Earthmoving Equipment Magazine June - July 2022

‘Mopping up’ is probably a fair description of the Diesel Dirt & Turf aftermath.

The worst run of wet weather NSW has seen since meteorological record-keeping started threatened to dampen not only spirits for the Expo, but to pretty much saturate the exhibitors and attendees as well.

Of course, it takes more than several months of torrential rain and flooding to a substantial proportion of NSW to slow down the Australian earthmoving industry, and as it happened over 70,000 people turned out to see the latest equipment, listen to experts and visionaries speak and to wander around Eastern Creek’s Sydney Dragway taking in what was truly an amazing and exciting atmosphere.

Keeping up with the theme of entrepreneurship, Jamie and KahChi set up a stand outside the front gate selling umbrellas. I gather it worked out okay, because I haven’t seen them since. They keep sending me postcards from somewhere called

GET IN TOUCH

Do you have something you’d like to share with the industry? Send EEM an email at tom@maynemedia.com.au We’re keen to get your thoughts.

Rosewood Baha Mar in the Bahamas asking if I could please let the local police know the pair were in the office at the time a large consignment of wet-weather gear was stolen from a warehouse in Paramatta.

As always, despite appearances, they must’ve done some work before they left. As I scan through the material for this issue I see it’s another blockbuster.

In addition to the DD&T wrap up, we’ve had an in-depth chat with Phil Immisch of Leader Earthworks and Morgan Rose of WesTrac. Phil’s story is an inspirational journey from being a sole owner-operator to being at the head of a thriving company with 40 staff and a fleet of machines in around eight years of hard work and smart decisions, one of which was to use Caterpillar equipment from WesTrac.

Similarly, Global Utility Construction started out small, grew fast, and is now a huge and growing concern, and principals Luke Maxwell and Aaron Wright are also very

happy with their company’s association with WesTrac. It’s another success story where the directors made smart decisions, but are also full of praise for a hard-working team and support from the equipment supplier.

We also have case studies on NT Excavations and CJD Equipment, and we took the UHI US40K Skid Loader for a ride on a work site and found it was a first-class piece of machinery.

So maybe Jamie and KahChi do deserve a break.

Still, there seem to be a lot of raincoats, wellington boots and waterproof pants in the storeroom. If they hadn’t sold all the umbrellas I doubt everything would fit in there.

They must be planning a story on rain apparel for next issue. They’re always thinking, those two.

Tom Foster Contributing Editor

YOUR ONE STOP SHOP

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.

Jamie Gray

Jamie has been a professional photographer in Sydney for over two decades. He is the owner of Camera, Hammer and Tong, who provides digital content for small businesses in and around the construction industry. He is also a photo journalist & the product feature editor for What Tradies Want Magazine. But he’s just as comfortable with a hammer in his hand as a camera and pen. Undertaking a mature age carpentry apprenticeship in his 40s and still gets the nail bag on when he can.

Martin Kovacs

Martin Kovacs is a journalist with experience covering the business, technology and energy sectors. Over the past 10 years, Martin has covered a wide range of subjects across both print and digital media, broadly encompassing business and technology trends, focusing on issues of importance for industry. Martin takes a particular interest in digital technology developments and the manner in which industry continues to adapt and evolve amid the rollout of new technologies.

Scott Lidster

Scott is the Director of Australian Earth Training, a niche operator proficiency training organisation who work across the globe. He has over 25 years’ experience in heavy equipment operation and was an accredited Caterpillar Dealer Instructor (CDI) Trainer-Demonstrator. Scott’s unique skill set enables him to operate and train on a broad range of machines across the mining, construction, quarrying and waste industries, helping his customers to boost their productivity while lowering their owning and operating costs.

Diesel Dirt & Turf Expo, Sydney Dragway, 2022.

Ian Edwards

Ian Edwards is a Civil Construction Teacher and Assessor, who holds a Certificate IV in Civil Construction Supervision and Operations, a Certificate III in Civil Construction – Plant Operations, and a Certificate III in Civil Construction – Pipe Laying along with numerous Certificate III Civil Construction qualifications.

Ian has been involved in the Earthmoving industry for nearly 50 years, operating his own excavations company since 1972 and life member of the Golden Bucket. He has been operating excavators, backhoes, front end loaders, skid-steer loaders, and all associated attachments throughout his career.

D&J’S CIVIL CONSTRUCTION AND KOBELCO

What do you get when you combine two hardworking Irishmen, over 40 years of industry experience and half a dozen Kobelco excavators? The answer is Darren and James – the two top characters behind D&J’s Civil Construction. These lads are a polished construction outfit working out of the greater Brisbane region, providing all aspects of sewer, storm and water pipeline construction; live connections; and concrete works on several civil projects across Queensland and northern NSW.

Darren O’Mahony and James Horgan are the company directors of D&J’s Civil Construction Pty Ltd. EEM had the opportunity to make an onsite visit to the D&J’s lads near Yatla in Queensland to check out their latest Kobelco machine in full flight and have a good chat about the growth of the business in recent years.

A PROVEN SITE MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISORY TEAM

The D&J’s Civil Construction projects include residential and commercial subdivisions and high-rise developments. D&J’s has been working hard and developed an excellent proven site management and supervisory team, with an experienced workforce and

a reliable fleet of Kobelco plant and various other equipment. It’s been a willingness to provide innovative solutions to enable time and cost saving measures that has seen the D&J’s team rise and successfully undertake projects both on a large and small scale.

It was a wet and gloomy day for a site visit with plenty of mud dominating the site that was being prepared for a large industrial set up. Both Darren and James were ripping in, despite the conditions, and when watching them work around each other preparing the ground for pipe work and drainage, it was clear these boys have built up some impressive skills both in and out of their Kobelco machines.

When chatting with the lads about the growth opportunity that has opened for D&J’s, they shared, “We are 100 per cent committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality and provide timely, honest and reliable service delivering better outcomes for all stakeholders and rewarding opportunities for our people. Our hard-working team of operators are at the heart of our operation. We are lucky to have operators with skills in the machines and knowledge of the industry, which contribute highly to the success of our projects.”

BRISVEGAS AND KOBELCO

The D&J’s Civil Construction team have been working with BrisVegas and Kobelco since 2020 and over that time has purchased six machines including 2 x SK140SRLC-7s, SK500XDLC, SK380SRLC, SK140SRLC-5 and an SK235SR-2 with a blade.

Darren O’Mahony and James Horgan, D&J’s Civil Construction.

When scratching the surface about the features that have seen the team’s appreciation and trust for the Kobelco product grow so substantially over this time, James said “The obvious features that jump out as business owners is the fuel efficiency and reliability. The Kobelco machines are very productive onsite. The fact that we also receive error

notifications in real time when our operators are hard at work is a big advantage because it gives us the opportunity to fix potential problems straight away to prevent major issues occurring. This peace of mind allows us to focus our energies and time to other aspects of our business. The Kobelco home screen remote manager is excellent and gives us the ability to

see many features of the machine when you are not physically on site.”

