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News
In this issue, Caterpillar announces D8 dozer upgrades, Case signs a new dealer in the Darling Downs, a new Hidromek excavator has been released in Australia and the first Magna MT120J large jaw crusher from Terex has arrived Down Under 06
Features
FlipScreen is revolutionising material screening through engineering, research and innovation 10 Tilly’s Crawler Parts is going even further for its customers with an extended nine-month warranty 12
A Lamtrac 6160T and Diamond Mower headers have transformed Dignit Earthmoving’s capabilities 15 Digger King’s nine-tonne excavator is the machine of choice for one Victorian farmer 22
ANT International’s range of rock grabs highlights the best of two decades of Australian engineering 28
Maximise your compact track loader’s performance with ITR Pacific’s aftermarket parts 30 LiuGong’s proven electric range of equipment is sparking interest in the Australian markets 36 The combination of a McCloskey impact crusher and tracked stacker is a winner for Cardinal Contractors 42
Industry opinion
We need a little less conversation and a little more action, says NAWIC CEO Cathryn Greville 24
As we enter 2025, attention is on Queensland’s transport and infrastructure needs, says CCF QLD 34
EWIT’s founder Hacia Atherton discusses how to change the perception of working in a trade 58
Editor
catherine.fitzpatrick@primecreative.com.au
Journalist Jackson Haddad
Contributors
Managing
Art
Events news
DOZER
The next generation Cat D8 dozer offers various improvements, including increased horsepower and a redesigned cab
Next gen
Caterpillar has announced its new next generation Cat D8 dozer with advanced technology that is designed to provide faster and more accurate results.
The next generation design provides an elevated sprocket, which Cat says offers better ride and balance than low-drive undercarriages.
As part of the next generation design, the D8 dozer’s cab has been completely redesigned, offering more space than the previous design, complete with a wide air suspension seat with multiple adjustment options.
Featuring an integrated rollover protective structure (ROPS), Cat says the next generation cab provides 17 per cent more visibility than the previous design.
DEALER
The 254mm (10-inch) touchscreen main display has built-in key features assistance to give operators an overview of the machine, technologies and helpful tips.
When the machine is in reverse, the standard high-definition rearview camera feed shows prominently in the display.
Cat Command for Dozing comes factory-ready on the new dozer, removing the operator from the cabin by enabling remote operation in hazardous environments.
The D8 dozer also uses VisionLink to provide actionable data insights, accessed anywhere a connection is available through Cat Product Link, for all connected assets, regardless
Darling Downs
Engage-Ag will be supplying Case Construction Equipment in the Darling Downs
Engage-Ag has announced its partnership with Case Construction Equipment, which will see it supplying Case machinery to the agricultural and construction industries in the Darling Downs region.
With two branches located in Toowoomba and Jondaryan, Engage-Ag is positioned to serve customers with top-tier equipment, expert service and dependable support.
Michael Cook and Sam Borchardt, both
of fleet size or manufacturer.
Cat adds that integrated assist technology minimises operator input, boosting productivity for less experienced operators and decreases effort and fatigue for everyone, while delivering quicker and more precise outcomes.
Cat Assist with Attachment Reader Option (ARO) standard features include: Stable Blade, Traction Control, Steer Assist, Blade Load Monitor, AutoRip, Attachment Ready Option for faster installation of dealerinstalled options like Cat Grade with 3D, AccuGrade, Universal Total Station (UTS) or other grade control systems, AutoCarry, Cat Grade and Slope Indicate.
born and raised in the Darling Downs, lead Engage-Ag with a shared passion for agricultural machinery and a deep understanding of the region’s farming heritage. Their decades of experience in sales, service, and repair of agricultural and construction equipment ensure customers receive solutions tailored to their unique needs.
“As authorised dealers for Case Construction Equipment and a variety of other trusted machinery brands, we take pride in supporting a diverse range of industries,” Cook says.
“From farming and contracting to construction, we’re here to provide the right tools, backed by exceptional service.”
,
Case machinery will be supplied from Engage-Ag’s two branches in the Darling Downs region. Image: Case
A Cat C15 engine offers an increase in horsepower over the previous build. Image: Cat
EXCAVATOR
Mid-range model
Onetrak has introduced Hidromek’s new 35–36-tonne excavator, which has been designed to be shorter and lighter
Global manufacturer of construction machinery Hidromek has introduced the new HMK360 LC excavator to its range, designed to meet the needs of Australia’s 35–36tonne market.
The HMK 360 LC comes standard with a 2.1 cubic metre excavation bucket, which weighs 170kg less than the dual radius (DR) bucket available on the HMK 390 LC HD model.
Hidromek official Australian dealer Onetrak says, compared to DR buckets, excavation buckets have a narrower width and a taller height, making them perfect for working in softer material such as soil, sand, gravel and other lowdensity material.
In the design phase of the HMK 360 LC, the objective was to create a machine that was both shorter and lighter than the HMK 390 LC HD model, Onetrak adds.
This was achieved by shortening the undercarriage length, which led to a reduction in the total number of shoes, rollers, and track guards, all tailored to the working environments of the HMK 360 LC model.
The results have also provided
The undercarriage has been shortened on the HMK 390 LC HD. Image: Onetrak
a longer boom and arm, greater digging reach and depth as well as a larger range in the dumping height.
Over 45,000 Hidromek machines are currently in operation across more than 100 countries on six continents.
The company has won over 20 international design awards including Red Dot Best of the Best, If Design, German Design, Automotive Brand Contest and Good Design.
Onetrak says Hidromek H4 series of excavators are renowned for its bright white exterior, paired with sleek red and black accents.
The cabins are spacious and comfortable, Onetrak adds, featuring an adjustable ergonomic air suspension seat and climatecontrolled air conditioning.
Dual wipers ensure a clear view in all weather conditions and the cabin design reduces noise and vibrations, enhancing overall comfort.
Hidromek’s new HMK360 LC excavator is available through official Australian dealer Onetrak.
AUTOMATION
Komatsu showcases extreme applications at CES 2025
Extreme applications
Komatsu used CES 2025 to focus on the use of innovative technologies within extreme applications, including remote operation for a lunar environment and underwater automation to support disaster relief.
Taking place January 7–10 in Las Vegas, Komatsu says CES 2025 was an event that went beyond traditional industry borders.
“The core industries we serve, construction and mining, offer plenty of extreme applications that push our engineers, programmers and designers to problem solve groundbreaking use of technology and product design to stay ahead of the needs of our customers,” Komatsu development division CTO and president Taisuke Kusaba says.
“As a proving ground for breakthrough technologies and global innovators, CES offers a unique opportunity to highlight some of the leading-edge concepts we have in the works, as well as the Komatsu innovations that are actively helping shape the world around us.”
The stand included a 1/12-scale mining shovel model designed to test advanced mining operation and a display on how Komatsu is using a digital twin to develop lunar equipment.
A concept machine currently in development as part of Komatsu’s contribution to outer space construction activities. Image: Komatsu
First crush
The first Magna MT120J large jaw crusher from Terex is being delivered to Australia
Magna, the Terex brand established to meet the growing demands of large-scale operations, has announced the completion of the first MT120J large jaw crusher, now on its way to Mineral Processing Solutions in Australia.
This high-performance, heavyduty jaw crusher plant is designed for large and medium-scale operators across quarrying, mining, demolition and recycling applications.
Manufactured at the Terex Crushing Technology Centre of Excellence in Coalville, UK the MT120J is a robust addition to the Magna lineup. Featuring an advanced 1,200mm x 820mm Terex chamber that is optimised for high-performance crushing, the MT120J has an output potential of up to 600 tph, depending on material type and crusher settings, and is designed to handle challenging and high-volume operations.
One of the key attributes of the MT120J is its quick set-up process. The machine includes a ground-level hydraulic folding feed hopper with a hydraulic locking system, supporting operators in getting it set up and running efficiently.
The robust feed hopper is wear-resistant, and the stepped
self-cleaning grizzly feeder with under feeder screen provides a smooth, continuous flow of material. Additionally, the MT120J is equipped with a wide bypass chute that optimises material flow, while the aggressive crushing action of the high swing jaw encourages efficient material entry into the chamber.
The crusher also offers a fully hydraulic setting adjustment system, which allows operators to make quick and precise changes to the crusher settings, enhancing both flexibility and operational efficiency.
The highly efficient direct drive system supports low fuel consumption and enables the MT120J to be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution. Its powerful engine operates at low RPM, further reducing fuel consumption without sacrificing performance. While the first unit produced is a diesel/direct drive configuration, the MT120J model can also be built as a fully hybrid unit to utilise the onboard genset drive system or accept external electricity supply (MT120Je).
For ease of use, the MT120J is fitted with a modern, user-friendly PLC control system that includes an auto start facility. It also comes
with radio remote control and Magna telemetry as standard, allowing for intuitive monitoring and control of the machine. The product conveyor is angle adjustable, which lowers for easy access and transport, while under-crusher chassis design offers excellent service and maintenance access.
The MT120J is also designed with safety and maintenance in mind, equipped with a dust suppression system to provide cleaner operations as well as straightforward access to the power unit canopy for maintenance and service.
“The MT120J is a solution built for high performance and maximum productivity,” Magna business line director Neil McIlwaine says.
“It has advanced features and durability that make it the ideal crusher for Mineral Processing Solutions in Australia, who needs equipment that can keep pace with the demands of large-scale projects. We look forward to seeing it deliver exceptional performance and support their continued success in Australia.”
The MT120J large jaw crusher is being delivered to Australia. Image: Magna, Terex Corporation
CRUSHING
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Cutting-edge screening
FlipScreen is revolutionising material screening through engineering, research and innovation – bringing you ‘the world’s best screening bucket’
In the fast-paced world of heavy machinery, one Australian company has been, and continues to make waves globally – FlipScreen.
The innovative and multi-awardwinning homegrown company is transforming industries all over the world with its cutting-edge screening attachments for excavators, loaders, telehandlers and skid steers.
For over 20 years, FlipScreen has been dedicated to the research and development of versatile, portable and highly effective screening solutions. The company serves a plethora of industries, including scrap metal, demolition, construction, recycling, mining and quarrying.
At the heart of FlipScreen’s success is its strong commitment to innovation. The company’s team of engineers, robotics experts and highly skilled machinists are armed to the teeth with state-ofthe-art equipment such as CNC milling machines, lathes and laser cutting technology.
Led by founder Sam Turnbull, this talented team constantly pushes the limits of what is possible, while designing and manufacturing screening attachments, solving complex challenges for businesses worldwide.
“We’re always looking for ways to improve,” Turnbull says.
“Our customers demand excellence, and that’s exactly what we deliver.”
A strong dedication to custom solutions has helped develop longlasting relationships with clients who trust FlipScreen to meet the evolving demands of their industries.
Any material. Any machine. Anywhere
FlipScreen’s slogan is more than just a catchy phrase; it embodies the company’s ethos. Whether it’s sorting scrap metal, managing demolition waste, screening rock and gravel and even de-mining in military zones, FlipScreen offers solutions for virtually every material. Its versatile
Flipscreen has designed screening buckets for a wide range of industries
screening systems are designed to be compatible with any machine, no matter its size.
The company’s products excel at turning waste into reusable, sorted materials, supporting the circular economy and enhancing productivity. FlipScreen’s clients benefit from more efficient and cost-effective operations, which contribute to a sustainable future by reducing landfill waste and improving resource recovery.
Tailored solutions
Every industry using heavy machinery faces unique challenges when it comes to material screening. That’s why FlipScreen has perfected the art of customisation. Whether you need a compact attachment for a small skid steer or a highcapacity model for a large excavator or loader, FlipScreen
Images:
FlipScreen
provides the right solution for the job.
Beyond size, the type of materials being processed varies greatly across industries. FlipScreen attachments are built to handle everything from dirt, gravel, scrap metal and anything in between. The company’s in-house team works closely with clients to create durable and reliable products that meet specific needs while maintaining a rugged design that’s built to withstand the harshest environments the world has to offer.
FlipScreen has already revolutionised material screening, but something even bigger is on the horizon. While details are under wraps, the company is working on an advancement that promises to transform the mining sector.
This new technology will allow for the screening of massive quantities of material with what it says is unprecedented efficiency – setting a new benchmark for the industry.
Turnbull and his team remain tight-lipped about the specifics, but one thing is certain: FlipScreen is about to revolutionise how the mining industry approaches material screening on a grand scale.
Quality and sustainability
FlipScreen’s commitment to quality is unwavering. The company understands the extreme conditions under which machinery operates in sectors like mining, construction,
demolition and military applications. Every attachment is designed to endure these harsh environments, ensuring reliability and long-term performance.
This commitment to quality also ties into FlipScreen’s dedication to sustainability. By helping businesses reclaim valuable materials and reducing waste, FlipScreen plays a significant role in supporting the circular economy.
Its innovative attachments
FlipScreen’s
Master is a high volume screening bucket capable of processing large amounts of material effectively in a short amount of time
contribute to a more sustainable future, benefiting both industries and the planet.
For more information on FlipScreen’s vast range of products to suit your machine, visit www.flipscreen.net
WL285 Waste
FlipScreen’s buckets can be used for sorting waste material
Total trust
Tilly’s Crawler Parts is going even further for its customers with an extended nine-month warranty on its earthmoving machinery parts
For more than 40 years, Tilly’s Crawler Parts has been a trusted name in the earthmoving industry, renowned for supplying highquality parts and attachments that keep machines moving and projects on track.
Built on a legacy of reliability and expertise, Tilly’s is now taking a bold step to reaffirm its commitment to durability and customer satisfaction. The company has announced an extension of its warranty period from six months to nine months – a move that highlights the confidence it has in the products it supplies.
Earthmoving equipment operates in some of the harshest environments, and the parts that keep them running are subjected to relentless pressure and wear. Tilly’s understands these challenges better than most.
With decades of industry experience, it has fine-tuned its product offerings to meet and exceed the demands of its customers. By extending the warranty, Tilly’s is sending a clear message: its parts are not just built to perform – they’re built to last. This extended warranty provides customers with more than just added coverage; it offers peace of mind. Whether you’re grading
a road, clearing land, operating a dozer on a remote rural property, or running a skid steer or excavator on a construction site, Tilly’s parts are engineered to handle the toughest jobs. This assurance allows operators and businesses to focus on their work, knowing their equipment is backed by a company that truly stands by its products.
Tilly’s Crawler Parts has always been about more than just selling parts. Its mission is to provide solutions that enhance efficiency, reliability and value for its customers. The new nine-month warranty
is a practical embodiment of this mission, reinforcing its reputation as a partner who prioritises customer needs and long-term satisfaction. For those looking to equip their machinery with parts they can trust, Tilly’s offers an extensive range of components and attachments designed for performance and durability. With Tilly’s Crawler Parts, you can move forward with confidence.
Learn more about the Tilly’s range and the new nine-month warranty at www.tillys.com.au.
Images:
Tilly’s Crawler Parts
Tilly’s has extended its parts warranty to nine months
Tilly’s parts are built to last
hrs, live cam feed, live tracking, GP & Mud Bucket, 6 New injectors, New Hyd. Pump
Total control
A Lamtrac 6160T and set of Diamond Mower attachments have transformed Dignit Earthmoving’s capabilities to tackle post-bushfire regrowth in NSW
For Dignit Earthmoving owner Matthew Thornton, a Lamtrac 6160T mulcher carrier from local distributor Colbrook Industries has been a gamechanger for his vegetation management business thanks to its mix of a compact build and high throughput.
Thornton set up Dignit in 2020 after a difficult bushfire season, and the subsequent regrowth, affected his family’s cattle farm in the Southern Tablelands of NSW.
“The fires were devastating for a lot of people in this area,” he says.
“We then had a few really wet years that fueled such a level of regrowth that we couldn’t stay on
top of it. That was the inspiration for setting up a forest mulching and land clearance business.
