Earthmoving Equipment Magazine August - September 2023

Control costs with a Cat® Customer Value Agreement

Welcome

As any professional in this industry will tell you, topquality equipment is the backbone of our projects, the driving force behind progress, and the embodiment of innovation. But what truly sets an outstanding manufacturer apart from the rest is their commitment to providing comprehensive after-sales support. It’s an aspect of the game that is cherished and, in some cases, esteemed even more than the machines themselves.

Why is after-sales support so crucial in the earthmoving industry? It’s because these robust machines, despite their cutting-edge technology and sturdy construction, are subject to a rigorous and often unforgiving environment – especially in Australia. From navigating treacherous terrains under the scorching sun to enduring relentless workloads, the wear and tear on these powerful machines can be substantial. It’s here that the true worth of a manufacturer comes to light.

The willingness of a manufacturer to stand by their dealers and customers, not just during the initial sale but throughout the lifespan of the machinery, speaks volumes about their dedication to customer satisfaction and their belief in their products. So, it’s no surprise to hear that the standard of after-sales support on offer can heavily influence a buyer’s decision when choosing a brand.

It’s a story I hear time and again about our friends on the cover: Caterpillar. In our cover story, we learn more about the manufacturer’s dealer-driven Customer Value Agreements, which are designed to help customers get the most out of their Cat® machinery – whether it’s one machine or a fleet of 100. We also hear from long-time Cat advocates on either side of the country: Heath Shipard of Perth’s HAS Earthmoving, who has just added a Next Gen Cat 306 CR Mini Excavator to his

fleet; and Clay Badenoch of Gold Coast-based Baden Civil, where a brand-new compact radius Cat 325 excavator is helping give his operators room to move on crowded urban worksites.

Sydney’s Solution Plant Hire has also jumped on board the zero-swing train, and National Sales Manager Sam Townsend explains why a LiuGong 915FCR – with its combination of a compact frame and impressive digging power – was the right choice for his business.

One place where space is certainly no issue is at Western Quarries, just outside of Ararat, a few hours west of Melbourne. Here, the team’s machinery fleet is Volvo through and through, including their recently acquired (and Australia’s very first) 50-tonne EC550E crawler excavator. Nearby, we also check in with Styles Civil – a young, enthusiastic family earthmoving business from Melbourne’s north with a taste for Kobelco mini excavators.

Quite a range, to be sure. But one thing that ties all these stories together is the next-level support provided by the passionate teams representing these OEMs –before, during, and most crucially, after the money’s down.

EEM also speaks to businesses across the country about what they’re doing to take their after-sales support to the next level, whether they’re supplying telehandlers, lubrication solutions, pumps, or anything in between.

While you’re here, you can also feast your eyes on some of the latest and greatest coming out of Germany, with deep dives into Liebherr’s TA 230 articulated dump truck and Wacker Neuson’s WL110 wheel loader.

Happy digging!

Leon Cranswick Editor

The team at Styles Civil chooses Kobelco.

Leon Cranswick Editor

Finlease

record of establishing long term relationships with clients, finding them the best finance solutions to support their business growth. The company’s goal is to make the finance process simpler for businesses so they can focus on what they’re good at.

Ann has been the Manager of Allied Earthmovers Association for the past 19 years bringing many years’ experience into the role. After gaining business qualifications and managing a retail shopping centre in Sydney CBD, Ann first started her career in earthmoving when she joined the long-established family business in Penrith, which specialised in Caterpillar graders and dozers. Working in a male-dominated industry, Ann brings a different aspect to the Association. She has met many people in the industry and knows what the owner operator needs, from the importance of paperwork to machine availability. It’s an industry she respects and is proud to be a part of.

Ann Callaghan

Earthmoving Equipment Magazine is published bimonthly by Prime Creative Media Pty Ltd.

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(L-R) John Dick, Whelans Group; Gary Zarth, William Adams; Robert Selby, Caterpillar.

Whelans Group Investments is a family owned and operated construction business in Eastern Victoria. The business currently operates 90+ pieces of Cat® equipment, including skid steer loaders, compactors, excavators, dump trucks, motor graders, and dozers.

Across Victoria, Whelans Group is contracted to deliver a wide variety of projects including earthworks, roadworks, drainage works, civil construction, heavy mining applications, major highway re‐alignments, railway works, sub‐divisions, and residential construction.

Building better value

Customer Value Agreements (CVAs) help Cat machine owners focus on their business and keep their machines at work on the jobsite.

As the General Manager of Whelans Group, John Dick knows better than anyone the value of CVAs for their business and how the tailored agreement ensures their machines are kept in top working order and deliver a hassle-free ownership experience.

“It allows us to focus solely on our production on the ground,” says John. “Knowing that Caterpillar have our machine’s best interests at heart also gives us confidence that we’ll meet project timelines.”

And should the unexpected arise, their Cat dealer is on hand and ready to provide machine support and guidance through the standard Cat warranty and Equipment Protection Plan.

The right CVA for your business

A Cat CVA provides customers with access to expert support.

“Better yet,” says Robert Selby, Caterpillar Aftermarket Services Representative, “it provides customers with access to expert

support when they need it. Cat CVAs are available in a range of plans – from a total maintenance and repair contract, through to planned maintenance parts, which are delivered directly to you.

“By structuring the right agreement with your Cat dealer, you can lower your total operating costs to maximise your investment. Customers can take out a CVA at any time, whether this is

when they purchase the machine or down the track, and CVAs can cater to one machine or an entire fleet.”

Dealing with the best

“Our relationship with our Cat dealer and the ease of doing business is paramount to our success,” says John. “We save time with our CVA because we can focus on logistics,

Whelans Group operates more than 90 pieces of Cat equipment.

Customers can design a CVA solution with their dealer to suit their specific needs.

delivery, and other issues, knowing full well that our machinery will be ready to go when we need it.

“And that means, with our CVAs, I can keep costs under control,”

Cat Dealer Representative, Gary Zarth, agrees.

“We help control their costs so Whelans can focus on their business,” he says. “Genuine Cat parts are delivered right on schedule, with clear instructions to ensure planned maintenance is done accurately, while the Equipment Protection Plan offers troubleshooting,

diagnostics, and repairs for newer machines. “Cat VisionLink® and dealer monitoring also provides real time data in-feed, meaning customers can monitor everything from machine health through to production without needing to leave the worksite.”

Meeting the needs of customers

Understanding that different customers will have different requirements, needs and budgets, Caterpillar does not have a ‘one size fits all’ solution with its CVA product, instead letting customers design a solution with their

Cat Customer Value Agreements are available in your dealer territory. Contact your local Cat dealer:

their operation.

To find out more about Cat Customer Value Agreements, speak to your local Cat dealer or visit cat.com/cva-au

Cat dealer that is tailored to fulfil the needs of

Whelans Group delivers a range of projects, including earthworks, roadworks, drainage works, and civil construction.

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More than a job

In a tight job market, employers are always looking for ways to stand out and attract the best candidates. But what elevates an employer to a true employer of choice – one where people don’t just take a job, but stay, grow, and thrive?

Colin Shaw, Komatsu Australia’s Executive General Manager, People and Strategy, says it starts with getting recruitment right – but it goes much further.

Komatsu Australia has won several awards for its HR focus and the positive experience its people enjoy at work. Most recently, it was named in the 2023 AFR BOSS Best Places to Work List.

“Komatsu Australia is always proud to be recognised for our commitment to creating an environment that empowers employees to grow, excel, and achieve their personal and professional goals,” Colin says. “We really do believe that a supportive and positive work environment is critical to our success.”

He believes people will join a company for a job that pays well, offers good conditions, and provides opportunities to learn new skills. But the best employers want to do more than just get people through the door.

“We want our people to feel truly valued, to see real rewards for their commitment and to be able to achieve their goals both in and outside of work,” he says. “We want people to feel like they can bring their whole selves to work.

“We’ve put a strong focus on what really makes for a good workplace, from the basic elements like great facilities to addressing some of the less visible challenges, like creating career pathways for women and other underrepresented groups, giving our people time to do the things that matter to them, and walking our talk on topics like flexible working, bullying, and all the other things that can make the difference between a great day at work and one that is not so great.”

Getting it right, right from the start

Komatsu’s award-winning Apprentice Development System has revolutionised the way apprentices and trainees are trained and developed in the industry. It has earned widespread recognition, including receiving Silver for Large Employer of the Year and Silver for Employing Australian Apprentices at the National Training Awards in 2022.

“The way our system is designed means that by the time our apprentices complete the program, they’ve achieved a competency level that would take about another year of experience for apprentices trained in conventional programs,” Colin says. “It really supercharges our apprentices’ careers and helps them reach their potential.”

The apprentice program is managed through the Komatsu Training Academy, which has two state-of-the-art, purpose-built education centres in Brisbane and Perth, giving the

company a strong presence on both the east and west coast.

“Our facilities offer a highly interactive and technologically advanced learning environment, and our workshop labs are specifically designed to deliver hands-on training for both construction and mining class machines, ensuring that students gain practical skills and experience,” Colin says. “Our training facilities also incorporate a number of simulators, so trainees can safely learn on a range of machines – from small utility machines, right up to an ultra-class heavy excavator.”

The company currently has over 300 apprentices in training on the west coast and more than 200 on the east coast and plans to build the total to more than 600 in the coming year.

Almost half the current WA apprentices are women and Komatsu selects apprentices based on potential, not age – a few years back they had a 47-year-old apprentice, and in the current intake there are apprentices in their 30s.

“Flexibility for us isn’t just about how you structure a work day, it’s about how you think about what makes a good apprentice, or a good mechanic, or any other role,” Colin says.

Komatsu also recognises the importance of equipping apprentices with important life skills, such as mental health awareness, public speaking, road safety and fatigue management, drug and alcohol awareness, and a variety of business skillsets.

Komatsu’s award-winning Apprentice Development System has revolutionised the way apprentices and trainees are trained and developed.

Training never ends

The Komatsu Training Academy gives apprentices an incredible start to their careers, but it also supports continued training and upskilling for their people at every level.

“A big focus of the academy is upskilling people in their current roles, whether that be in leadership and management, operator skill proficiency development or customised technical training,” Colin says. “We offer a mix of fully accredited courses and modules, along with purpose-designed operator, technical and management training.

“Both our training academies are backed by expertly skilled trainers aimed at building the workforce of the future. A lot of our training and courses focus on autonomous methods or using technology like Komatsu’s Smart Construction offering. The technology they’re learning about will ultimately help operators become more precise and accurate, and lead to better productivity on-site.”

Komatsu Australia recently doubled its annual training investment to $12 million to drive greater impact for apprentices, industry, and the economy.

Families at Komatsu

Colin says it’s important to recognise that Komatsu’s people have responsibilities outside of work.

“We understand the impact that happy and healthy families have on our people, and our community,” Colin says.

“If we can make it easier for our people to balance working with having children and raising their families, then of course we should. It means our people are happier and it means we’re able to keep those incredible employees who might otherwise feel they need to step out of the workforce to pursue their personal goals. It’s a win-win.”

The new Families at Komatsu replaces the company’s paid parental leave scheme and is a much broader program designed to provide benefits and support to all types of families, so everyone can thrive in the business’s inclusive culture.

Key elements of the program include 16 weeks of paid leave for the primary carer of a new baby, plus four weeks of bonding leave for the secondary carer; plus, special paid leave for our people who experience miscarriage or stillbirth. There is also a structured return to work program to make it easier to come back into a role, and ongoing access to flexible work arrangements.

“We’re really proud of this comprehensive program which really is about our people’s wellbeing,” Colin says.

Inclusive means everyone, every day Komatsu has led the industry by putting diversity and inclusion on the agenda. The brand has won a range of awards in relation to its Say Again? program to address casual workplace sexism, and for its industry-leading training programs.

“We are always looking for opportunities to highlight the benefits diversity can bring to our organisation and address the barriers that may

hold us back,” Colin says. “We’re doing very well in our entry level roles, with goals of 30-50 per cent women, compared with an industry benchmark, which is less than a third of that.

“We’re also making inroads on increasing female representation further up the corporate ladder, by thinking more openly about what the key skills are in some of our leadership roles, to enable us to recruit from a wider pool of applicants. That means, for instance, that we don’t just look to people with a technical background – which typically means men in our industry – for roles where the key skills are around communication.”

Komatsu has partnered with the Western Sydney Wanderers women’s football team as part of its diversity and inclusion program.

“The strategies that the Wanderers are implementing echo our business strategies here at Komatsu,” Colin says. “We are both focused on creating an environment that offers

equality and opportunities for women because we understand and know the unique value they can bring our workforce and teams.”

Goals aren’t always about work

Komatsu supports its people to do the things that matter to them, through initiatives like the Live Your Dream program, which provides $10,000 grants for employees to support a notfor-profit organisation or charity of their choice.

Colin says the program is one Komatsu is proud to deliver for its employees.

“This initiative helps our people to support the causes they care about,” he says. “It gives them an opportunity to do something special that they normally don’t have the provisions to do outside of work.”

To find out more about Komatsu, and available career opportunities, head to www.komatsu.com.au/careers

The Families at Komatsu scheme offers a structured return to work program to make it easier to come back into a role.

Choice of emissions and technology with Next Generation Cat® 315 and 315 GC Excavators

Excavator Product Specialist Teo Yibin discusses the new Next Generation Cat® Small Excavators 315 and 315 GC, and how their versatility and flexibility can deliver big benefits.

Sandwiched between the 13-tonne 313 and the 18-tonne 317, the 15-tonne Cat® 315 and the 315 GC excavators are the latest addition to Caterpillar’s small excavator line-up.

Due to their compact radius design, both machines are suitable for use in a wide variety of jobs and industries such as grade work, slope work, trenching, loading, and utility work.

“Caterpillar has redesigned every aspect of the 15-tonne excavators to deliver better performance and better match customer needs just as we did with the 20-tonne machines,” says Cat Excavator Product Specialist Teo Yibin.

“And we’ve given the customer more choices, allowing them to choose their emissions preference as well as technology options.”

Tier 3 and Tier 4 options

Like many other larger Next Gen Hex range, the 315 and 315 GC have the option of a Tier 4F engine, or a Tier 3 Engine that does not require diesel exhaust fluid.

The new fuel-efficient Cat C3.6 engine powers these two Next Gen small excavators, giving improved performance over the previous 315 F model. Both engine choices are backed by the Cat Fuel Edge program, giving customers certainty on their biggest operating cost.

This is available with the purchase of a qualifying Cat machine – with Product link™ enabled – from any participating Cat dealer. If the machine burns more than the committed fuel consumption threshold, the dealer will provide a parts credit.

“The compact design gives operators the confidence to dig, swing and dump in spacerestricted jobsites,” Teo says. “The 315 is eight per cent more productive than the previous model, giving improved fuel efficiency, while the 315 GC can save up to 15 per cent fuel consumption over the previous model.

“New Smart Mode operation automatically matches engine and hydraulic power to working conditions for maximum productivity

and ECO mode to save fuel in less-demanding

applications.”

Performance gains

The advanced hydraulic system of the 315 and 315 GC excavator provides the optimum balance of power and efficiency to increase productivity over the 315F L. Its new electronic hydraulic valve delivers significant efficiency. A 10 per cent higher swing torque makes working on slopes and around the jobsite much more efficient, and the drive system easily navigates tough ground conditions and slopes with 14 per cent more drawbar pull.

“Both machines are suitable for much more than just utility work or on residential sites,” Teo says. “These machines are right at home on even large infrastructure jobs and loading trucks. The new electronically controlled hydraulics have made for both faster control response and better controllability.

The Cat 315 GC offers F-series level performance at a lower price point.

“To the customer, the benefit with the 315 GC model is that you’re getting F-Series levels of performance, but at a lower price point while still getting the big maintenance savings, big fuel savings, and electro-hydraulic controls. The 315 GC is the new standard model that is reliable, comfortable and productive. It is ideally balanced to deliver performance, maximise operator productivity and offer the lowest cost per machine hour of performance.

“But for customers looking for a 10 per cent boost in swing torque that elevates efficiency when working on slopes and moving around the jobsite, check out the 315 excavator with technology options like the very popular Cat Grade with 3D.”

Technology standards and options

Delivering superior performance and bestin-class productivity for 15-tonne excavators, the Cat 315 comes standard with a host of productivity enhancing technologies to increase operator efficiency by up to 45 per cent. Standard Cat Payload provides on-thego weighing and real-time payload estimates, so operators can deliver precise load targets every time to improve loading efficiency. Using VisionLink Productivity, Payload and other jobsite data can be used to remotely analyse and manage production targets across multiple jobsites.

Critical operating data such as fuel usage, idle time, CO2 emissions and fault codes are tracked by VisionLink to help boost fleet management efficiency.

“There is also a range of additional factoryfitted options to increase productivity and expand grading capabilities for the 315,” Teo says. “Grade 2D automatically guides digging depth, slope, and horizontal distance to quickly and accurately reach desired grade. Increasing safety when excavating in confined spaces, the new 2D E-fence keeps the front linkage within a predefined work area to avoid hazards on the jobsite as well as standard cab avoidance.

“For advanced grade demands, Cat Grade with 3D includes an additional 10-inch highresolution touchscreen monitor featuring powerful graphics, and customisable 3D views bring the job-site design to life, giving operators the ability to hone in on the right perspective. And there is a range of other intuitive embedded features to help them be more productive.”

The new Cat GRADE with 3D system allows operators to quickly create in-field 2D and 3D designs if a job-site design is not available.

“This enables customers to utilise Cat GRADE with 3D on smaller projects to build designs such as swale drains, trenches, pads, basement cuts, and finishing,” Teo says. “The in-field design can use the cutting edge as a survey tool, or operators can input the exact plan, elevation, and profile of the design, which helps improve work quality and prevents rework.

“The factory 3D option also means operators can start work quickly and safely with no need to install or remove 3D

system components, and eliminating cable connections adds to the reliability.”

Cat GRADE with 3D systems come with the option of single or dual GNSS receivers, securely mounted to provide real-time position and heading of the machine.

“But there are some customers that do not need the added technology features for the work they do,” Teo says. “Why pay for something you will never need? If you’re in the market for a machine that gives you a solid performance with the benefit of lower up-front acquisition costs, lower owning and operating costs, and unmatched dealer support, then check out the 315 GC.”

All-new cab elevates comfort

Both Cat 315 and 315 GC operators will experience a new, 13 per cent larger cab designed with improved ingress/egress to boost comfort and productivity. The full-sized cab offers a low-profile design plus large front, rear, and side windows with narrow cab pillars to offer 40 per cent greater visibility compared to F Series small excavators, enhancing safe operation.

“We take safety seriously at Caterpillar,” Teo says. “The standard rear-view and right-handsideview cameras further improve visibility of the operating environment. Owners can also upgrade to 360-degree visibility to easily see objects and personnel around the excavator in a single view.”

Teo says advanced viscous mounts significantly reduce cab vibration compared to previous models, reducing operator fatigue.

“Improved sound suppression lowers interior noise levels to improve operator comfort,” he says. “Operators can make hands-free calls through the new standard radio’s Bluetooth connectivity for personal devices. It’s really cool.”

Lower operating costs

These two models also lower maintenance costs by up to 25 per cent, making them the right fit

for rental, municipal, and general all-around excavating applications that require dependable performance and low operating costs.

The 315 and 315 GC feature a host of design upgrades that simplify maintenance to deliver up to 25 per cent lower costs than their F-series counterparts. The excavator’s new hydraulic oil filter delivers improved filtration and a 50 per cent longer change interval at 3000 hours. New anti-drain valves keep the hydraulic oil clean during filter replacement to improve system longevity.

“Operators can now conveniently track filter life and maintenance intervals through the incab LCD monitor – it’s a no brainer,” Teo says. “All daily maintenance checkpoints, including engine oil, are easily accessible from ground level, making it safer.”

Cat S∙O∙S system on these machines allows for quick and easy extraction of fluid samples for analysis, simplifying maintenance.

“With more standard technology at better price points, a wider range of machines to better match applications, and huge reductions in fuel consumption and maintenance costs, the Next Generation excavator range delivers a better bottom line for all customers,” Teo says.

Currently the 315 and 315 GC come with three-year Equipment Protection Plans on powertrain, hydraulics and technology including a 3.99 per cent Finance rate up to 60 months for purchases made before 30 September 2023.

Contact your local Cat dealer now

NSW/ACT: WesTrac – 1300 881 064

VIC/TAS: William – Adams 1300 923 267

Western Australia: WesTrac – 1300 881 064

QLD/NT: Hastings Deering – 131 228

South Australia: Cavpower – 08 8343 1600

NZ: TERRA – 0800 93 39 39

Teo says the new Cat® 315 is eight per cent more productive than the previous model.

ROTO 50.26

Lifting capacities 5000kg

Reach 26 metres

Continuous rotation of the turret

ASCS security system with 10.1’’ display Tilting cab with inclination up to 20°

Multi-position stabilisers

125 kW/170 hp engine

Hydrostatic transmission with management system

Overseas models may be shown.

Lachlan Connors, Sales

Pickles uplifts next generation of industrial employees

Why recruitment and mentorship are key to keeping the industrial sector resourced.

Australia’s industrial sector has long been upheld by a workforce of senior specialists, many of whom boast decades of experience. While this means that the industry is rich with knowledge, it also indicates that a large number of employees will be retiring over the next decade. With the majority of industrial insiders being around 50 years old, the sector will likely experience a shortage of skilled workers in the next 10 years. This leaves businesses to take action in attracting, teaching and retaining the next generation of industrial employees.

As a longstanding industrial business, Pickles knows the importance of acquiring the next industrial workforce in the next few years. Not only is it important to start developing the future wave of industrial workers to keep Australia’s industry progressing, but it needs to be done now so the newcomers can take advantage of the wealth of knowledge offered by their predecessors. Empowering the next generation benefits the entire sector, as vendors too would be greatly impacted if the industry was suddenly barren of the skilled workers needed to conduct the buying and

selling of industrial assets. That’s why Pickles has invested considerable time and resources in sourcing the industrial leaders of tomorrow. Using recruitment, cadetship, training, development and mentorship, Pickles aims to uplift newcomers and ensure a strong future for the industry.

Pickles supports the next generation of industrial leaders

For Nathan Heymans, NSW OEM Manager, industrial management comes naturally. After liaising with Pickles through his roles in the OEM dealer network, the opportunity to progress came about through his internal connections. Having built strong relationships with Pickles executives, Nathan was referred for a role with Pickles Industrial.

Now three years into his Pickles career, Nathan is taking industrial management to the next level with his fresh perspective on the industry. At 33 years old, Nathan is one of Pickles’ youngest industrial managers and is one of the freshest leadership talents in the business. Nathan is part of a new generation of industrial enthusiasts who are currently

coming up in the business. This new wave of insiders will need to shepherd the industry into the future, and Nathan believes the only way this can be done is by soaking up as much knowledge as possible from the senior industrial experts at Pickles.

“There is so much to be learned from the industrial guys at Pickles,” he says. “Some of them have been in the industry for 30 plus years – you just can’t buy that kind of insight. I soak in as much knowledge as I can while I can, and I’m lucky that they’re so willing to help.”

While keeping one foot rooted in the knowledge of his predecessors, Nathan keeps his head towards the future of the industry. Nathan’s career is developing during huge industry changes, as digitisation sweeps the used asset marketplace.

The 20s have led Pickles to reorganise and innovate their offerings in a digitally led way. As the industry and Australia changes, the youngest Pickles leaders have rallied to push the business into the future. For Australian auction houses, it appears that the era of the in-person auction has passed, with most sales

Executive

Industrial, NSW,

believes employees do well at Pickles if they are motivated, have a hunger to learn, and are willing to admit mistakes.

now being conducted online. Pickles’ youngest employees are the loudest advocates for this digital auction revolution, with online auctions drastically improving sales results.

These changes have been hard to swallow for those who miss the atmosphere of inperson auctions. For industrial predecessors, the industry has changed drastically over the last two decades. Sales have gone from handshakes at the pub, to completely online transactions. In 2023, the landscape of Australian industry has changed and so has Pickles.

How Pickles uplifts the next generation of industrial talent

Entering the industrial sector is an extremely lucrative business, albeit a daunting one to enter. For young Australians, getting a foot in the door can be the hardest part. For new industrial talent, there are a broad range of career pathways available to choose from, like starting as a cadet, sales coordinator or an assistant. Getting started is the most important thing to Pickles senior leaders, who believe in investing in their employees, building a broad

range of skills to create well-rounded experts over time. Meaning, newcomers simply need to get a foot in the door to be offered all the opportunities in the world.

For those interested in cadetship, Pickles offers traineeships for graduates, or those undertaking study. The two-year programs allow new starters to train with industry leaders and learn a variety of skills including asset valuing, auctioneering, sales techniques, project management and insolvency handling. After completing training, Pickles offers the candidate a role within the business that is suited to the individual’s skills and preferences.

For those interested in starting a new career but aren’t completing studies, there are a range of job opportunities available across Pickles’ 27 Australian locations. A large majority of Pickles’ senior executives climbed the ranks after starting in branch-based roles and honing their knowledge and skills over many years. So, for new entrants to the industrial sector, getting started in any role at any facility could mean the opportunity of a lifetime.

Tips on starting an industrial career

There is a wealth of opportunity afforded to recruits by Pickles, a sentiment which is echoed by some of Pickles Industrial’s most promising young talent. When asked about their advice for those wanting to join the industry, Nathan Heymans, Alex McAvoy, and Lachlan Connors had plenty to share:

“Just give it a crack! It’s a very rewarding career path for those who are just willing to give it a go.” Nathan Heymans, NSW OEM Manager - Industrial.

“Industrial is a very rewarding and exciting industry to be part of. Pickles invests in their staff, with a range of opportunities provided to develop and advance within the business.” Alex McAvoy, Vendor Payments Team Leader - Industrial.

“As long as you are motivated, have the hunger to learn and are willing to admit mistakes, you’ll do well.” Lachlan Connors, Sales Executive - Industrial NSW.

For more information on Pickles cadetship programs or job opportunities, head to: www.pickles.com.au/about/careers

Alex McAvoy, Vendor Payments Team Leader (centre) – Industrial, says industrial is a very rewarding and exciting industry to be part of.

Need to offload your used trucks and machinery? DIYinspect is a self-inspection app powered by Pickles. Asset owners can simply download the app, complete an in-app inspection and receive an offer to purchase equipment. Start the process anywhere, at any time.

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DIYinspect helps customers sell their assets with ease and in their own time and space. By conducting remote inspections, sellers can maximise their time and return on their assets.

Customers receive data-led offers to purchase, eliminating the expense and hassle of conducting in-person asset inspections.

Sellers can offload a range of equipment including trucks, buses, excavators, and loaders.

Head to DIYinspect.com.au for more information, or simply download and get started!

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Submit your DIY inspection and we’ll get back to you within 48 hours!

Tough from the first cut to the last

Cat® FirstCut™ Cutting Edges for D6-D8 Dozers equipped with semi-u blades.

If you’re looking for an edge in tough conditions, you’ve found it. Cat® FirstCut™ Cutting Edges deliver superior penetration in all soil types –tough and compacted, rocky or frozen – leading to bigger blade loads and less ripping.

The patented design of the shallower angle of the intermediate edges, has a sharpened and forward-protruding profile. This carefully focuses the machine’s energy on slicing through the soil rather than breaking it up, resulting in up to 35 per cent* larger payload mass and up to 17 per cent* improvement in productivity.

And because the blade penetrates the ground that much easier, the tracks stay fully engaged with the ground, helping to reduce track slip. So even when you push harder, your undercarriage stays pinned to the ground, helping to make your components last longer.

Matched system for long life and superior performance

The patented edge design of Cat FirstCut Cutting Edges features matching end bits that

The patented design of the shallower angle of the intermediate edges, has a sharpened and forward-protruding profile.

Cat FirstCut Cutting Edges are designed for superior penetration in tough conditions.

direct material toward the centre of the blade, resulting in better load retention and smaller windrows.

The intermediate edges and end bits of Cat FirstCut edges are sharper than traditional DH-2 plate cutting edges, with the end bits and intermediate edges being cast DH-3 steel. This is purposefully designed to tackle tough terrains. And while the centre cutting edge is traditional DH-2 steel, it is thicker than the standard cutting edge to match the thickness of the Cat FirstCut edges, meaning no mid-life flip.

Cat FirstCut Cutting Edges are interchangeable with traditional cutting edges, so blade modifications are not necessary because they use the same hardware as traditional systems. Drilled and tapped holes are provided on all components, so you can safely lift the parts into place during installation and removal.

The best of both worlds

The on-plane cutting edge system of Cat FirstCut Cutting Edges means there’s no more trade-off between dig productivity and finish dozing capability: it is designed to provide both. Better yet, its service life is the same as the standard Cat Cutting Edges without mid-life edge flip. How? The system is designed to have equal wear material as standard Cat Cutting Edge systems with DH-3 steel. This means you can expect the same or even more wear life hours without the need to flip the edges and replace the end bits at mid-life.

