years of experience to Hydrautech.

She is responsible for the business account management across all departments and happily assists in other aspects of the business.

Lou is grateful to be part of such a friendly team and enjoys liaising with the large range of clientele that deal with Hydrautech on a daily basis.