“We mostly work with private land holders – there are a lot of hobbyist farmers around as well as some larger farmers, but also people developing their properties to generate some kind of grazing capability. A lot of our work is building fire breaks, with fire-affected properties needing a cleanup.”
Diamond Mowers
After trying equipment from a couple of different brands, Thornton got in touch with Colbrook Industries – the Australian distributor for Lamtrac
and Diamond Mowers – to check out its range of cutting and mulching attachments.
Having had such success with the Diamond Mowers brand, Thornton now has a full suite of attachments to tackle a wide variety of vegetation.
He describes the Brush Cutter Pro X rotary mower for his skid steer as being a “three-bladed slasher on steroids”, which is suitable for both grass as well as trees, while the 84-inch Brush Cutter Pro X for the Lamtrac is “a whole other ball game again”.
“It’ll do everything that the brush cutters on a skid steer will do, but twice as quick. The only
Land clearance business Dignit has a Lamtrac 6160T mulcher carrier, here fitted with a Diamond Mowers Brush Cutter Pro X
Images: Dignit
thing I don’t use it for is mowing my lawn,” Thornton says.
“I also have the Diamond Mowers OD Pro X drum mulcher, which is the open rotor drum. It’s fantastic.
“I call it ‘the mop’ – you can go in and just make an area really clean with it. It’s fast, efficient and basically a Swiss army knife – it covers vegetation across the board. Once you start looking at that shrubby stuff that might be a bit thick for a Brush Cutter, you go from there right up to your big trees.”
A belt drive disc mulcher handles more specialised cases of small standing woody material in the four to eight-inch diameter range, such as eucalypt regrowth suckers and wattle, while an EX Pro X bite limiter drum is used on an excavator for roadside cleanup work.
Thornton says his collection of Diamond Mowers attachments keeps growing because of their userfriendly build, particularly when it comes to repairs and maintenance.
“They haven’t tried to over complicate anything,” he says.
“They tick all the boxes in terms of build quality and features, but it’s easy for me to take it apart if I need to. Time is money when it comes to this sort of work, so if they’re built in a way that means I can troubleshoot most things on site, it means that I’m not losing time waiting for a dealer to send someone out to diagnose the issue and then get the parts.
“With both Diamond and Colbrook they have the attitude of: let’s fix it and we’ll ask questions afterwards,
which is what you need. I know I can ring Colbrook and, first and foremost, their aim is to get me back up and operating. That being said, there have been very few circumstances where I’ve really needed support, because the products themselves are highly durable and reliable.”
Matthew Thornton says the productivity of the Lamtrac
has allowed him to expand his business
Dignit has a suite of Diamond Mowers attachments, handing everything from grass to tree removal
Dignit’s
6160T
As the smallest pup in the Toyota Huski skid steer loader range, the 4SDK4 is compact in size, yet strong enough to handle the toughest jobs. With a 320kg operating load its nimble size makes limited access applications possible, and it's ideal for many industries due to it being lightweight and towable.
discount of $1,500.00
Right now you’ll score a great Toyota deal across new 2023 plated Huski 4SDK4 skid steer loaders, currently in stock. Plus you’ll also enjoy a discount of $1,500 on 2023 plated 4SDK4 skid steer loaders ordered before 31st March 2025*. To take advantage of this offer contact your local Toyota Material Handling branch today.
Next step
With his sights set on expansion, Thornton says the 6.2-tonne Lamtrac LTR 6160T mulching tractor offered his business the ability to take on larger jobs.
A dedicated mulcher carrier, the Lamtrac is powered by a 155hp (116kW) Cummins engine, is just 2m wide and comes with a forestryrated ROPS cabin, large side-entry door and an impressive reach height of 3.4m for both forestry and land management.
“I’ve managed to grow fairly rapidly, and I was at a point where I had enough work and was thinking about where to go next – how can I get bigger work and take on more jobs but still be able to do the work I currently had?” Thornton says.
When asked how the Lamtrac boosted his business, Thornton says the difference in what he can process with the Lamtrac is ‘night and day’.
“The Lamtrac is just built for doing that kind of work,” he says.
“I’ve found that it doubles my
productivity, which is a big deal if you’re quoting jobs.”
“I got the Lamtrac at the end of 2023 and it fits my business well because it allows me to do both short and longer jobs.
“It can do your one or two-day jobs because it’s a compact machine that’s easy to transport, but with high productivity and high efficiency. I can also approach a landholder and say to them – if we use this machine for a couple of weeks on your property, you’re really going to get some good value for your money with a low cost per acre.
“So, the Lamtrac ticked all the boxes in terms of being able to give me more productivity and efficiency across all of the work that I was doing. Being on rubber tracks it also has a low impact on the ground.”
Customer service
Thornton has nothing but praise for the Colbrook team and its product range, saying that the excellent
Matthew Thornton says the ease of maintenance is a significant reason for his ongoing use of Diamond Mowers attachments
customer service he has received has been a major factor in his decision to invest in the Lamtrac and Diamond Mowers equipment.
“I’ve definitely toyed with the idea of moving into some of their smaller machinery, like the slope mowers, but another Lamtrac will be on the cards at a certain point, that’s inevitable,” Thornton says.
“The crew down at Colbrook have set the bar so high now in terms of the level of customer experience that they’ve given me that I doubt I could deal with any business that offers better service and support.”
For more information on the Lamtrac 6160T and Diamond Mowers range available from Colbrook Industries, visit: www.colbrookindustries.com.au
Converge Expo
Empowered Women in Trades is supporting Converge Expo in its efforts to open up opportunities for all in construction
2025 will see the inaugural Converge Expo take place on September 17–18 in Melbourne, showcasing the latest tools and technology in the municipal works, civil and commercial construction space.
It will bring together leading decision makers from these sectors to see the latest developments that are helping them build Australia’s future infrastructure.
Co-located with No-Dig Down Under, Converge will be the place to be to learn about major big build projects in Australia, asset management, zero-emission technology, road maintenance, advancements in civil construction and C-suite discussions on how to address challenges facing the sector.
Backed by industry, one of the associations supporting Converge is Empowered Women in Trades (EWIT) – an organisation focused on supporting female and nonbinary trade skilled workers and apprentices.
EWIT CEO Melinda Davis says Converge is offering a great opportunity for people working across all areas of infrastructure delivery to come together.
“Converge is being delivered in our hometown of Melbourne and when we were approached to be part of the event, it was a big yes from us,” Davis says.
“Converge means people come together from different points to eventually meet in the same spot. A big part of the EWIT ethos is: it takes a village, so the opportunity to work with the Prime Creative Media team and bring the village to one spot at an expo that includes municipal works, commercial and civil construction was something we were always going to be involved in.
“EWIT will be working with the event organisers to bring a ‘Women in Trades hub’ to life at Converge – a first of its kind for us.”
Davis says the Converge event will be a great way to reach those
Empowered Women in Trades’ Louise Azzopardi and Melinda Davis with trailblazers of trades.
Image: Empowered Women in Trades
looking to work in trades or looking to take their next step as well as for businesses to look for opportunities to collaborate.
“The EWIT team are looking to have some great conversations around inclusive workplaces and learning how organisations are driving their internal push to have more diversity and female representation in their teams and business as we continue to strive towards our #30by30 vision,” Davis says.
“We are also keen to hear about the sustainability practices and new initiatives and ideas across the sectors relating to the transition to net zero.”
EWIT founder Hacia Atherton says Converge provides an excellent opportunity to gain an understanding of best practice across different industries and take a fresh look at how people are trained.
“We’ve been working hard on moving the needle of diversity in trade industries for a very long time, from senior management roles down to trades roles. I think it’s time for us to clear the whiteboard of what we’ve done before and give ourselves a chance to redesign what industries look like from the ground up,” Atherton says.
‘For example, there are opportunities to bring more innovative technology and AI into the industry so we can open up career pathways to those who don’t have a trade background.
“For apprenticeships we need to talk about what’s being taught in the TAFE system and change how we’re training our tradespeople by bringing in guest lecturers and applying what’s been done well in other industries but is still uncommon in our industry.
“It’s about breaking down silos and building that community.”
For more information on Converge Expo and to get your ticket, visit: convergeexpo.com.au
The capabilities of Digger King’s nine-tonne excavator has made it the machine of choice for a Victorian farmer
When Victorian farmer Freddie Haintz was looking to purchase an excavator for his farm in Ballarat, he was initially set on buying from the second-hand market.
However, unimpressed with the price of used excavators for sale, he decided to instead invest in a new machine to help with maintenance work around his property.
Needing something in the 8–10tonne size range, he also wanted a machine with a Yanmar engine, having had good experiences with this particular engine previously.
After researching online for new cost-effective excavators, Haintz landed on Australian earthmoving machinery manufacturer Digger King.
The OEM perfectly captured what he had in mind with its nine-tonne excavator, powered by a four-cylinder 70hp (52.2kW) Yanmar engine.
“I wanted something reliable, with a good Yanmar engine and hydraulics, because I didn’t want to have problems with the machine on the farm,” Haintz says.
“The price of the Digger King’s machine was what I would be paying for a second-hand excavator, so it was much better value.”
First impressions
Before purchasing the machine, Haintz wanted to see the excavator in the flesh and have a walkthrough.
With Digger King based in South Murwillumbah, northern New South Wales, Haintz wasted no time driving up the coast to meet the OEM’s team. After sitting inside the cabin and getting familiar with the controls, he knew this was the machine he was looking for.
“I was really impressed, you could tell that it was a quality machine just from looking at the engine,” he says.
Digger King’s nine-tonne excavator is powered by a 70hp (52.2kW) Yanmar engine
“I opened up the back and it was so easy to access all the components for servicing – that was important for me.”
Making his mind up on the spot and purchasing the machine, Haintz had it delivered straight to his farm.
“The machine arrived right down to the minute when I was told it would turn up,” Haintz says.
“I didn’t have to sit and wait around for half a day, so that was really appreciated.”
Farm maintenance
Since using the machine on his farm, Haintz has been very impressed with its capabilities across a variety of tasks. It has mainly been used for general maintenance, including tidying up dams and cleaning up trees around the property.
At nine tonnes, with a height and width of 2.64m and 2.15m respectively, Haintz says the excavator is the perfect size for his requirements.
“It’s small enough to get into the tight places we want to get, but also big enough to do the jobs that we want it to do,” he says.
Haintz’s farm is currently dealing with an overabundance of rabbits, but thanks to Digger King’s machine, he has been able to dig out their burrows and eradicate them.
“We’ve just got a haven of rabbits, but the excavator has been doing an absolute splendid job of digging in a difficult area to reach,” he says.
The Digger King sells the machine as standard with a comprehensive bucket selection, including a 400mm and 800mm trencher, as well as a 1.5m mud bucket.
A ripper and 360-degree rotating hydraulic grab are also included, as well as a hydraulic quick hitch – making it easy to swap out attachments to suit the desired task.
Long working days are made much more comfortable thanks to the machine’s enclosed cabin, coming with reverse cycle air-conditioner.
Haintz has been particularly thrilled with the 1.5-tonne load
Images: Freddie Haintz
The excavator is being used to build fence lines and dig out rabbit burrows
capacity and how the hydraulic grab has performed when lifting trees.
“I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how well it is doing,” he says.
“I’m absolutely over the moon with it, it’s unbelievable.”
Building fence lines has been another task that the excavator has thrived in, with Haintz wondering how he ever did the job without it.
“I’m very impressed with what it can do and its digging power – it hasn’t missed a beat and I’m very happy with it,” Haintz says.
“It’s got everything I need; the air conditioning is good, and the controls are all a breeze to navigate.
“As far as tidying up around the farm, this machine is exactly what we’ve wanted.”
Super support
Haintz is just one of many Digger King customers using its machinery
on rural properties, with the business seeing particular heavy interest in the nine-tonne excavator for farm work.
Digger King machinery is backed up by a 12-month parts and labour warranty, as well as a full three-year warranty from the date of purchase, providing peace-of-mind for Haintz and other customers.
Haintz’s purchase was made as smooth as possible by the friendly Digger King staff, who tailored the machine exactly to his needs.
For example, not needing the 1.5m mud bucket for his farm work, Haintz requested it be swapped out for a 1.2m hydraulic tilt bucket. This was not a problem for Digger King, which was happy to provide the attachment, and Haintz says it has proved to be very handy on his farm.
“It’s been a pleasure dealing with the Digger King,” he says.
“We’ve gotten everything we’ve asked for and it’s been nothing but smooth sailing.”
For more information on the Digger King’s nine-tonne excavator, visit diggerking.com.au or call 1300 676 996.
Haintz says the size of the machine allows him to a wide range of jobs
Talk is cheap
We need a little less conversation and a little more action
It is well known that construction is the second most male-dominated workforce in Australia (after mining), with some of the most acute skills shortages. Yet the scale of construction needed to support the housing, infrastructure and renewable energy transition for our growing population requires a substantial increase in workforce.
This increase can and should be met by a significant increase in women’s participation.
Participation has two major elements – (1) attracting women to the sector and getting them into meaningful jobs; and (2) creating the environment where those who do join can stay and can thrive. We all want our contributions valued. And women are smart. Who wants to stay in an environment that is not fair, inclusive or respectful?
So how are we tracking? In the words of the King: A little less conversation, a little more action. Rather, a lot more action please.
The current figures on participation are abysmal. Nationally, women make up only 12.4 per cent of the overall construction workforce and only
Cathryn Greville, CEO, NAWIC
3.4 per cent of trades. Over the past year, we saw the overall number of women in these industries decrease.
Around the country that number isn’t much better. The best jurisdiction for women employed in construction is South Australia, where women make up 17.1 per cent of the construction workforce. On the flip side, ACT takes the gong as the worst jurisdiction – women only make up 9.6 per cent of the construction workforce there.
There’s nothing to sing about elsewhere either – we are looking at similarly uninspiring figures at 10.9 per cent (WA), 11.5 per cent (NSW), 11.9 per cent (VIC), 12.5 per cent (TAS), 13.9 per cent (QLD) and 14.9 per cent (NT).
When we consider workplace environments that wish to retain women, we see a huge gap in business maturity levels around culture that create or perpetuate
Take active steps to build a culture that is welcoming and inclusive of women’s participation. Image: Magnifical/stock.adobe.com
inhibiting factors. For example, we know that issues such as safety, lack of flexible work options, the gender pay gap and behaviours experienced in the workplace are consistent barriers to participation. But there are far too many businesses not measuring, monitoring or changing the metrics in these areas. And far too many leaders who don’t understand the impact or where to start.
So, to those leaders, here are some starting points.
It goes without saying that it is imperative that the construction industry is safe for women. Not only is this a legal requirement, but it is a key element of risk management, employee turnover and business success. Yet, this is not the experience of far too many women. It should go without saying that companies demonstrate zero tolerance for sexual harassment and take active steps to build a culture that is welcoming and inclusive of women’s participation. This is an area where leaders can immediately act – zero tolerance of poor behaviour and positive culture through good behaviour.
Our industry is full of clever,
creative, successful people who design, build and manage incredible infrastructure on which the community relies. The industry certainly has the wherewithal to ensure safety is at the heart of what it does – across all business sizes, types and projects. So why can’t some businesses get the very basics right and provide adequate toilet and changing facilities on construction sites? How embarrassing for everyone involved to still need to push for this. Providing toilet facilities is a simple fix. Leaders, please action it.
The pay gap across construction businesses should see leaders everywhere stop in their tracks. In 2024, the average pay gap in construction was 25.3 per cent. When you add overtime and bonuses, that gap widens. What is your organisational pay gap? If you’re one of those 50 per cent of businesses with a pay gap above 25.8 per cent (or arguably worse, you don’t have any idea what this gap is), you’d better get cracking. Imagine the talent drain and innovation strain you’re putting your business under by not actioning this.
This brings me to the topic of workplace flexibility. I bet you want to assemble the best team and have them working at their best:
healthy, engaged and achieving your business goals. Well, many of the great workers able to do that will be parents, family members and carers. Don’t be stuck in the dark ages in how you manage a team. Do provide flexibility in work options to get the best team and keep them. If you don’t, your competitor will.