Built in wear indicators

Every machine owner knows just how expensive blade damage can be. If cutting edges are not replaced at the right time, wear continues into the supporting structure underneath and eventually, the base edge will need to be replaced. That’s the

kind of cost every business can do without.

Cat FirstCut Cutting Edges have built in wear indicators, so you know when you are approaching end of life. Plus, they offer two times more wear life* than standard Cat Cutting Edges, and with no mid-life flip required.

For long-lasting edges and superior penetration in the toughest conditions, choose Cat FirstCut Cutting Edges.

If you’re ready to make the first cut or to find out more about Cat FirstCut Cutting Edges, speak to your local Cat dealer or visit cat.com/cuttingedge-au to find out more.

• Up to 35 per cent* increased payload

• Up to 17 per cent* productivity improvement

• 2 x more wear life*.

Built in wear indicators let you know when your cutting edge is approaching end of life.

*When compared with standard Cat Cutting Edges

Taking the BS out of equipment finance

The Finlease team breaks down some common myths around equipment finance, and how a skilled broker can help separate the fact from the fiction.

With over 30 years of experience financing both vehicles and equipment for a diverse range of clients in many industries, Finlease has the expertise to debunk some common misconceptions about equipment financing.

Let’s talk interest rates

If you’re a solid company with good trading results, the interest rates available at present ranges from 7-8 per cent, depending on the asset and term. If you’re paying more than this, it may be a case of what your provider would like to charge you, as opposed to what is actually available in the market.

Although interest rates have essentially doubled in the past six months, the effect on the actual monthly payment for equipment and vehicle finance has been much less than for home loans.

Cross-checking the quoted rate

We’ve seen circumstances where the interest rate quoted is not actually reflected in the monthly payment. The problem here is that unless you have a finance calculator to work it out, you’re none the wiser. There are plenty of online calculators where you can check –including one on the Finlease website.

Take heed – unless you actually check, there’s really no way of knowing, so it’s worth spending five minutes online to ensure you’re getting what you have been told.

Myth: Banks don’t finance used or private sale machines

There are plenty of competitive financiers who will finance used machines at good interest rates. Often, there are significant savings to be made by going down this track. Yes, there are extra steps in the finance process, including an inspection of the asset, but these are easily arranged. Care needs to be taken to ensure that the asset being purchased is not currently either under finance or under a GSA (fixed and floating charge). This is easily checked through a company search on the vendor.

Myth: Banks always require financials

That may be the case with your bank, but there’s plenty of other competitive financiers out there who will finance vehicles and equipment at good rates without the need for financials.

Where assets are being upgraded, there are ‘no financials’ policies that can finance replacement equipment up to $500,000.

Broker vs bank

We’ve heard plenty of times people saying: “I use my bank because brokers are more

expensive”. This is simply not the case and easily tested by obtaining finance quotes so you can compare the monthly finance costs. Larger broking firms place large volumes to market ($900 million per annum in our case), driving substantial discounts.

Any decent broker should be looking for a 20-year relationship and will act in a manner to ensure that. Brokers should have plenty of feedback from clients on independent review websites, such as Product Review and Google.

Money is a raw material, no different to fuel. It must be accessed in the easiest, cheapest manner, backed by good service. In a world where margins are tight, it’s more about the leftover than the turnover, so it’s essential to keep all costs under control – including finance costs.

A good equipment finance broker will gladly help give you clarity around the options available to your business.

At Finlease, we pride ourselves on taking the BS out of equipment finance to ensure you talk to an expert who has your best interests front of mind.

For more information, visit: www.finlease.com.au

Good equipment finance brokers will help provide clarity around the options available to your business.

Getting home safely

Leica Geosystems and Xwatch Safety Solutions team up to bolster jobsite safety. The novel integration interconnects excavator height control, slew control, and safety awareness in a promising stride towards reducing heavy construction incidents.

With every passing year there are more demands – from workers, company boards, and governments – to improve safety on worksites. So, it’s no surprise that Leica Geosystems, a Hexagon subsidiary, and UKbased manufacturer Xwatch Safety Solutions Ltd., are joining forces to redefine construction site safety.

This collaboration marks an important stride in transforming the hazardous realm of heavy construction, an industry that consistently records high rates of severe injuries and fatalities globally.

The partnership's driving force is to interconnect Leica's advanced 2D and 3D machine control and safety awareness solutions with Xwatch's cutting-edge excavator machine control technology. Bridging these technologies aims to enhance safety for all jobsite personnel, whether they're operating heavy equipment or working around it.

Harnessing years of experience and outsidethe-box thinking, Xwatch is taking a fresh approach to worksite safety solutions with its XW series safety system, which features:

• Height control

• Slew control

• Rated Capacity Indication (RCI).

All of these are aimed at monitoring and accurately restricting excavator movement using ‘feather touch’ proportional hydraulic control.

“The integration of our XW series directly into Leica Geosystems MC1 ecosystem is a global first and a true revolution in safety,” says Dan Leaney, Director of Sales and Operation at Xwatch.

The combined technology offers a costeffective solution, incorporating state-of-the-art hardware technology from the automation sector.

Brad Mullis, Leica Geosystems’ Product

Manager for Safety Awareness Solutions, shares in this enthusiasm, highlighting the importance of protecting assets, infrastructure, and – most significantly – human lives.

“Through the integration of our Leica PA80 with Xwatch XW series, we aim to provide solutions that protect assets and infrastructure – but most importantly ensure people always get home safely to see their families after a hard day’s work,” Brad says.

One of the key features of the partnership is the integration of the Leica iCON PA80 and Xwatch XW series into the popular Leica MC1 machine control platform. This move makes it possible for users to run a new safety

awareness solution directly on their existing machine control system. The safety awareness solution can be applied to a range of heavy equipment, from dozers to excavators, that use the Leica MC1 system.

“With the integration of Xwatch into Leica MC1, we are now not only able to alert the operator but are able to proportionally slow down and stop a machine when a wearable device is detected in a configurable zone,” Brad says.

“In addition, by leveraging the Leica ConX cloud solution, comprehensive logs can be downloaded and distributed for analytics within contractors’ existing management processes.”

Furthering this commitment to safety, Dan

The combination of Leica Geosystems and Xwatch technology will help protect assets, infrastructure, and human lives.

The Leica iCON PA80 and Xwatch XW series can be integrated into Leica’s MC1 machine control platform.

says Xwatch has also integrated the Leica PA80 personal alert solution into its controller. “This takes safety to a whole new level,” he says. “The wearable device worn by the field personnel can link with all machines on site creating greater awareness and a much safer working environment.”

Plantforce Digital Manager, Dale Hawkins, represents a growing number of contractors already making use of both technologies. He expresses the company's pride in being the first plant hire company in the UK to use the Leica Geosystem fitted semi-automatic excavator.

“At Plantforce we pride ourselves as being innovators in our field,” Dale says. “This combined safety solution with a reliable, easy-to-use system and an excellent aftersales service is why we have the confidence in Xwatch and Leica Geosystems products to enhance our commitment to safety.”

With this partnership, Leica Geosystems and Xwatch are leading the charge in changing the face of safety in construction. This groundbreaking integration of technologies represents a major stride towards a safer working

environment and promises to be a gamechanger for the earthmoving industry.

Your local Leica dealer Leica Geosystems products are solely distributed in Australia through machine control and positioning specialists C.R. Kennedy.

Based in Port Melbourne, C.R. Kennedy has a national network of more than 260 staff across branches in Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Sydney, Hobart, Perth, and Cairns.

For more information, visit: www.survey.crkennedy.com.au

Xwatch’s XW series safety system monitors and restricts excavator movement to avoid hazards.

Xwatch’s XW series safety system monitors and restricts excavator movement to avoid hazards.

MINIMUM SWING

MAXIMUM SPACE

JCB 245XR

At just 1,720mm, the new 245XR has a 40% shorter tailswing than the conventional 220X, making it ideal for work in confined urban sites and highways. Despite having reduced tail swing, the 245XR still boasts one of the biggest, most comfortable, quiet and easy to operate cabs on the market, while our proven Tier 4 Final DIESELMAX engine and selectable swing smoothing as standard provide optimum performance in any application.

Avoid gaps in cover and minimise delay

The NTI team explains why consolidating insurance is a simple way to avoid many business and financial complexities.

Taking out broad coverage with one insurer is the best way to get your claims paid out quickly, without arguments about policies, disputes between insurers, or long delays.

NTI’s solution is called Transport Pack. Transport Pack rolls up to three policies into one, provides market-leading cover and is backed by NTI’s expert team to ensure your claims are resolved quickly.

Cementing your cover

Consider the following scenario: a driver or unloader deposits powdered concrete into the wrong silo at the receiver’s yard.

There are three potential losses: damage to the unloaded products, damage to any product already in the silo and the cost of repairing or rebuilding the silo. It’s a single incident, yet each loss could be covered by a different policy type or under a Transport Pack policy:

“We’ve seen these kinds of circumstances many times,” says Alex Sawtell, NTI’s National Liability Product Manager. “Different insurers administer cover for liability around loading and unloading goods from a vehicle differently.

“Some people put it under a motor liability component – as we do at NTI. Others may put it under a public liability cover instead.

“If you take the wrong combination of policies, you might find you have no loading and unloading cover at all, which is a significant exposure.

“It’s important to ensure those kinds of gaps are covered. Our Transport Pack policy can protect operators against all these incidents if all sections are selected. They’re designed to ‘dovetail’, so there’s continuity of cover.”

On the road again

Another example of a potentially complex claim is when a piece of plant equipment, like a skid steer or an excavator, is driven on the road and hits another vehicle.

“If it’s registered and allowed to be driven on the road, there’s a lot of nuance to it,” Alex says. “If it’s being used to dig, scrape or lift –whatever its intended purpose is – then it’s no longer a Motor Section 2 liability; it becomes a public liability claim.”

But claims can be thorny, as Alex explains: “If there’s an issue around crossing an active roadway and you cause some property damage, there could be a fight between your liability insurer and your motor insurer as to who responds.”

Bundling your insurance with a single provider is a simple way to avoid many complexities.

“With Transport Pack, if you have liability and motor/plant cover together, it doesn’t matter when you cross the verge onto the

road and start driving or stop driving and start digging,” Alex says.

“You’ll have a seamless cover designed to give you end-to-end protection against a property damage event that could arise.”

Choosing a policy: it’s not just about the price

While he recognises cost is a factor in insurance buyers’ decision-making, Alex stresses the importance of considering the overall coverage provided and ensuring customers are fully protected instead of using multiple insurers solely based on price.

“As an industry, we want to ensure customers are informed and able to make decisions to ensure they are fully covered,” he says.

“Looking at the loading and unloading example again, say the motor and public liability policies were with different companies.

“There could be argy-bargy between the two insurers on trying to split costs and trying to determine who owned the liability. All that does is cause consternation and delay in handling the claim.

“Whereas if they’re all with us, not only are you minimising those gaps, you’re also putting us in a position where we can say, ‘The correct home is here’. We’ll quickly and easily determine that for you.

“Then we’ll ensure the claim is paid efficiently and there are no problems down the track because another party thinks they do or don’t have an obligation under the claim

or try to recover money.

“I think there’s a lot of value in that.”

Back on the road sooner

Another area of potential conflict is clean-up after a crash. If policies are held with different insurers, they must decide who’s liable for the clean-up and organise a crew to attend and remediate the site.

“There’s potentially an obligation on the tow operator or whoever has come to the accident scene to clean it up and remove whatever’s there,” Alex says.

“But then again, you might get stuck with the bill or have to put a surety down until your cargo insurer comes to the party.

“But for the accident clean-up teams who work on our behalf, as soon as they hear it’s an NTI job, they know they’re going to get sorted out, they’re happy to do the job, and it removes some of the stress from the client.”

With a national network of repairers, tow operators, clean-up crews and other specialists, an expert in-house claims team, and some of the best policy wordings in the business, NTI’s Transport Pack offering is hard to beat.

“Our wordings are well-known, wellregarded and tend to have the broadest cover,” Alex says. “They also tend to have lots of additional benefits that are greater than, or don’t even exist in, our competitors’ products.

“Ultimately, it means NTI can get you back to business and back on the road sooner. And isn’t that what insurance is all about?”

Consolidating insurance can help get your business back to work sooner following a claim.

Untapped profit and performance

The team from Caterpillar explains how VisionLink® can supercharge your fleet management.

very best contractors – the most successful ones – are extremely good at managing their logistics, enabling them to reduce their costs. Once it was all about the machines, but we are increasingly seeing a demand from customers for insights from telematics and data.

This is where VisionLink is so useful. Whether it’s helping contractors to manage their workflow, schedule maintenance or assign tasks – you name it, VisionLink is ready for it. Importantly, VisionLink was developed in close consultation with dealers and customers, and feedback was incorporated every step of the way.

your business with the integrated full-fleet management solution you’ve been looking for. The platform’s new, intuitive interface will help you manage your entire fleet efficiently, regardless of manufacturer. Whether your equipment is owned, leased, or rented, you’ll now have access to data to make better informed asset management decisions.

No matter how big or small your fleet, VisionLink® provides your business with the insights it needs to take action. Its updated interface reduces complexity and provides the right combination of features, so you can improve fuel efficiency, reduce idle time, and keep machines healthy, all leading to greater profitability. Better still, it’s available for mixed fleet management. Read on and you’ll discover from both experts and customers how VisionLink puts the power of knowledge in your hands.

Responding to growing customer needs

Over time, Caterpillar customers have become increasingly technology savvy. Business is moving too quickly for you to afford to be left behind, and our customers understand that the key to better management of operations is having access to more insights. Indeed, the

WHAT CUSTOMERS HAVE TO SAY

“Before VisionLink, our equipment management was very reactive. VisionLink has really improved our maintenance program, reduced planned downtime, and maximised efficiency.”

USA.

“VisionLink has allowed us to expand our company and grow our fleet. We’re able to see fuel usage, idle time versus working time, what equipment is being utilised the way we designed it, and what is being underutilised.”

The number one request we received time and again was to make this new interface more intuitive and easier to use. We recognise that when you’re on the jobsite, you are focused on getting the job done safely – on time and on budget. You need to have complete confidence that the data you’re receiving is one hundred per cent right. This is never more important than when bidding for jobs. Being accurate is the “secret sauce”, especially when overquoting can lose you a job and underquoting can cost you the shirt off your back. The beauty of VisionLink is that it makes all the data from previous jobs available for the next, allowing you to learn as you go.

We appreciate that technology adoption is a journey. That’s why we’ve packaged VisionLink to grow as you do. Our advice is to start training your people now because we’re only getting started. With VisionLink, the sky is the limit.

New VisionLink gives you new advantages

Asset tracking? Maximising machine uptime? Optimising utilisation? New VisionLink provides

VisionLink is cloud-based, making it accessible from your desktop, tablet, and mobile device. It allows users to stay up to date on key metrics, such as asset location, fuel level, idle time, and more. Easy-to-use dashboards allow for asset management by groups and geofences. Plus, by defining access levels for personnel, you get to decide who can and cannot edit settings and configurations. That way, customised reports can be generated and sorted automatically to facilitate tasks such as identifying underutilised equipment.

VisionLink also consolidates my.cat.com, the Cat® app, and the previous version of VisionLink applications into one centralised solution for easy fleet management. It also offers streamlined subscription levels designed to reduce complexity and provide the right combination of features for businesses of any size.

VisionLink continues to offer core telematics data standard with every machine to answer important questions about assets. That includes daily machine location, utilisation, fuel usage, maintenance reminders and integration with Caterpillar’s extensive digital ecosystem. Bring the power of knowledge to your business. To find out more visit www.cat.com/visionlink or contact your local Cat dealer.

VisionLink was developed in consultation with dealers and customers.

Anthony Guho, Guho Corp, Idaho,

Matthew Koranda, Goodmanson Construction, Minnesota, USA.

Anthony Guho (left), Guho Corp.

Matthew Koranda, Goodmanson Construction.

We’re experts in connected, supported solutions across mixed fleet.

• Topcon technology for every machine

• Tokara remote management for every asset

• Position Partners support for every project

If it’s got a cutting edge, we can measure it.

LEARN MORE

Post trade training: WesTrac Institute

Australian Earth Training’s Scott Lidster takes a closer look at the WesTrac Institute’s post trade training offering.

In this month’s edition of Industry Training, I thought I’d move out of the dirt and into the workshop to shine a light on the people who keep our diesel mechanics on top of their game and across the rapid advancements of our machine’s engines, systems, and components –post trade trainers!

Believe it or not, once an individual has completed their chosen apprenticeship, the training does not stop. It’s just the beginning.

To gain more insight into post trade training, I reached out to the great folk at WesTrac, the Cat® dealer for NSW, ACT, and WA. They put me in contact with their Post Trade Trainer James Peters at the WesTrac Institute to gain a greater understanding of what underpins his skills and knowledge and to look behind the scenes of a typical day.

About James

James started his apprenticeship in the mining industry 20 odd years ago in the Hunter Valley. After completing his apprenticeship, he did his time with various contractors before landing a full-time position at a coal mine. It was there that James was given the opportunity to become a crew trainer, a role he quickly realised he had a knack for.

As it tends to happen, a pathway started to present itself for James. He enjoyed what he did, being a mechanic, but he also genuinely enjoyed imparting his knowledge onto others.

That set him on the path to gaining his Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40116) and seeking out casual work at a local Registered Training Organisation (RTO),

where he honed his craft and embraced the challenge of teaching people new skills. Each class, like each learner, had its own unique challenges and learning styles.

James told us he was stoked to have landed a role with WesTrac about one year ago. He now gets to combine his passion for training and learning with new technology. Not to mention, he gets paid to talk as well as meet new people – tick!

A day in the life

A typical training day involves James coming in early to set up his classroom, reviewing the training material, and double checking his audiovisual equipment before the students arrive. At the start of the course, he does a brief introduction where he asks what his students would like to take away from the course and outlines the structure of the day.

Like any good trainer – and after attending enough dull training sessions himself – James puts himself in his students’ shoes by realising the importance of keeping his classes fluid and interactive, limiting “death by PowerPoint” as best he can. His classes are like a big discussion where learners are encouraged to share their experiences and knowledge.

After completing the theory component, he’ll then take his class out to the onsite WesTrac workshop where they get hands on experience in a practical environment, applying what they’ve just learned.

James says the most rewarding part of his role is seeing the students leave happy, having gained new knowledge from the course. He

also hopes to have made a meaningful impact on their career development.

About WesTrac Institute's post trade training

The WesTrac Institute is an RTO offering nationally recognised training packages for apprenticeships alongside short industry courses and safety and equipment operator training.

The institute’s focus is on ensuring customers are ahead of the curve regarding new developments with Cat equipment, and providing course participants with the skills and knowledge to service, repair, and diagnose mobile equipment and systems.

The WesTrac Institute offers a large range of post trade courses and can develop custom options to meet customer needs. Some of their most popular courses include:

• Applied Failure Analysis 1 & 2

• Hydraulics (Basic to Advanced)

• Engines (Basic to Advanced)

• Transmissions (Basic to Advanced)

• Electronic Technician (ET) Sensors & Schematics

• Scheduled Oil Sampling (SOS)

• Emission Control Systems (Tier IV)

• Air Conditioning

• Electrical Systems

• Machine Electronics

• Fuel Systems.

If you’d like to learn more about WesTrac Institute’s courses, visit: www.westrac.com.au/training/courses

The WesTrac Institute offers a large range of post trade courses that can be tailored to meet a customer’s needs.

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We maintain a healthy inventory of new and used earthmover tyres of critical sizes and have the ability to custom manufacture Australian Made wheels in 1 of our 10 locations Australia wide.

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Leveraging LinkedIn

Are you wondering how best to harness your personal LinkedIn profile to support your brand or business? The Hardman Communications team talks us through five key tips for social media success.

We all know how powerful LinkedIn can be to enhance your professional brand, expand your network, and support your business goals. By strategically leveraging your individual LinkedIn profile, you can also position yourself as an asset to your organisation, attract business opportunities, and foster meaningful connections.

But where do you start? Below we share five ways to effectively leverage your personal LinkedIn profile to support your business objectives and drive success.

1. Craft a compelling personal brand

Take the time to optimise your profile by creating a professional headline that showcases your expertise and aligns with your professional goals. The headline should be a captivating summary that highlights your skills, accomplishments, and a unique selling point in 220 characters or less.

Don’t forget to include a quality headshot that reflects who you are and portrays you best in a professional sense.

2. Showcase your professional achievements

Your LinkedIn profile is an opportunity to highlight your professional accomplishments and demonstrate your credibility. Use the experience section to showcase your career progression, milestones, and responsibilities. Sell yourself by including metrics, project successes, and include portfolio samples where you can.

3. Cultivate strategic connections

It’s called a LinkedIn network for a reason. Make it a rule of thumb to add all professionals

you connect with, whether it’s colleagues, industry influencers, potential clients, or thought leaders relevant to your industry. Add a personal note to all connection requests and engage in meaningful conversations to foster those relationships.

4. Engage and contribute meaningfully You’ve built a LinkedIn network, so make sure you keep them engaged and show you’re active. Share industry insights, thought leadership articles, and relevant news updates to position yourself as a knowledgeable professional with your finger on the pulse. Regularly engage with others’ content by commenting, liking, and sharing too.

5. Influence with longform content

LinkedIn articles allow 120,000 characters

– compared to a post that is limited to 1300. Articles provide the opportunity to establish yourself as a thought leader, reach a wide audience, and build personal branding. Regularly share articles that are relevant to your industry, and offer valuable insights, actionable tips, and thought-provoking perspectives that will position yourself as that go-to person for insights, attract connections, and unlock new opportunities – whether that be for business or personal growth.

Your LinkedIn profile holds so much potential to support not only your personal goals, but your business goals as well. Don’t neglect it –keep your profile fresh, your network engaged, and you’ll see the difference.

Need help updating your LinkedIn profile? Let us know at hello@hc.net.au

LinkedIn profiles can help highlight your professional accomplishments and demonstrate your credibility.

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Right equipment, right now

The relationship between Sydney’s Sitex Rentals and STM Trucks & Machinery stretches back more than three decades. EEM chats to Sitex Director Jon Arnot to learn how the businesses continue to help each other grow and thrive.

These days, you’d be hard pressed to drive past any major civil works site in the greater Sydney area without catching a glimpse of a Sitex Rentals logo emblazoned across the boom of an excavator or the body of a dump truck.

And for a business that started in 1997 with just five machines, that’s evidence of something done right.

Now one of Sydney and the South Coast’s largest excavator hire companies, and with more than 500 pieces of equipment in regular operation throughout New South Wales, Sitex has well and truly ingrained itself into the fabric of the state’s construction sector. From government road, rail, and utilities projects to commercial housing, the business has become one of the go-to heavy machinery rental businesses for tier one contractors across the state.

For Director Jon Arnot, this is the reward for a business built on dedication to customers, and on being well attuned to the industry it serves.

“We’ve always aimed to go slowly with the flow, and build the business up as we go. And while you do have to change and evolve on the fly, it’s also important to have a three-tofive-year vision ahead of you. You need to understand market trends and be prepared for changes, but also be patient and not rush into anything – it’s about finding that equilibrium.”

But for Jon, one key element that will never change is a simple one: doing the right thing by customers. And it’s right there in the Sitex company motto: “the answer is always yes”.

“That attitude is embedded into the whole staff,” he says. “From account managers to administration staff to the mechanics to the painter. It gives customers the confidence to

keep coming back to Sitex.”

And when your customer base is made up of busy tier one contractors working on some of the country’s biggest and most complex projects, this means providing reliable machinery that’s ready at the drop of a hat.

“Whether its excavators, dump trucks, rollers, or track loaders, we supply plant that’s ready to go straight to work on site the moment it’s delivered,” Jon says. “All safety paperwork is completed by our internal compliance officers at Sitex. So, when a machine arrives, there’s no delay in getting it up to spec – the paperwork is done and dusted, and it can just start digging.

“There’s nothing worse than paying to hire a machine for a day, only to have it sit in a compound for four hours while it gets inducted. That’s why we do all that internally before a machine goes out the gate.”

Sitex carries a huge range of Kobelco excavators, from 1-tonne to 45-tonne machines.

Tried and true blue

Sitex’s commitment to keeping its finger on the industry’s pulse has recently seen the business take delivery of several new 35-tonne and 38-tonne Kobelco excavators – machines Jon says are on the larger side of Sitex’s typical offering.

“A lot of the major projects in NSW at the moment are demanding larger machines, where we’ve typically specialised in the lower-tomedium side,” he says. “But increasingly, we’ve had to have more of these larger machines to help our customers and support their growth.”

Jon says that whenever Sitex is in the market for any new Kobelco gear, there’s one dealer that will be receiving that call: STM Trucks & Machinery.

“We’ve been buying Kobelcos ever since STM became their NSW dealer – about 15 years ago,” he says. “But my family and I have had a longterm relationship with STM founder Michael Gerace and his team, going right back to when I was a boy.”

The Sitex fleet now includes around 100 Kobelco excavators, ranging from 1-tonne to 50-tonne machines.

“We use Kobelco excavators for two main reasons,” Jon says. “Firstly, they offer great reliability, efficiency, and value for money. Secondly, because of our long-term relationship with STM.

“They make any purchase very easy, and they’re very willing and flexible. They’ll go over and about for you, whether you’ve got 10 machines or 100.

“That’s key for any company buying earthmoving machines – you’ve got to have that confidence in your dealer. And of course, you’ve got to have the backup support.

“It’s not just about taking the order – STM will look after you the whole way through the journey.”

(L-R) Ryan Brown, Sitex; Jon Artnot, Sitex; Mark Morris, STM; Jon Deayton, Sitex.

Jon says Sitex's 12-tonne D'Avino dumpers are easily transportable.

The latest additions to STM's Kobelco excavator fleet.

For Sitex and STM, that journey is one with no end in sight.

“We rotate our machines frequently,” Jon says. “We’re always refreshing our fleet, and we always go back to Kobelco and STM. We’ve had a lot of other dealers and suppliers knocking on our door – and while it’s good to have a bit of a mix of machines and brands to offer clients, 90 per cent of our excavator fleet is Kobelco.”

Despite the size of this Kobelco fleet, Jon says Sitex’s parts turnover and warranty claims are kept to a minimum.

“As a hire company, we understand everyone’s human,” he says. “Everyone knows that when you hire a machine, the care factor is a little bit less than if they owned it.

“But the Kobelcos are able to withstand the harsh treatment of the rental industry, which is a huge compliment to the machines.”

Game of trust

Thanks to STM, Sitex has also recently added D’Avino dumpers to its fleet, which Jon says have become a bit of a hit with customers.

“We have the little 7-tonne front tip dumpers, as well as 12-tonne dumpers,” he says. “They are proving to be very good in the industry.

“D’Avino as a brand is breaking new ground in the Australian market, and some of our clients were initially a bit sceptical about hiring them. But since we’ve had the four 12-tonners in the fleet, we almost never see them – so that says something. Our customers have said they’ve been reliable and extremely versatile.

“Transportation-wise, they’re not oversized either – they’ll fit on a tilt tray, which is very handy.”

Jon says the decision to take a punt on D’Avino – a lesser-known brand in Australia – wasn’t made lightly. But the Sitex team’s relationship with STM played a big part.

“Our trust in STM was about 80 per cent of the reason, because we knew we’d have their backup support and service,” he says. “And the rest is the fact that D’Avinos are Italian-made machines, and you always get good quality coming out of Italy. With those two factors combined, we figured we’d have a recipe for success.”

Jon says this is also indicative of one of STM’s strongest attributes: that the team can be trusted to do the research and the legwork necessary before engaging with a new brand.

“They won’t just take something on for

purely monetary reasons,” Jon says. “They’re not going to put their name to a product that’s not suited to the Australian market.

“They’ll look five to 10 years into the future. Whether it’s a European, Chinese, or Japanese machine, STM will look deeper to find out what kind of backup support they’re going to get from the manufacturer before they take the dealership on.”

For Jon, this dedication is all part of why Sitex and STM have enjoyed such a mutually rewarding relationship.

“Having STM partner with us along the way from day one has been an integral part of Sitex’s growth,” he says. “Without that support from all areas and departments of their business, we probably wouldn’t be where we are today.”

Sitex maintains a fleet of more than 200 pieces of equipment.

D'Avino dumpers have been popular with Sitex's customers.

YOUR ONE STOP SHOP

STM FOR MACHINERY

For almost half a century, STM has made it possible for businesses across NSW to power up – supplying and servicing quality trucks and machinery to meet the demands of any job.

Starting out in a single shed in the 1970s, we know what it takes to build a business – and are passionate about helping you grow yours. Today, our family owned and operated enterprise is proud to offer a multi-site, modern service, with a team of more than 120. We care about giving every customer the best experience possible – with a wide range of trusted brands, flexible finance, spare parts, repairs and personal service.