James continued, “From an operational perspective our fleet of Kobelcos have great breakout digging power, which given the varied types of work we undertake and the varied types of ground we work in is extremely important. Our operators love sitting in the Kobelco cabs – the

comfort of the combined elements of the cabin, from the seat to the low noise and vibration, to the AC on hot Queensland days all contribute to a very positive operator experience.”

POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS

The two Irishmen’s relationship as directors seemed as well balanced, efficient and inspired as that of the BrisVegas and Kobelco

partnership. When the conversation moved to the relationship with BrisVegas and their sales rep Matt Thorne, Darren shared, “It’s been a positive relationship and experience with the BrisVegas team. They have always been very efficient in booking in services in a timely manner.

The services are completed around our working schedule to the best of their ability, which

helps us reduce downtime for the machine on site. This is a huge benefit for us and our productivity.

“Matt has been a pleasure to deal with. He is extremely knowledgeable about the product range and really understands what we as a company are seeking when investing in new equipment. Our ability to openly communicate our needs and Matt’s understanding of both

the industry and the Kobelco product range have been the backbone of our relationship.” It seems like James and Darren have their eyes and goals set on a bright future up there in Brisbane. Given the depth of their expertise and ever-growing Kobelco fleet, they are set to make the most out of every opportunity that presents itself and exceed their client expectations along the way.

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.

NSW

CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT

535 Dallinger Road, Lavington NSW, 2641. 02 6025 0444. www.capitalconstruction.com.au

FRANKS SERVICE CENTRE 186 Wakaden Street, Griffith, 2680, NSW 02 6962 6073. www.fscforklifts.com.au/

NORTH WEST FARM MACHINERY 22-26 Whittaker Street, Quirindi, 2343, NSW. 02 6746 3300. www.nwfm.com.au

STM EQUIPMENT Unit 3, 28 Dunn Rd, Smeaton Grange, NSW 2567 02 4728 7500 www.stmequipment.com.au

THREE RIVERS MACHINERY

25 Zora Street, Warren NSW, 2824 02 6847 3111. www.3rm.com.au

SCTM (Canberra)

1/45 Bayldon Road, Queanbeyan, NSW, 2620 02 6299 1500. www.sctm.com.au

SCTM (Wollongong)

6 Mineral Road, Oak Flats, NSW, 2529 024257 1500. www.sctm.com.au

EARTHMOVING EQUIPMENT AUSTRALIA (EEA) 99 Glenwood Drive, Thornton, NSW, 2322. 02 9671 1000. www.eeaustralia.com.au

QLD

EARTHMOVING EQUIPMENT AUSTRALIA (EEA) 123 Cobalt Street, Carole Park, QLD, 4300. 1300 753 332. www.eeaustralia.com.au

MCINTOSH & SON (DALBY) 17563 Warrefo Highwyay, Dalby, QLD, 4550. 07 4662 2288. www.mcintoshandson.com.au

MILNE BROS EQUIPMENT (BILOELA) 61-67 Dawson Highway, Biloela, QLD, 4715. 07 4992 1099. www.milnebros.com.au

MILNE BROS EQUIPMENT (EMERALD) 67 Macauley Road, Emerald, QLD, 4720. 07 4982 4824. www.milnebros.com.au

MILNE BROS EQUIPMENT (ROCKHAMPTON) Gladstone Road & Derby Street, Rockhampton, QLD, 4700. 07 4930 0300. www.milnebros.com.au

VIC

BALLARAT TRACTORS

155 Learmonth Street, Ballarat, VIC, 3350. 03 5334 2444. www.ballarattractors.com.au

KV EQUIPMENT

221 Midland Highway, Epsom, VIC, 3551

03 5445 6999. www.kvequipment.com.au

MELBOURNE TRACTORS

110 Hume Highway, Somerton, VIC, 3062.

03 9303 5777. www.melbournetractors.com.au

MELTRAC MACHINERY

6703 Princes Highway, Terang, VIC, 3264

03 5536 0222. www.meltrac.com.au

PRIMTEC TRACTORS

698 Benetook Ave, Mildura, VIC, 3502. 03 5022 1004. www.primtectractors.com.au

RAISING EXPECTATIONS

WA

FORKWEST

68 McCombe Road, Bunbury, WA, 6230

08 97254970. www.forkwest.com.au

GEOFF PERKINS MACHINERY

Lot 24 Stewart Street, Narrogin, WA, 6312.

08 9881 2222. www.perkinsmachinery.com.au

MCINTOSH & SON (ALBANY)

189 Chester Pass Road, Albany, WA, 6330 08 9847 4255. www.mcintoshandson.com.au

MCINTOSH & SON (ESPERANCE)

25 Norseman Road, Esperance, WA, 6450.

08 9071 1155. www.mcintoshandson.com.au

MCINTOSH & SON (GERALDTON)

160 Flores Road, Geraldton, WA, 6530.

08 99605500. www.mcintoshandson.com.au

MCINTOSH & SON (KATANNING)

Lot 4 Nyabing Road, Katanning, WA, 6317. 08 9821 7000. www.mcintoshandson.com.au

MCINTOSH & SON (KULIN)

294 Pump Road, Kulin, WA, 6365 08 9880 2556. www.mcintoshandson.com.au

MCINTOSH & SON (MERREDIN) 52 Mitchell Street, Merredin, WA, 6415 08 9041 1099. www.mcintoshandson.com.au

MCINTOSH & SON (PERTH) 547 Great Eastern Highway Redcliffe, WA, 6104 08 9475 1600. www.mcintoshandson.com.au

SOURCE MACHINERY

6 Reggio Rd Kewdale, Kewdale/Karratha, WA, 6105. 08 9358 3389. www.sourcemachinery.com.au

ACCESS SERVICE AUSTRALIA 26 Kilto Crescent, Glendenning, NSW, 2761. 02 9832 9990. www.accessservice.com.au 71 Bradman Street, Acacia Ridge, QLD, 4110. 07 3219 5130. www.accessservice.com.au 32 Healey Road, Dandenong South, VIC, 3175. 03 9768 2155. www.accessservice.com.au

MOTION MACHINERY

1/10 Dickens Place Armadale, WA, 6112. www.motionmachinery.com.au

INTRODUCING NEW CAT® HAMMERS H190S AND H215S EASIER AND SAFER WITH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY

Hydraulic hammers are one of the most versatile work tools available and able to extend the usefulness of skid steer loaders, backhoe loaders and excavators of all sizes in applications from civil construction, road building, earthmoving, quarrying and mining.

New hydraulic hammers H190S and H125S are now added to the Cat® hammer line-up which offers high levels of features and technology that delivers greater productivity at the jobsite. “The introduction of these hammer models expands the portfolio and supports our strategy of offering customers options at differing value points,” Cat Work Tools consultant Mr Jason Zhang stated. He also added that these new hammers cover Cat 349-395 excavators with carrier weight ranging from 45 tonne to 120 tonne fulfilling the hammer need for the large excavators like 374 and 395.

“These hammers are simple to operate and require less time on service, which in turn boosts the productivity at the job site. The hammer hits with consistent power and can be switched between blow frequency and power to best suit different applications and improve efficiency.”