Finally, let’s touch on the critical issue of culture. It has been said that “the only thing of real importance that leaders do is to create and manage culture” (Edgar Schein). Culture matters. And it should matter to you.
Culture is the big and the small. The organisation’s position and the everyday practice on the ground. Have you set an organisational culture that is worth following? Are your people inspired by their experiences in your business?
By way of example, we know that microaggressions – the small acts that make people feel less welcome, less valued, or less safe – have a macro impact on businesses and the sector. On its own, an act may seem little. But when we add up all the microaggressions women face over time, the impact is not so little. In fact, 88 per cent of respondents in our ‘Not So Little Things’ study have experienced microaggressions in the sector, including from
Are your people inspired by their experiences in your business?
Image: Parilov/stock.adobe.com
supervisors or managers, and having experienced microaggressions, lack of opportunity, lack of flexibility and/ or poor work culture eight per cent had left the industry entirely. There’s your talent walking out the door.
Of course, these elements are linked. Poor culture breeds poor business practice, impacts your bottom line and makes your workplace a pretty horrible place to be. Women are leading the charge in opting out of these environments. And they are doing so right from the start of their careers – for example, the current drop-out rate of first year apprentices in the construction trades is a staggering 74 per cent. If you only take two key points forward, let them be this:
1. F irstly, those holding onto the notion that the lack of women is a women’s problem, need a dose of reality.
2. A nd secondly, you can’t fix the leaky pipeline if you don’t address culture. Culture is the glue that can either stick or leave you unstuck. This depends on your leadership approach and the actions you take now.
So, take a leaf out of Elvis’ book this year: have confidence, step up and take more action!
The National Association of Women in Construction is a membership based not-for-profit dedicated to the attraction, development and retention of women in the construction industry. With local chapters in every state and territory, we encourage you to come and say hello and connect with like-minded people focused on making a difference and advocating for cultural change. You can find out more about NAWIC through its social media channels @nawicau, or on the NAWIC website nawic.com.au.
Grab it quick
ANT International’s range of hydraulic and static rock grabs highlight the best of two decades of Australian engineering
ANT International has been providing innovative attachment solutions for the earthmoving, demolition and metal recycling industries for over 20 years.
With a workshop in Rocklea, Brisbane, the family-owned and run business supplies a wide range of excavator attachments, including general purpose, mud, trenching and tilt buckets, rippers, hitches and compaction wheels – all designed and built for Australian conditions.
Rock grabs are another popular attachment of ANT International, and are often purchased with a complete bucket set.
Rock solid Rock grabs serve several purposes not just for the earthmoving industry, but also in demolition and metal recycling.
Whether it’s picking up rocks and other debris from worksites, bundles
of trees in a clearing application, or building a retaining wall, rock grabs enable precise placement.
ANT International production manager Lex Treloar says these grabs are an essential item for metal recycling businesses.
“For these businesses, strength and wear life are important considerations, so making the right choice has a positive impact on the bottom line,” he says.
Given these important factors, ANT ensures that all its rock grabs benefit from a heavy-duty ‘boxed construction’ design to increase the strength and durability of the attachment.
Bending and torsion is reduced through Hardox superior strength wear plate, while hardened pins and bushes are integrated for extended wear life, ensuring that customers have an attachment that is built to last.
“The combination of reliability and rigidity creates a grab you can trust, in an industry focused on safety,” Treloar says.
“Choosing the right rock grab can lead to efficient material handling, therefore minimising environmental impacts on the job site.”
More choice
ANT offers both hydraulic and static grabs, giving customers more optionality to choose the attachment that suits their desired outcomes.
Static grabs are available in sizes to suit 0.5-tonne to 30-tonne excavators and come complete with a stay arm and bracket for the boom, ready for installation.
Utilising the power of an excavator to apply the gripping force, Treloar says the lighter static grabs are suited to smaller machines.
On the other hand, the more expensive and heavier hydraulic
ANT International’s static rock grabs are available in sizes to suit 0.5-tonne to 30-tonne excavators
Images: ANT International
ANT hydraulic and static grabs are designed to be durable and resist bending grabs are more convenient when used often, given that the stay arm doesn’t need to be reconnected every time the operator wants to use it.
“Choosing the right rock grab is all a balance that comes down to cost, weight and convenience,” Treloar says.
ANT International’s hydraulic grabs are available in a variety of sizes from 1.5 tonnes up to 30 tonnes, with the under-five-tonne class using a compact single ram design with hydraulic cylinders.
Dual rams are integrated into hydraulic grabs over five tonnes to provide the clamping force required for larger loads, ensuring maximum grip strength.
“Dual ram rock grabs are supplied with hydraulic hosing between the cylinders and can be optioned to include hosing to the dipper arm, for a plug and play installation,” Treloar says.
Tailor-made
Whether customers need power, precision, or are working to a budget, ANT International’s friendly team can help them select the perfect rock grab for their needs and working conditions.
After the sale, the business is
there to provide its customers with technical assistance or spare parts, reinforcing its commitment to customer satisfaction.
“By choosing an ANT International rock grab, you’re not just investing in a tool; you’re investing in efficiency, safety and longevity,” Treloar says.
“Our commitment to quality, innovation and customer service ensures that you’ll get the most out of your equipment.
“Whether you’re tackling a small-scale project or a large-scale demolition, our range of rock grabs is designed to meet your specific needs.”
For more information on ANT International’s range of rock grabs, visit ant-get.com or call 07 3710 6700.
Choosing the right rock grab comes down to price, weight and convenience
Premium parts
Maximise your compact track loader’s performance with ITR Pacific’s aftermarket parts
Compact track loaders (CTLs) are the pillar of productivity across a variety of industries, from construction and landscaping to agriculture and more. Their ability to operate in tough conditions and perform a range of tasks makes them invaluable.
However, to keep these machines running at peak efficiency, the quality of their parts is critical.
ITR Pacific stands out as a trusted provider of premium aftermarket parts designed and manufactured specifically for CTLs, offering durability, reliability and excellent value.
“It comes down to quality, convenience and price,” ITR Pacific national product manager of mini undercarriage Chris Yared says.
“We stock a full range of parts for most makes and models of CTLs across all seven of our locations nationally. A lot of our parts are also manufactured in 100 per cent USCO
ITR owned factories, allowing us to be competitive on pricing without compromising on quality.”
Undercarriage components
Undercarriage components form the foundation of a CTL, bearing the brunt of the work and ensuring stability and smooth operation.
ITR Pacific’s lineup of undercarriage components includes sprockets, idlers and rollers – all engineered to deliver exceptional performance under demanding conditions.
“All ITR parts are manufactured to OEM standards, in ISO certified factories that follow stringent quality controls, ensuring the reliability of our products,” Yared says.
Durable and efficient tracks
With CTL tracks also a vital component, ITR Pacific’s rubber tracks are built with reliability in mind. Designed to provide a high level of performance, these tracks
ITR Pacific’s aftermarket parts are available nationwide
deliver consistent operation even in harsh conditions.
ITR Pacific carries a range of innovative tread patterns offering options for operators working in a range of applications across various industries.
“We currently have five different tread patterns for CTLs, which gives machinery owners a good range of options to match the tread with their application,” Yared says.
“By having the right tread, this extends the wear life and helps with the dollar per hour cost of operating a machine.”
High-performance final drives
Final drives are essential to powering CTLs, translating engine power into the torque needed for movement. ITR Pacific’s range of final drives is engineered for compatibility and built to meet or exceed OEM standards. These components ensure
Images:
ITR Pacific
efficient power transfer, enhancing overall machine productivity.
Tested for durability in the toughest environments, ITR Pacific’s final drives deliver reliability and longevity, making them a smart investment for operators seeking to minimise downtime and maximise output.
“Our acquisition of Aus Final Drives last year has given us a huge advantage in terms of the range we can now offer,” Yared says.
Ground Engaging Tools
A CTL’s ability to interact effectively with the ground depends on its Ground Engaging Tools (GET). ITR Pacific offers a comprehensive range of GET, including cutting edges, bucket teeth and wear protection solutions. These tools are manufactured from high-strength materials to withstand extreme conditions and high-impact tasks.
Nationwide availability and expertise
One of ITR Pacific’s key strengths is its extensive distribution network, ensuring customers across Australia have quick and
easy access to high-quality parts.
With branch locations in Brisbane, Mackay, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Kalgoorlie, ITR Pacific is well-equipped to provide fast delivery and reduce costly downtime.
Beyond supplying premium parts, ITR Pacific also offers expert support and guidance. Whether you’re selecting the right rubber tracks for your terrain or seeking advice on maintaining your machine’s undercarriage, their experienced team is ready to assist. This combination of superior products and professional support makes ITR Pacific a trusted partner for CTL owners and operators.
The ITR Pacific advantage
Choosing ITR Pacific for your CTL parts comes with distinct advantages. Its products are rigorously tested to ensure they meet the highest quality standards, providing confidence in their reliability and performance.
With a comprehensive range covering undercarriage components, rubber tracks, final drives and GET, ITR Pacific delivers
A wide range of treads are available for rubber tracks
solutions for every aspect of CTL maintenance and performance enhancement.
Moreover, ITR Pacific’s nationwide presence and dedicated customer service ensure you’re never far from the support you need. Its focus on delivering cost-effective aftermarket parts without compromising on quality makes it a top choice for operators looking to keep their machines running efficiently and affordably.
“With the majority of our mini undercarriage customer base being owner-operators, having fast access to the parts they need and at a lower price than OEM parts is important,” Yared says.
“ITR is uniquely positioned due to the range of parts we can offer, and 2025 will see us maintaining our strong position and support to customers across Australia.”
For more information on ITR Pacific’s range of aftermarket parts for CTLs, visit: www.itrpacific.com.au
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It has been a soft start to the new year as poor weather and lagging holidays seem to have delayed the expected activity in civil construction. However, I get the feeling there is reason to be mildly optimistic about the coming year.
The newly elected Crisafulli government has hit the ground running and fulfilled certain core election promises when they passed changes to legislation through parliament just prior to Christmas. The speed and matterof-fact approach to the first couple of months has given the industry confidence that the barriers and difficulties it faces can be navigated.
A great sign of barrier removal was the pausing of Best Practice Industry Conditions (BPIC) until the newly formed Productivity Commission can hold a review into the building and construction industry.
The Crisafulli government initiated a 100-day review into the state’s transport and infrastructure needs with a focus on the needs of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. It is being conducted by The Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority. The Authority is currently assessing submissions and preparing a report, which is to be delivered to the Queensland government on March 8, 2025.
The finalisation of the report will finally give industry a clear view
Damian
CEO CCF QLD
of what the program will look like. Whilst the headline is about the Olympic Games, we cannot forget that the infrastructure is needed to support the population growth of Queensland. The Olympic Games is a tenant of Queensland only for a short time. The infrastructure must have a vision beyond the Olympics.
The federal government has pledged $7.2 billion for Bruce Highway upgrades. It also changed its 50/50 funding requirements back to 80/20. This means the Queensland government will provide $1.8 billion, for a total of $9 billion.
The funding aims to address the highway’s safety concerns. I expect the funding will be allocated to the sections of the Bruce Highway with the lowest safety rating.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has supported the funding model and committed to matching the $7.2 billion if elected. Dutton has also proposed a ban on the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) from participating in future Bruce Highway projects. This will be difficult in practice given current
$9 billion has been pledged for upgrading the Bruce Highway. Image: Rob Hill/stock.adobe.com
Commonwealth Laws and various procurement policies.
CCF QLD welcomes the bipartisan funding commitment. However, there are questions as to whether the announcements are in addition to the current commitments or a substitution of the current commitments. There are also questions of the timing and duration of the funding. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has sought clarification from the federal government. This happened after Finance Minister Katy Gallagher indicated that the funds might not be available until four years from now, despite earlier statements suggesting availability within the year.
We will have a clearer picture once the federal government hands down its budget. The budget is due March 25, 2025. The timing of the budget is problematic. Whilst it has been brought forward due to the last possible date that the federal election can be held (May 24, 2025) it could still be handed down after the election – should the election be called earlier.
This will make it difficult for the Queensland government to factor any federal funding into its budget, if the timing of the funding is not clarified with certainty prior to the election.
The promised funding provides some underpinning of certainty for ongoing projects in regional Queensland. The programming of these works needs to be at a size that local companies can compete for. The program needs to be planned and designed well, with adequate assessment and management of risk.
The Premier has committed to Queenslanders that there will be no more blow outs on capital works projects, and implementing these initiatives will deliver on this commitment.
Long,
As we enter 2025, attention is on Queensland’s transport and infrastructure needs
LiuGong’s proven electric range of equipment is sparking interest in the Australian market
There’s been plenty of global fanfare about LiuGong’s wide range of electric equipment and several machines are already available in the Australian market, with strong interest from customers.
LiuGong was one of the first equipment companies to identify the potential of the battery electric vehicle (BEV) for the construction industry and has invested more than $100 million in research, development and machine testing over the past eight years.
There are nine product areas in total, from aerial access equipment to heavy-weight excavators and wheel loaders, and a sign of LiuGong’s confidence in the range is the company’s offering of fiveyear/10,000-hour warranties with the machines, which covers batteries, motors and controllers.
Impressive benefits
James Lipman, from the LiuGong distributor in Australia, says significantly reduced energy and maintenance costs compared with operating diesel machines, as well as reduced carbon emissions, was quickly attracting the interest
of numerous companies around the country.
“Companies can now buy a machine to help hit their corporate responsibility and sustainability targets, as well as their cost of ownership targets,” Lipman says.
“They recognise they can pay significantly less in cost over five years whilst still taking advantage of all the benefits.”
LiuGong data from more than 200 customer job sites has
LiuGong 24.1-tonne electric 922FE excavator
shown that BEVs reduce five-year operational costs by up to 70 per cent and maintenance costs by up to 50 per cent.
A mid-size wheel loader comparison indicated fuel and maintenance savings of $210,000 over five years, as well as emission savings of more than 330 tonnes, which was significantly more than the emissions produced by the diesel machine and, hence, would be available for offsetting other emissions.
A range of LiuGong electric machines are successfully operating in Australia, from mine sites in WA’s Pilbara region through to manufacturing plants in Victoria, including the 922FE excavator and wheel loaders at either end of the size spectrum, the 6.4-tonne 820TE and the 20.6-tonne 856HE.
The 922FE excavator’s largecapacity lithium iron phosphate battery can store 423kWh and the machine provides digging breakout force of 105kN. Its permanent magnet synchronous motor offers 165kW of power, equivalent to more than 220hp, and the excavator comes with a one cubic metre bucket.
The fully electronically-controlled
The 820TE LiuGong electric wheel loader offers an extremely quiet, energy-saving and environmentally friendly solution
Images:
LiuGong
High-end enlarged cabin
www.youtube.com/@cobraequipmentsales
Power & Comfort: Shantui DH17-C3 19.65 Tonne Dozer
“What attracted me to it is that it’s basically a third of the price of other brands and I think the quality’s just as good” - Owen Lane, Hiregrade, NSW
19.65 tonne (approx. with forestry) bulldozer with Weichai WP7 Tier 3 152kW (204hp) 1800rpm six cylinder engine, hydrostatic drive, semi U tilt or straight blade, three-shank rear rippers, 510/560/610mm track shoes and track guard plates, engine side guards, air-conditioned ROPS/FOPS cabin with forestry protection, radio, UHF radio and suspension seat. Price dependent on configuration.
In stock and ready to go
Shantui SG21-B6 Grader
19.41 tonne grader with Cummins 6CTAA8.3-C215 160kW (214.56hp) 2200rpm six cylinder engine (Cummins Australia warranty), 14 foot blade, rear rippers/scarifiers, ZF type powershift transmission - six forward / three reverse, with transmission guarding, no-spin self-locking differential, reverse camera, 17.5R25 tyres, air-conditioned ROPS cabin with radio and suspension seat. Price dependent on configuration.