We may have come a long way from that shed, but our family commitment to quality remains. Whatever your size, whatever your budget, STM is your one stop shop – with everything to keep your business moving.

Equipped for growth

Allied Equipment Sales draws on more than four decades of expertise to supply reliable used earthmoving equipment to Australian construction, mining, and quarrying catches up with Director Mitchell Smith to learn more.

Mitchell says Allied Equipment Sales focuses on a handful of trusted brands, including Caterpillar, Komatsu, Hitachi, John Deere, and Volvo.

“Our biggest movers are Cat wheel loaders from 966s through to 988Ks, Cat dozers – D8s through to D10s, as well as motor graders, skid steers, and telehandlers,” he says.

“We like to carry quite a broad range – it’s about being able to have a variety of options for our customers.”

Family foundations

Drawing from a combined 100+ years of industry experience, Allied Equipment Sales has become a trusted name in used equipment – at first in its hometown of Perth, and now increasingly across the country.

“My father’s had control of the business since 1990,” Mitchell says. “And I joined the company myself in 2014 after working in the field as a diesel fitter for 10 years.”

Working his way up from operations to sales in another part of the business, Mitchell then shifted to retail sales with Allied Equipment Sales. From here, he grew with the business,

moving into international purchasing, and eventually the role of Director.

Mitchell has continued to help facilitate the growth and reach of the business, from WA to the east coast, and beyond.

“The east coast has continued to be a large growth region for us,” he says. “We’ve seen our Penrith branch grow to the point where it’s now making up well over a third of our total revenue in sales.

“We’re now looking to continue expanding in NSW to enable us to provide the kind of service offering that we do in Perth. We’re investing into our property there with workshop facilities so we can provide customised spec build-ups, equipment repairs, and reconditioning.”

This side of Allied Equipment Sales’ operation has previously only been available to customers at its Perth branch. But Mitchell says with so many of the business’ blue-chip clients operating nationally, customers have come to expect the same level and availability of service from coast to coast.

“Growing our NSW facility is a big focus for us right now,” he says. “We’ve recently appointed

a very talented young man out of the industry to assist managing this location, and he’ll be tasked with helping us grow that service segment on the east coast as well.”

All about the people

Mitchell attributes Allied Equipment Sales’ steady growth to its people-first approach, combined with its strong family business roots.

“Our business is built on people and their relationships with suppliers and clients,” he says. “So, we want to bring in the right people who are willing and keen to grow with the business, and be mentored by some of our senior staff – some of whom have been in the industry for more than 40 years.

“We want to help people grow their careers, while also providing that flexibility that a family business can. Here, they’ve got trusted relationships with the senior people in the business, as well as the board.”

Additionally, Mitchell says having senior staff sitting in on board meetings helps ensure everyone has a deeper understanding of the business, where it can improve, and where the next potential growth areas are.

“We try to understand everyone’s perspective, because people all have different views and different ideas,” he says. “And if you’re going to employ people and not listen to them – you’re asking for trouble, really.

“Our approach has always been to give our people a sense of ownership over what they do – and that’s been paying dividends for us.”

To learn more, or to explore the range of equipment currently available for purchase, visit: www.alliedequipmentsales.com.au

Allied Equipment Sales is expanding its Penrith branch to strengthen its presence on the east coast.

Allied Equipment Sales Director Mitchell Smith.

A new chapter

Dieci Australia’s brand-new flagship facility in Prestons, NSW, demonstrates a business ready to step into a new era. CEO Pat Italiano tells EEM what this means for the company, its dealers, and a steadily growing customer base.

This year, Italian equipment manufacturer Dieci is celebrating 25 years in the Australian market. And with Dieci Australia having just opened its new flagship facility in New South Wales, the milestone couldn’t have come at a better time.

“Compared to the rest of the world, Australia is a small market in the construction machinery space. So, for a business to be here for 25 years is something to be proud of,” says Dieci Australia CEO Pat Italiano.

Combined, he says, the milestone and the new facility in Prestons represents a step into a new era – one centred around a renewed focus on reliable service and backup support customers can trust.

Premium potential

When Pat and his team came on board in April 2019 – rebranding the business to Dieci Australia in the process – he understood the quality represented by Dieci’s range of Italian-

made telehandlers, dumpers, and mixer trucks. But he also saw the potential to elevate the brand’s reputation in the local market.

“The Dieci product is manufactured in the same region as Ferrari,” he says. “So, you know you’re going to get a premium machine. But selling a quality piece of equipment is the easy part for a business – it’s the aftersales service and support that makes the biggest difference and separates you from your competitors.

“We want to make sure people know that when they buy from Dieci Australia, they’ll get a quality machine, and they’ll also get that next level of service and support as well.”

Pat says there are plenty of businesses in Australia that will sell you a cheaper machine, but longevity and ongoing service and support are never guaranteed.

“There’s a lot of new entrants coming into the market, and there will always be people who are happy to just buy based on price,” he

says. “However, if you believe in the quality of the product you represent and the service you provide, customers will generally see that price is not always the deciding factor.”

This, Pat says, is why Dieci Australia has committed to providing not just tough, reliable telehandlers, but an overall premium customer experience.

“For us, it’s about how the equipment is supported,” he says. “We want our customers to think: ‘that’s why I want to buy a Dieci’, because they can see what sits behind the name. And this new Prestons facility shows that we are really moving in the right direction on that front.”

More than a warehouse

Dieci Australia’s new Prestons facility adds to its existing national footprint, and will both serve as the headquarters for the business, as well as to improve its coverage in NSW and beyond.

The new facility has been designed to embody Dieci Australia’s commitment to its dealers and customers.

Pat says the new facility will allow Dieci Australia to bring more inventory into the country and carry a more comprehensive stock of spare parts – but it will also provide a better experience for customers and employees alike.

“It’s an impressive facility – 5500 square metres, all completely under roof,” he says.

“Prospective customers can step into our showroom, where our product experts can conduct their machine walkarounds.

“It’s also fitted out with an overhead gantry crane and state-of-the-art industrial spray booths. So, it will provide a really nice facility for our service technicians to work.”

Pat sees the facility as a “stake in the ground” for Dieci Australia. It’s a statement of the business’ future ambitions, and of its renewed commitment to its people – customers and employees alike.

“It represents a real evolution for the business,” he says. “It’s all about how we can improve our customers’ experience, better support our network of dealers, and also be a great place to work.”

For more on Dieci’s products, or to find your nearest dealer, visit: www.dieciaustralia.com.au

About Dieci

Since its inception in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region in 1962, Dieci has supplied a range of premium heavy equipment solutions to the construction, mining, and agricultural sectors.

Initially focused on the design and manufacture of concrete mixers, the brand has since become known for its innovative telehandler range. Today, more than 100 different telehandler models are produced from its Italian headquarters, and shipped to more than 70 countries.

Dieci’s construction telehandlers range from 2.5 to 21 tonne machines, from the compact Apollo line to the heavy-duty Hercules.

Dieci has maintained a presence in Australia for 25 years.

Dieci Australia team members at the Prestons facility: (L-R) Simon Curtis, Group CFO; Pat Italiano, Group CEO; Gaven Halloran, NSW State Manager; and Ivan Pearson, Business Development Manager.

The power of innovation

With its bold, award-winning design, the new Liebherr TA 230 is sure to catch the eye of even the most seasoned dump truck professional. But does it bring the power and performance to match?

Liebherr’s TA 230 Litronic has been turning heads since it was unveiled in Germany in late 2020. The first of Liebherr’s new generation of articulated dump trucks, the machine represents a new benchmark for the brand’s commitment to modern design and performance.

Redeveloped from the ground up, the 30-tonne TA 230 is the result of comprehensive market research and customer feedback, with a view to deliver the very best in productivity, reliability, operator comfort, and – above all – safety.

Built to excel in challenging environments, the truck has been specifically designed for off-road applications and difficult terrain, prioritising superior handling and smooth travel. The TA 230’s newly designed dump body is paired with a modern visual design, featuring the balance of curves and hard edges of Liebherr’s Generation 8 machines.

Dressed to impress

Just over six months after first unveiling the TA 230 to the public, the truck’s designers were rewarded for their bold vision.

Liebherr’s new flagship dump truck received the prestigious 2021 Red Dot Award for design – an annual award presented to products from a range of industries that demonstrate good design and innovation.

A panel of international experts recognised the TA 230’s modern, coherent machine and design concept, and its combination of form and function.

From here, the TA 230 was introduced into the North American market in 2022, and was displayed for the first time at the country’s largest construction expo, CONEXPO/CONAGG 2023.

Innovation, inside and out

Since the first of its kind landed in Australia in February this year, Liebherr’s TA 230 has

been turning heads with its striking design. But according to Scott McClement – National Major Account Manager, Earthmoving & Material Handling Division, Liebherr-Australia – there’s also plenty under the bonnet of the TA 230 to be excited by – from next-level fuel efficiency to innovative productivity and safety features. “The first thing an operator’s going to realise when they step into the cabin is the size,” he

The TA 230 is designed to excel in tough conditions.

The TA 230’s newly designed dump body delivers a 28-tonne payload.

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 wellappointed sealed cab with ergonomically arranged controls, multiple stowage compartments, and an as-standard airsuspension 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 sixcylinder Tier 4 final engine, coupled with a ZF transmission,” Scott adds. “This combination helps to deliver a very low fuel consumption of around 15 litres per hour.

“And 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. Scott points to the TA 230’s automatic traction control as a prime example.

“Automatic traction control is one of our

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.”

This is made possible by the TA 230’s inter-axle differential locks. If a slip occurs on one axle, torque is automatically redistributed to the others.

In the field

The design awards and the performance specs

TA 230 fare when put to work on an Australian construction site?

Western Sydney’s DSA Contracting specialises in earthworks, subdivisions, and civil infrastructure works.

With a Liebherr R 945 Litronic crawler excavator already part of its large fleet, the DSA team were keen to test drive the new TA 230 articulated dump truck.

Operator Zach Donovan has worked with

DSA Contracting’s fleet includes a Liebherr R 945 Litronic crawler excavator.

DSA Contracting’s Zach Donovan (left), and Liebherr Australia’s Scott McClement.

The TA 230 was awarded the 2021 Red Dot Award for its design.

The DSA Contracting team put the TA 230 through its paces.

Zach was impressed with the TA 230’s smooth operation.

DSA for two years, and has been operating articulated dump trucks for more than eight –so he’s developed a sense of what separates a good dump truck from a great one.

With the business always looking to keep its fleet refreshed with the very latest equipment, Zach was more than happy to give the Liebherr TA 230 a test drive, and was immediately impressed by the machine’s power, visibility, and added features.

“The power delivery is great, even when fully loaded,” he says. “It accelerates nicely, and slows down nicely too.

“The visibility is very good as well. It feels like the window wraps around you. You can see close in front of the machine, and very well down the sides.”

Zach also points out the usefulness of the TA 230’s weighing system, which enables the operator to monitor and record payload in real time.

“It counts your load as you go and gives you a weight, so you can tell if you’re overweight or not,” he says. “You can also easily see how many tonnes you’ve moved for the day.”

Further boosting the productivity potential of the truck, the TA 230 boasts a top speed of 57kmph – but a lower maximum speed can be set via the speed maintenance assist function as required by the application.

“It’s really smooth to drive,” Zach says. “The hydrostatic drive enables the truck to accelerate smoothly, and it doesn’t feel like you’re going as fast as you are until you look down and see your speed on the dash.”

Zach was also impressed by how the TA 230’s redesigned dump body allowed for easy, efficient unloading.

“Tipping off loads feels good too, and makes it easy to spread a load out really nicely,” he says.

About Liebherr

For more than 70 years, Liebherr Group has delivered a highly diversified portfolio of products to the global construction industry. One of the world’s largest construction equipment manufacturers, the family-run

The TA 230’s spacious cab is designed to maximise comfort and visibility.

The TA 230's short bonnet allows excellent vision in front of the machine.

technology company also provides high-quality user-oriented products and services in a wide range of other sectors. The Liebherr Group encompasses more than 140 companies across all continents.

Liebherr-Australia Pty. Ltd. has supplied and supported its range of earthmoving, mining, and crane equipment across Australia since 1981. Today, the company also operates a national distribution centre, as well as a remanufacturing centre to ensure comprehensive ongoing support of its customers’ fleets.

For more information, please visit: www.liebherr.com.au

Liebherr TA 230 Litronic key specs

Empty vehicle weight 24,600kg

Payload 28,000kg

Maximum dump body capacity 18.1 cubic metres

Engine output (ISO 9249) 265kW @ 360hp

Emission stageTier 4f

Travel speed forward 57kmph

Travel speed backward 16kmph

The TA 230’s weighing system records the payload in real time.

DSA Contracting keeps its fleet up to date with the latest equipment.

The TA 230 Litronic dump truck

Designed

The SK135SR-7 perfectly demonstrates the commitment Kobelco has to designing and manufacturing the most capable excavators available, built with Japanese quality for legendary reliability.

As the #1 selling machine in the 14 tonne class, the SK135SR-7 combines unbeatable performance, fuel efficiency and reliability with a premium operator station and modern machine design.

And now Australia’s most popular short radius heavy excavator is available with a proven Isuzu Tier 3 engine, with no DPF and no AdBlue required, reducing operating costs and increasing convenience.

Premium power, pure productivity

The WL110 Wheel Loader is the largest machine in Wacker Neuson’s compact wheel loader line. Greg Monk, Product Manager, explains what makes it a productivity powerhouse for any industry with something to move.

Greg Monk’s career with Wacker Neuson has spanned more than three decades – long before the two German brands Wacker and Neuson joined forces.

“The business is 175 years old, and has had a presence in Australia since 1966,” he says. “It was just known as the Wacker Company back then, which dealt in light gear like rammers and plate compactors. We then merged with Neuson in 2008, which introduced all the earthmoving gear.” Wacker Neuson then began bringing earthmoving equipment into Australia in

2010 starting with its excavator range, with telehandlers and wheel loaders soon to follow.

Greg says this means the company is no household name in Australia, but given its premium German-made product line, Wacker Neuson won’t remain Europe’s best-kept secret in the local earthmoving space for long.

Fully loaded

One recent addition to the Wacker Neuson earthmoving range is the 11-tonne WL110 Wheel Loader, which has already begun making its

mark in the Australian market. As Wacker Neuson’s largest compact wheel loader, the WL110 is well suited to applications such as earthworks, quarrying, and waste management.

“Wheel loaders like the WL100 are the primary size used in local government recycling centres,” Greg says. “Every recycling centre in Australia and New Zealand will have one, two, or three of these going around.”

Greg says this means such wheel loaders are generally purchased as part of a fleet, and tend to be put to work on quite long days.

Wacker Neuson’s WL110 Wheel Loader is well suited to earthworks, quarrying, and waste management.

“Wacker Neuson deals a lot in smaller 1.7-tonne excavators, which will often only be running for two hours a day,” he says. “On a loader like the WL110, it’s more like six or seven hours. This makes operator comfort absolutely critical.

“We’ve spent a lot of time reducing the noise levels inside the cabin, as well as making sure operators are in a comfortable, ergonomic position when they’re working the machine.”

Greg says the WL110 has been designed to ensure all main operating functions are at the fingertips, making operation intuitive for less experienced operators, and reducing the range of motion required.

“With machines in a fleet, you’ll often have different operators getting in these machines all the time,” he says. “They might be very experienced in another brand of 10-tonne wheel loader, but have never used ours before. So, all critical components and functions need to be clearly identified and intuitive. And that’s where we differentiate ourselves from others in the marketplace.”

Operator first

Stepping into the WL110’s cab, operators will find the joystick console mounted on the operator’s seat and cushioned against vibrations, ensuring the most important controls are always in the right place for any operator – especially important for longer days on the machine.

“When you move this seat, the joystick comes with you,” Greg says. “With some brands, the joystick stays in the one spot – so if the seat moves forward, the operator’s no longer in an ergonomic position.”

Wacker Neuson’s premium German-built products are competitively priced.

Wacker Neuson’s trusted dealership network covers every Australian state and territory, as well as New Zealand.

This console is also home to the jog dial, which allows operators to easily select hydraulic flow presets for different attachments.

“For less experienced operators, this limits the potential for them to cause damage when switching between attachments,” Greg says. “They just have to select the right option, the system will detect what’s on there, and it adjusts accordingly.”

These features are all in line with Wacker Neuson’s operating philosophy, which aims to make the operation of all Wacker Neuson machines a consistent experience – even across product groups.

This is further supported by a range of other standard inclusions, such as an intuitive seveninch touch screen, integrated rear camera, air conditioning, automatic bucket return, as well as the enhanced productivity provided by the Ecospeed Pro hydrostatic transmission.

“Ecospeed Pro functions similarly to cruise control,” Greg says. “The WL110 can do a maximum of 40kmph, and this feature can hold that speed, whether you’re going up a hill or down a hill – but you’re still able to control that speed with your foot throttle. This helps operators get to and from the load and dump points quicker and more safely.”

What’s more, Greg says the Ecospeed Pro transmission not only helps simplify operation, but also eliminates the need for gears.

“A lot of other brands out there will have power shuttle or power shifting systems,” he says. “Going fully hydrostatic is a more expensive way of doing it, but it means you never have to change gears – it’s just a forward and reverse switch on the joystick.

“The problem with a gear system, like you’d have on a tractor for instance, is you’re changing gears 1000 times a day. That means wear and tear on both the machine and operator.”

Combined with a Stage V-compliant Deutz engine, Greg says the efficiency of Ecospeed Pro also helps keep the WL110’s emissions down – especially important in local council

settings, where the emissions of earthmoving equipment are increasingly under scrutiny.

The real deal

With a trusted dealership network covering every Australian state and territory – as well as New Zealand – Greg says Wacker Neuson is in

a great position to support an upswing in local demand for its products.

“Wacker Neuson machines are premium German-built products,” he says. “They offer all the modern productivity, efficiency, and safety features you’d expect – but they’re still competitively priced.”

The WL110’s cab is designed to optimise comfort and ergonomics for operators.

Both the joystick console and the operator’s seat are cushioned against vibrations.

WL110 Wheel Loader

key features and specs:

• Operating weight: 11,250kg

• Payload: 1724-2083kg

• Bucket capacity (heaped): 1.55 cubic metres

• Engine: Deutz TCD 4.1

S5, Stage V, 115kW @ 2300rpm

• Transmission: Ecospeed

Pro hydrostatic

The WL110’s fully hydrostatic transmission means operators never have to change gears.

A Stage V-compliant Deutz engine helps keep the WL110's emissions down.

Wacker Neuson's Australian operations date back to 1966.

Contact your local dealer for specific products and services for your landscaping or construction requirements:

View the full range of Wacker Neuson products:

WL110 Wheel Loader

Productivity in a new dimension

Styles and substance

Up-and-coming Melbourne construction and hire business Styles Civil and Construction has been in the game for just over a year, but it hasn’t taken the team long to work out the benefits of investing in quality machinery. EEM chats to co-founders Jacob and Christian Styles to find out why they choose Kobelco excavators.

One thing is abundantly clear from the second you step onto a Styles Civil and Construction worksite – brothers Jacob and Christian Styles, and the small team they lead, absolutely love what they do.

Having only pivoted to the civil construction game recently, the brothers take to their work with the sort of gleeful I can’t believe we get paid to do this enthusiasm that elevates everyone around them.

Based in Heathcote Junction – an hour north of Melbourne – the business offers a diverse range of civil and construction services, from carpentry to basic earthworks and landscaping.

“About a year and half ago, I was running a bit of a backyard hiring business with my wife,” Jacob says. “We were just hiring out trailers, generators, and a few other things. But Christian had been nagging me for a while to get an excavator.”

After a bit of back and forth, and discussions with their families, the Styles brothers decided that taking a punt on earthmoving was well worth a shot.

“We went out and bought an entry level machine to get us started,” Christian says. “And that snowballed into where we are today with four machines, a truck, and a wide range of attachments.”

Building on Christian’s background as a qualified carpenter, Jacob’s telecommunications engineering background, and with tireless support from Jacob’s wife Kasey Styles and Christian’s partner Arabella Laudisio, Styles Civil and Construction has continued to go from strength to strength. “The main thing we’re enjoying is just being two brothers having a crack, working together, and making something of ourselves – we’re pretty proud of that,” Jacob says.

“Day-to-day, we’re always in different places, doing different jobs, different tasks. We’re pretty diverse, so that keeps it enjoyable.”

Styles Civil and Construction’s latest addition – the Kobelco 3.5-tonne SK35SR-6 mini excavator.

Stepping up

“About 10 months ago, after hiring out our budget excavator for a couple of months, we realised the demand was there,” Christian says. “So, we started looking for somewhere to get another 1.7-tonne machine. We made calls to quite a few places, and we kept getting put on wait lists and then not getting calls back.”

But it was through this process that local Kobelco dealer Melbourne Tractors stood out from the pack. While excavator stock was still thin on the ground, Melbourne Tractors kept in contact with the Styles brothers.

player in the industry, and having no existing relationship with the dealer, the Melbourne

Tractors team took them seriously from the start.

This played a big part in the Styles brothers pulling the trigger on a 1.7-tonne Kobelco SK17SR-6 excavator once available – their first Kobelco, but not their last.

“Having that level of support from the very start was great,” Jacob says. “Today, we still only have two machines, but we’re still treated like we’re a big part of Melbourne Tractors’ business.”

Turning blue

Since then, Jacob and Christian’s decision to

about the machines in the back of your mind,” Christian says. “And we know if we need to call Melbourne Tractors, we’re going to get an answer, and they’ll always do what they can to help.

“The service has always been second to none.”

After their positive experience with their 1.7-tonne Kobelco, and with work demands and the brothers’ ambitions growing in step, Jacob and Christian soon decided it was time to upsize.

The two were originally eyeing a jump up the range to a 4.5-tonne cabbed Kobelco excavator,

their order for the 4.5-tonne machine, and jumped on an available 3.5-tonne SK35SR-6 as well.

But far from a compromise, the SK35SR-6 has provided a substantial productivity boost, but with the benefits of a compact footprint.

“That step up is helping us get our basic tasks done a lot quicker,” Jacob says. “We’re glad we made that move.”

“It’s got plenty of power, and the controls are smooth,” adds Christian. “It’s a really nice machine to sit in.”

Little details

The Styles brothers’ local Melbourne Tractors rep, Hayden Rae, says it’s been great to see the young business succeeding with the help of its Kobelco machinery.

“Looking after smaller family businesses is how Melbourne Tractors has grown and succeeded since the 1970s,” Hayden says. “We’re a family-owned company just like Styles Civil, so it’s important to us that we look after these guys, make sure they’re cared for, and help them avoid downtime.”

Hayden says the feedback from Jacob and Christian on their Kobelco machines has been

Jacob (left) and Christian Styles.

Hayden Rae (right) says looking after small family businesses is a big focus for Melbourne Tractors.

overwhelmingly positive, and he attributes much of this to a range of little details that don’t come across on a spec sheet.

“With the 1.7-tonne SK17SR-6, the overall balance of the machine is really good,” he says. “It’s got just the right amount of power in the drive motor to take the machine up a hill and load in and out easily.

“The zero-swing tail on the 1.7 is also a great feature for their applications. We know these guys will be able to keep it for as long as they need to, and when it comes time to trade it back in, the back end of it won’t be covered in scratches.”

Hayden says the SK17SR-6’s tracks can easily be retracted and extended, enabling further versatility for operation on tight worksites.

As for the new 3.5-tonne SK35SR-6, Hayden likes to think of it as Kobelco’s “big little machine”.

“It’s got a 1700mm track width, so you can fit it most places,” he says. “But you’ve also got the advantage of the long reach, as well as the

The Styles’ success with their SK17SR-6 has seen them become return Kobelco customers.

Styles Civil’s first Kobelco: the compact 1.7-tonne SK17SR-6.

three hydraulic pump system which allows you to prioritise power to the area that you need it –whether that’s digging, bulking and turning, or just tracking along with the two-speed tracking system.

“For the Styles team, this gives them the power to bulk more dirt and work more efficiently, while still being super fuel efficient.”

The next step

Both Jacob and Christian are excited about the prospect of growing bigger and better with the support of Melbourne Tractors and Kobelco.

“The sky’s the limit for us,” Jacob says. “We’ve taken a big gamble doing what we’re doing. But we’ve already gotten right out of our comfort zones, and we’re on the path to keep going.”

“And having Melbourne Tractors there to support us and supply quality Kobelco machines when we need them will help heaps,” Christian adds.

“It means we’ll have great machines to operate, it will help with the hire side of the business, and it’s going to help us get good operators in the future.

The SK35SR-6’s hydraulic system lets operators prioritise power to the task at hand.

Jacob says the support from Melbourne Tractors has been great from the start.

Since founding HAS Earthmoving in 2004, Heath Shipard has experienced all the highs and lows that the earthmoving industry has to offer.

In 2015 alone, he rode the wave from career highlight to near disaster – recognised and awarded for his achievements as a Western Australian 40 under 40 one minute; ripped off by two clients to the tune of more than $2

Moving smart

million the next.

“This was the hardest time of my career to date,” Heath says. “We had to dismiss more than 100 staff members as a result and effectively start up again from scratch.

“But it was also one of the most valuable experiences education-wise. As a business owner, you always learn more on the way down than you ever do on the way up.”

Despite this monumental setback –or perhaps in defiance of it – Heath’s determination to keep learning and growing has seen him rebound, adapt, and build back stronger.

Part of this resilience can be attributed to Heath’s willingness to think outside the box and diversify his interests. HAS Earthmoving has been his bread and butter, but he has also had his fingers in a variety of industry pies, from street sweeping to aviation to trucking.

He’s also learned to evolve and adapt to the trends and demands of the industry.

“We used to be a standard contractor that tendered and won work,” Heath says. “But in 2020 we decided to pivot and become a service provider to Tier 1 clients, giving us opportunity to provide a service and back it up with management assistance where required.”

This transition meant HAS Earthmoving turned one-time direct competitors into clients – another example of Heath’s willingness to adapt.

“Currently we perform works including road, rail, civil, bulk earthworks, and more,” Heath says. “As well as wet and dry hire services, several current clients have also engaged us for management, project engineers, and site supervisors.”

This shift in focus has already led to some career highlights for the HAS Earthmoving team. From 2020 to 2022, these included work on Perth’s Claremont Train Station Upgrade

Heath Shipard has stared disaster in the face and bounced back stronger than ever. And his local Cat® dealer WesTrac has been there every step of the way.

The Cat 306 CR Next Gen Mini Excavator – the perfect fit for HAS Earthmoving’s rail works.

Heath Shipard, Managing Director, HAS Earthmoving.

Project, as well as several packages of work for WA’s Public Transport Authority.

“The projects have really assisted our growth into the rail sector,” Heath says. “We’ve also been working on the Armadale Line Upgrade Alliance (ALUA) project since late 2022, performing early enabling works in preparation for the November 2023 rail shut on the Armadale Line, which is the largest rail shut and rail project in Western Australian history.

“On the back of these ongoing works, HAS Earthmoving is looking to further support the Alliance with the project's civil and earthworks delivery during the 18 month closure.”

Living in the Cat lane

With all that’s keeping Heath and his team busy, HAS Earthmoving requires equipment that can keep up. And for nearly 20 years,

Heath’s equipment of choice has been Caterpillar.

“Our relationship with Caterpillar and our dealer WesTrac started in 2004 when we purchased our first Cat 301.8 Mini Excavator,” he says. “And the relationship with WesTrac has been excellent. We talk very openly and honestly, and if we have an issue, we voice it. They're very good at listening, and they will take any of our feedback on board.

“And I’d have to say, 99.9 per cent of the time they’ll find a solution to whatever problem we might have at the time.”

Heath says this is a big reason why you’ll see a Cat logo on around 90 per cent of HAS Earthmoving’s fleet of roughly 85 pieces of plant and equipment.

“The Cat machinery that we purchase and operate in our fleet includes motor graders,

loaders, dozers, excavators, and more,” he says. “And we have roughly 38 machines on order for delivery over the next 12 months to cover our clients’ growth.

“We also run a lot of technology, so we are spending heavily into the technology range. We order our machinery with 3D machine control from the factory. This enhances the abilities of our operators, and speed of delivery for our clients is so much better as well – we can perform more works and complete more tasks.”

The sky’s the limit – or is it?

Trevor Hearne, Machine and Product Specialist for WesTrac’s Perth dealership, has been Heath’s go-to Caterpillar expert since 2006. Heath says Trevor has been instrumental in the ongoing success of the WesTrac and HAS Earthmoving relationship.

Heath says 90 per cent of HAS Earthmoving’s fleet is Cat equipment.

“He works with us to learn and understand where the business is now, and where we want to take it in the future,” Heath says. “We feel he’s as invested in the business’ success as we are.”

One of the most recent acquisitions facilitated by Trevor is a new Cat 306 CR Next Gen Mini Excavator.