KEY FEATURES AND BENEFITS

The Power Adjust feature on H190S and H215S hammers allows the operators to manually adjust the power of the breaker for different materials and applications. The long stroke has less piston frequency which results in higher impact power and productivity and it is best for harder materials and strenuous

applications, while the short stroke has higher piston frequency which results in less impact power and it is best for lighter applications.

“This allows the operators to determine the desired piston speed based on the materials and applications to increase the productivity and efficiency while lowering the fuel consumption,’’ Mr Zhang added.

The hammers also offer an overflow protection function. This function is performed by the Internal restrictor valve in the hammer, which detects the overflow of hydraulic oil from the excavator. It limits and adjusts the oil flow to the hammer. “This feature prevents the over speeding of the piston and avoids costly damages and rebuilds – reducing your operating costs,” he stated.

The Automatic Shut Off (ASO) feature on H190S and H215S hammers offers protection against blank firing by stopping the piston from cycling internally when there is no material under the tool.

Mr Zhang said, “Eliminating blank firing helps protect the hammer from premature damage by reducing internal stresses and heat and this helps to lower overall hammer ownership and operating costs. Additionally, ASO will protect rental fleet hammers where operator skill level and expertise can vary.” This feature can be easily set to on or off in the field.

The hammers are protected by the Auto stop feature. This feature warns the operator when the hammer is hammering too long in one spot. A warning message will pop up on the screen after 15 second of permanent hammer activation and after exceeding 30 second, the hammer will automatically stop. Mr Zhang explained that “this feature helps prevent premature damage to the hammer and machine, even with an inexperienced operator”.

A hammer mounted auto lube system is a standard offering in these hammers. “This auto lube system provides continual greasing while the hammer runs – saving your time and protecting your investment,” he said.

Mr Zhang described that the hammers are also configured with the Oil-fired design to ensure less waste is generated in internal heat providing more power to the tool which delivers efficient operating cycle and consistent production over time.

EFFORTLESS MAINTENANCE

The maintenance is very easy in these new hammers, all the daily checks and routine service can be performed while the hammer is attached to the machine. “Easy and quick access to critical lubrication points and all other maintenance areas ensures the hammers are ready to operate at their peak and helps to reduce maintenance costs over the life of the tool,” Mr Zhang said. “Service of the lower bushing can be carried out in the field using simple hand tools and the bushing is rotatable to 90 degrees, which doubles the life reducing the overall service time and lowering the owning and operating costs,” he further added.

The hammers are designed to keep the gas pressure steady through the duration of the annual service interval eliminating

the need for constant checking of the gas charge. “You can also verify the gas charge of the hammer without removing it from the carrier,” Mr Zhang explained.

A buffer system fitted inside the hammer housing to protect the carrier from potentially damaging reflective forces. The system also helps to reduce vibration to the machine, improves noise suppression and aids hammer durability.

NEXT GEN EXCAVATOR TECHNOLOGY

CONFIGURED WITH H190 S AND 215 S

HAMMERS

Hammer Auto – Stop

Will give the operator an indicator in the cab when operating the hammer in one location at 15 seconds. Hammer will automatically stop after exceeding 30 seconds.

E – Fence

When operator hammer, dimension points for ceiling, floor, front can be programmed when needed.

PL161

Both hammer models will ship from the factory with PL 161 mounted on the hammer housing. Machine can receive the hammers ID and select appropriate settings (flows and pressure) automatically from the pre-loaded work tool list on the HEX by using information from the PL161 via Bluetooth communication.

Overall, the Cat hammer portfolio are configured to ensure that they prioritise safety and offer best choices that are suited for all customer needs while delivering efficient productivity and durability.

For more information about the Cat H190S and H215S hammers, visit the local Cat dealer.

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

KEEP IT ALL ON TRACK CAT® UNDERCARRIAGE WITH CUSTOM TRACK SERVICE AND TRACK ASSURANCE

Maximise your undercarriage life and reduce downtime.

When you buy a Cat® undercarriage or an eligible Cat machine from a participating Cat dealer you’ll be enrolled in Custom Track Service (CTS). CTS is a comprehensive program that includes free scheduled inspections ^ using advanced diagnostic equipment to help maintain your undercarriage. But that’s not all. With CTS you’ll also have access to Track Assurance#, providing extended undercarriage coverage on top of the standard Caterpillar parts warranty.

WHY IS CUSTOM TRACK SERVICE SO IMPORTANT?

As a Cat dealer undercarriage specialist, Nish Mohan knows the importance of a wellmaintained undercarriage. “An improperly managed undercarriage can account for more than half of your machine’s operating costs. That’s why a new Cat undercarriage with CTS is a strong business decision. CTS can help you manage your undercarriage system, control your costs and reduce downtime.”

HOW DOES IT WORK?

With Custom Track Service you qualify for free undercarriage inspections ^ from a trained technician who uses the latest technology to:

• Accurately monitor your undercarriage performance and predict wear rates

• Evaluate service options and plan your maintenance

• Gather data to tailor a service strategy to meet your equipment planning needs

• Help you make informed decisions about maintenance – and investigate any issues with your undercarriage before they become serious.

The benefits are huge. CTS can help you manage and maximise undercarriage life, enable more efficient planning for better availability, and use analysis to enhance maintenance and service strategies. All in all, it can help you maximise your uptime and keep your operating costs on track.

WHICH UNDERCARRIAGE IS RIGHT FOR YOUR MACHINE?

Your Cat dealer has the expertise to help choose the undercarriage option that’s right for you. Whether you need maximum durability for demanding terrain, or operate in low to moderate impact applications, choosing the right undercarriage will maximise uptime and performance. Here’s a summary of the Cat undercarriage options.

General Duty

Ideal for low to moderate impact applications, delivering the right balance of performance and value.

Heavy Duty

Provides the best results in high-impact, hard rock materials and applications where link wear or fatigue is the principal driver of end of life.

Heavy Duty Extended Life (HDXL)

Designed and engineered for maximum durability in the most demanding conditions. HDXL delivers up to 40% † more wear life. It’s got all the robustness you’ll need –and then some.

Cat Abrasion™

Delivers the lowest cost per hour in high abrasion, low to medium impact applications, resulting in up to 50%‡ lower cost per tonne.

COVERAGE PERIODS

Cat undercarriage consultant Rodney Irvine sums it up. “As part of the CTS program, Cat dealers use the most advanced diagnostic platforms and equipment available, with the ultimate goal of keeping their customers’ costs down and supporting them to protect their investment.”

TRACK ASSURANCE – FOR EVEN MORE PEACE OF MIND

Extended undercarriage coverage provides you with support beyond the standard new machine or parts warranties.

When your new Cat undercarriage is enrolled in the CTS program, you’re eligible for Track Assurance # . That means free extended undercarriage coverage beyond the standard parts warranty. The Track Assurance program covers all major moving undercarriage components on Cat TrackType Tractors, Track-Type Loaders and Hydraulic Excavators.

There’s so much riding on your undercarriage, so it’s important to keep it all on track. To find out more about Cat undercarriage options and Custom Track Service, or to book a free inspection^ , contact your local Cat dealer or visit cat.com/undercarriage-au

*^#†‡Terms and conditions apply. See cat.com/undercarriage-au for details.

FREE UNDERCARRIAGE INSPECTION^

Scan here to contact your local Cat dealer to organise a free inspection.