Shantui SG10-B5 Grader
6.5 tonne (approx. with rear ripper) with Cummins 4BTA3.9 74kW (100hp) 2200rpm Tier 2 engine (Cummins Australia warranty), 10ft blade, rear rippers, torque converter transmission, full lighting kit, reverse camera, 16/70-20 tyres, air-conditioned ROPS cabin. With bonus UHF radio. $95,000 plus GST = $104,500
hydraulic system on the 922FE excavator also provides pure electric drive for easy control.
Around the world, including in Australia, LiuGong says there are more than 6,000 electric wheel loaders currently operating in the field.
The small 60kW 820TE offers an extremely quiet, energy-saving and environmentally friendly solution. It can store 70.5kWh and caters up to a two-tonne load in its 1.2 cubic metre bucket, while operators can easily adjust the traction force and vehicle driving speed.
The bigger 856HE steps up the load capacity to 5.8 tonnes with a 3.5 cubic metre bucket.
Worldwide testing with the 856HE demonstrates that it can work up to 14 hours before requiring recharge – proving more than adequate for customer needs.
Lipman says the electric transmissions improve transmission efficiency and reduce noise for smooth shifting, while operators also enjoy a significantly higher comfort level in the machines compared with a constantly running diesel engine.
Electric power delivers a quieter operating environment with reduced vibrations, creating a less stressful working atmosphere for
operators. The elimination of exhaust fumes also improves overall air quality, enhancing operator health and wellbeing.
Victorian trial
Holcim, a global building material supplier, has commenced a strong relationship with LiuGong Australia for its electric machines after initially trialling an electric wheel loader in Victoria. Its Australian operations include quarries, batching plants, manufacturing and corporate offices.
Holcim operations manager for Gippsland East Michael (Mick) Radford says the company is committed to decarbonising its operations on the journey towards net-zero emissions.
“The use of zero-emission vehicles like the LiuGong wheel loader aligns with our roadmap, bringing us closer to achieving our goals,” he says.
And there were other features of the 856HE that impressed.
“It performed better than we all expected,” Radford says.
“The loader could work long hours between charges and could keep up with the production, which meant it didn’t have to stop in the middle of the day to charge up. That means the charging time is less, so the cost is less.
“Electric machines, unlike diesel, also only need to be serviced every thousand hours, so the maintenance cost is much lower. And you haven’t got things like oil filter changes and labour time to worry about.”
Radford was also pleased with the design that enables hydraulics to be programmed via software to make them harsher or softer.
“This means we can make adjustments like the speed of the machine,” he says.
Radford was also particularly pleased with the service aspect of LiuGong.
“When we first bought the LiuGong equipment, the team spent a lot of time with us, checking that all was good and coping with any problems that arose,” he says.
“After a couple of months, you’d think that this level of service would fade away, but not so, I’d still be getting phone calls every couple of weeks checking on any issues. The level of support is outstanding.”
Industry operators interested in further information or viewing a demonstration of the LiuGong electric range can contact James Lipman (QLD, NSW and VIC) on 0475 901 639 and Johnny Inferrera (WA and SA) on 0429 904 870.
Holcim previously trialled an electric LiuGong wheel loader in Victoria and acknowledged it had performed better than expected
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Perfect combo
The combination of a McCloskey I4CR impact crusher and a TS4065 tracked stacker from 888 Crushing & Screening Equipment is a winning combination for WA’s Cardinal Contractors
Western Australia is a landscape of enterprise and innovation, and Cardinal Contractors has been at the forefront of earthmoving since the early 1960s when three young men from Collie kicked off their own bulldozing and bulk earthworks operation.
Still located in the coal mining heartland of Collie, surrounded by infrastructure built by Cardinal Contractors over the intervening decades as the town grew, the business has continued to expand its capabilities. With a second office in Bunbury, Cardinal Contractors now undertakes dam building, bulk earthworks, mine rehabilitation, landfill, tailings dams and road building across Australia.
“We also work in the renewables space, so bulk earthworks at the battery storage facilities for Synergy,
load out areas, port facilities etc.” explains Cardinal Contractors general manager Bill Berry.
“There’s also the machine hire side, where we hire out everything from graders and large dozers to moxies as well as smaller gear, and we run our own workshop in Collie and out on sites.”
But Cardinal Contractors don’t just stop there, it also has a quarry that produces road base, which is where a pairing of a McCloskey I4CR impact crusher and a TS4065 tracked stacker are producing thousands of tonnes of aggregate a day.
888CSE
This marks the first time that Cardinal Contractors has used McCloskey equipment. With over 35 years of experience building mobile crushing and screening equipment,
McCloskey crushers, screens, stackers, reclaimers, conveyors and trommels are exclusively supplied in WA, SA and NT by 888 Crushing & Screening Equipment (888CSE).
With 888CSE based in Oldbury, south of Perth, Berry says Cardinal Contractors was looking for a local business that could provide a high level of aftermarket service and machinery that was simple to operate and manoeuvre while providing a high level of throughput.
888CSE supplied a pairing of a McCloskey I4CR impact crusher and a TS4065 tracked stacker.
The I4CR impact crusher has a compact footprint but with an impressively sized impact chamber on-board at 1,050mm (diameter) by 1,125mm (width) and a 375hp (280kW) Cat engine.
Weighing in at around 42 tonnes,
Images:
888CSE
the I4CR is a fully contained crushing, screening and stockpiling plant. McCloskey says the blow bar is designed to have a larger contact area for high capacity crushing while a Tough-Flex heavy duty conveyor belt increases machine durability.
Ease of operation is a key focus for McCloskey and Berry says operator feedback has been very positive.
“It’s a really good machine that’s easy to use and produces a
consistent material,” he says.
“The operator likes the remote control of the machine and it’s easy to move around the site.”
The McCloskey TS4065 tracked stacker can stockpile aggregate at a rate of up to 600 tonnes per hour and can be plugged into the hydraulics of the I4CR impact crusher to remove the need to run the engine.
Berry says the support and service from 888CSE has been excellent,
adding that “they’re very responsive and easy to deal with”.
“They’re local and they support local businesses really well,” he says.
“Downtime is a major concern and they’ve been very responsive in that aspect. They also have a large parts supply so we’re not waiting on parts.”
For more information, visit: 888cse. com.au
Thousands of tonnes of aggregate are produced each day
888CSE supplied a McCloskey I4CR impact crusher and a TS4065 tracked stacker to Cardinal Contractors in WA
DUMP TRUCKS
Eye for design
Bringing together a wide range of operational, safety and performanceboosting features, JCB’s range of articulated site dumpers ensure optimal performance even in challenging environments
With five weight categories, JCB’s articulated site dumper range means you can select the perfect machine for your application, whether it’s soil removal from a backyard or largescale material movement on an infrastructure project.
Starting with the one-tonne 1T-2 and running through to the ninetonne 9T-2, JCB’s dumper range has been designed to meet the needs of both the rental market and contractors with a focus on innovation, operator safety and ease of use.
Design features
A key focus in the design of the JCB site dumper range has been making visibility of the skip and machinery surroundings as clear as possible, says JCB CEA national materials handling manager Greg Sealey.
“JCB always prioritises operator comfort and safety and has included a range of key features in its range of dump trucks to ensure this is a focus
A
in the dump truck range,” he says.
This includes a lowered skip profile that allows the operator to see more of the surrounding area over the top of the skip, especially when travelling with a load. JCB says forward visibility has been increased by 30 per cent compared to a conventional front tip skip.
The angled sides of the skip also reduces blind spots and provides a
clearer view of the ground and any potential obstacles.
For additional visibility, an optional camera provides a direct view in front of the machine on a display in the cab, which can be useful when tipping or manoeuvring in tight spaces.
With regards to precision and ease of operation, the five models in the site dumper range are all articulated,
The JCB 1TE has been designed for enclosed spaces and sites with noise constraints
Images: JCB
CR
USHE R & SCREEN SA L ES PTY LTD
IMS DI ST RI BU TOR
for Aust ralia, Papua N ew Guine a and South East Asia
IMS have added the new BP1200-48TB track electric twin power blender to its impressive collection of blenders and pugmills, the new BP1200-48TB has four separate feed hopper each five meters long holding 12m3 each. All feed hopper conveyors are fitted with belt scales and controlled by a PLC control and recording system that can be operated from an iPad or phone from its own Wi-Fi system from a loader or site office. A Cat C7 Generator powers the Nord electric motors all fitted with invertors offering variable speed to each feed hopper conveyor. The generator can be connected to mains power and could power an extra 24-meter radial stacker increasing the stockpile capacity.
for Sale In Stock Yatala
Plant for Sale In Stock Yatala Qld
Plant for Sale In Stock Yatala Qld
A new IMS-PM1200-20TB Track Pugmill with twin 10m3 feed hoppers has just commissioned to Braeside Quarry on the New England Highway Warrick in Qld, the options t improved product management with the twin feed hoppers blending having two different products available ready for moisture contr system can be operated from an iPad in a loader managing all aspects of the operation including loading trucks and multiple trailers stopping when the required weight has been reached for each unit and
Nordmann K750 hook lift jaw crusher with a 700x500 opening, diesel electric. Ideal for city projects, compact and quite POA
New IMS – MS104T Scalping Screen with a 10x4 two deck screen and high-rise tracks
$227,000 Plus GST
$227,000 Plus GST
tracks
New IMS – MC1050-24TB Track Conveyor with 10m3 feed hopper twin drive
Nordmann T-750 Track Jaw with attached single deck screen producing two finished products, diesel electric POA
$188,000 Plus GST
New & Used IMS – PM1050-16TB Track
New & Used IMS – PM1050-16TB Track
Pugmill, fully automated and available with IMS Mobile Silo
From $285,000 Plus GST
Track Pugmill, fully automated and available with IMS Mobile Silo From $285,000 Plus GST
Pugmill, fully automated and available with IMS Mobile Silo From $285,000 Plus GST
New IMS – BP1200-48TB Track Blender, twin power electric drive with Cat C7 Genset, four 12m3 feed hoppers, fully PLC automated - POA
New IMS – BP1200-48TB Track Blender, twin power electric drive with Cat C7 Genset, four 12m3 feed hoppers, fully PLC automated - POA
New IMS – BP1200-48TB Track Blender, twin power electric drive with Cat C7 Genset, four 12m3 feed hoppers, fully PLC automated - POA
DUMP TRUCKS
allowing for greater adaptability to sites with more difficult terrain.
“The articulated design of JCB dump trucks significantly influences their movement, providing enhanced manoeuvrability, improved off-road performance and a reduction in ground disturbance,” Sealey says.
JCB says this makes its site dumper range particularly suited to withstand the rigours of the rental industry, along with its LiveLink telematics providing 24/7 monitoring of security, safety and service alerts.
Additional features include a twostage inhibit system that ensures the operator is wearing a seatbelt during operation, green and amber LED beacons and LED work lights come as standard, a warning alarm alerts other site workers to machine movement and a swing tip lock keeps the skip locked in a forward facing position when the machine is on the move, to prevent it from swinging and tipping the machine.
Built for confined spaces
Starting with dumpers designed for smaller sites, JCB’s 1T-2 comes with a 16.1kW Perkins Stage V engine that has 21 per cent more torque than the previous model.
A transport weight of under
1,400kg means it can be easily towed to site, while the narrow width makes it ideal for confined access points. Narrow tyres can also be fitted as an option, reducing the width to below 1m.
Despite its compact size, the 1T-2 can lift a one-tonne payload and its High-Tip feature means material can be tipped into skips and large containers.
The 3T-2 meanwhile includes a 18.9kW Stage V engine with no diesel particulate filter needed. Designed for applications such as utility installation or landscaping, the 3T-2 can carry three tonnes, while a front or swivel tip option increases the machine’s versatility on site.
The 3T-2 comes with the option of road lights to allow the machine to be driven between sites, while an ergonomic transmission dump switch allows the operator to divert engine power from the transmission to the hydraulic system to increase performance.
Additional safety features include a key immobiliser to prevent theft, engine tip-over protection to prevent engine damage in the event of a tipover and a tilt warning system that notifies the operator when they are reaching the limits of the machine.
A tilting base on the 1T-2 and 3T-2
models provides easy access to the engine and dipstick and fluid fill points.
Electric moves
Ideal for enclosed work sites where noise and emissions are a concern, the 1TE model is an electric-powered one-tonne dumper powered by two 48V 5kWh lithium-ion batteries that provide a full day’s work.
Three charging options of 110V, 230V and 415V provide flexibility around on-site charging while the near-silent operation and powerful LED work lights allow for work to continue into the night.
The 1TE comes with a high tip skip, ROPS frame and two-stage drive inhibit system to prevent movement without the operator securely belted in.
“There has been a lot of interest in the construction and rental sector for these,” Sealey says.
“A lot of customers are now looking for products with a more sustainable focus, and the ability to charge rather than use diesel has been positively received by the market.
“In particular, construction areas
The 6T-1 model comes with the option of a front tip or swivel tip skip
The 9T-2 model is the largest in the range
such as underground car parks, shopping centres and hospital maintenance and construction – where both noise and diesel emissions are a major concern –the use of electric units almost completely eliminates these issues.”
Cabbed dumpers
For larger-scale work, the 6T-2 and 9T-2 dumpers come with a JCB EcoMAX 4.4-litre 55kW engine and the option of a SiteSafe cab in addition to ROPS and FOPS enclosures.
A front mounted camera is standard, with the option to upgrade to a full side and rear camera kit. As an alternative to the ROPS frame, a ROPS/FOPS Level II frame is available and an optional skip guard prevents large pieces of material from falling back into the cab.
The 6T-1 model comes with in-front tip and swivel tip versions that can carry six tonnes, while the 9T-1 is a front-tipping machine with a payload limit of nine tonnes.
Four-speed permanent 4WD powershuttle transmission on both models ensures ease of operation over rougher terrain, while a tilted seat base provides access to maintenance points.
The SiteSafe cab has been tested to withstand the impact from a 20tonne excavator, while large cab windows fitted with Hammerglass means the operator has clear visibility all around the machine without compromising on safety. For additional protection, a front screen guard is available as an option.
For long days on the site, operator comfort is key. JCB has addressed this with a standard heater and optional chiller system for climate control inside the cab, while both doors have lockback and ajar stays for increased ventilation or communication.
Further safety designs include
The 3T-2 comes with the option of road lights to allow the machine to be driven between sites
DUMP TRUCKS
a Hi-Viz step and grab handles to reduce the chance of trips and slips.
JCB has also lowered the height of the cab in response to industry feedback to improve access and further increase visibility from the operator’s seat. This also lowers the centre of gravity for improved stability.
To improve the durability in adverse conditions, the 6T-2 and 9T-2 models have relay protection preventing water ingress into key electrical components, and daily checks are simple with ground level access to all main service areas.
Industry support
JCB CEA provides sales, parts and service Australia-wide through a network of five branches in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney and over 70 dealer outlets. This means, no matter your application or location, parts
and service support are nearby to keep you up and running.
“The JCB dump truck range is ideal for a host of different applications but specifically construction sites, mines, roadworks and landfill,” Sealey says.
“The features we see most operators enjoying are the spacious cab with loads of legroom and storage, the adjustable seating and steering to accommodate operators of different sizes and preferences and the intuitive controls that are ergonomically positioned and easy to reach, minimising operator fatigue and maximising productivity.
“With exceptional manoeuvrability, off-road performance, and stability, they are extremely versatile and efficient in a wide range of applications.”
For more information, visit: jcbcea.com.au
DUMP TRUCKS
The 8.1-tonne DM9 is now available in Australia
degrees, giving optimal visibility of the load when operating the skip and a clear forward view of the road whilst travelling. The controls are replicated at the rear for ease of operation.
The DM9 has a maximum unloading height of 1.2m and comes with a rear camera as standard.
“The Merlo Dumper DM9 stands apart from other models on the market due to its unique combination of versatility, power and design,” Merlo national sales manager Chris Wilson says.