“We purchased the Cat 306 around four months ago after having a meeting with Trevor to discuss our future needs,” Heath says. “He was listening to us, and he suggested

that the 306 would be a very good machine to complement our rail division in particular, especially given the smart technology and the Ease of Use system that's on the machine.

“So, Trevor presented the machine to us and told us the pros and cons. And we decided it was a machine that would fit our business model and our clients’ requirements quite well.”

Trevor says the Cat 306 CR Next Gen Mini Excavator was introduced to replace the previous Cat 305.5 model, and takes integrated technology to a level not seen before on

excavators in this class.

“A lot of these features have now filtered down from the larger machines in the range, and will continue to be introduced further down the line too,” he says.

Trevor points to the Ease of Use suite of features as a particular advantage for businesses like HAS Earthmoving. Comprising Indicate, E-Fence, as well as Swing and Bucket Assist, these features are designed to simplify operation, enhance jobsite productivity, and improve safety.

Heath (left) with WesTrac Machine and Product Specialist, Trevor Hearne.

E-fence allows operators to set limits for swing, depth, and height.

“Having the Ease of Use features available on this smaller machine suits Heath’s business perfectly,” Trevor says. “With all the work HAS is doing with rail, the added safety benefits made a lot of sense for their current workload.”

Heath says the feature set has been a big hit with his operators, who appreciate the extra peace of mind it provides.

“We do a lot of work around rail and other critical assets, and E-fence allows us to set predetermined parameters for swing, depth, and height limitations,” he says. “This helps to ensure we don’t swing or dig into a rail, road, pedestrian area; over-dig into a services corridor; or lift into exclusions zones on rail projects. And as the machines move around, the parameters can be adjusted very easily by the operator in a live environment.

“Indicate is also a great tool for when we’re excavating footings or trenches, as it allows us to free up a person performing ‘boning’ duties to assist elsewhere, effectively dropping our manpower costs for our clients.”

The HAS Earthmoving fleet includes Cat motor graders, loaders, dozers, excavators, and more.

The Cat 306 was introduced to replace the previous Cat 305.5 model.

Back again

Heath says that above all else, the reason he keeps coming back to WesTrac and Cat machinery is the level of after-sales and backup support.

“Their support is, in our experience, second to none,” Heath says. “We have tried other brands of machinery over the years, we found they lack the level of support and parts that we require.

“If we have downtime, then it costs us and our clients money. And WesTrac’s backup makes supporting our clients that much easier.

“The ability to look live into WesTrac’s parts system through the Caterpillar app, and see costs and availability for any part is an essential feature for us. And the desire from Trevor and the WesTrac team to support us – however and whenever we need – is impressive.”

Ultimately, Heath says, it’s about treating people the right way, and surrounding yourself with people that will do the same – whether it be your staff, or your equipment dealer.

“At HAS Earthmoving, everything we do is for family,” he says. “And we support our staff with the genuine belief that a ‘family first’ attitude will empower all parties to feel valued, and not just a number.”

HAS Earthmoving performs a variety of works, including road, rail, civil, and bulk earthworks.

The Ease of Use features have been a big hit with Heath’s operators.

The Ease of Use tools are designed to simplify operation, enhance jobsite productivity, and improve safety.

HAS Earthmoving has enjoyed a strong professional relationship with WesTrac for almost 20 years.

Solid as a rock

With a commitment to keeping its operations smooth and productive, Western Quarries likes to keep its fleet fresh and functional. Having just taken delivery of Australia’s first 50-tonne Volvo EC550E crawler excavator at its Dunneworthy site, the Western Quarries team explains how the powerful new machine is helping maximise production.

When Paul Griffin joined the Western Quarries as Business Manager just over six months ago, he was immediately impressed by the business’ dedication to growth, efficiency, and getting the job done safely.

“My experience so far within the business has been a real eye-opener for me,” Paul says. “They know how to put everything in the right places – the degree of overall structure within the business is really impressive.

“A lot of that is driven by our Managing Director Justin Bartlett, who sets a pretty high standard for safety and performance.”

Paul says endeavouring for best practice across all aspects of the business –whether that’s buying the right equipment or maintaining good signage and traffic management – contributes to a safer operation and more satisfied customers.

“Coming on board in a new role like I have,

there's a lot expected,” Paul says. “Working with the team to ensure we are buying the right equipment, having the right people operating, and maintaining everything to the highest industry standard – I think we're demonstrating all those attributes.”

Quality processes

Since its inception in 2012, Western Quarries has been at the forefront of sustainable

Western Quarries’ Volvo EC550E is the first of its kind in Australia.

quarrying operations in regional Victoria. Recognising the demand for high-quality aggregates in the Australian road networks, the company set out with a view to bridge the gap and contribute to the solution by sourcing geological products that meet economic needs.

In September 2015, Western Quarries took a significant step forward with its inaugural blast, quickly followed by crushing activities. Today, as the only quarry with a certified NATA (National Association of Testing Authorities) laboratory on-site, the company has been able to enhance quality control at the point of manufacture and ensure swift turnaround times.

Now operating at two sites just outside the western Victorian town of Ararat: Dunneworthy Quarry and Tuckers Hill Quarry, Western Quarries continues to grow, all the while supplying materials to support major road infrastructure projects across regional Victoria.

The company's product range includes high-quality aggregates and crushed rocks that meet VicRoads standards for use in concrete, asphalt, and road surfacing projects. With a blending plant established in 2016, Western Quarries can supply wet mix and cement-treated crushed rocks, and pre-coated surfacing aggregate.

Smooth operations

Leading the way at Western Quarries’ Dunneworthy site is Quarry Manager, Daryl Potter, who started with the business shortly after its first blast in 2015. Daryl brings more than 30 years’ quarrying experience to his role managing the Dunneworthy team and its daily operations.

According to Daryl, for his whole Western Quarries tenure, the business’ machinery fleet has been standardised Volvo across the board, which he says has made everybody’s life easier.

“We use all Volvo mobile plant here, including three 40-tonne A40G articulated haulers, and three front-end loaders as well,” he says. “The most recent loader is a Volvo L260H wheel loader, which the boys are really happy with. We also have two L220H wheel loaders, which

we predominantly use as sales loaders around the quarry.”

And on the frontlines for Daryl’s team are two Volvo excavators, a 48-tonner and a brand-new 50-tonner: the EC550E.

“The new EC550E has been a really good addition to our fleet,” he says. “We’re getting much better fuel consumption with this excavator compared to our older machine.

Daryl says the new machine is quicker and

whatever we need. Parts are always readily available, and they give us great backup support. It’s a path we’ll continue to go down in the future.

Clockwise from top left: Daryl Potter, Quarry Manager; Paul Griffin, Business Manager; Justin Brasser, Operator; Lachie Woods, Heavy Diesel Mechanic and 2IC.

Western Quarries added the EC550E to help boost overall output.

“There is a level of confidence with knowing CJD are just down the road in Melbourne. When we’ve had any issues in the past, CJD has been there to help us out. We couldn’t be any happier.”

Bigger and better

Regional Sales Manager Steve Wilson has been with CJD Equipment for more than 20 years, and has been Western Quarries’ trusted Volvo expert since 2017.

He says the Western Quarries team has been impressed by their Volvo machines’ reliability and quality. When it came time for the business to increase its output, Steve had just the solution for them.

“Western Quarries were after a machine that could load their dump trucks faster to get more product moved, and this was the machine to do that,” Steve says. “They were initially looking at another EC480D with a larger bucket, but this combination wasn’t really possible. So, I suggested they look at the EC550E.

“The EC550E is Volvo’s first true 50-tonne class machine, offering greater performance

Western Quarries' fleet is all Volvo.

The 50-tonne EC550E has been designed to deliver the productivity and performance typically found in 60-tonne machines.

and production. This machine has the highest engine power in its class, improved cycle times, exceptional operator comfort, and great fuel efficiency.”

Steve says the EC550E offers the kind of productivity and performance usually reserved for 60-tonne excavators. Its rugged build and reinforced undercarriage makes it a great choice for the toughest conditions.

As always, the Western Quarries team trusted Steve and CJD to steer them the right way, and their trust has paid off so far.

“Adding the EC550E to the Western Quarries fleet has reduced the number of passes required to fill their dump truck while using less fuel, which provides greater productivity,” Steve says.

Justin Brasser, one of Western Quarries’ veteran operators, agrees on all fronts.

“It’s a vast improvement from the smaller machine,” he says. “It’s cut my load times down to two and a half minutes per truck, and burns less fuel for it – between 220 and 240 litres per day.”

“The comfort of the Volvos is far superior too.

Western Quarries’ two Volvo A40G articulated haulers operate in tandem to keep rock moving.

The extra power of the EC550E helps operators fill trucks faster.

It’s nice and smooth to operate, and it has a really nice, clean climate-controlled cab. You’ll still feel a lot more comfortable at the end of the day, too. You’re not as worn out.

“That’s my favourite thing about it – it just makes my job a lot easier.”

For Justin, it’s just one part of what makes his job at Western Quarries enjoyable.

“It’s a great group of people that we work with, and it’s a great company to work for,” he

says. "They update their machinery all the time too. They’re always up with the technology, and keeping them serviced and running like new.”

And when it comes to the maintenance of Western Quarries’ Volvo fleet, the man leading the charge is diesel mechanic and second-incharge at the Dunneworthy site, Lachie Woods. Lachie has mechanical experience dating back to 2010, but was new to working on heavy machinery when he joined Western Quarries

five years ago. He says having the opportunity to upskill by working on the latest Volvo equipment has made the transition easy.

“Volvo's service access points are well laid out on the Volvos, making everything’s easy to get at,” Lachie says. “CJD are very easy to deal with when it comes to parts – just a quick email or a phone call and they get things sorted out quickly.

“And their field service team will always get

Steve says trusted relationships is what CJD Equipment and Volvo are all about.

Western Quarries conducted its first blast in September 2015.

someone out here as soon as they can if we have any issues that are a bit more technical.”

Lachie also appreciates his employer’s dedication to frequently rotating its machinery.

“It makes my job much easier, given we’re not running machines into the ground,” he says. “It also helps them maintain their resale value, and avoid any major issues. We just need to keep up with basic servicing and routine maintenance.”

Robust gear, robust relationships

Steve doesn’t take his role as Western Quarries’ trusted CJD Regional Sales Manager for granted.

“I feel the most important thing in this industry is to develop and maintain trusted relationships with customers, and I pride myself on the fact that this drives me,” he says.

“It is also a core belief of CJD Equipment and Volvo, and it's reflected in how both entities do business: with a focus on the customers' needs.”

For more on Volvo construction equipment, visit: www.cjd.com.au

The EC550E is Volvo's first true 50-tonne excavator.

Western Quarries specialises in highquality aggregate production.

Partners in growth

Solution Plant Hire (SPH), a leading provider of dry hire plant and machinery, has recently expanded its fleet with the addition of the LiuGong 915FCR excavator. Sam Townsend, SPH National Sales Manager, shares some insights into the company's growth, its partnership with LiuGong, and the exceptional performance of the 915FCR.

Since its establishment in 2011 by owners Michael Smith and Chris Newtown, Solution Plant Hire (SPH) has experienced remarkable growth. Starting with just 13 machines in a small warehouse, the company now boasts more than 300 machines and 400 attachments across 12 branches, serving various industries such as civil, mining, agriculture, and construction.

With a focus on supporting its customers' success, SPH takes pride in a fleet of low-hour, compliant machinery with reliable backup, helping clients minimise downtime, and maximise productivity.

Sam Townsend, SPH National Sales Manager, says being part of the company’s rapid growth has been a rewarding experience.

“We’ve worked on many memorable jobs, from the recent upgrade to the Sydney Opera House forecourt, building the Monster Jam monster truck course at Sydney Olympic Park,

the arena for the PBR bull riding in Brisbane –along with the machines working on the large civil jobs in Sydney such as the Warringah freeway upgrade and WestConnex,” Sam says.

“We also specialise in providing mine compliant equipment and offer machines for clients to work in a number of coal mines across the Hunter valley.”

Sam says that there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of seeing the SPH business develop and evolve.

“In the past two years, we've grown our team under the EEA Group banner and are expanding successfully into new sites in regional NSW –Coffs Harbour, Wagga and Orange – as well as interstate in SA and WA,” he says.

While Sam is now fully engaged with earthmoving, his journey into the industry started rather unconventionally.

“I started in the earthmoving industry with SPH, and having sold cars for 12 years, it was a

totally foreign environment for me,” he says. But his adaptability has not only seen him survive but thrive in his new role. He started off as an account manager for three years with SPH in Newcastle and subsequently transitioned into the role of National Sales Manager about two years ago.

“The earthmoving hire industry offers a good work/life balance and is full of excellent people,” Sam says. “The industry proved its strength during COVID, being one of the few industries to keep working through lockdowns.”

According to Sam, SPH’s robust equipment selection also reflects its industry commitment, and its ability to adapt to meet diverse client needs.

“Today, SPH covers the full spectrum of earthmoving with excavators, track loaders, dump trucks, rollers, watercarts, wheeled loaders, and more,” he says.

“Case construction equipment was originally

The 915FCR is the first LiuGong zero-swing excavator to hit the Australian market.

the backbone of SPH. But since then, we have moved with the times and now own a huge mix of brands – including a wide range of machines from LiuGong.”

The LiuGong partnership

Sam speaks highly of SPH's relationship with LiuGong and its Australian dealers, a partnership that was fostered through local LiuGong dealer Pacific Machinery Group.

“With their support, we have been able to introduce a range of LiuGong excavators and rollers to help the continued growth of our fleet,” he says.

“The relationship has been hugely positive. Our clients back the LiuGong products and have been really impressed with the performance. In a climate where sourcing new products can be challenging, LiuGong has enabled SPH to continue growing our fleet, and keep providing our clients with new machines. Plus, their reliability has ensured our clients have minimal downtime due to machinery repairs and maintenance.

"We have also had feedback that the LiuGong’s lifting and digging power outperforms our clients' own machines, which are often betterknown brands.”

The addition of LiuGong machines to the SPH fleet has been considerable.

“We have purchased a 3.5-tonne, 9-tonne, 14.5-tonne excavators – both zero and conventional swing, as well as 22-tonne and 32-tonne excavators and 15-tonne rollers,” Sam says.

“We are also looking to add a few more mini excavators in the 1.7-tonne and 5-tonne range in the future.”

Urban domination: the LiuGong 915FCR SPH has recently expanded its fleet with the addition of the zero-swing LiuGong 915FCR excavator, the first of its kind in the Australian market.

“The decision to go with the 915FCR was easy for SPH as we get a high demand for minimal or zero-swing machine,” Sam says.

“The 915FCR fits this bill perfectly. Its size makes it versatile across all sorts of projects – it’s small enough for tighter access work but

large enough to work on larger bulk works too. “We had provided LiuGong feedback early on in our relationship through Pacific Machinery Group, and expressed our interest in zeroswing options. And they were able to bring them into the country at a very competitive price not long after our discussions.”

Jason Lyall, from LiuGong's Australian distributor, highlights the numerous advantages LiuGong’s 915FCR brings to the table.

"The LiuGong 915FCR excavator sets a new

Jason Lyall, from LiuGong's Australian distributor.

Sam Townsend, SPH National Sales Manager.

SPH has received positive feedback from operators on all its LiuGong machines.

The 915FCR’s ROPS/FOPS cab provides peace of mind for operators working in tough conditions.

The LiuGong F series excavators feature ergonomically designed cabs for operator comfort.

standard in compact yet powerful machinery," Jason says.

“Its sleek design and impressive features make it ideal for a diverse range of environments including urban areas, forests, and demolition sites.”

Safety, a critical factor in the design of the LiuGong 915FCR, includes features like the ROPS (Roll Over Protection System) and FOPS (Falling Object Protection System), which safeguard operators even in the harshest conditions.

But the enhancements aren't just about safety. Jason points out key advancements in the 915FCR, specifically its improved hydraulic system, designed to deliver greater flow and higher swing speeds. This results in a significant reduction in cycle times for tasks such as truck loading, digging, trenching, and backfilling – thus improving overall productivity.

Comfort is also a crucial part of the package. The LiuGong F series excavators have

SPH plans to continue expanding its LiuGong fleet.

Sam says SPH takes pride in its fleet of low-hour, compliant machinery

ergonomically designed cabs that prioritise operator comfort.

“The spacious and thoughtfully arranged interior offers excellent visibility, expansive legroom, and a host of convenient features,” Jason says. “Inclusions like a new multifunction LCD monitor, automatic air conditioner, and ample storage space elevate the working environment, enabling operators to perform optimally even during extended hours.”

Jason says the LiuGong 915FCR excavator represents a harmonious blend of power, agility, and operator comfort in a compact package.

“Its impressive performance, advanced safety features, and ergonomic design make it a reliable and efficient choice for a wide range of applications,” he says.

Gearing up for growth

With the addition of the LiuGong 915FCR

excavator to their fleet, Sam believes that SPH is well-equipped to meet the diverse and everchanging demands of its clients.

This is further supported by the aftersales service, another crucial factor that has reinforced SPH's decision to partner with LiuGong. Sam speaks highly of their backup services, which aligns perfectly with SPH's commitment to minimising machinery downtime for their clients.

“At the end of the day, it's all about utilisation and keeping our clients productive,” he says.

“The backup from LiuGong has been second to none. Not only that, but LiuGong’s competitive pricing, reliability, and contribution to reduced downtime just adds to the pleasure of doing business with them.

Looking forward, Sam envisages a continued expansion across Australia for SPH, penetration into new market segments, and a persistent emphasis on providing an unrivalled customer experience.

And the role of LiuGong and its dealers in this vision?

Sam is unequivocal: “LiuGong will continue to assist in our growth, as they are available nationally and have a range to cover all aspects of earthmoving.

“Your chief worry with a new product is always the uncertainty, whether or not it will be reliable. But with the robust performance and support from the LiuGong team, these concerns have been put to rest.”

LiuGong 915FCR Excavator key specs:

Operating weight 15,700 – 17,500kg

Emission Regulation Tier 4f / Stage V

Engine Cummins F3.8

Rated Power 90kW

Net Power 84.5kW

Standard bucket capacity0.55 cubic metres

Peak Torque 500 N·m @ 1500rpm

Number of Cylinders 4

The 915FCR’s zero-swing form factor is ideal for SPH.

TB210R, TB215R, TB217R 1150kg, 1610kg, 1680kg

TB216, TB219, TB225 1770kg, 1945kg, 2265kg

TB325R, TB335R, TB350R 2310kg, 3760kg, 5100kg

TB235-2, TB250-2, TB260 3465kg, 5120kg, 5735kg

TB257FR, TB280FR 5840kg, 8989kg

TB370, TB290-2 6735kg, 9180kg

TB2150R, TB2150 16000kg, 16000kg

TB295W 10410kg

TAKEUCHI TRACK LOADERS

TL6R

Approx operating weight 3,530kg

Features radial lift

Engine power 47.9 kW

Tipping load 2,390 kg

TL8R-2

Approx operating weight 4,165kg

Features radial lift

Engine power 54.6 kW

Tipping load 2,740 kg

TL10V-2

Approx operating weight 4,660kg

Features vertical lift

Engine power 54.6 kW

Tipping load 3,270 kg

TL12R-2

Approx operating weight 5,710kg

Features radial lift

Engine power 81.8 kW

Tipping load 3,915 kg

TL12V-2

Approx operating weight 5,835kg

Features vertical lift

Engine power 81.8 kW

Tipping load 5,325 kg

The sweet spot

Baden Civil has more than 20 Cat® units in its ever-growing fleet. It’s a testament to the strength of the relationship between the successful earthmoving contractor, its Cat equipment, and of course, its Cat dealership Hastings Deering.

Clay Badenoch is owner and director of Baden Civil. He and his wife kicked off Baden Plant Hire in 2002, the business grew, acquiring machinery as needed, and after five years or so, things changed in a hurry.

“We won a large drainage contract on a government job,” remembers Clay. “We had to change the structure a bit with the contract works, and Baden Civil was born.”

From the beginning

Clay’s very first machine wasn’t a Cat.

“I was 24 years old and pretty nervous about what we were trying to do,” he explains. “We were looking for the cheapest machine we could find with the lowest hours.”

Clay had met the local Cat salesman a few times while searching for his first machine, and the pair had naturally shared a few conversations. Those conversations resulted in Clay’s second machine being a Cat excavator, and he discovered some real advantages.

“One of the things we love about Cat machines is they hold their value,” Clay says. “The local salesman didn’t have anything in my price range at the time, but he helped me out, and the relationship started before the business even really began. He was open, honest, and

Baden Civil’s brand-new Cat 325 excavator.

(L-R) Steve Rykiert, Hastings Deering; Clay Badenoch, Baden Civil

helped me out with advice.

“I think the third machine we bought from him we bought brand new. From that moment we never bought used again. We bought brand new, and now everything in the fleet is a Cat machine.”

Close to home

Baden Civil supplies most of its fleet to large scale infrastructure projects, which Clay describes as “challenging and interesting”, toughing it out in southeast Queensland’s highly competitive environment.

Wet hire makes up about 99 per cent of Baden Civil’s business, and Clay cites a philosophy of supplying quality machines and operators as integral to the company’s success.

“There’s the odd person who begs for a dry hire,” says Clay, a slight frown crossing his brow, “but we love our machines too much to let them be dry hired.”

A typical day for Baden Civil could include state, federal and local council work, roadworks, infrastructure, and rail work; and the company has been a major supplier for Stages 1 and 2 of the Gold Coast Light Rail project.

“Anything and everything in southeast Queensland,” smiles Clay. “We like to stay local,

Baden Civil’s operators enjoy working with the latest Cat equipment.

Baden Civil focuses on wet hire plant supply in South East QLD and northern NSW.

and I think we get better quality operators because we like to send everyone home at night.

“And the majority of our guys are all very proud of our Cat fleet and of their own machines.”

The big league

Clay cites Baden Civil’s involvement in Gold Coast’s heavy rail, specifically the Robina to

Varsity Lakes upgrade, as a project that took his business to the next level.

“We were sort of a mum-and-dad plant business,” recalls Clay, “and the next minute we had around 35 machines there doing the remaining drainage works and all sorts of things.”

Baden Civil works hard at staying ahead of the game, keeping the fleet updated,

always thinking of the next job, and financing accordingly. Keeping equity in the machinery so it can be sold, traded, or upgraded as needed is part of the company game plan.

And as Baden Civil’s growth continues, local Cat dealer Hastings Deering has been a welcome constant, these days represented by General Construction Sales Rep, Steve Rykiert. Steve has been with Hastings Deering for 15

Clay says 99 per cent of Baden Civil’s business is made up of wet hire.

The Cat 325’s compact radius design is perfect for Baden Civil’s works.

All of Baden Civil’s Cat excavators are equipped with Next Gen features.

Steve says the versatility of the Cat 325 makes it a great choice for a large range of applications.

years. Having started his career in equipment assembly, he’s spent the past seven years in sales, and Clay and Baden Civil are naturally valued customers.

“As soon as I started covering the region, I made it a priority to introduce myself,” says Steve. “Clay is such a gentleman of the industry and so accommodating.”

“We’ve only been dealing with Steve for maybe 12 months,” says Clay, “but he’s been great. His knowledge is really good, especially in the smaller gear.

“And Cat Financial as well. They’re wonderful to deal with.”

Right for the job

Clay’s current fleet includes excavators ranging from five-tonners up to 35-tonners, skid-steer loaders, backhoes, and three rubber-tyre excavators.

These last three machines were put into service on the last stage of the GC Light Rail.

“Wheeled excavators are a bit of a niche thing that we got into very early,” explains Clay. “I don’t think there were a lot of them in the country back in the day. They quickly proved their worth, and now there’s one or two on every job.”

The latest purchase for the fast-growing, hard-working plant-hire outfit is the Cat 325, and Steve is convinced Clay and the team will find it a huge asset.

According to Steve, the 325 has Cat’s wellknown and proven quality, durability, and reliability, but cites it being “a compact radius machine delivering lower ownership costs, integrated technology and more productivity,” as making it ideal for Baden Civil’s needs.

“This purchase of the 325 factory-3D Next Gen excavator was a replacement for a Cat 325F,” says Steve. “Baden has been continuing to unify its fleet to the Next Gen platform, with commonality for the operators, with the same controls, features, and benefits from the

Clay says focusing on local jobs and providing quality gear helps keep operators happy.

The Cat 325's comfortable cab.

Clay says the support from Hastings Deering is a huge asset.

Clay’s first excavator wasn’t a Cat machine, but it’s been all Caterpillar since.

“The 325 is our mid-range compact-radius machine fitted with a blade, making it versatile in a large range of applications. It offers up to 25 per cent lower fuel consumption and up to 20 per cent lower maintenance costs, saving the customer money while increased performance is getting more work done.”

Future

As Baden Civil continues to expand, Clay is sure Cat machinery will remain part of the company’s future.

“There’s a great group of local guys we deal with,” he says, “and their knowledge and expertise is wonderful.”

Clay also appreciates the interest the team at Hastings Deering takes in his business and the value it places on his feedback.

“Multiple times I’ve had Caterpillar guys from America here to talk to me about what I want to see on my new Cat machines,” he smiles, “and to see how their machines are used here.

“Now, these new Next Gen machines have features that I’d given feedback on in the past. That’s pretty cool.”

13-tonne Cat 313 through to the 30-tonne Cat 330, along with all the Next Gen features on all the Cat excavators.

Clay says Caterpillar is always open to feedback.

Steve has been with Hastings Deering for 15 years.

Service-first career with Hydraulink

Giorgio Katsambalos has become a dedicated mobile service provider in the Bibra Lakes area of Perth, specialising in the complex machinery and fleet needs of clients spanning market spectrums ranging from civil engineering, mining, manufacturing, metal fabrication, road and rail transport, agricultural tractors, heavy machinery, and hire equipment.

“What I love about the job is that no day is exactly the same. You are always meeting with interesting people and machinery with complex and demanding service needs – and that it is very satisfying to do well, while providing service to clients who trust you with the safety, service, and preventative maintenance of their valuable machines. Dad taught me that if you put good service and good work first, the rest will follow,” says Giorgio, who completed TAFE certification, diplomas, and university preparatory work before seeking an opportunity to develop his potential with Hydraulink.

“A great thing about being out on the road with your own mobile workshop is the challenge of doing a complex job one day, maybe on a rail tumbler rock splitter, then the next day working on a fleet of forklifts, or

big Hitachi civil engineering and construction machinery. You can go on the road with great confidence you are going to do right by people, because you are trained to top standards and backed by a respected national organisation to do the very best for client needs while making the best of your potential,” says Giorgio. His dad was an electrical service specialist who owned several franchises. “I used to go with him everywhere, from a very young age, and loved the life. He was the one who suggested it might be a good idea for me to forge my own future by becoming a franchise owner myself. He thought hydraulic service and preventative maintenance was an interesting area – he believed such service had a great future in WA, where mobile machinery is so important to many industries – and machinery just doesn’t function without hydraulics.”

“So, I compared the best way to get ahead with my own abilities and the best backing out there – and the name Hydraulink kept coming up. It was recommended to me by industry insiders as a company with a long, 75-year reputation for quality and service as well as for backing self-starters with training and career progression.

“And that is exactly how it has worked out –Hydraulink started me out at the ground level at the local office, getting me familiar with branch operations and systems in WA. Then they recognised my eagerness by putting me in the deep end to learn the work out on the road with some of the most experienced people in the business. Their backing and enthusiasm to see you progress motivates me now to always do the best for the customer and for the company that is backing me, because they looked after me. It’s been a very good experience,” says Giorgio.

Hydraulink National Franchise Manager Wayne Abbott said it was obvious from day one that Giorgio was born to the lifetime pathway he has chosen to take.

“Our job was to ground him thoroughly in the industry, to ensure he understood the importance to WA industry of uniformly highquality standards, compliance, traceability and knowledge of different site protocols, different machinery and working in true partnerships with clients. Not to waste their time learning on the job, but to be able to get out there quickly and get things done properly to avoid downtime – that’s what builds relationships.”

A man whose boyhood passion for technical service work was fostered travelling with his father to jobs has now set out to build an exciting life of his own with the Hydraulink hydraulic hose and fitting network.

Every day offers a different service opportunity for Giorgio, from truck and forklift fleets to heavy civil engineering and mining equipment.

What Giorgio loves about his job is that no two days are the same.

Speed 30 km/h

Burning ambition

Alemlube’s new Queensland headquarters reflects a company dedicated to doing things right by its customers, partners, and staff. EEM finds out how.

Paul Cooperthwaite describes Alemlube’s new state-of-art facility in Burpengary, Queensland as his “swan song” for the company – a culmination of more than 20 years’ work. So, in June, when he got the phone call and found out how close it all came to burning to the ground, all he could do was be thankful to the people who saved the day.

“It was a heart-in-the-mouth moment for me,” Paul says. “It had started in the ventilation motor in the roof. One of the guys was driving out when he turned around to have a look at the building and noticed this big white plume coming out of the roof.