THE HISTORY OF PICKLES

Pickles comes full circle with its return to the agricultural industry.

While most Australians know Pickles as an auctioneering powerhouse, few know of the humble beginning of the Pickles business as a stock-and-station agent in rural Moree over 50 years ago. In 1964 the Pickles family started the company as a way to buy and sell livestock, equipment and property in NSW. This business successfully provided an agricultural marketplace to the locals of Moree for over a decade, before expanding into auctioneering with a branch based in Newcastle. The valuations and agricultural aspects of the business’s first iterations still permeate the Pickles company as it stands today.

Pickles has transformed over the years to now boast billions in annual asset turnover and a range of subsidiary businesses. Pickles has long since exceeded expectations, and after years of developing the remarketing industry, is now returning to its roots with a newly-created department focused entirely on agricultural equipment, PicklesAg.

Pickles is well-known throughout Australia as a market leader in providing industrial equipment to clients around the country. PicklesAg is the natural continuation of their Industrial department, and brings the company full circle by providing a division that singularly supplies the Australian market with ag equipment.

This new division is a culmination of Pickles’ forward thinking business ventures and longstanding history in the agricultural heritage of Australia. PicklesAg can provide every fundamental service required of farm managers who need to expertly offload, update and manage agricultural equipment.

PicklesAg is a dedicated agricultural marketplace that connects equipment buyers and experts across Australia. The PicklesAg team provides specialist services across the country and offers a trusted way to access an array of easily accessible, used machinery.

BULLDOZER REPLACES TRACTOR – A RIPPER IDEA

Dry earth farmer Kurt Mayne and specialist machinery operator Brendan King have joined resources to specify a combination rig of bulldozer, deep ripper, fertiliser and seeder to economically prepare and treat land in one comparatively swift pass.

The bold venture, with an investment of more than $1.5million in machinery alone, has prepared more than 10,000 hectares in two years and is now being used in a fight against a grass die-back disease, which has afflicted their region.

Mayne and King have worked closely with agronomists and soil scientists to repatriate pastures, which had been grazed out of nutrients and to restore fallow farming land to productivity.

Their CQ (for Central Queensland) Ag Earthworks business operates out of Emerald and works mainly in the Rolleston region, south of the town, where Mayne runs his thirdgeneration family property Broken Plains. Mayne has used the bulldozer to create just on 3000 hectares of farmland, previously used for finishing cattle and planted it with mung beans, chickpeas, wheat, and barley.

He is working on restoring an even greater area of pasture for more efficient preparation of his herd.

The success of the venture has meant more than half of all work for CQ Earthworks rig is now coming from neighboring properties,

keen to emulate their operation, and the partners are considering a second unit.

Mayne, 34, and King, 35, challenged earthmoving specialist Komatsu to equip a 337kW D275AX-5EO bulldozer to meet the requirements of their ambitious plan to outstrip the performance of the most efficient broadacre tractor.

“It had to be able to operate faultlessly at 6kmh in second gear at 85 per cent engine load in ambient temperatures above 40deg Celsius, while ripping to a depth of 450mm across unprepared ground,” Kurt Mayne said.

The target speed was up to 50 per cent greater than that averaged by conventional

Two Central Queensland business partners are successfully pioneering the replacement of a broad acre tractor with a bulldozer to achieve better productivity and help restore precious pastures to full strength.

tractors and bulldozer competitors, according to Mayne, enabling a fuel saving alone of better than 20 per cent.

A purpose-built hydraulic system from the bulldozer would drive the air seeder towed behind the bulldozer and ripper rig, capable of spreading eight tonnes of seed and fertiliser at any desired rate per hectare.

Brendan King is the machinery operator of the partnership; he spends up to 10 hours each day on the D275 monitoring the refinements made by Komatsu.

“They placed high-capacity oil coolers behind the radiator working on the transmission and hydraulics, making space by moving the air conditioning condenser to the back of the cabin,” King said.

“I watch the gauges carefully and even in ambient temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius they operate comfortably in the 86-94 degrees Celsius range.”

Recognising the long hours he’d spend in operation, King specified a breathe-safe pressurised cabin and a scrub canopy to provide additional weather and environmental protection.

The D275 is fitted with auto steer and GPS guidance which enables King to spend his time in the cabin a little like an airplane pilot making calculations to maximise operational efficiency, in his case the ripper depth and optimising the seed drop, usually to an accuracy of just 20 grams.

Non-stop operation is an important component of the hire proposition, providing substantial benefit over tractor options.

“With a blade up front we can push through country that a tractor couldn’t handle and that keeps our average speed up,” King said.

A major contributing factor is the D275’s lock-up torque convertor, which reduces

ABOUT KOMATSU

operator stress especially when ploughing in harsh conditions.

“People have commented on how nimble it looks for a big machine – it feels like I’m driving a big skid steer loader,” he said.

According to Komtrax, Komatsu’s complimentary on-board GPS-based monitoring telemetry, the CQ Ag Earthworks bulldozer is returning 57 litres/hour operational efficiency, including idle time while Brendan King checks blades and replenishes seed and fertiliser.

“Fuel costs, paid for by the hirer, have been balanced by the high prices they’ve been achieving for cattle and crops, but as the cost of fuel rises, our economy will become an important consideration, even with off-road fuel subsidies,” King said.

Kurt Mayne and Brendan King are quick to point out the service they provide – both in hire and on Mayne’s property – is based on more than their ability to provide efficiency in machine operation.

“I’m a number’s man and I rely heavily on the advice of the soil scientists to tell me exactly how each paddock should be treated and what nutrients and crops we should be planting,” Mayne said.

The recent outbreak of grass die-back, a phenomenon which has agronomists puzzled, has meant farmers are looking to efficiently plant legume crops to restore soil integrity.

“Our big opportunity is to restore grazing land,” Mayne said.

“Cattle are eating the goodness out of the land and like farmland after cropping, it’s important to rejuvenate grazing land too.

“When we started, people down south thought it strange that we were tilling and fertilising so deep, but now they’re not only understanding but starting to follow us.”

Mayne and King met on the football field –

their sons play junior rugby league together – and their initial interest was spurred by Mayne’s desire to find a better way to plant and seed, and King’s desire to become a selfsufficient machinery operator.

They began their venture with seed money of just $60,000 each, funding the rest through Komatsu Finance, which saw value in their proposition and extended a repayment program over five years.

“Honestly money is so cheap at the moment, we had to give it a go,” Mayne said.

The partner’s D275, serviced on-site by Komatsu from its Emerald branch to minimise downtime, is approaching 3000 hours of operation and the partners say it will easily exceed 10,000 hours within its purchase period.

“We’re pretty much booked out for the next 12 months and we recently had to refuse a big job,” King said.

“We set out to keep things simple, but it looks like we may have to investigate a second machine.”

Komatsu develops and supplies technologies, equipment and services for the construction, mining, forklift, industrial and forestry markets. For a century, the company has been creating value for its customers through manufacturing and technology innovation, partnering with others to empower a sustainable future where people, business and the planet thrive together. Front-line industries worldwide use Komatsu solutions to develop modern infrastructure, extract fundamental minerals, maintain forests and create consumer products. The company’s global service and distributor networks support customer operations to enhance safety and productivity while optimising performance.