Fresh face
A brand-new DM dumper from Merlo has just reached Australia, with the first models of the DM9 arriving last month
Having produced its first dumper model in 1964, Merlo’s release of the DM9 marks the first of a new range that it says brings European precision manufacturing to Australia.
Ideal for both the civil and rental market, the 8.1-tonne DM9 can be specified with a fixed or a 180degree powered swivel tipping skip, allowing the operator complete control over load discharge and distribution whilst unloading.
The skip itself is manufactured from 6mm fixed steel with 15mm reinforcements with the use of Hardox steel at the bottom and has a max load capacity of nine tonnes.
A rigid chassis gives the DM9 a high level of stability, even on undulating terrain, with 4-wheel drive, 4-wheel steering and three steering modes providing a high level of manoeuvrability and increased ride comfort for longer hauls.
With a Deutz TCD3.6 engine that produces 100hp (74kW) the DM9’s top speed is 40km/h and it can manage gradients of up to 40 degrees when laden and 50 degrees unladen.
The DM9 features Merlo’s own EcoPowerDrive (EPD) system that manages the hydrostatic transmission and engine to optimise efficiency. The hydrostatic transmission provides the dumper
with a smooth drive and significantly shorter cycle times over longer transfers thanks to its 40km/h top speed. Potential fuel savings of up to 18 per cent are offered by the Merlo EPD hydrostatic transmission when compared to other types of transmissions, Merlo says.
The DM Dumper is equipped with a fully enclosed operator bi-directional Dual-View cab featuring ROPS and FOPS level 2 protection as standard.
The Merlo Dual-View system allows the operator to swivel their seat 180
“Unlike traditional dumpers, the DM9 offers a higher load capacity and better stability, allowing it to tackle challenging terrains and heavy-duty tasks with ease.
“Its hydrostatic transmission provides smooth operation, making it more efficient for operators, while the compact design ensures it can access tight spaces – a key advantage in urban or construction sites.
“Merlo’s advanced safety features, such as the automatic load sensing system and robust chassis, further distinguish the DM9 as a reliable and innovative solution in the dumper market.”
For more information on the DM9, visit: www.merlo.com/aus/en
Ingoodcondition,poweredbya60hpCumminsdiesel engine,fittedwithrollerboomandrockchain, we can fitanewearthtrencherchainatnoextracost.Trencher hasbeenservicedandreadyforwork.S158. TA544148.
Rokbak’s Haul Track telematics system provides key data for fleet managers – reducing maintenance costs and increasing machine lifespan
Rokbak’s user-friendly Haul Track telematics system on its RA30 and RA40 articulated dump trucks (ADTs) puts machine data at the fingertips of operators and fleet managers, allowing them to make informed decisions about machine maintenance.
In the earthmoving, quarrying and mining businesses, equipment reliability is paramount. Every hour of downtime can mean lost productivity and increased costs, which is why fleet managers are increasingly turning to telematics as an enabler for proactive maintenance and operational efficiency.
According to Rokbak customer support manager Garry Moore, telematics is no longer a ‘nice to have’ feature but an essential tool for business success.
“More and more customers have been engaging with our Haul Track telematics system over the last few years,” Moore says.
“Some even have full ‘command
centres’ filled with screens as they monitor data from their fleets in real-time.”
Simplifying the complex
The Rokbak Haul Track telematics system comes as standard on its RA30 and RA40 ADTs, designed to help customers monitor and maintain their machines with ease. Its simplicity and user-friendly interface are what set it apart, enabling customers to access actionable insights and make data-driven decisions about their fleet management.
“Our customers are hardworking people who need hardworking trucks – and Haul Track ensures they can optimise their operations without adding complexity,” Moore explains.
For example, the online portal includes tools such as Fleet Manager and Fleet Tracker, which allow users to customise dashboards according to their priorities and targets, set maintenance parameters and receive
automated reports and email alerts.
Another reason for Haul Track’s growing popularity is the comprehensive onboarding and training Rokbak provides to help customers tailor the system to their specific needs.
“We work closely with our customers to ensure Haul Track fits seamlessly into their operations and that they’re getting the most value from it,” Moore says.
The online Haul Track portal includes a dedicated maintenance section with a list of all machines due for attention and their service requirements.
The key to uptime and longevity
When fleet managers have an accurate picture of machine health and status in real time, they are able to stay on top of regular maintenance requirements and address minor issues before they can turn into serious and expensive problems. This proactive maintenance approach leads to
Images: Rokbak
Using Haul Track telematics, site managers can keep track of data from Rokbak ADTs in real time
The on-board weighing system allows operators to maximise their efficiency
greater equipment uptime and a longer lifespan, as well as a reduced total cost of ownership.
“There are so many instances where timely intervention can protect crucial components and prevent major failures,” Moore explains.
“The drop box, for example, requires precise oil levels and has a short service interval. Haul Track helps ensure routine servicing is completed on schedule by sending timely email reminders for maintenance. This prevents unnecessary wear on components and promotes the longevity of the drivetrain.”
Besides service reminders, Haul Track can also be configured to directly alert fleet managers via email to fault codes that signal potential issues before they escalate. This capability not only protects key components but also helps maintain effective operation, minimise downtime and protect the owner’s investment.
“To give further examples, issues with the clutch or injector in the engine could result in significant downtime and costly repairs if left unnoticed,” Moore continues.
“By identifying problems early, Haul Track facilitates timely maintenance interventions that keep equipment running efficiently over the long term.”
Customer-focused design
Recognising that many customers operate mixed-brand fleets, Rokbak has integrated the Haul Track telematics system with the AEMP 2.0 API, the industry-wide standard that enables seamless management of telematics data across various equipment brands.
Rokbak also offers an On-Board Weigh load system that comes with a separate HMI (human machine interface) screen connecting to Haul Track to provide live payload data.
“It’s important to strike the right balance between productivity and machine longevity,” Moore explains.
DUMP TRUCKS
“On the one hand, carrying too little load can actually increase wear and tear on your machines because operators will be making more journeys than needed to transport the target volume of material. On the other hand, excessive loads risk overburdening critical systems and compromising safety.”
When combined with the OnBoard Weigh system, Haul Track helps operators to maintain the ideal payload, promoting efficient operation, protecting
Users can customise dashboards according to their priorities and targets
key components and supporting the long-term health and reliability of the equipment.
“We focus on making our two models – the RA30 and RA40 ADTs –the best solutions they can be for our customers,” Moore concludes.
“Whether through our durable trucks or the valuable insights from Haul Track, our customers can rest assured that we’ve got their back.”
Rokbak ADTs are sold in Australia through distributor Porter Group. For more information, visit: www.porterce.com.au
DUMP TRUCKS
Built to haul
The 41-tonne A45 is designed for heavy hauling in challenging off-road applications
From industry-leading safety and productivity features to a rugged design, there are plenty of reasons to choose a Volvo articulated dump truck
In the high-stakes world of heavy-hauling and opencast mines, the performance and reliability of an articulated dump truck can spell the difference between success and failure. Recognising this, Volvo’s commitment to innovation, safety and efficiency has propelled its line of articulated haulers to the forefront of the industry.
These haulers are designed to meet the rigorous demands of offroad terrains while maximising haulers’ stability and payload capacity, making them a premier choice for quarry and mine operators worldwide. With significant payload capacity, an advanced drivetrain technology and industry-leading safety features, Volvo articulated dump trucks are synonymous with heavy-duty reliability, fuel efficiency, and operational superiority in the most demanding conditions.
Unrivalled payload capacity
Volvo’s articulated dump trucks (ADTs) offer some of the highest payload capacities in their class.
The range of models from the A25 to the A60 provides diverse options for specific operational needs, ensuring optimal performance across various applications.
1. Robust chassis design: Volvo’s ADTs have a strong, durable frame that can handle heavier loads without compromising structural integrity.
2. Advanced weight distribution: The articulated design allows for better weight distribution across the axles, enabling the truck to carry more without sacrificing stability or manoeuvrability.
3. Powerful engine: Volvo’s purpose-built engines, like the D16F in the A60H model, provide the necessary power to move larger payloads efficiently.
4. Optimised body design: The truck’s body is engineered to maximise volume while maintaining balance, allowing for greater carrying capacity.
5. Load sensing hydraulics: This system adjusts the lifting force based on the load, ensuring optimal performance and fuel efficiency regardless of payload.
6. Automatic traction control: This enhances the truck’s ability to navigate challenging terrain while
The 55-tonne A60 is the largest ADT on the market
Images:
Volvo
DUMP TRUCKS
fully loaded, maintaining productivity under various conditions.
7. On-board weighing system:
This technology ensures optimal loading for each cycle, maximising productivity without overloading the vehicle.
Advanced drivetrain technology
Volvo articulated dump trucks feature a robust drivetrain specifically engineered for heavy hauling. This includes a highperformance, low-emission Volvo diesel engine with electronically controlled fuel injection.
Volvo’s unique 100 per cent lockable differentials design features no-slip, no-wear differential locks that can be fully engaged when necessary, ensuring excellent grip in all conditions.
The Dynamic Drive system adjusts the gear shifting strategy based on payload and slope gradient, automatically selecting the best gear for maximum efficiency and performance, while the Volvo engine
brake controls downhill speed without overusing the brakes, improving brake life and enhancing safety.
Volvo’s inline Dropbox design provides excellent ground clearance, allowing the truck to navigate rough terrain more easily, while models like the A60H have a suspension system that automatically adjusts to payload and ground conditions, improving stability and comfort.
Safety and stability
Safety features on Volvo’s ADTs includes Hill Assist, which automatically holds the truck in place on steep slopes without engaging the parking brake and a Dump Support System that allows operators to set safe dumping parameters based on the truck’s side inclination, preventing potential tipovers during dumping operations.
The ADTs also display speed limits for the specific vehicle combination, helping operators maintain safe speeds.
Maintenance-free hydromechanical steering and a rotating
hitch design provides superior manoeuvrability and control, while the articulated steering system reduces turning circles, making navigating tight spaces and rough landscapes easier.
The All-Terrain Bogie System distributes weight evenly across the rear axles, enhancing stability and traction on uneven ground, while the hydro-mechanical steering offers strong, accurate steering with high force at low revs, which is crucial for manoeuvring in deep mud and other tough environments. Hydraulic damping reduces jolts and shocks.
The rotating frame hitch reduces stress on the truck’s structure and helps keep the wheels in contact with the ground, improving stability and ground clearance. This feature is essential for controlling diverse environments, from snow and ice to deserts and tropical regions.
Excelling in challenging environments
Due to their advanced design features, Volvo ADTs excel in challenging off-road environments. These trucks can easily navigate steep inclines, uneven surfaces, muddy conditions and loose terrain, maintaining high productivity and stability where conventional rigid dump trucks often struggle.
Volvo ADTs are distributed in Australia through CJD Equipment. For more information visit: www.cjd.com.au
Volvo’s ADT lineup runs from the 25-tonne A25 through to the 55-tonne A60
Volvo EC950E crawler excavator and A60 ADT
DUMP TRUCKS
Award winner
The Liebherr TA 230 articulated dump truck sets a new benchmark for comfort, performance and reliability
Liebherr’s TA 230 Litronic, the first of the manufacturer’s new generation of articulated dump trucks, represents a full redevelopment from the ground-up with a view to deliver the very best in productivity, reliability, operator comfort and safety.
With a 30-tonne payload, the TA 230 Litronic brings the best of German engineering to Australia – built for difficult terrain and challenging environments in quarries and work sites across the country.
Having been awarded a Red Dot Award in 2021, the TA 230 Litronic has been turning heads with its striking design since its introduction to Australia in 2023. However, it isn’t just the look of the truck that’s impressive, says Liebherr Australia national major account manager – earthmoving & material design division Scott McClement. There’s plenty under the bonnet to be excited by, such as next-level fuel efficiency and innovative productivity and safety features.
“The first thing an operator’s going to realise when they step into the cabin is the size,” McClement says.
“There’s a lot of space, enough space for a trainer’s seat, and heaps of visibility to maximise safety.”
This is achieved with a combination of large glass surfaces, no struts to obscure the operator’s
field of vision, and a short, angled bonnet to ensure optimal visibility in front of the machine.
A newly designed lighting concept – including LED headlights as standard – further enhances visibility on either side of the glass.
Operators can take advantage of a well-appointed sealed cab with ergonomically arranged controls, multiple stowage compartments and an as-standard air-suspension driver’s seat.
Under the electro-hydraulic bonnet, the TA 230 is designed for safe, simple maintenance, with all service points clearly visible, and easy to reach.
“The TA 230 is powered by a Liebherr six-cylinder Tier 4 final engine, coupled with a state-of-theart transmission,” McClement adds.
“This combination helps to deliver a very low fuel consumption of around 15 litres per hour.
“At the back of the machine, the large body features an operating capacity of 28 tonnes, or 18.1 cubic metres, which is class leading.”
Given dump trucks’ relative simplicity in their operation and application, it’s the little details and features that distinguish one machine from another. McClement points to the TA 230’s automatic traction control as a prime example.
“Automatic traction control is one of our key safety features on this model – especially valuable for wet conditions,” he says.
“When the machine’s working in a slippery, wet environment, this feature kicks in by itself – the operator doesn’t have to touch a thing.”
The TA 230 Litronic has been designed for difficult terrain and challenging environments
Images: Liebherr
The large body features an operating capacity of 28 tonnes
The well-appointed sealed cab has ergonomically arranged controls
This is made possible by the TA 230’s inter-axle differential locks. If a slip occurs on one axle, torque is automatically redistributed.
In the field
One civil construction company that’s put the TA 230 through its paces is CCS Civil Group. Located in the Hunter Valley, the Liebherr truck now forms a backbone of the fleet.
“I developed a deep appreciation for Liebherr, a highly respected manufacturer, after witnessing friend’s reviews in Scotland of the TA 230 and hearing their praise, which was truly exhilarating,” CCS Civil Group managing director Stacy Cairns says.
“I was thrilled when they became available in Australia and had the pleasure of operating the TA 230.
“Since purchasing the first Liebherr TA 230 in 2023, I have been impressed. As I was a full-time owner/operator, I could compare it to other branded dump trucks I’ve owned, and the Liebherr stands out as my clear preference.
“Although I now focus on running the day-to-day operations of CCS
DUMP TRUCKS
Civil Group, I always look forward to getting back behind the wheel, and my operators know that the TA 230 is my top choice. When I’m on site, you’ll always find me in a Liebherr truck.”
Cairns adds that the features that distinguish the TA 230 are its exceptional visibility due to the large glass window, heated seats and the innovative iPad feature that allows the operator to record and track loads, runs and payload weight.
CCS Civil Group operations manager Pauleen Blackshear says the Liebherr is in a class of its own, boasting a striking appearance that
testifies to its outstanding quality.
“The Liebherr trucks are known amongst some of the sites we are on as ‘The White Knight’,” she says.
“The truck’s versatility is also noteworthy, owing to its light steering, which facilitates a threepoint turn in tight spaces where other trucks in our fleet may encounter difficulties.
“I have never received any complaints from operators, and our staff would uniformly award the TA 230 a perfect score of 10/10.”
For more information on the TA 230 Litronic visit: www.liebherr.com.au
The TA 230 boasts a top forward speed of 57km/h
Rethinking trades training
Hacia Atherton, the founder of Empowered Women in Trades, discusses how her organisation is aiming to encourage more women into the industry by challenging misconceptions about learning a trade
It’s becoming less unusual to find women working in construction and trades, with women making up 15 per cent of the building and construction workforce in 2023. However, only three per cent of these women were working on the tools and the majority work in administrative and clerical roles.
With the construction trades facing a national skills shortage, the question of how to attract more women into trades to help alleviate this shortfall is a hot topic.
One organisation looking to improve access to training and education for women around the wide variety of trade careers that are available is Empowered Women in Trades (EWIT), founded by Hacia Atherton in 2020.