“So, he came back, flicked off the power, and called the fire brigade. Luckily, they just happened to be doing exercises around the corner at the time, and so they were there in minutes.”

Upon their arrival, the fire brigade informed the team that the facility would have been lost had the power not been shut off, and had they not been so close. Lucky? Certainly. But without the quick thinking and good instincts of Alemlube’s employee, it all could have been gone before anybody was even aware.

“It was a close call,” Paul says. “This brandnew facility we’d all worked 20 years to develop was nearly gone in a puff of smoke.”

The Alemlube team celebrates the opening of the new flagship facility in Burpengary, Queensland.

Alemlube’s Paul Cooperthwaite.

Reward for effort

Alemlube has provided workshop and equipment lubrication solutions to a wide range of industries for more than 30 years. With business growing steadily over the past decade, the decision was made to leave its old QLD facility in Deception Bay, and relocate to Burpengary.

As Alemlube’s Regional Manager for QLD and Papua New Guinea, Paul has been a key part of the development of the new facility, where the finishing touches are almost complete.

“It’s been a fantastic process,” he says. “We had 2000 square metres in Deception Bay, and where we’ve now moved is 4000 square metres. It’s a big upgrade. And I have to really take my hat off to Alemlube’s owners, who have given us pretty much everything we’ve asked for.

“They've enabled us to install some labour and time saving devices, including two vertical lift machines to help speed up our goods deliveries, and laser cutters in the fabrication shop to streamline tank building and other fabrication works.”

Combined with greater capacity for product and parts, Paul says the flagship facility will serve as a benchmark for Alemlube’s future growth.

Adapting for growth

Paul says it’s a far cry from Alemlube’s early days, where it was essentially “a sales and marketing business” – importing and selling equipment through distributors. The new facility, he says, demonstrates just how far the business has come since then.

“We realised that if we were going to increase our sales and develop the business, we needed to provide a service, installation, and repair capability.

“While it's comfortable to just sell products in and out of a warehouse, we would never have grown into the business we are today without embracing these other challenges.”

Paul says Alemlube began slowly ramping up this side of the business about 15 years ago.

“Originally, we were probably installing a couple of systems a month,” he says. “Whenever we got an order for a loader or an excavator, we'd be pretty chuffed – high fiving all around. Fast-forward 23 years, and we're doing over 1000 systems a year.

“Today, we’re heavily involved with many of the major earthmoving and transport companies. Anyone who’s using bulk quantities of oil, grease, and diesel is going to need some kind of transfer, pumping, metering, dispensing, and storage equipment – that’s where we come in.”

Good people is good business

Paul has learnt in his more than two decades at Alemlube that the quality of the people you employ dictates success – and occasionally the prevention of a disastrous fire. He says that putting the right people in the right jobs helps the business builds stronger relationships across the industries it serves.

“We opened our original Queensland branch in 2000, and the four gentleman we opened with – Greg Chapman, Philipe David, Mike Duran, and myself – are still with us 23 years

later,” Paul says. “I think that’s quite impressive.”

Paul attributes this to Alemlube’s people-first attitude – one that permeates throughout the business.

“One of the main reasons we’ve had success as a business is that we value relationships,” he says. “We treat all the OEMs and end users as long-term business partners. We’re not just in it for the one-off job, we want to develop those relationships for the years to come.”

But as Alemlube continues to grow, Paul says it’s crucial to maintain a small business’ sense of purpose and service.

“We've not lost that personal touch,” he says. “The day we start taking customers for granted will be the day we begin losing business. It's crucial to retain that hunger and humility, rather than taking customers for granted and expecting them to adapt to our way.”

Alemlube’s people-first approach has also been consciously built into the Burpengary facility.

“One of the highlights of this place is not just the advanced facilities and modern equipment, but also the excellent amenities for staff,” Paul says. “For instance, we have five outdoor undercover recreational areas for staff to relax and enjoy themselves.

“Our staff's wellbeing is extremely important to us, and we want to keep them content. The

company owners have enabled us to build a new facility that helps us to deliver good service, and a good working environment.”

Supporting the future

“Another exciting aspect of the new facility is the size of our hardstand area,” Paul says. “This means companies are bringing their trucks and machines to us, we provide our services, and then they leave with their end product and any other items they require. It’s like we've become a part of their process.”

Paul says it’s gratifying to feel like part of a customer’s business in this way. And as well as helping maintain and grow positive business relationships, it also helps free up resources, build new business connections, all while delivering the best possible service.

For Paul, it continues to come back to building relationships – customers and staff alike.

“Alemlube started off right down the pecking order when it came to profile and market share,” he says. “But we’ve worked really hard, we’ve got a really good team, and we’ve continued to be a really good company to work for. Now we’re market leaders in many of the markets and industries we cover.

“It’s been a wonderful journey – and this flagship branch is the reward for all our hard work.”

Alemlube QLD veterans, from left: Mike Duran, Project Operations; Paul Cooperthwaite, Regional Manager QLD & PNG; Greg Chapman, Sales Manager QLD & PNG; Philipe David, Warehouse.

The fire brigade saves the day.

John Deere delivering ‘The Good Oil’

John

Deere’s exclusive range of lubricant products increase the lifespan of parts in John Deere equipment.

When choosing the right oil and lubricants for earthmoving equipment, it’s important to consider them not just as a complementary product, but as a true part in a machines’ operational ecosystem.

That’s the driving force behind John Deere’s decision to create its own exclusive range of lubricant products.

John Deere Australia and New Zealand Director of Aftermarket and Customer Support, Emma Ford, says the oil, grease and coolants have been designed and developed for purpose by John Deere engineers to ensure optimal performance of construction and earthmoving machines.

“Only John Deere lubricants are specifically designed to prolong service intervals, ensure peak performance, and increase the lifespan of parts in John Deere equipment,” Emma says.

“Minimum industry standards such as API, ACEA and JASO specifications are not the best way of judging the quality of one brand against another. There are many oils that only just meet these standards and others that don’t even reach the standards as claimed on some product labels.

“With high-quality, genuine John Deere lubricants you can be confident that they meet, and often exceed, the highest industry standards.”

While on-road vehicles put a 40-50 per cent load factor on parts, have more airflow (speed), and run on cleaner surfaces, off-road vehicles place a 70-80 per cent load factor on parts, have less airflow, which increases heat, and run

on dusty, dirty, and rough terrain. Emma says that makes it critical to choose lubricants that are fit for purpose.

“Genuine John Deere lubricants have been specifically developed for equipment used in these harsher conditions under increased stress, heat, and exposure to contaminants,” she says.

“While high quality, genuine John Deere lubricants may cost more initially, they save you money in the long run by reducing wear and avoiding downtime and as a result prolonging the life of your equipment.”

John Deere is also contributing to sustainability with its lubricants range, both through the reduced requirement for inputs

and the company’s commitment to initiatives such as recycled packaging and production in carbon-neutral facilities using recyclable steel containers.

“Using the John Deere range underscores sustainability in its most holistic sense,” Emma says. “It encompasses not just greater environmental performance but also greater economic prosperity and wellbeing of people and communities.”

To learn more about John Deere’s exclusive range of hydraulic oil, engine oil, coolants, gear lubricants, and grease, head to www.deere.com.au or contact your nearest John Deere dealer.

John Deere lubricants meet, and often exceed, the highest industry standards.

John Deere lubricants ensure optimal performance of construction and earthmoving machines.

With John Deere oils, excellence is what matters. It’s not just an ingredient. It’s the result of relentless hard work, much like our hardworking machines. Developed by our experts for those who demand the best, you’ll experience unparalleled performance that delivers optimal machine longevity, saving you time and money.

Unleash the excellence of John Deere lubricants.

Komatsu launches new fleet monitoring system for customers

myFleet allows users to view all machine data in one location across their entire fleet, while monitoring machine health and issues. The system is accessible through Komatsu’s customer portal, myKomatsu, and also allows users to request services from Komatsu in the platform so they can keep on top of service schedules and manage any issues on the go.

Todd Connolly, Komatsu Australia’s General Manager for Business Transformation, says this platform is one the team has been working on for a while, to deliver a streamlined system as many customers continue to grow their fleets.

“We’re always looking at what is the next thing we can bring to customers to help them run successful businesses. myFleet is the answer to fill a gap for many of our construction customers – they can have the information they need about their machines in the one place, and can easily access when they’re on the go, whether they’re working in the office for the day, or out on a jobsite,” Todd says.

“Technology and innovation have always been at the core of what we do. myFleet is just another example of a way we’re delivering intuitive yet simple solutions to help move construction businesses forward and provide information about their fleet they might not have had access to before.”

One feature that Todd believes will resonate well with customers is the machine health dashboard. “The dashboard provides users with the health status of each machine in their fleet, and some more information on what could be impacting their health, such as machine abnormality codes or inspections, so they can plan for any routine services and maintenance.”

To complement this, myFleet also gives users access to a full history of their service events, as well as a view on upcoming booked services or when services should be booked.

then post-service they can see the service reports, with a comprehensive list of what has been checked, plus pictures of any issues that may have been captured in the service.

For more information on myFleet, visit my.komatsu.com.au/my-fleet or my.komatsu.co.nz/my-fleet

myFleet gives users access to a full history of their service events, as well as a view on upcoming booked services or when services should be booked.

Komatsu Australia has announced the launch of a new simplified, all-encompassing fleet management system for their construction customers, called myFleet.

myFleet users can view all machine data in one location across their entire fleet.

From the inside out

EEM catches up with the team at Merlo Group Australia to find out how the business has committed to the growth of its after-sales support offering, built on a foundation of strong communication.

Merlo Group Australia is in the midst of a substantial overhaul of its operations – from strengthening brand recognition in the Australian construction sector to bolstering its network of trusted dealers.

According to General Manager Michael Lombardo, the next key piece of this puzzle is to take the business’ after-sales support to the next level.

“Our vision for Merlo Group Australia is pretty simple,” he says. “We believe the after-sales support side of the business is what sells the next machine.

“When I started here three years ago, we spent the first two of those years focusing on the commercial side of the business. Now that we have that up and running the way we want it, our next challenge is to make sure we are on top of our game from an after-sales perspective. That’s our focus for the next 18 months.”

Michael says the first step in this process was to engage with the business’ dealer network,

and take their feedback into account.

“Part of the feedback was that our level of interaction with them was limited, and could be quite slow,” Michael says. “And that when we did get the opportunity to liaise with them, it was often very rushed.

“The other feedback that we were getting was that we didn't carry a big enough stock of parts. This prompted us to relocate and upgrade our parts warehouse, and to bring it in line with modern day parts warehouses. Now, we have a facility that runs well, is managed effectively –and with a very accurate stocktake procedure.

“All of these factors add value to what we can offer our broader dealer network. Taking their feedback on board has helped us put operational processes in place to help us respond more quickly to dealers’ needs, and to accurately measure where we are as a business from month to month.”

Michael says that to do this, the business has been scaling up how it collects and reports data across various departments.

“We need to be analysing parts sales every month to ensure we’re carrying the right stock,” he says. “We haven’t had the ability to do that in the past, but we’re now starting to develop that reporting structure.

“We’re also measuring the types of warranty claims that are coming in and how often, which will help us provide feedback to the factory as to what parts might be more prone to failure in the Australian construction market – whether that’s due to harsher temperatures or working environments.

“In the past, spare parts stock coming to Australia was largely based on what was being carried by Merlo’s European dealerships, which often didn’t line up.”

The right people

Of course, this kind of company-wide procedural overhaul would not be possible without the passionate and committed people to make it happen.

One person helping lay the groundwork

Merlo Group Australia is improving processes and procedures to better support its dealers and customers.

for the next stage of Merlo Group Australia’s evolution is John Pham, Aftermarket Technical Support, who joined the business seven years ago.

Starting off as Spare Parts Coordinator and working his way up, John has been hands-on with Merlo machinery for many years.

Drawing on that experience, one part of John’s role is to oversee a team of technicians that checks and prepares Merlo machinery coming in from the factory in Italy before it heads out to dealers.

“Whenever anything comes from the other side of the globe, it’s not uncommon to find the odd little niggly problems such as small oil leaks,” John says. “We take care of all of that here, so the machines get to the dealer in tip top shape.”

John also helps support Merlo Group Australia’s dealers with warranty claims, and with planning ahead to ensure parts availability. Michael says John has also played a key role in streamlining communication between all parties.

“One focus for John at the moment is to help improve our ability to respond to our dealers in a timelier manner, and to build stronger relationships at every level – from technicians to service managers to the dealer principals,” Michael says.

“Previously, I think we just went about our business very quietly, and mostly limited ourselves to dealing with service departments. Most of our dealers are multi franchise, and we were finding that the dealer principals didn't

really understand the level of interaction that we had with their service people. John has been a big part of changing that.”

Norm Atkinson, who has recently joined Merlo Group Australia as Dealer Support Manager NSW/QLD, says John’s depth of knowledge is a big asset, and has helped to streamline the business’ approach to problem solving.

“He has a great wealth of experience in the

industry,” Norm says. “So, we’re finding that questions don’t need to go back to the factory in Italy nearly as often. If there’s a problem, John usually knows the answer.”

In instances where he doesn’t, John is also able to lean on his experience to help get a customer going in an emergency.

“I’ll usually have some things they can try in a breakdown situation,” John says. “Being out of action for a day is a long time in this industry. And because of the overnight gap with Italy, we want to try to get the customer going again if we need to wait for some more detailed information from the factory.

“You may not always have an answer straight away, but I’ve found that if you make the effort, make the phone call, the dealers are happy that you’ve reached out.”

Growing expertise

Norm adds that Merlo Group Australia has also been training two apprentices – something he says is quite unique on the manufacturer’s side.

“An OEM typically won’t take on apprentices – that’s something you usually see on the dealer side,” he says. “So, it shows that we’re trying to train up our people properly.”

The business has even put some existing employees through apprenticeships to help reduce barriers to communication throughout the business. Michael says this willingness to invest in people also demonstrates Merlo Group Australia’s commitment to strengthening its after-sales offering.

“We’re in a fortunate position in that many of us are trade qualified,” he says. “We all have a good mechanical understanding, and have all been in service management roles in the past. That gives us the ability to communicate better at every level – from a tradesman level, through to service managers and dealer principals.

“And I think that also reflects a level of respect that runs through the whole business at Merlo Group Australia.”

John instructs Merlo Group Australia apprentice Cooper Wilson.

John Pham hard at work.

Where sustainability meets productivity

The construction industry has a key role to play in global efforts to achieve the Paris Agreement goal of reaching net zero by 2050. Currently, urban environments account for 39 per cent of the world’s gross annual carbon emissions – meaning construction companies are on a journey to decarbonise their operations and the buildings they put up. 1

To advance this journey, investments in solutions that deliver greater energy efficiency and lower carbon intensity have increased. In 2021 these investments rose by 16 per cent to $237 billion, showing the importance of sustainability in the industry. 2

However, with demand continuing to rise, efforts to improve efficiency must keep pace with the amount of floor space created by construction. 2 There is still plenty of road ahead for companies working to become more sustainable – along with plenty of solutions available to help them lay the foundations for their transition to net zero.

Viva Energy Australia, the Shell Licensee and Lubricants Macro Distributor in Australia, works closely with the Shell global teams to keep up to date with global trends in construction, and can help businesses explore ways to build a more sustainable work site. Some of the solutions Viva Energy can assist with include:

1. Driving productivity through proactive maintenance

Four in 10 construction companies say they often experience breakdowns because of ineffective lubrication, with 72 per cent stating that issues with equipment reliability have led to unexpected costs. 3 And the more inefficient equipment is, the longer work will take and the more emissions a site is likely to generate. Effective maintenance helps to maximise equipment availability and up-time, and using high-performance lubricants can also improve fuel economy, helping to reduce CO2 emissions by 2.4 per cent. 4

“There are effective ways to find the right lubricant for each piece of equipment to drive efficiency,” says Silvana Farrugia, Technical Helpdesk Specialist at Viva Energy Australia. “We recommend customers use the free online tool like Shell LubeMatch, or contact us at the Viva Energy Technical Helpdesk to find out the best lubricant choices for heavy-duty equipment.”

2. Protecting equipment and the environment with biodegradable lubricants

Readily biodegradable lubricants protect a company’s equipment as well as the sensitive ecosystems in which they operate. Shell Naturelle lubricants are classed as readily biodegradable, meaning they are safe for the environment and have low ecotoxicity, so they won’t harm plants or animals should an accidental leak or spill take place. 5 The use of solar power during production of these lubricants also helps to reduce emissions, with any remaining unavoidable emissions compensated for to make the fluids carbon neutral. 5 By using these types of lubricants, construction companies can improve the sustainability of their operations without compromising performance.

3. Reducing carbon emissions to fuel your business

The Viva Energy Carbon Solutions team is on a mission to help customers use more sustainable products to fuel their businesses. Some of these include Renewable Diesel, or Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), which is made from sustainably sourced renewable raw materials such as used cooking oil and animal fat from food industry waste. And they also offer Biodiesel (FAME) which can be used as an alternative to conventional diesel. It’s produced from renewable feedstocks through a process called transesterification.

Ben Ramsay, Viva Energy Carbon Solution’s Account Manager, says: “Compared to standard diesel, biodiesel has the potential to reduce carbon monoxide emissions and particulate matter, improve fuel lubricity, and raise the cetane index. As part of a business’s decarbonisation strategy, it’s a short to mediumterm solution that we can assist them with.”

Viva Energy has also released a range of opt-in carbon fuels and products, certified under the Australian Government’s Climate Active scheme, which can be tailored to provide optimal solutions for emissions reduction today and into the future.

“Because our products require no physical change to be certified carbon neutral, they can be used as you’ve always used them – with the same machinery and infrastructure,” explains Ben. “This makes them a low-cost alternative to other sustainability options. Our Carbon Solutions offer is an end-to-end offsetting service with the purchase and retirement of offsets on your behalf.”

Viva Energy Australia, and Shell Lubricants are equipped to help construction businesses deliver on their sustainability ambitions, while also keeping their equipment running smoothly and their projects running to time and on budget.

For more information speak to one of our experts at Viva Energy Australia, call 1300 134 205, or email technicalhelpdesk@ vivaenergy.com.au / carbonsolutions@ vivaenergy.com.au

With proactive maintenance and the right fuels and lubricants, the construction industry can address sustainability and reduce emissions. The Viva Energy Australia team explains.

Keep on pumping

Since 1993, Toolkwip Pumps has emerged as a pioneering force in the supply of pumps, water treatment, and related fluid control equipment, with a diverse clientele spanning Australia's industrial, civil construction, quarry, and mining sectors.

The family-owned and operated company is renowned for its high-level personal service and the ability to customise solutions to better meet clients' needs.

But many customers are unaware of Toolkwip's breadth of services, which extend

Pump downtime: the hidden challenge

Toolkwip fully understands the multitude of challenges posed by pump downtime. It's not merely a temporary pause in operations – it’s a disruption that resonates throughout a project, leading to missed deadlines, distracted staff, unhappy customers, and potentially severe financial implications. More crucially, it can sometimes cause flooding issues on the site, leading to costly and time-consuming clean-up operations.

With in-depth industry knowledge and

maintain uninterrupted operations by providing rapid and reliable services that keep the pumps working at their optimal capacity.

Versatile solutions

Recognising the importance of flexibility and convenience, Toolkwip offers two complementary channels of pump repair services: on-site and in-workshop.

For issues that need immediate attention, Toolkwip's on-site repair and maintenance service is a lifeline. Their fully equipped service

Toolkwip’s extensive range of spare parts ensures quick turnaround times.

Toolkwip offers on-site repair and maintenance services for urgent breakdowns.

SERVICE, PARTS AND MAINTENANCE

routine maintenance. This service ensures that downtime is minimised, and operations can resume as quickly as possible.

In cases where pumps require more complex repairs or a complete rebuild, Toolkwip’s stateof-the-art workshop facilities come into play. These facilities are equipped to service all types of pumps, from small dosing pumps to large diesel-powered pumps. An extensive range of readily available spare parts ensures quick turnaround times, reducing delays caused by sourcing parts from other locations.

Beyond basic repairs

Toolkwip is not just about fixing pumps; it's about providing comprehensive solutions that cover every aspect of pump operation. These services include design and fabrication of pump-related equipment, troubleshooting of pump systems and pipework, noise and vibration analysis, servicing and rebuilding of diesel engines, and providing electrical services.

By offering a wide range of services, Toolkwip positions itself as a one-stop shop for all pumprelated needs, ensuring customers need not engage multiple businesses for different tasks. This holistic approach streamlines operations, cuts down on administrative hassles, and ultimately, saves time and money for the customer.

What’s more, Toolkwip champions a proactive approach to equipment management. It promotes the routine maintenance of pumps to prevent breakdowns and ensure reliable and efficient operations. By identifying

potential issues before they escalate into major problems, Toolkwip helps to reduce downtime and associated costs.

Your partner in success

Toolkwip Pumps is more than a supplier – it's a trusted partner committed to ensuring that your operations flow smoothly. By offering a diverse range of services that go beyond basic supply, Toolkwip ensures your pumping equipment remains in top form, enhancing your business' productivity and efficiency.

With fully equipped workshops in both Melbourne and Sydney, Toolkwip is strategically located to cater to a broad spectrum of customers across Australia. Additionally, its fleet of rapid response 4WD service vehicles is available for after-hours service, ensuring that critical repairs are addressed promptly, regardless of the time of day.

Underpinning all Toolkwip's offerings is an unwavering commitment to topnotch service. Leveraging over 30 years of industry experience, the team provides client consultations, comprehensive design solution advice, and product research – so you can rest assured knowing your pump service and repair needs are in capable and dedicated hands.

Toolkwip customers are not just purchasing a product or service, they are partnering with a business dedicated to the success of their projects.

For more information, visit: www.toolkwippumps.com.au or call 03 8805 0500

Toolkwip is committed to helping customers maintain uninterrupted operations.

Toolkwip has fully equipped workshops in both Melbourne and Sydney.

Australian made for Australian conditions

OTR Australia is keeping the wheels of the mineral resources sector turning with its comprehensive manufactured offerings – a range of products and services for the mining, construction, and agricultural markets.

Backed by a team of highly experienced staff, the Australian company works to ensure OTR wheels and rims provide longevity, workplace safety, and minimal equipment downtime with a regular maintenance and servicing regime.

OTR Australia offers wheel and rim inspection, reporting, advice, repairs, and certification services for all markets. The business works closely with clients to develop an optimal maintenance schedule that strengthens fleet efficiency and compliance, while minimising pre-emptive inspections.

OTR Australia General Manager – Sales, Travis Parsons says one of the company's most popular offerings is its non-destructive testing service, which is used to identify corrosion, cracks, burrs or other imperfections.

He says this is achieved through ultrasonic and magnetic particle testing, which gives clients extremely accurate results on wheel and rim conditions.

“In essence, we look for anything that might prevent the wheel or rim performing optimally,” Travis says.

“Safely reducing our client’s downtime is the heart of these operations. Our workshop team will inspect and assess your wheels and rims to ensure any defects are identified and provide advice on the best course of action for repair.

“Nationally our facilities are wide spread and located in areas to best suit our customer base.”

Aside from holistic maintenance and repair services, OTR Australia is also gaining popularity amongst domestic industry

operators for its ability to extend wheel life.

“There are now a range of products available to maximise the life of a wheel,” Travis says. “These heavy-duty options allow for extended service intervals, which in turn safely saves our clients downtime.”

Travis says OTR can also help clients identify the right kind of wheel for their operation.

“Depending on our client’s scope, lightweight wheels may be the best option as they enable higher payload by reducing tare machine weight,” he says. “With our in-house engineering and manufacturing, we are designing and manufacturing new items every month.”

Operators looking for a fresh set of wheels can also engage OTR Australia for purposebuilt solutions designed and manufactured in Australia.

Specially crafted to thrive in Australian terrain, the wheels and rims are a more durable product engineered to the unique mineral resources sector environment.

Travis says Australian-made products mean clients can enjoy easy sourcing and highquality products made with local knowledge. He says the company offers a complete range of wheels, stretching from six to 63 inches in diameter, including fixed welded wheels, adjustable bolted tractor wheels, and demountable rim options.

“We manufacture and carry a complete axle assembly and spare parts range, too,” Travis says. “It’s so we can also support our OEM and aftermarket clients.

“Within our Australia owned business group, we can supply tyres, solid fill, tyre fitting, and advice for all tyre requirements. It’s a real onestop shop.

“We understand your fleet is critical to your business, and it all starts with the wheels. Get in touch with us today to find out how we can support you.”

For more information, visit: www.otraustralia.com

OTR Australia also offers purpose-built solutions, designed and manufactured in Australia.

Travis says OTR Australia’s products are manufactured locally using local expertise.

Smart developments

Develon – formerly Doosan – is continuing to strengthen its foothold in the Australian machinery market.

Peter Gledhill of Clark Equipment – Develon’s Australian distributor – says the Korean brand is no longer just a little brother to the industry’s Japanese heavy-hitters. Now, it is well and truly forging an identity and a path of its own – and the new Develon DL580-7 wheel loader is a perfect illustration of this growth.

Peter says that the arrival and roll out of the DL580-7 in Australia has just begun. The first machine arrived only four months ago. Since then, an additional five have arrived, all of which were pre-sold, demonstrating the impressive demand for this wheel loader.

Despite facing supply constraints – like so many heavy equipment manufactuers –Develon’s DL580-7 is already making waves in the market.

So, what accounts for this early enthusiasm?

Smarter and safer

The model has been completely redesigned, undergoing rigorous jobsite testing to ensure exceptional productivity, durability, and operator comfort.

“Each machine is packed with industryleading performance features, providing our customers with exceptional value, increased uptime, and protection for lower total cost of ownership,” Peter says.

“It’s been totally redesigned from the ground up to help our customers work smarter, get more done, and take on the most challenging work today and tomorrow.”

But it isn't just the productivity-enhancing features that make the DL580-7 stand out. Peter stresses that the wheel loader also brings unique technologies to the table.

One such feature is the smart key, which adds a new level of security to the operation of the machine. However, it's the transparent bucket feature that truly differentiates this model from its competitors.

“While the transparent bucket feature isn't unique to the DL580-7, every model we bring into Australia will have it,” says Peter. “This innovation is an excellent addition from a safety standpoint, as it allows operators to see what's in front of them.”

Peter also highlights the machine's factorystandard overhead view camera, which he says offers a bird's-eye view of the machine's surroundings.

“This feature gives you a bird's-eye view, like a satellite beaming down in front of the machine so you can see its surroundings," he says. "The smart technology allows you to adjust the proximity depending on your jobsite and the environment in which the machine is operating.”

Safety and productivity are at the heart of the Develon DL580-7 and, indeed, the entire range of machinery offered by Develon.

“Safety is paramount," Peter says. “Its larger cabin with increased glass area enhances visibility. Plus, there's an energy-saving addition to the hydraulics, which can reduce fuel consumption by up to 15 per cent. So, these machines are not only safer but also seven per cent more productive than the previous generation.”

But it’s not only the DL580 which features these advancements. While it is the largest model they currently offer to the global market, all Develon machines will eventually feature these designs and enhancements.

The market wants what it wants Peter says the introduction of the DL580-7

has shifted market dynamics significantly, with Clark Equipment even managing to draw customers from their competitors.

“Every client that has purchased this size loader from us previously operated machines from our Japanese competitors,” Peter says, adding that the first repeat client for the new model has already been secured within a 12-month period.

What’s the secret behind the shift?

Peter believes it's a combination of factors: exposure to Develon's smaller range of reliable loaders and excavators, the competitive pricing of their machines, and the proven value and productivity of their offerings.

“Every client that has bought a machine of this class from us has taken a risk by deviating from their traditional suppliers,” he says. “But the fact that we've already had repeat business, including from a client that operates over 20 machines of this size, is a testament to our product's value.

“The initial acceptance has been exceptional across a wide range of applications and industries, with machines already hard at work on mine sites in Western Australia, the quarry sector in North Queensland, and a variety of industry sites in Tasmania and Western Australia.

“This product has proven itself, and we can say it's a genuine tier one competitor. While the attractive price point may draw people in initially, the decision to purchase is not just about the bottom line. At the end of the day, it’s still about the product's dependability and the support offered to the buyer.”

For more on the Develon range, visit: www.develonequipment.com.au

EEM speaks with Peter Gledhill of Clark Equipment to delve into the features and performance of the Develon DL580-7 wheel loader – from its innovative safety measures to the significant impact it's making in the Australian market.

Develon’s DL580-7 is making waves in the Australian market.

The next generation of wheel loaders

SDLG (Shandong Lingong Construction Machinery Co. Ltd) is one of China’s fastest growing manufactures of high-quality and reliable construction equipment and has over 50 years of industry expertise.

CJD Equipment has been distributing SDLG equipment in Australia for over 11 years and has recently introduced SDLG’s new H-Series wheel loader range to the Australian market. CJD’s newest offering includes three new models – the L936HLA, L938H and L946H.