TRADE CREDIT INSURANCE: HELPING SUBCONTRACTORS TRADE WITH CONFIDENCE

pressures within Australia’s construction industry have led to a rise in administrations throughout the sector. Trade Credit Insurance can play a vital role in protecting subcontractors from bad debts by insuring receivables, safeguarding hardearned revenues and providing quick access to replacement capital should clients default.

Over the past few months Australia has seen an increase in insolvencies across the construction sector, with increased pressures within the industry it is likely this number will continue to rise throughout 2022. This highlighted by one of the nation’s five largest construction companies, Probuild Group of Companies, falling into insolvency earlier this year and leaving over $300M in unsecured creditors.

The collapse of Probuild demonstrates counterparty risk cannot always be avoided, even when contracting to large, reputable firms. Subcontractors need to be aware of these risks as debtor defaults can significantly impact their businesses, causing cash flow instabilities and challenges to pay their own suppliers, creating a domino effect throughout the industry.

Despite an oversupply of work, builders are currently facing several sustained pressures on their margins. From rising costs of materials and wages to supply chain headaches and project delays. These pressures heighten the risk of debtor default for subcontractors.

Trade Credit Insurance is a vital tool that can be used by subcontractors to protect their businesses if a contractor is unable to pay, by insuring receivables.

WHAT IS TRADE CREDIT INSURANCE?

Trade Credit Insurance (also known as Debtors Insurance) protects businesses from bad debts. By transferring the risk of non-payment to an insurer, Trade Credit Insurance safeguards your cash flows while giving you the confidence to pursue new opportunities.

MKP Insight: For many businesses, their debtors’ portfolio is their largest asset.

HOW DOES TRADE CREDIT INSURANCE WORK?

When you sell your goods or services on credit to a customer, you place yourself at risk of non-payment. Trade Credit Insurance provides cover for your receivables in the event of buyer default. For many companies, a traditional Whole of Turnover policy is best, however, our solutions can be tailored to suit your business’s specific needs. These include insuring key accounts or key contracts; targeted cover of

major buyers above a certain dollar threshold; or replacing an existing bad debt reserve with an aggregate first loss policy or insuring a single account. A typical policy includes an excess and indemnifies the policyholder for up to 90% of the debt.

KEY BENEFITS:

Trade Credit Insurance is principally used to protect businesses in the event that a customer is unable to pay for goods or services rendered. With the right policy however, it can offer your business so much more than securing cash flows.

Swift access to replacement capital

In the event of insolvency or non-payment of a customer, Trade Credit Insurance provides you with swift access to replacement capital, protecting your cash flow and ensuring your business can continue to operate.

Protect hard earned profits

Trade Credit Insurance gives you peace of mind that the risk of non-payment has been transferred to an insurer, so you can be sure you are paid what you have earned.

Increase sales to existing and new clients

A Trade Credit policy can provide you with the support and confidence you need to extend larger credit limits, more favourable trading terms and alleviate buyer concentration risks, gaining a competitive advantage in the market.

Improve credit management

Get greater access to information about your potential debtors and the tools to get paid faster by defaulting clients.

Strengthen balance sheet and governance

By placing your bad debt provision with a credit insurance policy and inject funds back into the business as working capital you can strengthen your balance sheet. The Trade Credit Insurance premium is tax deductible. Funds are placed back into the business through a claim payment, rather than taking out unrecoverable money from a bad debt provision.

Recover pre-insolvency and postinsolvency costs

Recover costs associated with collecting an overdue debt and the ability to protect yourself against a preference claim, which can occur up to 3 years from time of insolvency.

Save time and money

By outsourcing certain credit management functions to the insurer, including covering the hard costs of collection and legal fees when chasing an overdue debt, you can save valuable time and money and focus on what you do best: running your business.

For a free assessment of your current debtors and options on product cover and costs, contact Moody Kiddell & Partners today on 1300 000 657.

Since 1981, Moody Kiddell has partnered with Australian businesses, providing finance, insurance and advisory solutions. With four decades of multi-industry experience, we offer businesses the tailored service business owners need to achieve their vision and safeguard its legacy.

Sustained

We Dig Deep

At Moody Kiddell & Partners, we see your success as our business.

For forty years, we have partnered with the earthmoving industry to provide finance and insurance solutions for your business.

From enquiry through to paid claim, we dig in with you every step of the way.

Call today to see how one of Moody Kiddell’s equipment finance and insurance experts can tailor solutions for your specific business needs.

What are partners for?

Moody

Kiddell. Partners With You

C.R. KENNEDY ADDS LEICA

AP20 AUTOPOLE TO LOCAL PORTFOLIO

Leica Geosystems describes its recently introduced Leica AP20 AutoPole as a “unique and productivity-boosting smart solution” for its robotic total stations, with the AP20 bringing together three smart features – tilt compensation, automatic pole height readings and unique target identification – to streamline workflows.

This contributes to effectively removing the remaining analogue steps in construction survey workflows, with the AP20 both saving time spent onsite and reducing the need for cumbersome post-processing corrections in the office.

As it stands, operators can face a range of challenges across workflows, including the total station locking to the wrong target, points being measured and stored with the wrong target heights, and the time, effort and skill required to ensure the pole is vertical while measuring and staking.

Designed to accommodate for dynamic and variable worksite conditions, the AP20 makes it easier to navigate these challenges by allowing measurements with a tilted pole, providing automatic height readings and enabling target search and locking.

Both the height and tilt of the pole can be adjusted to reach a hidden point, increasing efficiency by enabling users to quickly re-establish the line of sight and relock to the robotic total station, paving the way for high reliability, while minimising the requirements for rework and associated delays.

TILT COMPENSATION

Tilt Compensation removes the need to level the pole, effectively enabling users to measure and layout more points per day, while maintaining high job standards with control and clarity over the point quality.

It decreases measurement time and increases flexibility and safety onsite by allowing the measurement of points in locations that are inaccessible or which put the user at risk, even enabling upside-down and nearby hidden point measurements.

Benefits include:

• T ime and effort is saved for each measured and/or staked point.

• Users no longer need to focus on ensuring the pole is held vertically

• Hi dden points can be more easily and quickly measured.

• There is no longer the requirement to calibrate the pole level bubble.

• Auto-switch when using the pole inverted allows for maximum flexibility.

POLEHEIGHT

The PoleHeight functionality updates the height for users automatically as the pole height changes, paving the way for reliable and accurate measurements, helping to both save time and eliminate mistakes.

By updating the pole height automatically in the field software, the AP20 ensures that the height on record is always correct, removing the need to read, check and enter height changes, avoiding errors, time-consuming post-processing and the requirement to return to the field to remeasure.

Benefits include:

• T ime onsite is saved by no longer needing to read, communicate and enter the pole height.

• Measurements with wrong target heights are eliminated.

• Costs are saved in correcting measurements with wrong target heights.

• Less chance of additional requests for information and rework due to wrong target heights.

TARGETID

TargetID ensures the user’s instrument will always lock to the correct target, preventing locking to foreign targets and avoiding work interruptions.