Aiming to encourage more women to take up apprenticeships and enter skilled trades, Atherton founded EWIT to provide advice and encouragement to women wanting to give a trade a try, but also to change the perception of trades as being merely something that boys do if they’re not academic enough for university.
“I was working as a chief commercial officer at my family’s manufacturing company and I was looking at how we could future proof the factory floor,” Atherton says.
“I reached out to a number of the local schools, saying it’d be great to do an excursion or a career day to show the kids manufacturing trades, such as fitter and turner, boilermaker, etc. But the general feedback was ‘we’ll send you our non-academic boys’.
“I found the double bias there to be very interesting. I always knew that there was a lack of female representation in trades, but that started my deep dive into why this is happening and what the challenges and obstacles are.
“I want apprenticeships to be seen as just another qualification equal to that of a university career pathway and get rid of this idea that going into a trade is a second class ‘you didn’t make it’ option.”
Entry pathway
Atherton says there are different aspects to the issue of how to get more women to work in trades, from the initial barrier of getting women to
see trades as a viable option to how to keep them in the industry once women are undertaking an apprenticeship or working in a trade.
On the attraction side, she says there is still a significant lack of awareness and understanding amongst young women around what an apprenticeship is, how to get into one, what jobs are available under the trades umbrella or even the basic idea of them physically being able to use a power tool.
One aim of EWIT’s training programs is to demystify trades and show the huge breadth of possibilities available.
“If you take the plumbing industry for example, women may think it’s just dealing with blocked toilets, but you could be a fitter, a mechanical service plumber, a maintenance plumber, a new construction plumber, a sanitary plumber or a roofage plumber,” Atherton says.
“The plumbing industry has so much diversity of where you can go with your trade, and all of the different licenses you can get, so for a woman who’s never even picked up a power tool that’s very overwhelming for them to try and navigate the complexities of that trade and becoming licensed.
“So that’s where we do a lot of work in the schools. We’ll bring in a hot water unit, and the students get to take it apart and put it back together. They often make their school’s name using a system called B press where they follow a drawing of the letters to cut pipes to length and use a B press machine to join them together, just to give them an understanding of what that’s like.”
Atherton says the work of EWIT is bearing fruit, with more and more young women interested in undertaking a trade apprenticeship once they find out more about the different career paths that they could go down and the demand from employers for skilled staff.
“A lot of female students are
EWIT founder Hacia Atherton
Images:
very aware of not wanting to start their lives in debt, so they are not necessarily interested in spending $80,000 on a piece of paper that doesn’t guarantee them a job,” she says.
“Particularly when the work landscape is shifting with the increased use of AI, which means a lot of careers like marketing, or even law, are starting to change.
“Along with not wanting to put themselves in debt, they don’t want to put themselves in the potential situation where they don’t have the financial freedom to leave unhealthy relationships, or they can’t buy a home and so on. So the concept of an apprenticeship – where they’re getting paid to learn, they’re starting to get their superannuation paid for them, and they’re learning real life practical skills, along with the need for skilled workers making it a lot easier to get a job – is becoming more attractive.”
Retention
On the retention side of things, Atherton points to the culture in construction and trades being challenging for many apprentices and workers, not just women. A rethink of how to approach work/life balance and aspects of workplace culture such as hazing apprentices will therefore make the industry more attractive and better for a lot of people.
“It’s very evident, when we look at the mental wellbeing statistics of men in these trades, that the industry is not set up to support human beings. For example, having to work six days a week,” Atherton says.
“Apprentice hazing in general is also an issue. If we look at the completion rates of apprenticeships, around 55 per cent of people that start apprenticeships don’t finish them, so retention isn’t just a female problem, it is an industry problem. This idea of ‘we’ve just got to toughen them up’ isn’t resonating with the younger generation and you have to ask, who is it actually benefitting?
“Loneliness and isolation are major issues. It’s tough to be the only
The aim of EWIT is to give young women the opportunity to experience a variety of different trades
woman on the work site, especially when there aren’t appropriate sanitary or changing room facilities.
A lot of women in the maintenance trade constantly get the ‘oh, you’re a female’ reaction too when they go to someone’s house to do plumbing work, which wears you down when you get that reaction eight times a day.
“That’s why I established Empowered Women in Trades, because I think a lot of work is needed to be done across the industry.”
Trade Academy
EWIT runs a Trade Academy for those interested in becoming tradies, but unsure where to start.
Atherton says this could be a one-day training session or up to three weeks, not only covering information about trades and interviews with industry professionals, but also positive
psychology and mindset tools to support women entering the industry.
“The whole concept is to bring in positive psychology to help women overcome negative self-talk,” Atherton says.
“A lot of women struggling to do something on the tools will blame their gender and say, ‘I can’t do this because I’m a woman’, and that’s reinforced in wider society as well, so we use positive psychology to overcome that negative narrative.
“Participants will generally rotate through three different experiences. If we’re working with a client, it might be three different career pathways that client can provide, such as a technician role, a maintenance role and a sales role, etc.
“Or, if it’s cross-industry, they’ll come in and experience plumbing, welding, carpentry, etc. and then they can work out which career pathway they want to go down.
“Longer programs are generally done in collaboration with an employer where participants will get things like their white cards or working at heights training –whatever they need to then go do some work experience. So, they’ll spend a few days at TAFE learning basic trade skills, they’ll get all of their OH&S qualifications, and then go out with the firm that we’ve partnered with for some work experience.”
Atherton says the trade taster sessions have been a revelation for a lot of young women, many of which have never used power tools previously.
“Once they get their hands on tools and immersed in the environment, they often have an ‘aha, I can do this’ moment,” she says.
“It could be something as simple as they don’t understand the weight of the tools. A lot of women think that they’re going to be really heavy, so they can’t use them, whereas tools are often a lot lighter than they expect.
“I find having that immersive experience overcomes a lot of the objections that they’re telling themselves. Also meeting and engaging with positive men in the industry, and hearing from men that are really championing this cause means that women can see that there are allies there who will back them up.
“The other thing is getting them inside trade schools to understand what a trade school looks like, feels like, the facilities and everything like that. It takes away uncertainty for them.”
Building a community
Looking ahead to what’s in store for EWIT in 2025, Atherton says a key focus will be growing the EWIT Trades Alliance, building a corporate membership base for cross-industry collaboration so best practices can be shared.
“We want to break down the siloing that’s happened between construction, manufacturing,
Along with education on available careers, EWIT focuses on positive psychology to help women overcome negative self-talk
automotive, new energy and so on,” Atherton says.
“I’m very excited to bring that community together, but also keep growing that community so women know that there are organisations out there that have the mindset of creating workplaces and practices that work for females that are coming into the industry.
“We’re also going to focus on our education programs. I think it’s really important to get all students, not just female students, but from year seven and upwards, understanding what a career in skilled trades looks like.”
For more information, visit https://ewitrades.com. EWIT will be attending Converge Expo, taking place September 17–18 in Melbourne: convergeexpo.com.au
Hydro hauling
Amongst the Volvo CE machinery on site are A406 articulated haulers and an EC950F excavator
Austria’s first Volvo CE 90-tonne excavator is leading the charge at a huge hydropower construction project in challenging mountainous terrain
Kühtai 2 is a hydroelectric power plant that is being constructed in the Kühtai Valley in Austria. Once complete in 2026, it will supply over 200 million kWh of renewable energy to the Austrian grid. At the heart of this mammoth project are machines from Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE).
Perched 2,000 metres above sea level in the municipality of Silz, in Austria’s Tyrolean Stubai Alps, Kühtai 2 is being managed by Austrian utility company Tiroler Wasserkraft (TIWAG) AG, with an estimated investment of €1 billion. This expansion of the existing Sellrain-Silz series of power plants includes adding a third reservoir and an additional pumped storage power facility.
Construction management company Swietelsky is one of three companies working on the project, as part of a construction consortium alongside Jäger Bau and Bodner, and is taking the technical lead.
“I’ve been here for four years now,” project manager Peter Wetzlinger says.
“It takes a lot of cogs to make the
project work. Around 620 people from over 10 countries work here, it’s like a little village with its own canteen. We are all far from home, so the work and social environment is important, and you also have to like it. It’s not just about the money, it’s about being part of the team on a project like this.”
Project manager Peter Wetzlinger
Mighty machines
The construction site is a hive of activity, with around 200 machines at work, of which more than 60 are from Volvo CE. A brand-new Volvo EC950F is the flagship of the excavator fleet. Volvo CE’s largest crawler excavator, this 90-tonne giant is the first of its kind in Austria, with a second set to join the project in Kühtai soon.
“We simulated loading cycles, and this resulted in a demand of between 90 and 100 tonnes,” explains Wetzlinger.
“The market for this category of machine is quite large, but for us the choice was limited by who we wanted to partner with. We need partners we can trust. Volvo CE dealer Ascendum is a good partner with the quality we are used to.”
Above ground, a fleet of Volvo equipment is at work, including a Volvo EC950F, Volvo EWR150, EW160 and EWR170 wheeled excavators, as well as EC220, EC250 and EC380 crawler excavators and a variety of Volvo wheel loaders. These include a special machine based on the Volvo L180 but fitted with a ‘Reptail’ asphalt
The A60 articulated haulers were needed for the rough terrain due to the lack of haul roads
spreader system from the Finnish attachment manufacturer of the same name.
The real backbone of the work on site is a fleet of 26 Volvo articulated haulers, varying in size from the A25 to the A60 – the largest articulated hauler on the market. Their durable design makes them ideal for the harsh conditions and rough terrain, says Volvo CE. Of the 26, 14 A25 and A30 haulers are used for underground work and blasting, transporting material away.
“We optimise the cross-sections so that the loading cycles with the Volvo L120, L150 and L180 wheel loader fit the A25 and A30 perfectly,” Wetzlinger says.
“These loading cycles have proven themselves in underground work, including many tunnelling jobs in the past. In small tunnels, the A25s are the best machines for reversing up the tunnel and getting everything out with a full load. Although the skill of the drivers here should not be underestimated!”
Larger hauler models were selected for the earthworks because they excel in off-road and challenging applications, Volvo CE says.
“We needed articulated haulers because the rigid haulers can’t get
everywhere, especially in certain areas of the quarry,” Wetzlinger says.
“And we can’t create highways. We need all terrain and all-wheel drive vehicles. And this is where the A60 is truly unique and where Volvo CE is leading the way.”
Every week, 30–40 articulated haulers transport 22.7 tonnes each of bentonite – a swellable clay material – that is mixed with the core material before being delivered around the site.
“Due to the one-way operation, the routes are getting longer, so we are changing the machine fleet and getting more A60 haulers and another large EC950F excavator to help ensure we install the material on time,” Wetzlinger says.A highaltitude mega project
The Kühtai power plant will be
built underground in a rock cavern that is designed for pumped storage operation, and will be powered by two Flensi turbines generating up to 190MW of electricity. Construction involves several tasks. Underground, this includes the construction of an 8km network of supply access tunnels that are being drilled and blasted, as well as a 25.5km bypass tunnel with a diameter of 4.2m. This is being excavated using an 800tonne tunnel boring machine.
“This is a gravity tunnel in which water is drawn in via six water intakes at a rate of up to 13.5 cubic metres per second,” Wetzlinger says.
“In order to fill the reservoir, a 7 million cubic metre dam, with a crest length of 500m and height of 10m, is being constructed. All material extracted from the underground area is recycled, with loose rock installed in the dam.
“In addition, we have to blast 2.2 million cubic metres of rock – that’s around 50–60,000 cubic metres a week. We’re using 45 tonnes of explosives per week and around 16,000 litres of diesel per day.”
Despite the high altitude, the Volvo EC950F is exceeding fuel efficiency expectations, using 50 to 55 litres per day of diesel in full operating mode.
“We didn’t believe it at the start, and thought the machine would consume more,” says Wetzlinger. “But Ascendum’s predictions proved correct.”
For information on Volvo CE’s offering in Australia, visit: www.cjd.com.au
An 8km network of supply access tunnels is being drilled and blasted
Green mission
Green Civil uses cutting edge technology to monitor and enhance the performance of its machines, ensuring less idle time
Green Civil’s mission is to lead the way in environmentally conscious construction – and it is doing this with the help of eye-catching, custom painted machinery.
The company provides bulk and detailed excavation, grading, trimming, compacting, battering and associated landscaping services.
Green Civil Australia takes a holistic construction approach, considering every project’s environmental, social and economic impacts, with its aim to set new standards for sustainable construction.
The company’s extensive fleet of advanced plant machinery utilises 2D and 3D machine control technology, making earthworks its speciality, with improvements in overall efficiency and precision in design tolerances as well as a reduction in operator fatigue.
Notably, Green Civil’s fleet is also painted exclusively green. This is to highlight the company’s mission and one of its core values – sustainability.
Green evolution
Founded by Elio Del-Ben, Green Civil has grown from working primarily in the residential space to large industrial projects. The company
has also expanded from its original base in Sydney, and now boasts operations in Victoria and the ACT.
“It has grown quite large over the last five years,” Green Civil Australia site engineer Kordell Payne says.
“Our services range from bulk earthworks through from detailed excavation to roadworks, concrete, retaining structures, stormwater and miscellaneous stuff such as line marking, landscaping and so on.”
Payne highlights the company’s growing fleet of machinery, mainly Caterpillar, and its use of 2D and 3D machine control technology to aid design tolerances and fuel efficiency.
“We will turn over machines in five-year timeframes to maintain that cutting edge performance to help us to remain competitive in the industry,” he says.
He adds that Green Civil’s machinery and associated technology is vital to achieving the company’s mission – to lead the way in environmentally conscious construction and foster a balance between infrastructure development and preserving our natural resources.
“That was at the forefront of our minds,” Payne says.
“We do it by using Cat technology in the sense of machine utilisation rates and productivity.
“Through that intel, we’re able to see information from the machine idling time to operation output, and then we’re able to monitor those to ensure that, when the machines are running, they’re operating to almost 100 per cent efficiency, and obviously minimising idle time as much as possible.
“And the same applies across the company – having that environmental consciousness at the forefront of our minds.
“We gather that data on a week-toweek basis and constantly monitor that to ensure that optimised performance across our machines is being achieved.”
Environmental focus
To promote the company’s mission, Green Civil’s entire fleet – and more –is painted green.
“All our fleet is Caterpillar that comes in as standard in Cat yellow,” Payne explains.
“Then they’ll go through to a spray painting service provider and they’ll paint it to our particular shade of green.
“That was the vision from Elio and it
Images: Green Civil
Cat 340 excavator & Cat 336 excavator
Green Civil runs its whole fleet in its own shade of green
was instilled early on back when he first founded the company –to adopt that environmentally conscious aspect.”
The bold colour ensures that Green Civil’s fleet of machinery and company vehicles stand out on site.
“We could have upwards of 15 to 20 pieces of plant on site, including company vehicles,” Payne says.
“You definitely can’t help but notice the green machines, that’s for sure –everything’s green from head to toe.
“Elio does such a great job in making sure that everything is maintained to a high standard –presentation is key.
“All the machines are kept really well serviced, very clean, pristine inside and out.”
As the construction industry seeks new and innovative ways to be more sustainable and environmentally friendly, Green Civil is leading the way and is determined to ensure that continues.
By employing cutting edge
technology to monitor and enhance machine performance, Green Civil is gaining a competitive advantage over competitors and, crucially, being more sustainable and environmentally conscious.
“It’s just something that we’re monitoring day to day even from a holistic perspective in terms of
reusing recycled materials where possible,” Payne says.
This filters down into what Green Civil provides for its clients and what the company expects from its suppliers.
“Our suppliers do a great job in meeting our company focus, hence why we use them as suppliers.”
Cat padfoot roller
Geofencing is being increasingly used to monitor the movements of both machines and people to increase safety on site. Image: saravut/stock.adobe.com
Future of fencing
By setting up virtual perimeters around specific areas, businesses can track the movements of vehicles and employees in real time, explains Netstar
With the use of technology on construction sites increasing across Australia, the use of geofencing is expected to grow.
Netstar has been helping Australian businesses optimise their fleet management and telematics for over 20 years.