The SDLG H-Series is the next generation of wheel loaders, featuring increased engine power, enhanced appearance, improved durability, and a stylish new cab design. As a member of the Volvo Group since 2007, SDLG integrates Volvo’s design influence and quality standards to provide machinery that is both cost effective and reliable.

The SDLG L946H is the largest wheel loader in the new H-Series range being offered by CJD Equipment. This wheel loader is extremely durable, with a small turning radius and heavy load capacity, making it well suited for heavy load and bulk material applications.

Building on the success of an already outstanding range, the new H-Series loaders offer several new features that produce better productivity, lower maintenance costs and increased comfort. The 13-tonne, 127kW/173hp, L946H is powered by a high torque 6-cylinder engine and features a 2.3m³ bucket and 4-tonne rated load capacity.

Designed jointly between Volvo and SDLG, the L946H boom and loader frame have been structurally optimised with heavy duty SDLG axles to ensure a max breakout force for easy lifting. The powerful SDLG Z-bar linkage guarantees excellent lifting capacities, higher reach and dump clearance, and breakout

forces. This significantly improves the service life, stability and driving force of your SDLG wheel loader in tough applications.

“SDLG wheel loaders have all the necessary safety features in the cab, along with an ergonomic, comfortable, low-noise environment keeping operators alert and happy,” tells Andrew Egan, National Product Manager for SDLG at CJD Equipment. “The L946H is very versatile, thanks to the factory fitted quick coupler and third function hydraulics, which can accommodate a variety of different attachments.”

The features customers have come to expect from SDLG with regards to durability and comfort are all offered in their new H-Series range, with several improvements in the cab for enhanced productivity, reliability and uptime, including extra air vents for an enhanced operator experience, improved sealing performance, and an upgraded seat suspension for greater comfort. The L946H loader also includes a wraparound pillarless

front and rear windscreen for clear visibility and features full certified ROPS/FOPs rollover protection as standard.

SDLG wheel loaders are a great option for customers that are looking for a premium product at a competitive price, and all new SDLG machines come with a 3-year/6000hour warranty as standard.

Andrew says the SDLG and CJD Equipment partnership gives customers a robust and reliable product with proper aftersales support, with 24/7 sales, parts and service support stretching across the nation, from Australian capital cities through to regional towns.

The CJD offering of SDLG wheel loaders consists of five models, ranging from the LG918 with 77hp through to the 217hp L958F.

For more information on the SDLG machinery range, and to locate your local CJD Equipment branch or SDLG Dealer visit cjd.com.au or call 1300 139 804.

Popular in all applications, SDLG wheel loaders are renowned for delivering reliable performance, with simple operation and low maintenance.

The SDLG L946H is the largest wheel loader in the new H-Series range being offered by CJD Equipment.

The new H-Series offer several new features that produce better productivity, lower maintenance costs, and increased comfort.

LOAD UP ON RELIABILITY

NEW H-SERIES WHEEL LOADERS

NEW RANGE

The new H-Series wheel loaders offer extremely reliable yet simple operation, low maintenance, and outstanding value.

SDLG is a member of the Volvo Group with over 50 years of manufacturing expertise. SDLG wheel loaders are renowned for their reliability and versatility and are an ideal choice for heavy load applications.

The SDLG range includes 5 wheel loader models including 3 new H-Series models; the L936HLA (11-tonne, 105kW, 1.8m 3 bucket, long arm), L938H (11-tonne, 105kW, 2.1m 3 bucket, 4 speed transmission) and L946H (13-tonne, 129kW, 2.3m 3 bucket, 4-tonne rated load).

COMFORT & SAFETY

Spacious air-conditioned cab with pillarless windscreen for ultimate visibility, ergonomic controls, low-noise and vibration technology, and fully certified ROPS-FOPS rollover protection.

POWERFUL & ROBUST

High torque, fuel efficient Weichai engine for powerful performance, superior reliability, and low maintenance, with a hydraulic quick hitch to easily accommodate a variety of attachments.

LOCAL SUPPORT

SDLG machinery includes a 3-year / 6,000-hour warranty backed by almost 50 years of expertise from CJD Equipment’s national branch and SDLG dealer network and 24/7 product support.

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL CJD BRANCH OR SDLG DEALER & SECURE YOUR NEW WHEEL LOADER TODAY!

Best of both worlds

The new Hitachi ZW-7 wheel loader range takes the combination of comfort and reliability to a new level. With the machines now starting to arrive in the country, Product Manager David Gallina tells EEM what the Australian market has to look forward to.

With reliable, skilled labourers as hard to find as ever, operators can afford to be increasingly discerning about the tools of their trade.

According to David Gallina, Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia (HCA) Product Manager for Hitachi Wheel Loaders and Bell Equipment, this fact is not lost on the team at Hitachi.

He says the new ZW-7 wheel loader range, which has recently started to arrive in Australia, is the perfect example of the company’s dedication to operators.

“A key focus for Hitachi in the development of the ZW-7 series has been operator comfort,” he says.

“It’s so important these days to maintain your staff. So, if you provide your operators with a comfortable working environment, they’ll still feel fresh at the end of the day, and they’ll be happy to return the next day.”

Safety first

Hitachi recently introduced the country’s first ZW220-7 wheel loader at the Australian Organics Recycling Association (AORA) Annual Conference in Melbourne, in June.

David says the AORA Conference is a

regular part of the events circuit for HCA, and with the pace at which the organics industry is growing, it was just the right place to introduce the new machine.

“It was quite successful, and we’ve received fantastic feedback,” he says.

“The rest of the ZW-7 range is now starting to filter through into the country. We’ve started with the ZW220-7, but we’ll soon expand the range from our smallest ZW140-7 through to larger production loaders.”

David says the aim is for the existing ZW-5 range to gradually be phased out in favour of the new ZW-7 machines, introducing a slew of refinements and upgrades in the process.

“The ZW-7 range offers improved environmental performance, improved operability, operator comfort, and enhanced safety,” he says. “As well as comfort, safety is a particular focus for this range. We think it will be one of the safest loaders on the market.

“It features the Aerial Angle 270-degree bird’s-eye camera, and rear detection system with assist braking on some models. It also introduces a new pressurised cabin to keep the dust out, as well as roof handrails and steps to help clean the windows.”

David also highlights a handful of asstandard quality-of-life features to help operators of any experience level maximise their productivity.

“We have included a payload checker system to help operators load trucks more accurately,” he says. “It also has a ‘soft stop’ feature, so when you operate the loader frame or bucket, it measures the angle and slows down when it’s coming to the end of its travel, so there’s no sudden shuddering.

“Another great feature standard on the ZW-7 loaders is approach speed control, which is great for short loading cycles. The operator can set a maximum speed, depending on the distance they need to travel. This controlled speed can also give more power to the hydraulics at the front for lifting.”

Consideration has also been given to less experienced operators, with the operating experience adaptable to their skill level.

“If you have a novice operating the machine, you can slow down the speed of the attachments until they get used to it, then speed them back up again – all adjustable from inside the cab,” David says. “This means newer operators can learn to use the machine,

The ZW220-7 is the first of Hitachi’s new wheel loader range to be available in Australia.

but reduce the risk of damage to machinery, hoppers, or trucks.”

Specific visual plain English alerts also provide detailed guidance for any function, settings, or warning message, allowing the operator to maintain focus on their task, and rectify any issues more easily.

“If you’re low on a particular fluid for example, the system will actually display on the sub monitor, ‘hydraulic oil is low, please refill’, rather than just a sound, or a flashing light,” David says.

The system also provides daily inspection reminders on the cabin’s high-resolution 8-inch monitor – just another feature to help the operator focus on their work and maximise productivity. What’s more, Hitachi’s telematics system enables many of these processes to be executed from the operator’s phone, providing added peace of mind for operators and fleet managers alike.

Productive luxury

All these features help ensure productivity is maximised, even while newer operators are still learning the ropes. But better productivity isn’t worth much if operators don’t enjoy the experience of being in the cabin every day.

For David, this is where the new ZW-7 wheel loaders really shine. A spacious, ergonomically designed cabin, with intuitive controls and a dual motion synchronised seat and console assembly, helps combat operator fatigue and promotes better concentration.

“As for controllability, everything’s at your fingertips through the sub monitor controller

WHEEL LOADERS

on the operator’s right-hand side,” he says.

“The internal noise has also been reduced to make it one of the quietest cabins in the industry, and the vision from inside the cab has been enhanced too.”

David says this amounts to the sort of comfort you’d expect from a luxury European vehicle, paired with the reliability and durability Hitachi’s Japanese-made machines are known for.

“Hitachi machines are still 100 per cent manufactured in Japan, but they’ve actually taken customer feedback from Hitachi Europe and designed the cabin specifically around European requirements and expectations regarding comfort,” he says. “And you’ll see European style cues all

around the ZW-7’s cabin.”

David says this has the potential to help build on Hitachi’s already strong position in the Australian machinery market by appealing to customers who are accustomed to European machinery.

“Most importantly, Hitachi products are extremely well backed up and supported in Australia, via our wholly owned national support structure,” he says. “Just like Hitachi excavators, you know if you buy a Hitachi wheel loader that it’s going to work, and it’s going to be well supported.”

For more on the ZW-7 wheel loader range, visit: www.hitachicm.com.au

David says the ZW-7 series delivers the sort of comfort you’d expect from a European vehicle.

The approach speed control feature allows operators to set a maximum travel speed – ideal for short loading cycles.

XCMG: #3 worldwide for good reason

As the world’s third largest construction equipment manufacturer with more than 40 years of industry experience, XCMG has built a global reputation for innovation, reliability and performance throughout its entire range of construction, agriculture and industrial machinery.

Today, as one of Australia’s fastest growing machinery suppliers, XCMG offers a diverse range of construction equipment backed by a national network of service, parts and operator support – delivering the pinnacle of customer satisfaction.

Wheel loaders

XCMG’s impressive range of 11-20 tonne wheel loaders is fast becoming a key talking point in the Australian machinery marketplace. Impressively priced, XCMG loaders are uniquely powerful, rugged, energy efficient, safe and comfortable – as well as being simple to service and operate.

From the 11 tonne XC938 model up to the 20 tonne XC958, XCMG loaders include premium features such as Cummins engines, automatic ZF transmissions, wet axles and brake systems, spacious and ergonomic cabs, and digital gauges displaying the loader’s vital functions and data.

XCMG loaders are designed from the ground up to work hard with reliability and efficiency, whilst also providing a premium operator experience in terms of comfort, control, safety and serviceability.

Engine and componentry brands:

Cummins

• ZF transmissions

Heavy excavators

XCMG heavy excavators are renowned worldwide for their exceptionally high power, excellent lifting capability, extensive reach, impressive operator comfort and overall maximum operator satisfaction.

Available in various excavator sizes from 10 to 50 tonne to cater for virtually any requirement or project, the entire range offers exceptional hydraulic performance, cycle times and breakout force. With premium Cummins and Isuzu engines, plus exceptional componentry by Kawasaki, Nabco and Miller, XCMG heavy excavators offer unmatched value for money.

In addition, cabins are spacious and comfortable for even the longest days on the job, including sound dampening and state-of-the-art controls. Furthermore, XCMG excavators are designed for efficient serviceability and minimal downtime, using only the most reliable components for premium longevity.

Simply, XCMG heavy excavators are a musthave for any owner seeking a combination of quality, comfort, versatility and performance at a competitive price.

Engines:

• Cummins

• Isuzu

Componentry:

• Kawasaki

• Nabco

• Miller

Mini excavators

XCMG’s mini excavator range is one of Australia’s newest and most impressive lineups of high-performance, value-for-money machines.

Starting with the compact yet powerful XE17U 1.7 tonne purpose-built for tight access work, up to the robust and powerful XE80U designed to dominate virtually any construction project, XCMG has you covered.

With premium engines from renowned manufacturers including Kubota and Yanmar, plus top-quality componentry by Kawasaki, Bosch-Rexroth, Eaton and Miller, XCMG mini excavators are built tough to perform, and durable to last.

Engine brands: Kubota

• Yanmar

Componentry brands:

• Kawasaki

• Bosch-Rexroth Eaton

• Miller

XCMG delivers the pinnacle of customer satisfaction with a diverse range of construction equipment backed by a national network of service.

Road compaction rollers and graders

Already favourites with several major mine sites throughout Australia, XCMG’s road graders and compaction rollers are competitively priced and offer high-power, heavy-duty work capability, impressive operator comfort and overall renowned satisfaction.

Grader models available range from 7 to 20 tonne in size, and rollers vary from 2 tonne up to 27 tonne in smooth drum, padfoot drum and multi-tyre variants.

Offering excellent manoeuvrability and control, XCMG road machines also offer premium reliability and heavy-duty work capability using only the finest componentry. Furthermore, XCMG machines are designed with safety and comfort of operation at the absolute forefront, with a spacious ROPS/ FOPS cab, double emergency stops, reverse cameras, spacious cabins, ergonomic controls and so much more.

Engine and componentry brands:

• Cummins

• Kubota

Elevated work platforms

XCMG EWPs feature compact designs, easy transport, simple and smooth controls, tight turning radiuses, and reliable performance.

Australian Standards compliant, all models offer exceptional lift heights, working capacities and platform sizes, as well as requiring minimal maintenance or servicing.

Select models are also available in your choice of electric or hydraulic lift functionality,

giving maximum flexibility and versatility to suit the requirements and preferences of owners and operators.

Lift type variants available:

• Electric

• Hydraulic

Nationwide backup and support With dealerships and service agents throughout Australia, your investment in XCMG machinery not only delivers a premium machine, but also the peace of mind and

minimal downtime that comes with unmatched after-sales support. XCMG’s primary focus is to ensure your complete satisfaction throughout your machine’s lifetime and beyond, by providing the best equipment, parts, service and assistance available.

For more information about XCMG’s diverse range of construction, mining and agriculture equipment, visit www.xcmg.net.au

Impressively priced, XCMG loaders are uniquely powerful, rugged, energy efficient, safe and comfortable.

XCMG heavy excavators are a must-have for any owner seeking a combination of quality, comfort, versatility and performance at a competitive price.

conclude at 6:45am the following day.

Rokbak RA40s excelling at Indonesian nickel mine

When the mineral you’re helping to excavate is notoriously indestructible, you need the right robust and reliable hauler to assist in its procurement. Enter the Rokbak RA40.

On an island on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, 2000km north-east of Java, a trio of Rokbak RA40s operate across a 45,065-hectare mining site. At this remote location in North Maluku, Indonesia, the Rokbak articulated haulers operate up and down steep inclines, through mud, dirt, grit, and gravel, for close to 24 hours a day – all in 30°C heat and at the mercy of the

Required to move around 450 tonnes of biomass and quarry materials every day, each RA40 will record approximately 6000 operating hours per year. The haulers are tasked with removing overburden and providing mine development support for the acquisition of high-demand nickel. Every full-capacity payload sees each RA40 transport overburden 2km to a project access road and biomass

Nickel is found everywhere. The harder-thaniron metal is used in coins and turbine blades, in stainless steel and kitchenware, and in mobile phones, laptop computers, and television sets. The fifth-most common element on the planet, nickel sulphides develop in environments through the spreading of tectonic plates in the Earth’s crust and core. Corrosion resistant, strong at both high and low temperatures, durable, and versatile, nickel’s MO could well be

PT Hillcon is one of the most renowned names in the construction, mining, property, and heavy equipment industries in Indonesia. Since

1995, the company has completed hundreds of projects across the archipelago in coal and nickel operations. Its current occupation in the world-class nickel deposit of Weda Bay, North Maluku, is a five-year process that began in September 2021. It will last until Q4 2026, by which time it will have produced an estimated four million tonnes of nickel.

The three Rokbak haulers were acquired by Hillcon through Rokbak dealer PT Uniquip, an equipment supplier based in Jakarta. With Hillcon’s nearly three decades of experience in the industry and 100 ADTs in its fleet already,

PT Uniquip helped highlight why Rokbak haulers stand out from the crowd.

Meeting the challenge

The RA40s entered Weda Bay in February 2022. Daily operations for each RA40 begin at 7am and conclude at 6:45am the following day, across a two-shift driver pattern. These long hours benefit from the truck’s highperformance fluid transmission providing 6000 hours of operating time before requiring an oil change, meaning increased productivity and uptime as well as low cost per tonne.

The toughness and reliability of the Rokbak RA40 makes it the perfect solution for challenging sites.

However, it’s not unusual for the difficult conditions in this seismically active region to bring most operations to a standstill.

“This particular site is extremely challenging, with high levels of mud, uneven ground and precarious terrain that gets even worse when the notorious Indonesian wet season rolls around,” says Rokbak Regional Business Manager Lee Irving. “To put it mildly, when it rains, it really rains!”

But when times get tough, that’s when this trio of RA40s really excels, with the 38-tonne hauler designed to make light work of largescale quarry, mine, and construction jobs –whatever the conditions.

“With long shift patterns, we’ve been able to see first-hand the RA40’s performance and productivity in Weda Bay, with the truck’s heavy-duty axles coping extremely well against slippage and the subsidence you often find on site,” says Uniquip Sales Manager Rachmad Sembiring.

A ringing endorsement

Offering high capacity and performance, the RA40 delivers cost-effective productivity in the toughest conditions. The high-performance engine balances controlled power with maximum fuel efficiency, and the modulating transmission retarder is coupled with an efficient exhaust brake and fully enclosed forced oil-cooled multidisc brakes for total control – even on steep inclines.

“The trucks need to be powerful, but safe,” says Hillcon Jobsite Superintendent Ahmad Siswandi, who ensures all the machines are ready to operate, serviced, and maintained. He’s on-site 12 hours a day, seven days a week, and keeps a keen eye on the Rokbak haulers.

“Seeing an RA40 perform in our mud has proven its worth, and we like that it’s a strong, powerful truck that remains the same performer in difficult conditions,” Ahmad says.

“The RA40 engine power is exceptional, and the stability of the truck makes the operator feel secure and safe. The instrumental panel is clear, easy, and accessible, and the reversecamera is sharp, with added versatility to

operate when moving forward as well.

“The cab’s very comfortable and the air-con has stood out with praise from our operators –and in our climate that is a massive plus!”

The rebranded Rokbak ‘sand’ colour scheme has also been well received in the region, alongside the name embodying rock-solid strength, robustness, reliability, and the brand’s promise to always have customers’ backs.

And it’s challenging sites such as Weda Bay that truly exemplify how well Rokbak delivers on its remit.

“The RA40 strikes the balance between high performance, power, stability, safety, and ease of controls and switches,” Ahmad says. “The RA40 really is showing its class on site.”

PT Hillcon is well known in Indonesia’s construction, mining, property, and heavy equipment industries.

Uniquip Sales Manager, Rachmad Sembiring; PT Hillcon General Purchasing Manager, Hendra Wijara; and Rokbak Regional Business Manager, Lee Irving.

Manage everyone working to a design with Tokara

Designed for the Australian civil construction industry by Position Partners, Tokara is a remote access platform that enables project managers, contractors, surveyors, and engineers to manage all machine and survey assets working to a design.

Whether you’re a civil contractor managing a fleet across several sites or on a major project with multiple contractors working to a shared design, Tokara provides a centralised, easy way to send and receive files, view connection status, and more.

Tokara is the first solution that connects to most leading brands of machines, machine control, and survey instruments at the same time. As most contractors and projects have a

mixed fleet of plant and technology, this means cutting down the number of systems to access and getting a better overall picture of the assets on site.

Tokara Office is a web-based platform that gives users a plethora of options in a single interface, including:

• One to many file transfers to all supported machines and survey rovers, including mixed brands

• Colour-coded file status icons to flag any operators not working to the latest design

• File transfer history by machine, device or group for accurate record keeping

• Site visualisation – overlay KML files and drone imagery on the interactive Tokara map, plus UHF and cellular signal strength maps to identify any black spots

• View and backup machine calibration files

• Access critical information such as machine

Tokara provides an ideal solution for managing mixed-brand fleets.

or asset type, online status, connection strength and last known location at a glance. With the ability to remotely view operator displays, send and receive messages, and provide training or troubleshooting without being on site, Tokara helps to keep all machines and rovers running efficiently to the current design file.

Brendan Lawrence, Survey Manager for Menai Civil, says he uses Tokara every day to manage the company’s fleet across multiple projects.

“We don’t have anywhere near as much downtime, we don’t lose productivity because I can login remotely using Tokara,” he says.

“I can get a call from an operator the other side of Sydney and using Tokara I can access the machine straight away. Generally, I can fix the problem they’re having or upload the files that they need.”

Position Partners’ technical support can also provide troubleshooting, software, and firmware updates remotely for customers. Tokara helps to eliminate the frustration of having to explain the problem over the phone, by giving the technician the ability to see the same screen.

The majority of technical problems are easily resolved remotely, but if there is a hardware issue that requires a site visit, the field technician can come fully prepared with the right parts and

information about the cause of the issue.

“Tokara enables me to access all the machinery remotely, upload and download files without even leaving the office,” says Kobus Viljoen, Surveyor and Machine Control Specialist for Joe Wagner Group.

“I can train an operator who has never used machine control. It really gives us the edge when it comes to productivity and in the last 10 years I haven’t come across one problem that we couldn’t resolve over the phone in just a few minutes.”

To find out more about Tokara, visit: www.positionpartners.com.au/tokara

With the ability to remote into an operator’s screen, technical support is fast and effective to keep projects and machines running smoothly.

Tokara users can manage design files, message operators, view connectivity status, and more across multiple projects and machines.

John Deere: power, productivity, and performance

Designed to deliver unmatched power, productivity, and performance, this articulated dump truck (ADT) stands as a testament to John Deere's commitment to meeting the evolving needs of its customers.

Powerful and efficient

At the heart of the 460 P-Tier Dump Truck lies a robust and fuel-efficient engine, which generates impressive torque and horsepower to tackle the most demanding tasks with ease. Equipped with a cutting-edge engine management system, the 460 P-Tier optimises torque curves and differential locks while selecting the ideal gear ratio, ensuring maximum productivity and fuel efficiency. Whether traversing rugged terrains or hauling heavy loads, this ADT is designed to excel in challenging conditions.

Seamless integration

What sets the John Deere 460 P-Tier Dump Truck apart is its seamless integration with the 3812 large scraper, offering an unparalleled earthmoving solution. By combining the cutting-edge features of the ADT and the scraper, John Deere has created a truly integrated machine that boosts productivity and simplifies operation. Operators can effortlessly switch to scraper mode, where the ADT and scraper pan work as one cohesive unit. This integration streamlines workflow and minimises downtime, allowing operators to focus on the task at hand. Additionally, the integrated scraper controls provide intuitive and precise operation, further enhancing efficiency on the job site. With the scraper pro package and high-resolution display, operators

have access to push-button sequencing, additional cameras, scraper position feedback, and productivity information, enabling them to make informed decisions and optimise performance.

Enhanced productivity and technology

The 460 P-Tier Dump Truck takes productivity to new heights through its advanced technology and intelligent design. The ADT automatically adjusts engine torque curves, differential locks, and selects the optimum gear ratio, ensuring uninterrupted momentum and increased productivity.

The suite of construction technology in the 460 P-Tier ADT delivers productivity solutions to help you get more done, more efficiently. In-base JDLink connectivity provides machine location, utilisation data, and alerts to help you maximise productivity and efficiency. To maximise uptime and lower costs, JDLink also enables John Deere Connected Support™. Dealers use Expert Alerts based on data from thousands of connected machines to proactively address conditions that may otherwise likely lead to downtime. Your dealer can also monitor machine health and leverage remote diagnostics and programming capability to further diagnose problems and even update machine software without a timeconsuming trip to the jobsite.

Operator comfort and safety

Recognising the importance of operator comfort and safety, John Deere has prioritised these aspects in the design of the 460 P-Tier Dump Truck. The spacious and ergonomically designed cabin offers a comfortable working

environment, equipped with features such as adjustable seating, intuitive controls, and excellent visibility. The lowered hood design improves forward visibility, allowing operators to navigate with confidence. Furthermore, the optional LED light package and rear-view camera enhance visibility, even in low-light conditions, ensuring a safer and more efficient work environment.

The quiet, pressurised cab features an easy-to-read monitor and rear-camera display plus optional automatic temperature control (ATC) system that allows operators to simply select a desired temperature to get and stay comfortable. Standard high-back air-suspension seat adjusts multiple ways for all-day support. Or opt for the premium heated/ ventilated seat with heavy duty air-suspension and adjustable seat pan.

The John Deere 460 P-Tier Dump Truck represents a new era of power, productivity, and performance in the construction industry. With its robust engine, seamless integration with the large scraper, and advanced technology features, this ADT offers a comprehensive solution to meet the evolving needs of construction professionals. Whether it's hauling heavy loads, manoeuvring challenging terrains, or optimising productivity, the 460 P-Tier Dump Truck is a reliable partner that delivers exceptional results, solidifying John Deere's reputation as a leader in the industry.

Talk to your local dealer about adding the 460 P-Tier Articulated Dump Truck to your Fleet or read more about it at: www.deere.com.au/en/articulateddump-trucks/460-p-adt/

John Deere, a leading name in the construction and agricultural industry, continues to push the boundaries of innovation with its latest offering, the

John Deere 460 P-Tier Dump Truck.

The John Deere 460 P-Tier Dump Truck takes productivity to new heights through its advanced technology and intelligent design.

BUILT FOR THE WORK YOU DO

NEVER IDLE

No one knows the work you do, better than you. And that’s why when it came to designing our P-Tier ADTs we spoke with the experts - equipment owners and operators just like you And the result? A machine that’s an extension of the operator. It has a super comfortable and quiet pressurized cab for those long days. Ground-level serviceability, rear-camera display, onboard payload weighing and factory fitted auto lube. Onboard diagnostics remove the need for guesswork. And productivity solutions, including JDLink connectivity to help you get more done, more efficiently. In short, the new 460 P-Tier ADT has been purpose-built to keep you in the know and on the go.

460 P-TIER ARTICULATED DUMP TRUCK

Carmix: A concrete solution

Carmix is equipped to solve a variety of concrete challenges for remote sites and difficult-to-access locations. Find out how these specialist Italian-made machines can streamline your next project.

Carmix offers six models of 4x4 rough terrain models, ranging from the small 1-cubic-metre Carmix One to the larger Carmix 5.5XL. Each model is specifically built to match a certain concrete mix demand. Combined with three models of cement handling equipment, ranging from 3-tonne bulk bag hopper to 45-tonne horizontal silos, the daily productions can range from 10 cubic metres per day to 100 cubic metres per day.

Stocking and ordering units that match Australian contractor needs has been a challenge that Pilecom Equipment's Managing Director and Shareholder, Boyd Cousins, has taken up with great enthusiasm. He says anticipating customers' needs is crucial.

“Having stock available is vitally important,” he says. “But having the unit to match the particular project is the real juggling act.”

For almost 50 years, Carmix has been a leading provider of specialised machinery to the concrete industry. The Italian brand has made its name in providing innovative solutions for concrete challenges in remote sites and difficult-to-access locations.

Pilecom Equipment has more than 20 years’ experience dealing specialist equipment to a range of industries, and has been the exclusive Australian distributor for Carmix since 2018. Since then, the business has provided tailored solutions for a series of logistically challenging projects.

These have included:

• Batching stabilised sand for a remote solar farm

• Mixing concrete on a Pacific Island

• Batching kerb concrete on Tiwi Island

• Mixing stabilised fill for a roads project in remote South Australia

• Batching concrete for a housing project in remote NT Indigenous regions

• Transporting concrete up steep inclines for a government facility in Karratha

• Transporting concrete for a Telecom tower base in NSW

• Batching various structural concrete for mine sites in the Goldfields WA

• Batching 1-cubic-metre precast plank concrete in a small precast factory

• Transporting concrete in tunnels for cross passages.

Boyd says self-mixing concrete also requires addressing the issue of cement supply. For this, Pilecom Equipment stocks three options for self-loading:

• 20kg bags

• 1000kg bulk bags

• 25/28-tonne bulk tanker cement.

“In planning stock levels, we also consider providing customers with cement handling options,” Boyd says.

To address this, Pilecom Equipment has the following models in stock:

• 3 -tonne bulker bagger screw feed hoppers (with Honda Engine – no generator)

• 45-tonne horizontal silos. Both options are fitted with load cells for constant display of the product in the silo and

Pilecom Equipment prides itself on offering complete concrete solutions with Carmix equipment.

Pilecom Equipment also offers cement handling options, such as the Carmix Bagger.

have the option for remote control ON/OFF operation for ease of discharge.

Boyd says the market also demands the availability of rental units, which presents another challenge for which Pilecom Equipment is actively working towards a solution.

“Pilecom Equipment takes pride in our operations and construction division, which

owns and uses the Carmix equipment,” Boyd says. “This allows us to offer a more detailed and specific commissioning and handover program, including training for operators and maintenance staff of customers.”

Boyd says this dedication to helping customers with complete cement handling needs is summed up by Pilecom Equipment's

motto: “We don't just sell equipment – we sell a concrete solution.”