It enables the total station or multistation to identify a target on the fly during search, with the prevention of locking onto other targets especially important when there are several surveyors working simultaneously at busy locations.

Benefits include:

• Users no longer have to keep checking that the total station is not fixed on the wrong object.

• T ime and effort is saved by not having to instruct the total station to find and lock onto the correct target.

• Risk of measuring wrong points by being locked to the wrong target is removed.

• Confidence when working in busy environments with multiple sensors and targets.

C.R. KENNEDY: NATIONAL NETWORK DELIVERS COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT

C.R. Kennedy is the sole and exclusive distributor for Leica Geosystems in Australia, with it focused on providing tailored solutions for the earthmoving industry, supported by its comprehensive national after-sales network.

Based out of Port Melbourne, C.R. Kennedy’s national network includes major state offices in Brisbane, Adelaide, Sydney and Perth, with its workforce comprising over 250 staff, including product specialists, qualified surveyors, support staff and factory-trained service technicians.

REVIEWING YOUR SUM INSURED: DO YOU HAVE ENOUGH COVER FOR THE POST-COVID WORLD?

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted businesses around the world in different ways. Here in Australia, the insurance industry – and the companies it protects –have seen new costs and challenges. Nick Dendrinos, NTI’s Head of Motor Portfolio, explains how the industry is travelling and how businesses can make sure they’re ready for the challenges ahead.

The most straightforward place to start is with business costs. Nick says that microchip shortages and fuel price increases have impacted businesses across the board.

“The cost of oil and fuel have a major impact on the production of raw materials, which in turn has an impact on things like the price of vehicle parts, building and construction parts.”

This uptick in prices coincided with a growing demand for vehicles and equipment, driven by many factors, including low interest rates and the instant asset tax write-off incentives.

“The huge explosion of e-commerce, wholesale goods market and the construction material markets have created a higher demand for freight movement,” he says.

“Which is fantastic, of course, but at the same time, that industry needs to move freight fast.”

The result is a significant backlog in new vehicle and equipment orders. Some original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have closed their order books until 2023.

“The lack of availability of vehicles and equipment has put a hold on a lot of business’s plans,” he notes. “There’ll be patches of growth coming through when manufacturers start filling their orders.”

WHAT IT MEANS FOR INSURANCE

On the insurance side, the most important step any business can take is to review their policies and cover, with particular attention to their sums insured.

“At NTI we pay out the market value or the sum insured, whichever is the lesser,” Nick says. “The dynamic we have at the moment is that market values have in many cases surpassed the declared sums insured.

“At the same time, underlying inflation’s gone up as well. So the cost of repair is up too.

“The key message is for brokers and customers to work together to get their sums aligned to what their vehicles and equipment are worth now. We’ve seen 10 per cent increases,

but for some specialised items, we’ve seen 50, even 60 per cent increases.”

TOTAL LOSSES AND REPLACEMENT

Upwards pressure on vehicle and parts prices is just one complication. In the case of a total loss or a replacement, businesses can face significant delays.

“That’s another reason to review the sum insured,” Nick says, “because there’s a ratio of when an item is deemed repairable or not. With a higher sum insured, you have more flexibility regarding the viability of repairs.”

Business owners have to be realistic and work with their insurers to find the best option for their situation.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Now is the time to review your values and ensure your cover reflects your assets.

“This is a time for brokers and businesses to review those values upwards. You want to make sure that if you do have a loss, you’re compensated appropriately for what your vehicle is worth,” Nick says.

“Review that sum insured and let your insurer know right away if it needs to change. You don’t want to get caught short.”

Want more insight from Australia’s leader in heavy vehicle, mobile plant and equipment insurance? Visit NTI’s Yellow Cover at www.yellowcover.com.au.

CAN YOU RECOMMEND A GOOD TRAINING MOB?

Well, don’t stress because this is your lucky day. I’m going to give you the good oil on the Hunter Valley-based operator training provider TRECK Industries.

TRECK Industries assists the civil, waste, quarrying and mining industries across Australia, meaning they can come to you. They specialise in customising plant training and assessment, operator training, up-skilling and machine familiarisation needs.

TRECK was founded by Ben (Swifty) and Debbie Swift in 2017, after identifying a gap in the market for not only training operators to obtain a qualification, but the need for trainees to gain a deeper understanding of the machine they’re learning, as well as the industry they are trying to enter. I don’t think I’d be talking out of school by saying that Debbie is the brains of the show. Swifty just does what he’s told!

Swifty brings a truck load of passion to his training though. He also brings 40 years of operating experience across a range of equipment over various applications, such as civil construction, agriculture, quarrying and mining.

His operating career started early in life, ripping around on his dad’s front-end loader, helping out with the family bulk fertilising business across New South Wales. He was a Certified Dealer Instructor at WesTrac CAT, before becoming Operations Manager at the Hunter Plant Operators Training School (HPOTS). He’s also currently an operator trainer/demonstrator for Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia.

Not only do TRECK Industries train and deliver nationally recognised RII qualifications on plant equipment, they also offer alternative training/services as well, like up-skilling, application training, machine/ manufacturer specific training and verification of competencies (VOC) on most earthmoving equipment.

They recognise the constant shift with modern machinery and technology, and the TRECK Industry crew are constantly researching the bits of iron hitting the market in the industries that they support, to ensure they’re delivering quality training time and time again.

Want to learn about TRECK Industries? Hit up their website at www.treckindustries.com or give them a call on 0456 000 968.

I get asked this question often and what I generally respond with is, do your homework and find a provider who’s close to where you live. But sometimes people don’t have time to do the research, and sometimes there isn’t a provider in their area.

QUICK TIPS FOR INTERNAL COMMS

Are you overlooking your best marketing tool?

No one knows your brand, your products, your services and your market like your own team – but plenty of organisations, big and small put internal communications way down the priority list when they are developing their strategies and plans. An engaged team can make a huge difference to your communications results. Here are five ways to do internal comms better:

1. DO IT FIRST, NOT LAST

Too many businesses make internal comms an afterthought. Don’t tell your people what your plans are after you have already rolled them out. Let them know what’s coming so they can optimise your programs by being prepared.

2. LEVERAGE THEIR NETWORKS

Want more engagement and more followers on social? Get your own team to promote your content. It is the quickest, easiest and

cheapest way to drastically boost your social results, yet a huge proportion of businesses either don’t do it at all, or don’t do it well. Doing it well means ensuring your team knows what to do, how to do it, and how it will support your company goals. Make it easy for them!

3. TRUST AND SHARE

Lots of brands talk about building partnerships with their customers. You need to build partnerships with your people, too. Don’t over-varnish your internal comms. Authenticity matters in and outside your office. When things are tough, be honest. If you tried an approach and it didn’t work, let your team know. You don’t want to be a party pooper, but you do want your team to feel like, well, a team. The caveat here is that internal comms could end up external, so do exercise a degree of caution.

4. MAKE SURE YOU REACH THEM

This might seem like a no-brainer, but a surprising amount of internal communications never reaches its intended audience. If you have a dealer network, or your staff mainly work in the workshop, on the road or factory environment, they’re probably not all seeing that email you send out each month. Think about other ways to engage. Is it a poster in the lunchroom? A dial-in call? A printed newsletter? SMS?