Founded in South Africa, Netstar has grown into an international vehicle tracking and fleet management technology provider.
Among Netstar Australia’s extensive suite of services is geofencing –an innovative way of ensuring
productivity and safety across a construction site.
Geofencing is a term that is becoming increasingly popular in the world of telematics and GPS tracking.
As Netstar explains, geofencing refers to a virtual perimeter that is set up around a specific geographic location. This perimeter is then used to trigger specific actions or events when a GPS-enabled device, such as a smartphone or vehicle, enters or exits the defined area. For example, the speed of machinery can be
tracked on site, or a virtual barrier put in place to prevent staff from entering higher risk zones.
Safety and efficiency
“Geofencing is the means by which an area, such as a build site, paddock, or other location of interest, has its coordinates mapped into a software package,”
Netstar Australia chief technology officer Peter McAlpine says.
“This geofence is then represented on a map as an outline, which could be the boundary shape or a radius.
“Now that the mapping system has the coordinates of this location, it can then process received GPS data from telematics devices to provide insights that are of interest to the owner.
“These will vary depending on the owner’s requirements.
“The solution can detect if the equipment is inside or outside the geofence, so stolen equipment is one example.
“It may be a building site with strict operational hours, so hours of operation can be set and alerts generated if equipment is used outside those hours.
“There are many other options that could be considered that might not be as obvious – for example lone worker or inspector safety could be one such instance, where a worker is using a personal tracker and, if no movement is detected or they haven’t left the geofence by a set time, an alert is then raised.”
Expanded toolkit
Another benefit of geofencing is its ease of operation.
Once a geofence has been created, connected tracking devices will constantly monitor each person or vehicle’s movements, sending a notification to the fleet management software if a geofence is entered or exited.
If a vehicle or another asset exceeds the boundary set as a geofence, an alert is recorded by the tracking system.
This trigger sends an alert to the system administrator along with important information including the date and time of the violation, as well as the precise location of the incident.
This data can then be used to track the vehicle in which the incident occurred, to determine whether or not it may be in any danger and appropriate action taken.
Overall, Netstar highlights geofencing as a powerful tool that can be used in various ways in the world of telematics and GPS tracking. By setting up virtual perimeters around specific areas, businesses can track the movements of vehicles and employees in real time, improve
efficiency, and enhance safety and security.
As the technology continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see even more innovative uses of geofencing in the future, the company explains.
“Geofencing is growing and being used more and more in daily activities of fleet management,” Netstar Australia business development manager Wayne Blair says.
“It provides a great capability to log in and out times at locations and also provides the capability to set a geofence location and gain history for that location.
“With all these capabilities geofencing will have a greater demand moving forward.”
For any questions or queries on geofencing, Netstar Australia can be contacted at 1300 728 882 or email sales@netstaraus.com.au
Geofencing can be used to monitor staff working on remote sites – alerting to a lack of movement. Image: Netstar
Crime stoppers
Brisvegas Machinery provides its top five tips to prevent heavy equipment theft
Located in Darra, Brisbane, Brisvegas Machinery is an authorised dealer for a host of earthmoving machinery and attachment brands, including Kobelco excavators, New Holland agriculture and construction equipment, ASV posi-track loaders, LiuGong loaders, MSB hammers and KenBuilt attachments.
Having supplied earthmoving machinery since opening in 2008, the machinery dealer has seen the impact theft and vandalism can have, saying that it costs the Australian construction industry approximately $25 million each year.
The cost of being the victim of machinery theft goes beyond only the cost of what was stolen. Businesses must consider the cost of working time delays, equipment replacement costs and insurance premium increases – if they have it in the first place.
Unoccupied job sites are targeted the most, especially ones that lack sufficient security measures like surveillance cameras and afterhours security guards.
Apart from the standard procedures – such as increasing the lighting after-hours and installing security surveillance cameras, Brisvegas has put together a list of other measures businesses can take to safeguard their construction equipment.
Document all ID numbers
Note all serial and model numbers and write down descriptions of the equipment’s condition – making note
of any dents or permanent marks. This information will fast-track the process if reporting theft to the authorities.
Fit equipment with vandal covers
According to Brisvegas, theft of earthmoving and construction equipment is 44 per cent higher than theft and vandalism of private motor vehicles.
Installing vandal covers can help prevent unauthorised people from accessing or vandalising equipment, cabins and controls when the equipment is not in use.
These types of vandal-proof covers are generally padlocked into position over windows and access doors.
Satellite tracking
When small plant equipment is stolen, Brisvegas says it’s rare that the machinery will be recovered and
Brisvegas Machinery is an authorised dealer for various earthmoving machinery and attachment brands
returned. However, with a satellite GPS tracking system, machine operators can easily track and recover their equipment.
GPS tracking systems work by using the GPS satellite system to pinpoint the current location of equipment. They are easy to install and navigate via a mobile phone, Brisvegas adds.
Replace the ignition and key
Equipment manufacturers tend to use the same ignition across their entire product line, Brisvegas says, meaning all the keys are identical.
These keys can be purchased straight from eBay or Amazon with a push of a button and allow anyone access to the equipment.
To prevent thieves from doing this, you can choose to have your ignitions changed entirely with a more secure, unique ignition lock.
Fit an engine immobiliser
An immobiliser is an electronic security device fitted to a machine that prevents the engine from running unless the correct key is present. These devices inhibit thieves from hot wiring and stealing machinery.
For more ideas on safeguarding specific equipment, or information on the recommended measures above, contact Brisvegas Machinery at www.brisvegasmachinery.com.au or call (07) 3217 0630.
Images: Brisvegas Machinery
Adding a GPS tracker to all individual pieces of equipment means they can be tracked if removed from a site
Building Australia’s Future – together.
Over the next 10 years, the Australian Government is investing more than $120 billion in infrastructure development. Will you be a part of it?
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Find out how you can take part in Australia’s premiere event for the municipal works, commercial and civil construction industries. convergeexpo.com.au
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
To the future
Caterpillar
to unveil centennial celebrations at CES 2025
Caterpillar launched its 100th anniversary celebrations in early January at CES 2025, providing visitors with the chance to reflect on the global company’s impact over the last century, as well as visualising what’s in store for the future.
Held at the Las Vegas Convention Centre, Caterpillar’s CES 2025 exhibit featured a combination of technologies and expertise designed to highlight some of the ways the company is evolving with customers through the energy transition.
To better reflect this, Caterpillar’s exhibit featured the slogan ‘The Next 100 Years: Experience What’s Possible’.
“Caterpillar was founded in 1925 with an innovative spirit, aimed at helping our customers overcome practical problems and challenges,” senior vice president of Caterpillar’s electrification and energy solutions division Rob Hoenes says.
“Over the past 100 years, the company has built on a revolutionary legacy – creating industry-leading products,
technologies, services and solutions.”
Taking centre stage at the Caterpillar exhibit was a 55,000lbs (25-tonne) Cat 972 wheel loader featuring a technical demonstrator extended range electrified machine hybrid retrofit.
Cat says the demonstrator maintains or exceeds the performance of a similar diesel machine and does not require DC charging. The retrofit could eliminate the need for additional electrical infrastructure at job sites.
“What sets this demonstrator apart from other Cat battery electric machines is an additional power source,” vice president and general manager of Caterpillar’s electrification and energy solutions division Rob Janssen says.
“In this case, it’s a conventional diesel generator running AC power to a rectifier, which converts energy from AC to DC. The energy created is used to charge the battery, drive the machine or both.”
Additional key features of the demonstrator:
Caterpillar’s CES 2025 exhibit will pay tribute to its 100th anniversary.
Image: Caterpillar
• C at machines nearing end-of-life can be rebuilt and repowered in a way that allows them to function as part of a reducedcarbon future
• can be driven on 100 per cent zero emission battery power for several hours. For extended operation, the machine can operate on hybrid mode with electricity generated from an onboard gen set
• a n option for customers looking to lower emissions, but not ready to go all-in on battery electric
• charges overnight on a regular utility grid connection at 240V. Visitors were also able to experience a virtual job site of the future, showcasing examples of the infrastructure required to support electrified job sites, varying charging schedules, and the complexities of a job site powered by the full Cat ecosystem.
MATERIALS
Second life
Boral to supply materials to motorsports retreat
Boral Limited has been tapped as the major construction materials supplier for Black Rock Motor Resort, Australia’s first multimillion-dollar driving circuit and luxury resort at NSW’s Lake Macquarie, near Newcastle.
Built on a rehabilitated and repurposed former coal mine at Wakefield, the 252-hectare worldclass facility will be constructed using sustainable and recycled materials supplied by Boral. Black Rock Motor Resort will include a high-speed 5.4km driving circuit, driver training academy, electric gokarts and luxury accommodation, dining and leisure facilities.
The development will see Boral exclusively supplying circa 15,000 cubic metres-plus of its lower carbon concrete which reduces embodied carbon by up to 50 per cent; circa 150,000 tonnes-plus of natural and recycled aggregates made from deposits of sand, gravel, rock or demolition concrete; and Boral asphalt.
To date, Boral has commenced supply of quarry materials to the project. The development is expected to operational in mid-2026.
“We’re extremely pleased to be the major supplier of materials to
An artist’s impression of the Black Rock Motor Resort. Image: BRMR
Black Rock Motor Resort, an exciting new development and attraction set to drive local jobs and tourism, but more specifically, has a positive circularity story – being built on the former Rhonda Colliery coal mine,” Boral CEO Vik Bansal says.
“When we were tapped for our sustainable and lower carbon construction material offering, we knew this is a project we want to partner with based on an aligned sustainability approach and the circular story of a rehabilitated mine. We, too, look at ways to rehabilitate and repurpose our quarries at the end of their life.
“At Boral, we are committed to being a sustainable business. This extends to the development and supply of our innovative and lower carbon materials. With the building and construction industry traditionally being carbon intensive, a circularity approach is always encouraged and plays an important role. We look forward to a future where a repurposed approach takes centre stage.”
The new visitor centre will improve access at the site. Image: ggfoto/stock.adobe.com
CONSTRUCTION
Ocean views
Head contractor announced for Twelve Apostles visitor centre
The head contractor for the $126 million Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment project has been announced.
Kane Constructions will start on the construction phase in the new year.
The project will see a new visitor centre building and rooftop lookout as well as upgraded parking and pedestrian access and a Welcome Garden that celebrates the rich bio-cultural heritage of the Eastern Maar community.
The surrounding road infrastructure will also be upgraded, making it easier and safer for cars and buses to access the tourist hub.
The construction is expected to create 90 full-time jobs during the redevelopment, and up to 70 jobs in the planning, project management and design phases of the project.
The new visitor experience centre will also create up to 50 ongoing jobs once it opens.
The Twelve Apostles Visitor Experience Centre is part of the Geelong City Deal – a partnership between all three levels of government that is revitalising the city and regional economy while encouraging people to spend more time in the region.
Enhancing fire safety
Bushfire risk in Australia is at its peak in February, but mitigating the damage on construction sites may not be front of mind for busy contractors keeping tight schedules
The New South Wales Rural Fire Service (RFS) has struggled to meet its hazard reduction targets in recent years. Due to above-average rainfall, only 40 per cent of planned hazard reduction burns were completed ahead of the 2024 season, leaving many areas vulnerable.
Research from CSIRO reinforces the urgency, showing that expanding communities are increasingly encroaching into bushfire-risk zones.
PlanRadar – a digital SaaS platform for project documentation, communication and reporting –says that construction companies need to put greater consideration on how to manage the risk of bushfires on their sites.
“With construction growing in high-risk areas, fire safety measures are more important than ever,” PlanRadar Australia Australia and New Zealand regional lead Leon Ward says.
“Builders and developers must prioritise strategies to reduce fire risks, protect workers, and keep the public safe, minimising hazards during this critical time.”
Construction sites in bushfireprone zones face unique risks, exacerbated by fluctuating weather conditions, high winds and extreme temperatures. These sites are particularly vulnerable because of
unfinished or temporary structures, which increase the likelihood of fire damage and tight project schedules that can deprioritise fire prevention planning.
The dynamic nature of bushfire risks requires quick and adaptive safety measures.
Embedding fire safety protocols at every stage – from planning to execution – is critical, PlanRadar says. Regular fire safety audits, compliance checks and ongoing reviews of safety measures are nonnegotiable for mitigating risks during this volatile season.
As bushfire risks escalate, digital tools are playing a critical role in improving fire safety management on construction sites.
“Partnerships between technology providers, like PlanRadar and the Fire Protection Association Australia (FPAA), can play a key role in improving fire safety on construction sites,” Ward says.
“It’s a proactive approach to mitigating the escalating threats posed by bushfires, ensuring that fire safety is not an afterthought but an integral part of the project management lifecycle.”
Real-time communication tools provide immediate updates on fire risks and safety protocols to all stakeholders.
Companies working in bushfire zones should consider fire risks on their sites. Image: toa5S5/stock.adobe.com
Compliance management features streamline fire safety audits and regulatory reporting, ensuring teams meet Australian standards.
Remote site monitoring reduces the need for on-site personnel during high-risk periods, keeping teams informed while minimising exposure.
Centralised documentation ensures critical fire safety records are always accessible for audits, risk assessments, and insurance purposes.
By embedding fire safety measures into every stage of a construction project, companies can: protect workers and assets by reducing the risk of fire-related incidents; minimise disruptions caused by fires; ensure compliance with regulations; and improve resilience to the impacts of bushfires.
“Construction companies need to adopt these strategies and technologies now to stay ahead of the growing climate threat,” Ward says.
“By taking action, they can protect their workforce, projects, and bottom line – and ensure the industry is ready for future challenges.”
FIRE RISK
SAFETY
Shining a light
RMIT has launched a first-of-its-kind safety forum
RMIT University has launched the Safety and Health Innovation Network (SHINe) – an industry-led collaborative research funding model with the aim of identifying and tackling problems across the construction industry.
The first-of-its-kind Australian industry forum allows its members to advise what research to fund and actively contribute to research projects that will drive evidenceinformed health and safety solutions that respond to industry needs, RMIT says.
The findings of research funded by the SHINe network will be open to anyone in the industry, with the aim of finding new ways to improve workplace health and safety across the construction industry.
Helen Lingard, who led the creation of the network and is a leading researcher and industry expert in construction work health and safety, says SHINe provides both industry and community benefit through a novel participatory funding and delivery process.
Pic caption: The inaugural SHINe board meeting. Image: RMIT
“The forum is democratic in nature – it allows its members to influence what research priorities to work on and which projects to fund, to maximise its relevance and responsiveness to industry needs,” Lingard says
“Fundamentally, the SHINe network has a mission of social impact – research findings are shared with the whole industry, aiming to create better health and safety outcomes.”
The forum is chaired by Multiplex’s Global Chair ESG, Dennis Else and made up of stakeholders from across the industry, with Multiplex, Laing O’Rourke, Melbourne & Olympic Parks, Construction Health and Safety NZ (CHASNZ), Hammer Tech and McConnell Dowell officially becoming foundational members.
BUSINESS Management change
Aptella announces appointment of new CEO
Aptella’s board of directors has appointed Greg Macklin as the company’s incoming CEO, effective April 1, 2025. Macklin will take over from Martin Nix, who has led the business for 15 years and who will be transitioning to the position of non-executive director on the board.
“His leadership acumen, customercentric approach, and strong rapport with our executive team and employees make him the ideal fit to continue Aptella’s growth and deliver its strategy,” Aptella chairman Ian Petherbridge says.
Macklin will transition to the CEO position from his current role as chief operating officer, having worked in the business for more than 10 years.
As Nix steps down from the CEO role, the board acknowledges his significant contributions to shaping the company into the business it is today.
“Our customers and partners can expect strong continuity through our senior leadership team with Greg’s transition to CEO, and Martin’s ongoing contribution as a nonexecutive director on the board,” Petherbridge says.