For more information, please visit: www.carmix.com.au, or email: sales@pilecomequipment.com.au Alternatively, you can reach out to Boyd Cousins directly on 0400 365 575

Carmix equipment is perfectly suited to remote and rough terrain.

Fecon: Built tough for Australian conditions

Fecon is one of the world’s premier manufacturers of forestry attachments and machines, globally renowned for building the toughest attachments in the industry.

Made in the USA using premium steel, Fecon products are engineered and constructed with unmatched durability and power to tackle any Australian timber. Furthermore, with Fecon Australia – your national supplier of the full range of Fecon forestry equipment –customers throughout Australia receive worldfamous forestry machines backed by only the best local service, support, parts and sales.

Bull Hog Mulchers

Perhaps the most legendary member of Fecon Australia’s attachment family is the iconic ‘Bull Hog’ mulching head. Designed to be powerful and versatile, Fecon Bull Hog mulchers are perfectly engineered to suit a wide variety of track and skid steer loaders offering anywhere from 53 up to 191lpm of hydraulic flow, plus mini and large excavators sized from 5 tonne and above.

Fecon Bull Hogs satisfy the three key requirements in a forestry mulcher: durability, performance, and value for money. Innovative engineering, premium quality steel throughout, reinforced rotors and mulching teeth, and exceptional welding processes combine to deliver strength and longevity. Variable motor speeds also maximise the overall performance of Fecon mulchers. For lighter material loads, higher rpm means more bites per second and finer material sizing – whereas with heavier material, the Bull Hog delivers more rotor torque keeping the rotor turning when other heads may stall.

Forestry attachments

Fecon Australia also offers a diverse range of vegetation management attachments, including the revolutionary low rpm Stumpex for skid steers, track loaders and excavators; an auger-style stump grinder that uses slower, yet more efficient, grind rotations to minimise mess and deliver a clean end product. Furthermore, Fecon’s innovative tree shears are perfectly designed and constructed to nimbly shear, lift, bunch and carry multiple trees with a single attachment, also compatible with CTLs, SSLs and excavators.

Forestry tractors

Finally, if you need a ‘machine plus attachment’ combination ready to tackle even the most challenging land clearing project, Fecon Australia’s range of forestry tractors are simply unmatched for quality, performance, and durability. Ranging from the 140 horsepower

FTX150-2 up to the absolute beast 600 horsepower FTX600, Fecon Australia’s machines are made to perform. Complete with ‘severe duty’ high flow hydraulic Bull Hog mulching heads, no job will stand in the way of a Fecon forestry tractor.

Nationwide support

Fecon Australia also offers a nationwide parts, service, sales and support network for all machines and attachments, ensuring that any scheduled or unplanned downtime is resolved quickly and easily. Don’t wait weeks for replacement parts or service requests as is standard for many forestry equipment suppliers in Australia – Fecon Australia will have your support needs catered to swiftly and efficiently.

For more information about Fecon Australia’s range of forestry machines and attachments, visit www.fecon.net.au or call the national information line on 1300 332 661.

Fecon Australia also offers a diverse range of vegetation management attachments.

Fecon Australia’s range of forestry tractors are simply unmatched for quality, performance, and durability.

Fecon Bull Hog mulchers are perfectly engineered to suit a wide variety of track and skid steer loaders

ASV: The best keeps getting better

Comfort

A primary focus of ASV’s redesigned MAXSeries cab is the maximum comfort of the operator, even on the longest and hottest days in the seat. Up to 30 per cent more head, shoulder and leg room, plus a fully adjustable suspension seat with four-way armrests, ensures operators of any size are comfortable and relaxed. In addition, the fully insulated cab with improved air conditioning and climate control stays cool and comfortable on hot summer days.

In addition, the unique suspension system found only in ASV Posi-Track undercarriages – including double torsion axles, heavy duty rubber wheels, and, on the larger models, independently moving wheels – ensures that shock vibrations felt in the cab are significantly minimised, reducing operator fatigue and discomfort.

Control

One of the first new features operators will notice when they climb in the new MAXSeries cab is the 7-inch colour touchscreen display. This innovative addition conveniently displays all vital machine information, offers a high-quality view of the reversing camera, and provides easily accessible service history and comprehensive maintenance schedules. This gives operators a better understanding of their machine performance and condition, ensuring service and maintenance requirements are met and, subsequently, the machine performs to its brilliant best throughout a longer lifetime.

In addition, the overall layout and positioning of key controls, such as the joysticks and throttle, has been updated to deliver a more ergonomic and operator-friendly experience. The machines are now easier and smoother to control than ever, and set a new industry benchmark for operator satisfaction.

Furthermore, not only has the machine control been improved dramatically, but so too has the operator’s ability to control their work environment. Bluetooth radio, high fidelity speakers, phone connectivity and device control are all new additions to allow operators to better enjoy their work day.

Visibility

Working with various major blind spots is no longer a concern for MAX-Series operators –the new panoramic all-clear window designs offer 360-degree visibility and unobstructed views all around the machine; in fact, up to 52 per cent more visibility than previous models of ASV Posi-Tracks.

Plus, MAX-Series cabs include the industry’s first roof escape hatch for added operator safety and offer an optional heavy gauge Falling Object Protective Structure (FOPS) level 2 cab, for unmatched cab impact resistance. Furthermore, the high quality 7-inch display screen offers a premium view of the rear of the machine via the reverse camera, to ensure maximum safety for both the operator and bystanders, and also reduces the likelihood of reversing into hazards and causing damage to the machine or surrounding environment.

Safety and reliability

As noted above, the MAX-Series range of PosiTrack Loaders from ASV are packed with many crucial safety features often unavailable on alternate brands of compact track loaders.

The new roof escape hatch is an industry-first for added operator safety, the unobstructed panorama views and high-quality reverse camera offers excellent visibility all around the machine, and the optional level 2 cab guarding enhances falling object impact resistance.

In addition, the renowned ASV Posi-Track undercarriage remains as stable, reliable, and easy to service as ever. With its unique torsion axle suspension, rubber track system and open wheel design, ground shock is significantly reduced, and dirt and debris are easily ejected from the undercarriage, meaning less wear and tear on the machine and a longer service life. Furthermore, the new MAX-Series cabs include fully sealed watertight fuse panels.

Customer support

In addition to a premium nationwide service and parts network and 25 local dealers throughout Australia, ASV also offers an industry-leading 2-year warranty on all Posi-Track Loaders, plus comprehensive operational support from our expert product representatives throughout the machine’s entire life.

To learn more about ASV’s range of PosiTrack Loaders, including the MAX-Series models, visit: www.asvaus.com

MAX-Series cabs offer up to 30 per cent more head, shoulder and leg room.

The MAX-Series cabs include the industry’s first roof escape.

The machines are now easier and smoother to control than ever.

The evolution of excellence: Volvo’s new L350H2

Building on the success of its predecessor, Volvo Construction Equipment has launched their updated 56-tonne L350H2 loader, complete with a host of upgrades to increase productivity, fuel efficiency and profitability.

The Volvo L350H2 is designed to handle demanding tasks in construction, quarrying, mining and other challenging environments, and represents Volvo’s commitment to providing eco-friendly solutions in the heavy machinery sector.

“The big difference between this L350H2 compared to the existing one is the new drivetrain, new transmission, and new axles,” says Hayden Grant, national product manager at CJD Equipment, Volvo CE’s national distributor.

“Over the years Volvo have built on their experience and worked closely with customers to improve these machines,” says Hayden. “Now, in 2023, Volvo have introduced exciting new features that have made it our flagship loader. These upgrades make it even more efficient and productive.”

Enhanced performance

With its robust construction and impressive

lifting capacities, the L350H2 is built to tackle heavy loads with ease. A highly notable improvement on the L350H2 wheel loader is that it boasts a more responsive hydraulics system featuring new lift and tilt cylinders, and an increased hydraulic working pressure for up to 10 per cent faster work cycles and higher productivity.

Volvo hydraulics are manufactured using only the highest quality components, designed specifically for machines, like the L350H2, to deliver superior precision and machine functionality.

At the heart of the Volvo hydraulic system is the load-sensing technology, which continuously monitors and adjusts the hydraulic flow and pressure according to the load requirements. This dynamic system ensures that power is distributed precisely where it is needed, resulting in efficient operation and reduced energy consumption.

“The L350H2 is the ideal production loader

for all applications, from load and carry to moving quarried material,” Hayden says. “Its ability to move tonnes per hour, with more tonnes per litre of fuel burnt makes it a fantastic piece of machinery in terms of efficiency and sustainability.”

With the additional on-board weighing option, operators can know the current load in the bucket and exactly how much has been unloaded for the current task, whether that be loading a truck or stockpiling.

Easy operation

Operators can rely on fast cycle times thanks to the updated driveline, featuring new Volvo axels and all new Volvo transmission. These updates enable the third generation of Volvo Opti-Shift with lock-up converter and ReverseBy-Breaking technology.

Volvo’s new Opti-Shift transmission offers smooth shifting with automatic lock-up in second, third and fourth gear, dramatically

The L350H2 is the ideal production loader for all applications, from load and carry to moving quarried material.

reducing fuel consumption and environmental impact while maintaining productivity and operator comfort.

In load and carry applications, like forestry, it’s common for operators to use the gear shifter to change between reverse and forward without applying the breaks. Deceleration is handled by the torque converter in such cases, resulting in energy loss and places a lot of strain on the converter due to heat transfer. Volvo’s Reverse-byBreaking (RBB) function recognises the speed, direction, and throttle position and applies the service brake to slow the machine, saving fuel and reducing converter wear.

Already found on the Volvo L110H and L260H, this new Opti-Shift technology integrates the RBB function and the lockup function in transmission to boost fuel efficiency by up to 15 per cent.

With its advanced technology and intelligent features, the Volvo L350H2 not only enhances productivity but also prioritises operator safety and comfort. From heavy lifting to delicate operations, the L350H2 delivers outstanding performance, reliability, and control, making it a top choice for construction, mining, and other demanding applications.

Volvo Construction Equipment is well known as one of the world’s best manufacturers of high-quality, and technologically advanced equipment – and CJD Equipment have been proudly offering their products to the Australian market for close to half a century.

Together, CJD Equipment and Volvo CE

provide a range of premium machinery suited to Australia’s unique industry requirements to deliver a range of productivity, fuel efficiency and safety solutions for a highly productive operation.

CJD Equipment has an extensive national

support network in place to ensure you are well supported, no matter where or when.

For more information contact your local CJD branch on 1300 139 804 or visit: cjd.com.au.

The L350H2 is built to tackle heavy loads with ease.

The Volvo L350H2 not only enhances productivity but also prioritises operator safety and comfort.

Ready to roll: Jetland Landing Ramps

Jetland Loading Ramps offers robust loading ramps for just about any application. EEM speaks to one of the company’s recent happy customers, Jack Goodman from Melbourne’s Bayside Plumbing.

Jack Goodman was born into the plumbing game. Fifteen years ago, he kicked off his career by following his father Kurt’s footsteps into the industry through the family business, Bayside Plumbing.

“Bayside Plumbing has been going for about 40 years,” Jack says. “My old man started it, and now we work together.

“It began with me just helping out on school holidays, and I just worked my way into it from there.”

Jack took over the management of the business, which is based in Melbourne’s south east, about five years ago when Kurt decided to put down the tools.

“He’d done his time, so wanted to step back and live his life. Now he helps with deliveries and driving the company trucks – and also bringing the lunch,” Jack says with a laugh.

Bayside Plumbing specialises in plumbing works for new homes, drainage, as well as excavation – which Jack says has become a core part of their day-to-day.

“We’ve worked for a lot of the same clientele for a long time, including a lot of the builders in the Bayside area,” he says. “We’re doing site cuts basically every day, so we’re always using one of our excavators on the job.

“You have to be able to do that these days with the big drainage jobs – you need to get rid of the spoil. It’s a necessary part of the service.”

For this, Bayside Plumbing runs a small fleet of excavators including a 1.7-tonne Kubota, two Bobcats (a 3.5-tonne and a 5.5-tonne machine), and three trucks to transport them, as well as to haul away excavated material.

Ramping up

When it came time for Jack to replace the loading ramps he uses to load the two larger excavators on and off the truck, he gave Jimmy from Jetland Loading Ramps a call on the recommendation of a friend.

“One of my mates bought some ramps there just a few months ago,” Jack says. “The Jetland factory is just around the corner from us, so we thought we’d drop in and check them out.”

Jack and Kurt were immediately impressed

by the strength and quality of Jetland’s ramps, and decided to give them a go. Jack said Jimmy made the overall process simple and painless.

“Jimmy is an entertaining guy,” Jack says. “We went around to suss out the ramps and ended up chatting him for about two hours. He’s just a genuine person.

“You can drive in and drive out that same day with the ramps, and not get passed around to three different people in the process – that’s what you want.”

Jack and Kurt chose 3.9m ramps to enable loading and unloading at a more comfortable incline.

Jack says his alloy constructed Jetland ramps are lightweight and easy for one person to handle.

The right solution

Jetland

are also available,

but the business is dedicated to ensuring plenty of options are always kept in stock and ready to go.

So, when Jack and Kurt came looking for a

less conventional model, Jetland was prepared.

“They had 3.9m ramps in stock, which you’d have to have custom-made by a lot of other suppliers,” Jack says. “And that would mean they’d cost twice as much, and you’d be waiting much longer for them.”

According to Jack, the more common 3.6m models are easier to find, but the added length of the 3.9m ramps makes for a much more comfortable loading and unloading experience. “They’re also super light for what they are, which makes them an easy lift for one person,” he says. “I have friends who use other brands of ramp, and it takes two people to lift them. You’ll put your back out pretty quickly doing that every day.

“Our ramps are rated for 6 tonnes, and most other brands go to steel at that end of the range – but ours are made from a much lighter alloy.”

Hassle-free delivery

For those who don’t live around the corner from Jetland headquarters like Jack and Kurt, all is not lost. Jetland offers free delivery to any commercial business address in Australia, and can also facilitate pickup from any of the 200 collection depots across the country.

Jetland’s range of loading ramps are available exclusively at:

www.jetlandramps.com.au

Jetland accepts payment via credit card, direct transfer, PayPal or Zip.

(L-R) Bayside Plumbing’s Kurt and Jack Goodman.

aims to set its offering apart by offering a wide range of ramps for all sorts of industrial applications. Custom builds

Jetland has a wide range of ramps in stock to allow for quick and easy purchase.

LiuGong Australia launches new electric product range

As the largest manufacturing of wheel loaders in the world, LiuGong’s latest product line reflects its continued investment in R&D, and development of high-quality machinery the industry has come to expect. The company’s new electric-driven loaders, excavators and aerial work platform also represent a commitment to meeting the unique requirements of asset owners and operators around the world.

The development of their advanced electric technology is helping customers achieve their strict Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) goals, which are becoming increasingly important as part of sustainability agendas within the construction and mining industry.

Green and mean

The new LiuGong 856H-E MAX electric wheel loaders have been tried and tested in over 500 different worksites globally, accumulating more than 90,000 operating hours, including coal processing sites, power plants, road construction works, cement production facilities, ports and tunnels, and steel mills. Aside from being packed with green credentials, the 856H-E MAX loaders are not only powerful, energy-efficient, and reliable, but the units are virtually maintenance free,

which minimises downtime, saving operators time and money. The loaders essentially provide a sustainable choice for asset owners wanting to reduce their carbon emissions, whilst giving operators new levels of safety and comfort no matter the environment, application or material payload.

According to Louis Wei, Oceania Country Manager of LiuGong Australia, the 856H-E MAX loader is packed with smart technology that delivers real benefits to improve efficiencies and maximise productivity.

“Featuring a patented, uniquely designed control box, and fully automated electric gearshifting system, operators will experience an increase in transmission efficiency of more than 20 per cent,” Louis says.

“A 20 per cent higher efficiency of energy transfer from a cancelling torque converter, plus 15-20 per cent energy saving from the innovative energy recovery system, are also direct benefits of this new electronic control transmission system.

“In terms of adaptability, an upgraded battery encapsulation is waterproof, prevents dust build-up, and is corrosion resistant. Intelligent temperature control adapts to ambient temperatures of between -30 to 45 degrees, and reverse airflow aids in dust removal.”

Louis adds that operators will also benefit

from comfortable and easy operation driven by electric proportional fingertip control, lower cab noise, a three-level safety alarm system and IP67 harness protection, as well as a smart diagnostic and battery management system.

Digging deeper

LiuGong’s new 9027F-E electric excavator is a reliable workhorse which showcases everything one would expect, all within a compact yet powerful unit. Featuring a world-class highly efficient motor, a load sensitive hydraulic system, as well as battery heating and automatic stop functions, operators will benefit from excellent efficiency and significant energy savings. Additionally, the units deliver zero emissions, minimal noise and vibration, and smoother operation at every swing. Safety features have also been integrated into every part of the machine, from the 48V safety voltage, MSD maintenance switch, LED work lights, emergency stop switch, and advanced ROPS cab protection.

“We are confident our new excavator technology will provide operators with an entirely new experience, but offer new levels of comfort, convenience and multi-functionality,“ Louis says.

“The units offer a zero tail rotation design, quick industrial 380V battery charging via a

LiuGong Australia has announced the launch of its new 856H-E MAX electric wheel loader, 9027F-E electric excavator, and aerial work platforms.

The new LiuGong 856H-E MAX electric wheel loaders have been tried and tested in over 500 different worksites globally.

household 110-230V power source, and dualway axillary and rotation lines. Operators will also benefit from lower costs thanks to the maintenance-free motor and battery, as well as long-life hydraulic oil.

“There are also the intelligent features including a 5-inch touch screen, central control panel, intelligent battery management system, electric proportional joystick, and adjustable auxiliary flow and pressure.”

Lifting the game

Aside from the the electric wheel loader and excavator models, LiuGong has also introduced new electric-drive aerial work platforms into its product portflio. These have been designed with safety in mind, while transforming the way companies work at heights.

Louis says the aerial work platforms are designed using high-strength steel for structural integrity, added protection, and significantly reduced deformation in the event of collision.

“Our new work platforms provide the safest and efficient work environment possible,” he says. “From a range of safety and security features, and a reinforced design that maximises stability at every height, to maintenance-free materials, quick charging capabilities, and accessible controls, the machines have been purpose-built to suit industrial operations of all sizes.”

Operators will benefit from lower costs thanks to the maintenancefree motor and battery.

The LiuGong 856H-E MAX loader is packed with smart technology that delivers real benefits to improve efficiencies and maximise productivity.

The development of advanced electric technology is helping customers achieve their strict Environmental, Social, And Corporate Governance (ESG) goals.

Unrivalled performance: Simex Cutter Heads

Make an impact with Simex cutter heads designed to suit a range of earthmoving applications.

Operators are increasingly turning to high performance earthmoving attachments like cutter heads that help cut through the toughest surfaces with little fuss.

When conventional excavation systems are too weak and percussion tools have little impact, Simex cutter heads (also known as drum cutters) are the ideal solution for the most complex applications.

The versatile Simex cutter heads are designed to suit a range of applications, from trenching in the road sector, passing through the vertical profiling of concrete or rock walls in construction and infrastructure, up to the toughest quarrying or tunnelling work.

In comparison to traditional rock grinding methods, such as explosives or hydraulic rockbreakers, the Simex cutter head range offers a number of unique advantages, which make them the attachment of choice for hard surfaces – more accurate profiling and precise cuts, versatility in narrow and deep excavations, continuous operation and greater efficiency, and minimisation of fractures within the rock mass.

The Simex range is renowned for its work in finishing operations where high precision, minimum disturbance and aesthetic results are required.

Their quiet operation and low vibration emission (<87 dB) make them ideal when working near sensitive areas such as residential zones, hospitals, schools, bridges, and other existing infrastructure.

Simex cutter heads are available in a range of models to suit 2.5 to 75 tonne excavators.

The cutter heads can be used to cut through varied degrees of rock hardness of up to 85 MPa.

Unrivalled performance

Featuring patented technology, the direct drive high displacement hydraulic piston motor offers high torque and high performance, enabling operators to consistently bore through the toughest materials without losing power.

The direct drive motor does not require lubrication or other routine maintenance. A filter on the feed and drainage line are both integrated, protecting the hydraulic system from any external impurities, which can damage or reduce the performance of both the excavator and the equipment.

Additional protection from pressure peaks is provided on drainage line by an accumulator and a fuse, and on feed line by a flow-limiting valve. The latter also allows easy coupling with various excavator models and sizes, facilitating installation and calibration operations. With replaceable anti-wear plates, and mechanical gaskets fitted on the drums, the equipment will also be safeguarded from dust, allowing the rotary cutters to work completely submerged either in the ground, or in water up to a maximum depth of 30m.

The frame’s unique shape reduces the distance between the drums and improves the total working width. Furthermore, milled material is discharged from the trench without getting stuck in the structure due to the symmetry of the frame, which also allows hoses to be hooked up at sides and front.

The cutter heads can be rotated 90 degrees

thanks to square holes in the coupling plate, which makes the equipment even more productive and versatile when it comes to different applications.

Estimate your hourly production with the new Simex calculator

The team of experts at the Simex factory in Italy has launched a new tool that calculates the theoretical hourly production if using Simex high performance rotary cutter heads. The calculator will recommend the most suitable model based on the material you need to work with.

The calculator can be accessed via simex-drumcutters.com/en-us/tf/

Contact your local SIMEX dealer

• QLD, NT, PNG: QLD Rock Breakers

• VIC/SA/TAS: Walkers Hammers

• NSW: Groundtec

• WA: Total Rockbreaking Solutions

For more information, visit www. attachmentspecialists.com.au/simex

Simex cutter heads are available in a range of models to suit 2.5 to 75 tonne excavators.

Maximum cutting force from 15.1 to 128 kN, depending on the model.

Suit carriers between 2.5 and 75 tonne.

SIMEX Rock Grinders (Rotary Cutter Heads)

ADVANTAGE:

• Precise cut

• Low vibrations

• Quiet operation

• High torque

• Dust proof

• Fast set-up

• 360O hydraulic rotation (optional)

• Drums and teeth options for a variety of applications

• Replaceable anti-wear plates

• Wide range of applications: trenching, profiling, tunneling, agriculture, quarrying, infrastructure, demolition and underwater works

Make an IMPACT on hard surfaces

Make an IMPACT on hard surfaces

CALCULATE THE HOURLY PRODUCTION

Calculate the theoretical hourly production according to the material you need to work with on SIMEX manufacturer’s website, https://simex-drumcutters.com/en-us/tf/

Scan for SIMEX dealer locations in Australia: QLD | NSW | VIC | SA | WA or visit attachmentspecialists.com.au/simex

Onetrak opens new Sydney branch

As part of its expansion to boost support for the Sydney region, Onetrak has opened a new branch in Moorebank.

Onetrak has celebrated the opening of a new Sydney branch in Moorebank, which opened its doors in May. Located just 27km from the Sydney CBD, less than 1km from the M5 Motorway, and close to the M7 interchange, the new branch will help Onetrak to better service Sydney and its surrounding areas.

The new Sydney branch is Onetrak’s eighth location, with others around Australia including Brighton in Tasmania’s south, Somerset in Tasmania’s north, Hallam in Victoria, Tumut in New South Wales, Bunbury in Western Australia, Mt Gambier in South Australia, and Caboolture in Queensland.

Onetrak is home to large brands within the earthmoving, forestry, material handling, and extractive industries. The business offering includes new and used machine sales, rental equipment, service, and parts; and a brand portfolio includeing Hidromek, Tigercat, Striker, Anaconda, Dressta, and Terex Fuchs.

Regional Manager for QLD and NSW Brad Madden said he was looking forward to being a part of Ontrak’s growth in the Sydney area.

“Onetrak has had a presence in Sydney for the last three years, gradually stepping into the market as we grew,” he said. “The time has now come to commit to our own facility, and we are excited and serious about providing service and support for our customers.

“We are currently running two fully maintained service vehicles and have a sales team and parts support for the area. The move into our new facility at Moorebank provides us with a large yard, plenty of hard stand area, office space to accommodate our team, and a large warehouse. We will be able to hold more parts to make a quicker turn around for our valued customers along with a large workshop space to better service our customers machinery.”

Managing Director David Hazell said: “It was important to establish a presence in Sydney as part of our business plan to become a truly national heavy equipment dealer. With the help of our loyal customers and fantastic brands, Onetrak has grown beyond our original expectations, and it was important we established a full-time presence in Sydney to

better support our growing client base and key franchises in this important region.

“We are extremely fortunate to have some of the most talented and dedicated employees in the industry working for Onetrak and it’s the company’s family feel and commitment to providing exceptional customer service that has allowed us to grow and prosper in what is otherwise a saturated and competitive space.

“We look forward to growing and expanding the business further in conjunction with our people and providing a level of customer service that is recognised with our Onetrak brand.”

For more information, contact the Sydney branch on 02 8729 8400, or visit: www.onetrak.com.au

The branch includes a large yard, warehouse, hard stand area, and ample office space to accommodate the Onetrak team.

Onetrak’s new facility in Moorebank will enable better service to the greater Sydney area.

Tough power at the right price

UHI Machinery has added XCMG’s XR80E and XR240E rotary drilling rigs to its range.

The UHI Foundation Construction Product line-up has been boosted with the introduction of its UHI XR series Rotary Drilling Rig. Incorporating advanced technology and features to deliver greater productivity, the rotary drilling rigs include a full line of drilling tools, temporary casings, shoes, drive adapters, and teeth.

The rig has been custom-built for UHI Machinery by XCMG, one of the world’s top five construction machinery manufacturers. The rig’s simple hydraulic pilot controls and load sensing technology add superior operator comfort and efficiency.

Ideal for drilling in sand as well as cohesive, silty, and other soil types, the XR series Rotary Drilling Rig is manufactured on a hydraulic crawler telescopic chassis. The series features a self-landing folding mast, telescopic drill pipe, automatic vertical detection adjustment, and a digital display to monitor the drilling process.

The new line of XCMG manufactured rotary drilling rigs and associated tools are designed for both driven and drilled pile foundations. The UHI XR series rigs can perform Kelly drilling, continuous flight auger, full displacement piles, single column mixing and cased. The rigs can also be used for low headroom applications. Well suited for a variety of operations, these rigs accommodate different drilling tools for short spiral, rotary bucket, and core drilling plus long helix drill, underground wall grab or a vibration pile hammer.

Engineered to tackle a wide variety of tasks and challenges, the UHI rigs have the flexibility to meet any drilling requirement, particularly those demanded by municipal construction and infrastructure works, highway bridges, industrial and civil construction, underground wall, water conservation, anti-seepage slope, and other applications. Special needs can also be satisfied through available options that include cylinder pressurisation, hoisting pressure, casing drive, and high-speed soil throwing.

The robustly engineered XR series drilling rigs incorporate the latest safety features, while being competitively priced and powerful enough to take on the most challenging tasks. Their high performance is supported by a comprehensive Australia-wide after-sales service network.

Rotary Drilling Rig XR80E

This model comprises a base unit on crawlers and a drilling application module. Its design makes it a great solution for drilling foundations for port construction, railroad bridges and highrise buildings and other boreholes in foundation engineering. The XR80E is highly suitable for telescopic friction and interlocking Kelly bars. Key advantages include:

• A powerful electronically controlled and turbocharged Cummins engine that meets North American Tier 4 Final and Euro stage V emission standards

A special hydraulic telescopic crawler chassis (TDP series) has a large diameter slewing bearing for high stability

• The hydraulic pressure system has threshold power and negative flow controls for high efficiency performance and improved energy conservation

• Convenient maintenance with a centralised lubrication system

• There is a choice of a standard configuration crowd cylinder or an optional multifunctional configuration for a crowd winch, CFA or rotary spray

• The drilling rig can be transported with the Kelly bar installed.

Rotary Drilling Rig XR240E

This multifunctional machine is designed for rapid access to functions such as cylinder pressure, winch pressure, oscillator, CFA, and a dual power head. This flexibility makes them ideal for meeting a wide range of construction needs. The XR40E is designed to drill large diameter pile holes in hard layers. Typical applications include hole-forming operations of cast-in-place concrete piles in constructing industrial and civil buildings as well as roads, railways, bridges, and other large infrastructure projects.

XR240E Drilling Rig offers: An electronically controlled turbocharged Isuzu engine for lower fuel consumption and convenient service access

Improved work efficiency of 20 per cent for the rotary drive and the main winch

• Significant cost reduction as a result of singlerow wire rope technology for the main and auxiliary winches

The rig’s double jib parallelogram luffing mechanism has a large support angle and a 16 per cent increase in support range for more stable operation

• Fast response and good handling performance is delivered by a hydraulic system with negative flow control technology

• A high-power temperature-controlled independent hydraulic oil cooler addresses the challenges of high temperature construction environments. Automatic fan speed adjustment responds to temperature changes to save energy.