5. ASK FOR THEIR SUPPORT AND IDEAS

Ask for feedback and mean it. Collect ideas and show how you have used them. Ask your team to help you out. Research shows that people are more likely to do something for you if you’ve already asked them to do something before! People like to be appreciated, so ask, and be grateful.

Need help with internal comms? Get in touch hello@hc.net.au

By

WHEN VOLUME MATTERS

XCMG SYDNEY DELIVERS ALL-ROUND PRODUCT AND SERVICE OFFERING

“This lead to partnering up with my cousins, Michael Bek and Mark Tadros, importing excavators, loaders and dumpers from the UK and USA in 2012 under the name Australian Equipment Wholesalers, which is the mother company,” he said.

“In 2020, we signed up to distribute and service rock saw manufacturer Austramac nationally, which put us on the mission to find an OEM earthmoving manufacturer to supply our customers with quality equipment, establishing us as a one-stop earthmoving supply and service centre.”

D&D Diesel Service General Manager David Kapahnke had put Sassin in touch

“Multiple meetings later, sharing the same vision we signed up, and are now one of the fastest growing, highest stockists of the third largest manufacturer in the world,” Sassin commented.

“That’s how XCMG Sydney started, and with many years of industry experience, a growing team and systems in place, we will continue to grow.”

XCMG Sydney has built its reputation around not only providing its clients high-quality equipment and industry-leading technologies, but also stocking a comprehensive range of attachments and accessories, underpinning a strong commitment to going above and beyond in developing efficient customised solutions.

Managing Director Sassin Bey draws on a broad range of experience in the earthmoving equipment industry, telling EEM that he had initially started out 15 years ago selling secondhand tools and equipment.

with XCMG Deputy General Manager for Australia Roy Rossini, ultimately leading to the partnership between the two companies.

XCMG SYDNEY RANGE FEATURES

LATEST TECHNOLOGY AND QUALITY COMPONENTS

Sassin told EEM that XCMG Sydney has since grown to oversee three locations – its Sydney Chullora head office, along with locations in Wollongong and Canberra – pointing to the varied benefits of the XCMG range when it comes to standing out in a competitive marketplace.

He also highlighted XCMG Sydney’s commitment to client-focused service support as providing strong additional value and peace of mind.

“Our XCMG range is extremely comprehensive, featuring the latest technology and quality components, along with the most compatible warranty, and best of all our service and pricing puts us a step ahead of our competitors,” he said.

“Our excavator range, from 1.7 to 50 t, is all in stock, all civil spec, highest safety spec (factory e-stops, beacons, anti-burst valves, ROPS/ FOPS, double-locking Miller hitches), and our turnaround time is the fastest in the industry.”

Among the XCMG Sydney range, the XE155ECR crawler excavator weighs in at an operating weight of 16.67 t and runs a 90 kW Cummins B4.5 engine, with it designed to get the job done across a range of tasks including excavation, loading, levelling, trenching, crushing, drilling, clamping and lifting.

Towards the larger end of the excavator range, the XE370D crawler excavator weighs in at 36.8 t, runs a 212 kW Isuzu GH-6 engine – and, like the XE155ECR, can be let loose on tasks including excavation, loading, levelling, trenching, crushing, drilling, clamping and lifting.

Both the XE155ECR and XE370D feature high-quality structural components, exceptional hydraulic capability, comfortable operation and excellent safety, and provide overall premium performance and reliability.

A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF ATTACHMENTS AND ACCESSORIES

Sassin emphasised that XCMG Sydney is focused on delivering its clients all-round assistance, beyond simply selling equipment, with it having put together its product and service offering around catering for a range of requirements.

This effectively allows XCMG Sydney to cater for diverse client needs, with it capable of developing highly productive customised solutions, decked out to tackle specific tasks and projects.

“At XCMG Sydney we don’t only supply the equipment and leave you pondering on

where to source attachments and accessories,” he said.

“We stock everything in-house, from Dozco hydraulic hammers to Austramac rock saws, the Auger Torque full auger range, Sureweld ramps, trailers and even accessories, such as diesel tanks, grease guns, lubricants and tool chests for maintenance.”

This focus on providing a one-stop shop service has led to the ongoing expansion of XCMG Sydney’s supply capabilities, with Sassin pointing to the comprehensive range of machinery and parts it now has at the ready for its clients.

“In less then 12 months, we’ve gone from stocking a dozen pieces of XCMG equipment to currently having over 10 million in stock,” he said.

In turn, XCMG Sydney has enjoyed strong growth in recent years, with it continuing to add new members to its workforce and evolve its service offering as it stakes out a strong position in the market.

Sassin told EEM that the outlook is bright moving forward, building on the back of both the quality XCMG machinery range and its client-focused service offering.

As an Australian family-owned company with global reach, Tilly’s is proud to stock over 43,000 new part lines for your earthmoving machinery. Tilly’s quality alternative undercarriage range extends from track groups to idlers, rollers, sprockets and track adjusters suitable for dozers up to D9 and excavators up to 30 tonne.

Tilly's are pleased to now offer a range of quality low-hour machines including General Construction Excavators and Loaders and D6-D8 ex-United States machines.

Tilly's is now offering account customers online ordering of over 30,000 parts for even quicker turnaround time, because we understand that down-time for your machines has a huge impact on your bottom line. That’s why we guarantee the quality of our new parts to ensure you are staying on track.

UHI US40K SKID LOADER

UHI Machinery might not be a brand that everyone has heard of, but they are producing solid machines with great specs, features, and most importantly price tag. EEM put the

Loader to the test with some very impressive results.

It’s worth mentioning that the UHI brand machines come out of the same factory as other more recognised brand name machines, with some serious specs and components like the Xinchai 4-cylinder 49hp engine (producing 36.8kW/2500 rpm). The hydraulic drive technology features stable drive and high efficiency with reliable performance – you will feel the power from the get-go! If you’re the type of operator looking to up the ante in the power department, the US40K is the machine for you.

TEST OPERATOR: MATT ALDER

For our review we teamed up with Matt Alder from DUAL Landscapes & Stonework. Matt and his team have been producing stunning work around Sydney’s Northern Beaches for almost 15 years. He has operated a wide range of machines during that time and was a great asset to have on hand for this test.

TEST OPERATOR // MATT ALDER

WORDS AND IMAGES // JAMIE GRAY

UHI US40K Skid

After putting the skid steer through its paces for a few hours, when I asked Matt for his first thoughts about the UHI US40K, he shared, “This machine has turned out to be a bit of a surprise package. I hadn’t heard the name UHI before and wasn’t too sure what to expect. The first thing I noticed was how smooth it was because other machines I’ve operated tend to really throw you around. The US40K had loads of power and plenty of room in the cab. It was a little different to what I am used to in terms of controls, with the left-hand joystick controlling the direction of the machine and the right-hand joystick controlling the bucket. The machine was fitted with a 4-in-1 bucket with easily changeable open and close speed, and after spending 20 minutes getting used to this configuration, I was off and away. Ease of use was impressive – the machine is intuitive so most people with a bit of experience will find it easy to operate.”