Greg Macklin. Image: Aptella
REPORTING
Sustainability focus
Climate reporting begins for large entities
From 1 January 2025, many large Australian businesses and financial institutions now need to prepare annual sustainability reports containing mandatory climaterelated financial disclosures.
The company’s climate statements must cover climate-related financial risks and opportunities; metrics and targets relating to climate such as greenhouse gas emissions; and a strategy or risk management in relation to these. The company must also disclose information about its climate resistance based on varying temperature increases.
Large entities and their controlled entities that meet two of the following criteria will need to prepare the annual sustainability report from this month: consolidated revenue of $500 million or more; EOFY consolidated gross assets of $1 billion or more; EOFY employees of 500 or more.
From July 1, 2026 the reporting period will start for entities with a consolidated revenue of $200 million or more, EOFY gross assets of $500 million or more, and/or 250 or more EOFY employees.
From July 1, 2027 the reporting period will start for consolidated revenue of $50 million or more, EOFY consolidated gross assets of $25 million or more, and/ or EOFY employees of 100 employees or more.
MINING
Approval achieved
Victoria is a step closer to seeing two new mines opening up in the state
Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny has signed off the Environment Effects Statement (EES) for the Goschen Rare Earth and Mineral Sands Project and the WIM Resources Avonbank Mineral Sands Project with conditions.
Further approval is still required for a mining licence and a mine work plan, which will involve consultation with the community. The projects also require Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 approval from the Commonwealth.
These projects are the first mineral sands mine projects to get the green light since 2008. They will create hundreds of jobs in regional Victoria and unlock critical minerals that are essential for things like wind turbines and electric vehicles as well as for everyday technologies like electronics and computers, the government states.
The Avonbank Mineral Sands Project, located in the Wimmera
Victoria has progressed two new sand and rare earth mines.
Image: John/stock.adobe.com
region, would produce around 311 million tonnes of minerals including zircon, titanium and rare earth minerals. The project would deliver a $3.5 billion economic boost to the region and boost industries across the state by a further $15 billion.
The Goschen Rare Earth and Mineral Sands Project located 35 kilometers southwest of Swan Hill will inject $2 billion into the region’s economy and would focus on the extraction of rare earths, including neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium and terbium.
With strict environmental controls on both projects – they must minimise the clearance of native vegetation, consider local biodiversity and undertake rehabilitation as they mine, limiting the size of the pit and returning it to farmland sooner.
The largest business entities now have to prepare sustainability reports. Image: Armmy Picca/stock.adobe.com
Campaign launch
The NSW government is working to improve psychological wellbeing in construction
The NSW government is undertaking a campaign across New South Wales construction sites to improve psychological health and safety at work.
Known as the ‘Healthy Minds, Safer Sites’ campaign, inspectors are providing advice and resources to manage psychosocial hazards. These include aspects of work and situations that may cause a stress response, which in turn can lead to psychological, and sometimes physical harm.
The initiative forms part of the New South Wales government’s Psychological Health and Safety Strategy 2024-2026 plan, which is backed by $5.6 million over the next two years to deliver workplace mental health programs.
Some of the common psychosocial hazards in the construction industry are harassment (including sexual or racial), bullying, work pressure, exposure to a traumatic event and violence, and hazardous physical working environments.
Workplace mental ill health is estimated to cost Australian businesses up to $39 billion each year, due to lost participation and productivity. In addition, the rise in psychological injury is leading to an increase in workers compensation claims which in turn is pushing up premiums. An investment in preventing psychological injury will also save money.
The NSW construction industry employs over 400,000 people. Data shows that psychosocial hazards are increasing, with the cost and time
JOBS
Building the workfore
The aim of the campaign is to strengthen workplaces through providing greater mental health safeguards. Image: Jirus/stock.adobe.com
off work typically three times higher than that of physical claims. Between 2019 and 2024 there were almost 900 major workers compensation mental stress claims in construction, with work related harassment and/or bullying the most common reason.
SafeWork NSW Inspectors have found most employers are aware that poor mental health is an issue, with around half reporting that they have assisted a worker or colleague with mental health issues. They will continue their visits to construction sites until the end of March 2025.
All employers can achieve psychologically healthy and safe workplaces by taking these steps:
• identify the things that could cause harm and consider the potential risks
• consult with their workers on things that could cause harm and ways to manage risks
• i mplement control measures to eliminate and minimise risks
• monitor worker safety to ensure control measures are working
• review the controls regularly.
For more information on how to manage psychosocial risks and for further resources, visit the SafeWork NSW website at: www.safework.nsw.gov.au/ hazards-a-z/mental-health
Master Builders SA and its state government are connecting skilled construction migrants with employers to tackle workforce shortages
The South Australian government has partnered with Master Builders SA to boost the state’s construction industry workforce and help deliver public infrastructure and housing projects.
The $500,000 project dubbed Build Connect directly links trade and construction skilled migrants with employers in the construction industry.
Build Connect aims to deliver more than 200 employment outcomes through engaging with at least 100 employers to develop partnerships; matching skilled migrants with suitable employment vacancies; providing participants and partner employers with recruitment assistance, support and coordination services; running in-person industry networking events to connect participants with potential employers, industry leaders and peers.
“We’re entering a time of unprecedented opportunity to create a more prosperous SA – however, to seize the day, we must develop a more capable, skilled building and construction workforce,” Master Builders SA CEO Will Frogley says.
“We need to attract 30,000 workers to our industry over the next three years to meet demand, including 15,000 skilled tradies.” Build
An artist’s impression of the upgraded station.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Preparations underway
Early work is beginning on an accessibility upgrade at Ballarat Station
Upgrade works have begun at Ballarat Station, which will see improved accessibility and the installation of a new pedestrian overpass along with a new ramp and stairs, lighting and landscaping. The new overpass will open in 2026.
To ensure crews can work safely while minimising the impact on commuters, temporary fencing and safety barriers will be installed around the project area from today.
Local buses will be moved to a temporary location on Lydiard Street for the duration of the project and a temporary site compound will be installed nearby at the Ebden Street Reserve car park.
Work has started on removal of a section of fencing, concrete paving and a section of metal roof sheeting between the bus interchange and northern platform in preparation for the lift and stairs.
A section of the southern station building will be removed to prepare for the lift and stairs on the southern platform. Crews will also start relocating communications services in the project area.
Final designs for the new overpass, lifts and northern entrance were released in late 2024, and incorporated further design and architectural work and feedback from the community.
Dam upgrade
Hydro Tasmania has contracted Tasmanian civil construction company Hall Earthmoving to upgrade the Edgar Dam, with works to commence soon.
Hydro Tasmania’s executive general manager of assets and infrastructure Jesse Clark says that as a Tasmanian business specialising in earthfill dams, Hall Earthmoving was an excellent choice.
“We’re fortunate to have a local family-owned business that can carry out technical works of this scale right at home in Tasmania,” Clark says.
Built in 1972, Edgar Dam is part of the Gordon-Pedder hydropower scheme, which provides up to 13 per cent of Tasmania’s power. It is the largest water storage in the country, with inter-seasonal capacity that helps drought-proof the state’s energy system.
The upgrade works will enable the dam to better withstand movements in the extremely unlikely event of a major earthquake.
Director of Hall Earthmoving Chris Hall says his father Mick Hall started the business 40 years ago and it was rare to see a contract of this size come up that was within their scope.
“We’re very happy that we’ve got
Edgar Dam upgrades will be underway soon.
Image: Hydro Tasmania
this project. Working for Hydro Tasmania in this capacity has been a long-term goal of the business,” Hall says.
“The Edgar Dam project is something I’m very passionate about, my team’s very passionate about, and I’ve got a great mentor in my father.”
Hydro Tasmania proactively adopted stringent environmental controls to protect the sensitive Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area that surrounds the work site. The project has also met the federal government’s environmental requirements and was deemed not to be a controlled action.
Measures include regular wash down stops for vehicles and machinery, only driving at certain times, downward facing dim lights and low noise emissions at night.
“It’s a big task but we feel confident because we have experience working in these kinds of areas, like on the West Coast, and understand how remote and sensitive that environment is,” Hall says.
Image: Big Build Victoria
Tassie family business wins Edgar Dam contract
HYDROPOWER
TRAINING
Fast lane
A one-week training course provides NSW humanitarian refugees with certification to operate loaders and excavators
The New South Wales government has provided 16 humanitarian refugees with a one-week training course on how to operate construction machinery.
Aiming to address construction skills shortages, the one-week Refugee Employment Pathways Program in Coffs Harbour provides certification to operate front end loaders and excavators; helping humanitarian refugees explore apprenticeship opportunities and employers gain skilled workers.
In collaboration with TAFE NSW, participants were given hands-on training to enable them to work in the civil construction industry.
“This program has allowed these participants to develop the skills and knowledge they need to work in the civil construction industry and apply for jobs in a booming skills area, helping to address the critical skill shortages,” minister for skills, TAFE and tertiary education Steve Whan says.
“I’m proud of the progress these participants have made throughout the program and I’m confident they
Refugee Employment Pathways Program participants are given handson training to enable them to work in the civil construction industry.
Image: Purpose & Growth
will be able to apply these skills and knowledge to future roles in the civil construction industry.”
Refugee Employment Pathways Program is organised by Purpose & Growth, an organisation that brings together government and community support groups, to provide relevant training for local refugees and address skills gaps.
Employment in the construction industry is set to grow by 12 per cent in the decade to 2034, according to the federal government, and this program provides a timely and valuable pathway into the industry.
This initiative will help build a pipeline of skilled workers to support the local civil construction industry, including one of NSW’s largest infrastructure projects, the Coffs Harbour Bypass, the state government says.
LOADER
Pedal to the metal
Metallica frontman receives special edition Case loader
A special edition Case compact track loader has been bought by Metallica frontman James Hetfield, with a unique design inspired by the heavy metal band.
The loader was on display at the YouTube Theater in Inglewood, California at the Helping Hands charity concert held on December 13, which is an annual event organised by Metallica’s All Within My Hands charitable foundation.
Following its debut, this customdesigned Case TV450B compact track loader is destined for use at Hetfield’s ranch in Lucas Valley, California.
The CNH design team developed proposals for the loader inspired by Hetfield’s career and persona.
The winning proposal was submitted by John Piper, which references one of Hetfield’s tattoos, a skull with wings, together with the sharp iconic font reminiscent of his band’s graphics and album artwork. He also drew from the pinstriping in Hetfield’s private hotrod collection. All these elements were integrated atop a sandy camouflage pattern reminiscent of Hetfield’s signature Snakebyte electric guitar –a direct request from the artist.
CNH senior designer Darin Weisensel led the production phase of this project, working to bring the custom design to life on the Case TV450B.
Case has designed a bespoke decal for Metallica frontman James Hetfield. Image: CNH
Construction events
Here are upcoming events for 2025. Information was current as of going to press
Digital Built World Summit – Sydney
This summit will focus on how to leverage digital tools such as digital twins, automation and infrastructure 4.0 to unlock value and efficiencies across the entire infrastructure lifecycle.
WHEN: February 18–19, 2025
MORE INFO: https://digitalbuiltworldsummit.com
Net Zero Construction Summit –Sydney
The Net Zero Construction Summit will provide a forum for industry leaders to come together to discuss the policies, strategies, materials and technologies necessary to decarbonise the construction of buildings and infrastructure.
WHEN: March 5, 2025
MORE INFO: netzeroconstruction.com.au
WA Major Projects Conference – Perth
Attracting attendees from across Australia, the WA Major Projects Conference provides a platform to discuss key projects and topics centred around WA’s infrastructure pipeline.
WHEN: March 19–20, 2025
MORE INFO: www.waconference.com.au
Transform 2025 – Sydney
Focusing on the sustainable built environment, Transform 2025, organised by the Green Building Council of Australia, will explore decarbonisation, nature and biodiversity, electrification, low carbon materials, circularity and more. In addition to the conference speaker agenda, breakout sessions will take place on subjects such as delivering best practice, renewable energy and the circular economy.
WHEN: March 19–20, 2025
MORE INFO: new.gbca.org.au/courses-events/events/transform
Women in Construction Summit –Melbourne
The Women in Construction Summit provides the opportunity to hear from inspirational and industry-leading women working at the forefront of construction or infrastructure in both the public and private sector. Attendees will gain firsthand insights into new innovations revolutionising the industry as well as information on how to develop strategies to grow leadership and project management skills.
WHEN: March 25-27, 2025
MORE INFO: womeninconstructionsummit.com.au
South Australian Major Projects Conference – Adelaide
The South Australian Major Projects Conference will profile the latest updates on major infrastructure projects across the state alongside providing fantastic networking opportunities with key industry stakeholders. Attracting well over 150 attendees, this conference is a must-attend for industry professionals seeking the information on the state’s infrastructure projects, policy issues and best practices.
WHEN: April 8–9, 2025
MORE INFO: saconference.com.au
Australian Tools and Grinding Expo – Brisbane
ATGE showcases hardware, tools and products for cutting, grinding and polishing. The expo will also explore the latest in automation.
WHEN: April 29– May 1, 2025
MORE INFO: https://atge.com.au
Tocal Field Days – Hunter Valley
Located in Paterson, NSW Tocal Field Days is an agricultural field day event that includes some construction machinery exhibitors.
WHEN: May 2–4, 2025
MORE INFO: www.tocalfielddays.com
Sydney Build 2025 – Sydney
This two-day event focuses on the construction, architecture, engineering and infrastructure industries, bringing together contractors, architects, engineers, housebuilders, developers, government and construction professionals. Ten stages cover topics such as BIM, Construction Safety, Site Safety, Architecture, Infrastructure, Digital Construction, New Rules, HVAC, Sustainability and Government. WHEN: May 7–8, 2025
MORE INFO: www.sydneybuildexpo.com
Heavy Equipment & Machinery Show – Brisbane
Organised by CCF QLD, the Heavy Equipment & Machinery Show has evolved from the Civil Construction Field Days and will be hosted in its new home, Brisbane’s Royal International Convention Centre and Showground, in 2025. Held alongside the Brisbane Truck Show, over 6 ,000 visitors are expected to see what the 100+ exhibitors have to offer at the event.
WHEN: May 15–17, 2025
MORE INFO: www.heavyequipmentshow.com.au
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Fueling the demand
A micro-credential program that trains welders in just 12 weeks has been created in response to Australia’s welding workforce shortage
Weld Australia has launched a micro-credential program designed to rapidly train job-ready certi ed welders, to tackle the industry’s workforce shortage.
Australia’s welding workforce is projected to have a shortfall of 70,000 skilled welders by 2030 and as larger rms take on the available talent pool, Weld Australia says small to mediumsized businesses are struggling to remain operational.
The micro-credential program could help solve this program by enabling welders to be trained in just 12 weeks.
It will complement traditional apprenticeships, o ering a comprehensive solution to address both immediate and long-term workforce demands.
“Rather than competing with traditional apprenticeship programs, our micro-credential approach
lls the gaps and enhances the o ering,” CEO of Weld Australia Geo Crittenden says.
“It allows students to start contributing to the workforce quickly, while still keeping the door open for further, long-term training.”
While welding apprenticeships are crucial to producing highly skilled and versatile welders, Weld Australia says the demand for workers on national projects can’t wait for the three to four years required to fully train apprentices.
The micro-credential program is an immediate solution, providing students with targeted procedure training aligned with the ISO 9606 standard.
This standard certi es individuals to perform speci c welding procedures, allowing them to become job-ready in as little as 12 weeks, depending on the intensity of the program.
The micro-credential program provides students with training aligned with the ISO 9606 standard. Image: MexChriss/stock.adobe.com
Students who complete the ISO 9606 micro-credential can continue training through an apprenticeship with accelerated knowledge and hands-on experience that will progress faster.
“The ISO 9606 certi cation gives employers a job-ready welder, who can deliver the required welds from day one,” Crittenden says.
“It’s a much-needed approach to help address the welding shortage without compromising on quality or safety.”
The micro-credential program also aims to engage marginalised groups, including Indigenous communities, women, and the long-term unemployed.
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