UHI customers benefit from comprehensive customer service that includes responsive endto-end attention throughout each stage of the sales, commissioning, and after-sales process. Other services include finance options to help UHI customers to fast-track deployment of new equipment. There is also the convenience of in-store pick-up and nationwide delivery. UHI branches are located in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Darwin and Townsville.

For more information, email sales@ unitedheavyindustries.com.au, or call 1800 800 844

The XR240E’s hydraulic system with negative flow control technology delivers fast response and good handling performance.

Breaking new ground

Toyota Material Handling Australia (TMHA) has celebrated the launch of its new flagship branch in Melbourne with a special opening ceremony attended by dignitaries and key stakeholders.

The new state-of-the-art facility in Dandenong South began construction in June 2022, and is based on a 32,600-square-metre parcel of land based just five minutes down the road from the facility it replaces.

The building itself takes up half of the available land, and at 16,350 square metres, is 34 per cent larger than the previous site.

A comprehensive opening ceremony was held on June 15, hosted by AFL legend Simon Madden with 340 people in attendance.

Multiple guests of honour were invited to attend, including Toyota Industries Corporation Executive Officer Yoichiro Yamazaki and ConsulGeneral of Japan in Melbourne Junji Shimada.

TMHA President and CEO Steve Takacs was joined by Toyota Material Handling International Vice-President Sam Coles, with other guests of honour including business magnate Lindsay Fox and the member for Dandenong, the honourable Gabrielle Williams MP.

Takacs said the new branch will allow for a greater level of usability and innovation for the brand.

"With features like a dedicated dirt demonstration area, paint booths and support for parts and service, our new state-of-the-art facility will offer more for our valued Victorian customers," he said.

“Our new site supports capability for sales and rentals, accounts operations, storage of inventory and parts, servicing and training, providing customers with a holistic TMHA experience.”

The event was held in the new branch’s workshop facility, commemorated by traditional

Japanese customs including daruma doll eye painting, tree planting, and a sake barrel breaking ceremony.

As proud partners of the Essendon Football Club, TMHA was lucky to have star Bombers from both the AFL and AFLW sides on hand including Jye Caldwell, Jordan Ridley, Maddy Prespakis, and Georgia Gee, with all guests taking home a signed football and commemorative Japanese sake.

Fox was given the honour of cutting the ribbon to officially open the new site.

Guests were treated to musical performances from DJs and electric string trio Vixen Strings in between a catered lunch for all attendees.

Attendees were given guided tours of the new facility, which will not only facilitate sales and rental of equipment but will also serve as a regional base for major and corporate

Victorian accounts operations.

The new warehouse and workshop area is 28 per cent larger than the facility it replaces, while a new 300-square-metre ‘dirt’ demonstration area allows for prospective customers to test out the HUSKI Construction Equipment range of earthmoving products.

State-of-the-art sealed and pressurised paint and preparation booths allow forklifts and other construction equipment to be custom painted to customers’ exact specifications.

The site will hold inventories of new material handling and HUSKI construction equipment, and offer full support coverage for parts, workshop and field service, and training facilities.

For more information, visit:

Toyota Material Handling Australia celebrates the opening of a new state-of-the-art branch in Melbourne.

The event was commemorated by a traditional Japanese sake barrel breaking ceremony.

Multiple guests of honour were invited to join the festivities.

Guests were treated to musical performances from DJs and electric string trio Vixen Strings.

Three hundred and forty guests attended the opening, just five minutes down the road from the old TMHA Melbourne branch.

huski finance now available huski construction equipment for

For over thirty years Toyota Huski skid steer loaders have built a reputation on outstanding performance, driver comfort and legendary reliability. Continuing this pedigree, Toyota Material Handling has extended the Huski range to also include scissor lift and mini-excavator models.

And now buying your new Huski just got a lot easier with Huski Finance. With a great range of options available, talk to us today about a custom finance solution to make your next Huski purchase as easy as possible and put you at the head of the pack.

The Flipscreen: redefining earthmoving

The team at Flipscreen explains why its innovative screening bucket is the ultimate game-changer that has redefined the standards of earthmoving attachments.

In the ever-evolving world of earthmoving, professionals constantly seek innovations that can revolutionise their operations. With unrivalled capabilities and intuitive design, the Flipscreen stands as the go-to choice for professionals across diverse earthmoving industries.

Let's explore why this attachment should be at the top of every earthmover's list.

Unleashing potential

The Flipscreen is the epitome of versatility, capable of effortlessly handling any material on-site. Whether it's corrosive substances, landmines, or underwater operations, the Flipscreen knows no bounds. Its ability to screen any scoopable material makes it an indispensable tool, maximising productivity and streamlining operations across various job sites. Understanding the diverse needs of earthmovers, the Flipscreen offers a wide range of models designed to fit carriers of all sizes. From excavators and skid steers to loaders, telehandlers, backhoes, and tractors, there's a Flipscreen model for every carrier type. This adaptability empowers professionals to optimise their existing fleet, eliminating the need for costly investments in multiple attachments.

Efficiency at your fingertips

Time is of the essence in the earthmoving industry, and the Flipscreen prioritises efficiency. Its quick and tool-less screen change process enables seamless adaptation to different

material sizes in less than 5 minutes, with a single operator in control. No longer will projects be hindered by time-consuming screen replacements. The Flipscreen's efficiency and user-friendly design ensure uninterrupted workflow and maximum productivity.

The Flipscreen also sets new benchmarks with its expansive screening surface area. Compared to other attachments on the market, the Flipscreen boasts the largest screening surface area in its class. Imagine covering a 12 x 8-foot screen deck – an achievement that outshines traditional fixed plant screen decks. This vast screening area allows professionals to handle high volumes of material, even on the most demanding projects.

Built to endure more

Durability and reliability are crucial in the earthmoving industry, and the Flipscreen excels in both areas. With no internal moving parts and a direct drive system, this attachment eliminates the risks associated with chains, sprockets, and potential breakdowns. Its smart valve technology seamlessly integrates with hydraulic systems, accommodating various flow and pressure requirements without the need for modifications. This design minimises maintenance needs, enhances longevity, and ensures a quiet and reliable operation.

What’s more, the Flipscreen's versatility extends far beyond screening applications. Its optional Brush Kit prevents material build-up, optimising screening efficiency. Moreover, by replacing the mesh with a solid mixing

plate, the Flipscreen effortlessly transforms into a powerful cement mixer. This versatility eliminates the need for multiple attachments and equipment, streamlining operations and boosting productivity.

A sensible investment

In the fast-paced world of earthmoving, where efficiency, versatility, and cost-effectiveness are vital, the Flipscreen shines as a wise investment. Its compatibility with diverse carrier machines, ability to handle a variety of materials, swift screen changes, and expansive screening surface area make it the epitome of a versatile attachment. With the Flipscreen, professionals unlock unparalleled efficiency, productivity, and profitability while tackling earthmoving challenges with confidence.

Join the earthmoving revolution

The Flipscreen has redefined the earthmoving landscape, revolutionising the industry with its unparalleled capabilities. Its versatility, swift screen changes, expansive screening surface area, and robust construction set new standards in efficiency and productivity. By choosing the Flipscreen, earthmovers gain a transformative tool that maximises their potential, streamlines operations, and ensures unmatched success in their projects. Embrace the Flipscreen and experience the true power of efficiency and versatility in earthmoving.

For more information visit: www.flipscreen.net

The Flipscreen's efficiency and userfriendly design ensure uninterrupted workflow and maximum productivity.

A roadwork revolution

The JCB Pothole Pro is a ground-breaking new machine designed to revolutionise the roadworks industry for councils and contractors. With its innovative features, this state-of-the-art machine is set to transform the way pothole repairs and road maintenance are carried out. Powered by a high-performance JCB Ecomax engine, the JCB Pothole Pro boasts exceptional horsepower and speeds of up to 40kph when moving between sites, providing the necessary strength and pace to tackle even the most challenging road surfaces with ease in minimal time.

The cab of the JCB Pothole Pro includes a range of advanced features and a focus on ergonomic design. The high seating position offers unobstructed 360º views within the cab, enabling operators to work with confidence in congested urban areas, safeguarding pedestrians, and vehicles alike, while the Smooth Ride System ensures operator comfort for long days in the cab.

The standout feature of the JCB Pothole Pro is the “Cut, Crop, Clean” process developed by JCB. With the side shifting planer, the machine efficiently cuts against the roadside kerb, while the self-levelling mechanism guarantees consistent results, regardless of the gradient. To further enhance the longevity of repairs, the dedicated cropping tool creates a uniform hole profile that ensures long-lasting patches.

The JCB Pothole Pro also excels in its cleaning capabilities. Equipped with a 1200mm wide sweeper collector featuring dust suppression, it swiftly prepares potholes in a matter of minutes. The machine’s versatility allows operators to collect and dump chippings effortlessly using bucket mode or by engaging the brush, significantly reducing the time

required for road surface preparation before re-laying.

When it comes to efficiency, the JCB Pothole Pro enables operators to complete pothole repairs swiftly, with an average repair time of just eight minutes – equating to 250 square metres of repairs a day, or 700 potholes a month. The exceptional speed combined with the machine’s outstanding capabilities also translates into significant cost savings on road maintenance projects. On average, a pothole repair with the JCB Pothole Pro costs $55. This offers tremendous value for money, making it an attractive option for infrastructure service providers nationwide.

From the comfort of the operator’s seat, adjustments to the 600mm planer can be easily made, thanks to hydraulic depth and tilt control. This not only enhances safety but also maximises performance, ensuring optimal results every time.

The JCB Pothole Pro is currently being demonstrated in Australia, showcasing its practicality and effectiveness in the field.

Richard Mathews, JCB Demonstrator has been conducting these demonstrations as part of the brand's commitment to showcase the machine’s capabilities. Customers can witness first-hand how the JCB Pothole Pro completes tasks that would typically require 20 to 30 minutes of manual labour with a jackhammer, achieving the same results in just four minutes. These demonstrations reinforce the machine’s exceptional efficiencies and highlight its potential to transform road maintenance.

JCB CEA views the JCB Pothole Pro as a true game-changer for the industry, with its suitability for use nationwide. The machine’s powerful performance, advanced features,

and cost-effective nature make it an invaluable asset for infrastructure service providers across the country. As an industry leader in construction and heavy machinery, JCB CEA is proud to offer this ground-breaking innovation, confident that it will reshape the future of roadworks and significantly improve efficiency and safety standards in the Australian road maintenance industry.

The Cut, Crop, Clean process

Cut: 600mm Planer

• Planer, with dust suppression

• 600mm wide, 1.3m traverse to left (to kerb side)

• Can cut to a depth of 170mm

• Tried and tested on a variety of surfaces, including HRA

• Eight degrees of tilt either way Hydraulic depth control with the option of either powered or floating tilt.

Crop: 600mm Cropping Tool

• Dedicated cropping tool mounted on the JCB multitool

• 600mm wide blade to match planer width, with a variety of blades available to offer further versatility

• Perfect for operating around obstacles.

Clean: 1.2m Sweeper

• Sweeper, with dust suppression

• Hydraulic ram enables bucket mode to collect a large volume of materials

• Significantly reduces parts wear and replacements

• Optimised for small potholes up to big patches.

For more information, visit: www.jcbcea.com.au

JCB’s “Cut, Crop, Clean” process takes pothole repair to the next level.

JCB has unveiled the Pothole Pro, an innovative new solution for safe, efficient pothole repairs.

Industry recognises rise of LiuGong

Ongoing demonstrations of LiuGong construction equipment are continuing to underpin the brand’s strong market penetration, as more and more operators across a range of industries recognise the high performance and superior value of the machines.

A recent Dig, Ride and Drive Day in Perth attracted a strong crowd of genuine enthusiasts from across metropolitan and regional areas, and already has resulted in the sale of more than 10 machines.

It was quickly followed by another event near Albany in Western Australia, one of the thriving regional hotspots in the state for construction and development.

Johnny Inferrera, with the national distributor for LiuGong, says the Perth ‘Dig Day’ showcased the manufacturer’s wheel loaders, rollers, and graders, as well as its large, compact, and mini excavators, and allowed operators to drive the machines and talk with product support staff.

Johnny says some operators who already had a LiuGong machine decided to purchase another after attending the event, while the good word also spread to several others who have since followed-up to put their money down.

“These events have presented a great opportunity to extend awareness and understanding of the brand as well as the performance and value of the machines, and we will be looking to hold further events across the country,” Johnny says.

He said WA had been one of the biggest markets for LiuGong wheel loaders in the 10-20 tonne range and their ongoing product improvements had been lauded.

“The key attraction is that they work and are a lot more affordable than some of the other established brands,” he says.

“Operators like the reliable Cummins engines and related support, and with the sheer volume of machines in the market now, they can have confidence knowing they have got very strong

backup and support for their machines.”

Johnny says the growing number of return buyers was another great indication of operator satisfaction with the brand.

“Some operators are buying second machines, and some are on their fourth and fifth machine,” he says.

WA equipment hire business All Excavator Hire recently added a LiuGong 856H wheel loader to its fleet after an impressive test drive during the ‘Dig Day’ event.

Based in Landsdale and Gingin and run by the Chapman family, the business has about 40 pieces of equipment including excavators and loaders. All Excavator Hire offers these

mainly for wet hire and also dry hire to all parts of the state, including the Pilbara and Kimberley regions. The equipment is used for a wide range of civil, construction, and mining works.

Matt Chapman said his father, who started the business in 1991, rarely changes equipment brands, however that changed when they added a LiuGong 856H wheel loader to their fleet.

“We actually helped shift the LiuGong gear into the site for the Dig Day and the old man jumped into the 856 to give it a demo,” Matt says. “He was very happy with how easy it was to operate, and appreciated the simplicity of a machine without Adblue or DPF (filter), or so many of the electrics that can cause issues.

LiuGong’s recent Dig, Ride and Drive Day in Perth demonstrated a brand on the rise in the Australian market.

Wheel loaders were among the range of LiuGong machines put to the test by industry operators during the event.

Industry operators had the chance to get behind the wheel of numerous LiuGong machines.

“It’s equivalent to other brands in the market that would have cost another $280,000. We can’t fault the quality of the machine. I could pull the LiuGong stickers off it and put others on and you wouldn’t know.’’

He says the 856H wheel loader already had clocked more than 100 hours and was currently working near Geraldton, loading road trains with gravel for roadworks and pushing up stockpiles.

“One operator has said it has more power than other equivalent machines,” Matt says.

Matt also gave the ‘Dig Day’ the big thumbs-up.

“A salesman can sell you the dream, but the ability at the ‘Dig Day’ to put machines to work in similar conditions to what we experience was great,’’ he says.

Civil industry operator Cathal Gilchreest has been using a LiuGong 848H wheel loader in his business and also cannot fault the machine.

His business, Gilco Civil, which has been operating for about five years, carries out various jobs including water, sewer, stormwater, rail, trenching, and pipe laying works throughout the greater Perth region.

Cathal says Perth dealer McIntosh & Son had provided excellent service and support via Glen Campbell with other machines in his business, and when he noticed the Cummins engine and ZF running gear and then took the LiuGong loader for a test, he was thoroughly impressed.

He says on one job it had to quickly shift three semi-trailer loads of material to help provide access and he was “well impressed”.

“It’s the same as other machines and at around half the price – you can’t go wrong,’’ Cathal says.

“For someone like myself without big production works for a loader, it’s ideal.

“A construction company I work with is also now buying a second machine.”

For further information on the LiuGong equipment range, contact your nearest dealer.

LiuGong's Dig Day attracted a strong crowd of enthusiasts.

LiuGong's machinery offers good value for money without compromising on power.

The event has helped attract new customers to the LiuGong brand.

Building hype

With Victoria’s Big Build continuing to roll out its huge portfolio of massive civil works projects across the state, what better place than Melbourne to host a brand-new event to explore and celebrate the state of the booming Australian construction industry?

But for all the excitement that the country’s infrastructure pipeline promises, the industry has plenty of challenges to face. From ongoing skilled labour shortages to growing pressure on the sustainability front, businesses have a lot to consider.

September’s Inside Construction Expo promises to deliver an exciting new platform to address these issues, and celebrate the wins along the way. With a 150-strong roster of industry experts tackling all the big topics at the event’s integrated conference, and more than 15,000 square metres of exhibition space, there will be plenty to keep attendees busy.

To get an idea of what to expect, EEM sat down with three of Inside Construction’s major sponsors to hear what they’ll be bringing to the table.

In position

Position Partners, one of Australia’s leading providers of positioning and machine control

solutions, will be joining Inside Construction Expo as a conference sponsor.

Formed in 2008 as an amalgamation of five smaller state-based distributors, Position Partners now employs more than 350 people across offices Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Singapore.

As an Australian distributor for brands such as Topcon, Carlson, iDig, and many more; the business specialises in providing custom solutions for the building and civil construction, mining, quarrying, geospatial, waste management, and renewables industries.

Gina Velde, Marketing & Communications Executive Manager, says Position Partners’ offering is a great fit for the new expo –particularly given its focus on Victoria’s large civil infrastructure projects.

“We’re exhibiting at the Inside Construction Expo as it’s the only national event for civil works and infrastructure,” she says. “As a core market for Position Partners, we’re excited to connect with new and existing customers to discuss their upcoming projects.

“We’ll be featuring next generation Topcon positioning solutions, wearable 3D scanning, dust and vibration monitoring, our awardwinning Tokara remote access platform and

the new Blindsight intelligent safety system for heavy industry.”

Gina says the Position Partners team is excited to get boots on the ground, a novelty that hasn’t yet worn off after three years of uncertainty.

“Trade shows and conferences are experiencing a resurgence after the pandemic,” she says. “Digital communication is a wonderful tool, but nothing beats a face-to-face chat over a coffee.”

In control

Joining Position Partners as a conference sponsor, leading construction machinery manufacturer Komatsu is gearing up to show off its latest wares on the Inside Construction exhibition floor.

Komatsu will be showcasing its Intelligent Machine Control (iMC) 2.0 technology, which has been designed to deliver major productivity and efficiency benefits across its dozer and excavator range.

Dean Gaedtke, Komatsu Australia Executive General Manager Construction, says the company is excited to demonstrate how these solutions can help address some of the challenges facing the industry.

With the inaugural Inside Construction Expo only weeks away, EEM speaks with three of the event’s sponsors to find out what attendees can expect to see.

Inside Construction Expo will run from 20-21 September at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

“Inside Construction Expo comes at a crucial time for the construction industry in Australia,” he says. “With its significant contribution to the economy, generating over $437 billion in revenue and approximately nine per cent of the nation's GDP in 2022, the industry's projected growth rate of 2.4 per cent over the next five years underscores its importance.

“Nevertheless, the construction industry faces notable challenges that need to be addressed. Inside Construction Expo provides an essential platform to explore and tackle these issues head-on. The expo will facilitate discussions and presentations on critical matters such as the skills shortage in the sector, the digital transformation of the industry, and improving safety standards.

“Komatsu's sponsorship of Inside Construction Expo reflects our commitment to being at the forefront of these discussions, contributing our expertise and innovative solutions to address the industry's pressing issues.”

Credit where it’s due

Complementing the two-day conference, the brand-new Foundation Awards will provide an opportunity to celebrate excellence within the Australian construction industry.

Taking place on the evening of 20 September, the awards will recognise both the individuals and businesses that are pushing the industry forward –particularly on the safety and environmental sustainability fronts.

SAMI Bitumen Technologies is one of the Foundation Awards’ sponsors, as well as a Foundation Exhibitor for the event. The company has produced bitumen products for the infrastructure and construction industries since 1987, and has been at the forefront of sustainable innovations in the road construction space for many years.

“As one of the Foundation Exhibitors at this year's highly anticipated Inside Construction

Expo, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to unveil the latest advancements in bitumen technology,” says SAMI General Manager Sebastien Chatard.

“We cordially invite you to visit our booth where you can immerse yourself in our cutting-edge SAMI LC PMB range. This eco-friendly and sustainable technology showcases our commitment to environmental responsibility while delivering exceptional

performance through its high-quality bituminous binders. In addition, we will proudly present Crumbflex and SAMIBioPrime, two of our innovative products that align with our overarching sustainability goals.

“Join us at the expo and discover how SAMI Bitumen Technologies can be your trusted partner in developing top-of-the-line bitumen products tailored to meet the demands of various applications in the industry.”

Inside Construction Expo 2023 will be held from 10am-5pm, 20-21 September at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

To register for your free ticket, visit: www. insideconstructionexpo.com.au/register

To attend the Foundation Awards, visit: www. foundationawards.com.au

For exhibition and sponsorship enquiries, email Conrad Patrick: conrad.patrick@ primecreative.com.au

If you are interested in speaking at the conference, email Maggie Macgroarty: maggie.macgroarty@primecreative.com.au

For all other enquiries, email: insideconstructionexpo@primecreative. com.au

Komatsu’s exhibit will focus on its iMC 2.0 smart technology.

Position Partners will have a range of Topcon positioning solutions on display.

Where

I was speaking with a few contractors in regional Queensland the other day. We were talking about the lack of available labour. The question put to me was: “where did they all go?”

It was put to me that COVID seemed to flick the off switch on labour availability.

Their observations are sound in that the volume of works in other states was as strong before COVID as it was after, the amount of work in regional Queensland was not as high as it was through the LNG/mining booms and the flood recovery works post 2011.

I could not argue with their observations. In fact, based on portable long service leave receipts from projects in Queensland, we have not hit the expenditure during that period.

When we factor in inflation, the actual volume of work is less.

The Queensland Transport and Roads Infrastructure Program (QTRIP) has increased by 27 per cent from 2018-19 to 2022-23. This is about a 10 per cent increase over inflation. The bulk of the spending has been on projects over $100 million. Is this 10 per cent – plus an increase in private spending – to blame for the lack of available labour?

Prior to COVID a lot of tourism, hospitality, and agricultural jobs were occupied by overseas visitors on work visas, which included student visas. In addition, immigration was frozen.

During COVID these people went home and stopped coming. When venues were able to open there was a great gap in available workers with farmers crying out for labour.

As the country opened and stimulus money

flowed through the community, the available labour pool was too low to meet the demand.

An observation is that in the agricultural sector, machinery was hard to obtain, and prices were high. As a result, additional labour was hired in lieu of machinery. This trend is reversing as machinery becomes more available and prices drop.

As we sit now, immigration has returned to numbers higher than pre-COVID, backpackers have returned, and international students are back on campus. When considering the current pipeline of infrastructure projects – albeit at high levels, but still not as high as the LNG/mining boom – we are still struggling for labour.

It is being reported that labour productivity has recorded its largest annual decline in this March quarter national accounts. It has fallen 4.5 per cent over the last 12 months and 0.3 per cent in the first quarter of this year.

Productivity is doing more for less, and these figures show that as wages grow our ability to produce more is not keeping pace.

The lack of available equipment in some sectors is only part of the story.

The new industrial relations framework and

the procurement policies of some states are driving up wages and providing terms and conditions that were not business as usual prior to COVID.

Working from home is another legacy. This was a fantastic tool available to businesses to keep the doors of their businesses open during times of lock down and other restrictions. The issue was that in some sectors, this was done at the expense of productivity.

More big businesses are publicly calling for their employees to return to the office. To me, this is confirmation that as businesses are measuring their own output, they are needing to make the decision that working from home is not an option to maintain or grow business sustainability or profitability.

This is adding to our sticky inflation. It is pushing prices higher. The Reserve Bank Governor has stated that there is a growing mismatch between nominal wages – which are increasing, and productivity – which is falling.

To answer the original question, “where did they all go?”, I suspect the answer is in our falling labour productivity figures. More labour is being used to do the same work because of an early lack of equipment, working from home, and industrial relations agreements providing terms and conditions which stifle productivity.

Productivity must be improved. It will be either through machinery or other innovative techniques replacing labour, improvement in industrial agreements, or a combination of all.

Action must be taken to address the legacy of labour shortages left by COVID, writes Damian Long, CCF QLD CEO.

did they all go?

Damian says labour shortages continue to plague the civil construction sector.

Shaping careers, reshaping industry

The Pathways program is directed at women and First Nations people who have been historically underrepresented in the industry.

Employers in the program will have access to an Employer Support Program as well as a Coach on Call, to assist with the development of their apprentices and useful tools that support supervisors and work crews.

“With this multi-pronged approach, which engages and connects potential new apprentices with potential employers – and importantly, supports both along this learning journey – we believe we can deliver better job ready and employable apprentices,” Kinross said.

“And given the connection that the participants and employers may well forge through this process, it also provides the potential for employers to formally engage the apprentice they’ve been working with, upon their completion of the program.

“Importantly, during this process we’ll be connecting the apprentices and employers with the broader civil construction community and developing key relationships across government and our partnering organisations.

“We believe our new Pathways program can deliver genuine ‘win-wins’ for all involved.”

Careers, Reshaping Industry”, which aims to deliver 120 new ‘Job Safe, Job Ready’ participants into the civil construction sector over the next two years.

According to CCF Victoria CEO Lisa Kinross, the aim of the new program – which is directed specifically at women and First Nations participants – is to redress the challenges which are currently deterring them from entering the industry.

“The program is designed to deliver solutions by creating careers, empowering employers, and connecting communities,” she said. “It’s about providing a pathway to shape a career in civil construction, particularly for woman and First Nations people who are currently seriously underrepresented in our industry.”

The program will be run by Civil Train, CCF Victoria’s registered training organisation, in conjunction with Group Training and First Nations’ organisational partners including Protech, Dream Path, and Ripple Effect.

Funded by a recent Regional and Specialist Training Fund (RTSF) grant from the Victorian State Government, the two-year program which started in June 2023, will take 120 participants on a career journey through employment placement to the completion of an industry apprenticeship.

It will be one of the largest projects ever undertaken in the history of CCF Victoria and the first project dedicated solely to women and First Nations people.

“What we have recognised as an industry

which is facing major pressures in terms of trades and expertise, is that we needed to do better in encouraging people – particularly women and First Nations people – to consider a rewarding and ongoing career in our industry,” Kinross said.

“The National Market Infrastructure Market Capacity Survey 2022 indicated that access to skilled and unskilled workers was the highest ranked issue for CCF Victoria members. We believe this new Pathways program will go some way to alleviating the current skills crisis in our industry.”

The participants in the new program will be trained in a range of areas including site induction, cultural preparedness, and life skills. They will then complete the ‘RIII30920 Certificate III in Civil Construction Apprenticeship’ while they are at a work-based placement with a potential employer.

Applications for both participants and employers are now open and details can be found at www.ccfvic.com.

au/pathways

For more information, please contact the CCF Victoria office at pathways@ccfvic. com.au or call (03) 9588 7600.

The Pathways Program is a CCF Victoria and Victoria State Government Initiative.

Civil Contractors Federation Victoria CEO Lisa Kinross explains how the new Pathways program will be a win for women, and a win for the industry.

Strength in numbers

Where should you invest money to grow your business? Allied Earthmovers Association Manager Ann Callaghan explains.

Sometimes you need to take a leap of faith and put money where you may not see an immediate return on your investment. As they say, about half of your money put into advertising works, we just don’t know which half.

Sponsorship is a necessary component of the financial viability of our not-for-profit organisation, which helps keep membership costs down and puts a little backup in the bank. And while we don’t promise an immediate return for the sponsor’s dollar, we feel that we offer the best form of advertising available –advertising by word of mouth.

We also offer website and Year Book advertisement exposure, but nothing compares to word of mouth – especially in the earthmoving industry.

XCMG invested in our Association last month by hosting our May meeting at their premises at Chullora. Hitesh, Sassin, and the team provided the best pizzas ever, with plenty of giveaways and the chance to have a look at the extensive stock on their site.

It was also a good chance to catch up with one of our life members, Ian Edwards, who continues to support our Association, having been a member right from the start.

Car-pooling to meetings amongst members is proving to be a great idea – it encourages attendance while keeping costs down.

Thank you XCMG for not hesitating to accommodate us at your facility. “Trade Nights” certainly are a great way for sponsors to spread the word and to build lasting relationships.

Our last meeting brought up the topics of the restrictive truck parking regulations in suburban streets while working on site and the possibility of

using a phone app for completing SWMS on site. We were also visited by Josh from GraysOnLine who addressed the meeting, letting us know how Grays can help the members. The convenience of using a facility like this is greatly enhanced when you have a direct contact. Thank you, Josh, for making contact with us. It was also great to see our long-time supporter Phil, from Austas.

We look forward to our Trade Night with Sydney Trucks & Machinery at Smeaton Grange In October, and thank them for their continued support over the years.

Please give us a call if you would like to come along to this Trade Night – no need to be a member, guests are always welcome.

We thank all our sponsors for their support, and we feel that by our Association creating a relationship with these businesses, our members will receive a more personalised customer experience and therefore promote a mutual benefit with lasting effect.

Ann Callaghan Manager

If you are an owner-operator of earthmoving equipment and would like to know more about Golden Bucket Allied

Ann says Trade Nights are a great way for sponsors to spread the word and to build lasting relationships.

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