IMPRESSIVE 750KG LOAD RATING

Apart from the power and ease of use of the US40K, there are some great specs and components onboard, which contribute to the impressive performance of the US40K. With a load rated capacity of 750kg and an operating weight of 3140kg, the US40K is producing max breakout force of 18kN. This unit gets moving with a ground speed of 14.3 km/h. With four bar linkage, hydraulic flow rate of 62.5 litres/min and 200 bar of

Matt Alder, test operator, DUAL Landscapes & Stonework

hydraulic pressure, you can easily run any attachment on this machine.

Other items that will impress are the reversing camera, rotating beacon, mechanical suspension seat and Permco working pump with Rexroth travel pump and motor.

I asked Matt about the physical performance of the US40K, “During testing we had various materials to move around and rip into, from freshly tipped tree lopping and branches to mulched material, rock and stone. The machine didn’t hesitate at any stage producing plenty of power, even when lifting heavy stone material, which I work with all the time. It felt solid on the ground and had a good amount of ground speed. I can see the US40K being a top machine for operators who need to move material. Operators like me who work with stone and heavier materials through to tradies who require other attachments will feel the quality of the machine’s frame. It’s a solid machine with dimensions of 3310mm x 1800mm x 1950mm – you can feel the firmness and build quality.”

The next step up from the US40K is the US50K, which with its Japanese Yanmar Engine at 68hp, rated load capacity of 900kg,

operating weight of 3200kg, and high flow rate up to 120l/min, would also be an ideal machine for operators like Matt who lift heavy material.

Another big feature of the UHI brand is its international, first-class quality hydraulic unit, which features reliable, energy-saving high

efficiency design and manufacture. What’s even more impressive is that the machine hydraulics are the same as other leading brands, so you have access to a large number of accessories and attachments – like augers and buckets – which will fit perfectly to your UHI machine.

THE WRAP-UP

With its 750kg lifting capacity, smooth controls and user-friendly operation, the UHI US40K is set to make solid inroads into the skid steer market. Operators who need to move material or level, the UHI US40K will do all of that and more with no fuss and impressive power and reliability.

When I asked Matt about his closing thoughts, he shared, “This machine is well worth a look. UHI has put the skid steer together with performance and ease of use as top priority. Even the 4-in-1 bucket moves a little slower than I originally expected, but once I was used to the feel of its operation, I actually preferred it. Other 4 in 1s I’ve operated have required precise timing with operation, but the US40K felt intuitive and accurate.

Now that I’ve given the UHI skid steer a run, I’m going to check out their mini excavator range to see if they’re as well put together as the US40K.

CASE STUDY

LEADER EARTHWORKS AND WESTRAC

This impressive growth has seen Phil take the business from a one man, one machine operation in 2014 to a company with over 40 staff and 50 pieces of equipment in 2022.

Phil has placed Leader Earthworks as experts in the industry, with a clear goal to provide excellent first-class service in all projects. “When newer, modern equipment is released, we phase out the older versions rather than stubbornly sticking with them. As a result, our fleet of Caterpillars is among the most modern in South East Queensland and North East NSW. This ensures our machines are reliable and our service maintains high safety standards,” said Phil.

Leader Earthworks is a great example of what’s possible with the right machinery partner, a great team with a can-do attitude, and the right man at the helm. With his Caterpillar machines from WesTrac by his side, you get the feeling that anything is possible and Phil’s just the man for the job.

It’s been a massive eight years for owner and director of Leader Earthworks , Phil Immisch, who specialises in bulk earthworks and plant hire services in Queensland and NSW.

WORDS // IMAGES JAMIE GRAY

Phil Immisch, Director, Leader Earthworks.

Phil’s experience in the industry began in 2005 when he worked in civil construction and mining in NSW, Queensland and WA, before starting Leader Earthworks in 2014.

“I managed to gain a range of experience in my early years, which with hard work gave me the confidence to back myself later in my career,” said Phil.

PROVIDING PLANT HIRE AND BULK EARTHWORKS

Leader Earthworks provides plant hire and bulk earthworks contracting for civil construction, agriculture and mining projects. As a diverse, professional plant hire service

and excavation company, they offer a variety of services that their operators are highly proficient at completing. These services include: excavation, drainage installation, storm water drainage installation, pipe laying, road works, driveway construction, house pads/laser levelled, retaining wall construction, demolition, dam construction, pool construction, post hole

drilling and fencing, landscape preparation, dirt/rock removal and site clean ups.

Catching up with Phil onsite in Port Macquarie, he shared, “We have worked on some of Australia’s largest government funded infrastructure projects, including railways, highways and bridges in NSW and Queensland. Our fleet is now over 50

pieces of equipment and our success on these projects comes down to the quality of our machinery and our highly skilled operators. We have also built a reputation for having the machinery and operators to complete work on terrain in challenging environments, like steep hills or inclines which regular machines can’t access. No one wants downtime with breakdowns or machine issues – our Caterpillar range and our excellent relationship with WesTrac has been vital in this area. Our operators love working in our Caterpillar machines from both a performance and comfort perspective.”

AMAZING GROWTH WITH CATERPILLAR

“Leader Earthworks has worked with WesTrac and Caterpillar since 2017, which was our first caterpillar purchase – a 315f excavator that is still working in the fleet today – which

goes to show the value and reliability of the Caterpillar brand. Since that first purchase we have gone on to significantly increase our Caterpillar fleet including: 4 x graders (140/150 AWD), 3 x D6 dozers, 1 x D6N PAT blade, 1 x D6 Next Gen PAT blade, 1 x D6 Next Gen bull blade, 14 x excavators ranging from 1.8 tonne to 50 tonne, 2 x compact track loaders 299D2 and a 299D3XE,” said Phil.

When on site filming Phil’s fleet in Port Macquarie, the team was making up for lost time as the poor weather had been the only stumbling block in getting the project back on schedule. Watching the Leader team rip into the project in full force was an impressive site and you could see that it would only take a decent run of good weather to move serious volumes of material.

“The Cat ® Next Gen series of machines are great. There is no other cab in the market as comfortable as the Caterpillars and the feedback from our operators is really positive. The Next Gen Excavator’s move from hydraulic pilot valved controlled joysticks to the electric over hydraulics system has greatly helped reduce operator fatigue when sitting in the cab all day. Also, the cab doesn’t get as much heat build-up without all those hot hydraulic hoses going to each joystick, which means in summer the aircon is not working as hard to keep the cab cool. It’s also improved in terms of maintenance cost,” said Phil.

“The 3D factory GPS machines have made it a lot safer for operators not having to climb

onto a blade or counterweight on an excavator twice a day to put GPS receivers on/off. It’s also reduced the likelihood of damage because they’re not accidently dropped and damaged by operators. We have found the Caterpillar machines to be reliable and the availability of parts has been great.”

“Morgan Rose has been our sales rep for a couple of years now and he has been great to deal with. He’s always very helpful and when we’ve had issues, Morgan has provided the best results for our company. A big thanks to Jim Hewitt from product

support at WesTrac Grafton who has also been a big help to Leaders over the last couple of years and does a great job.”

MORGAN ROSE, WESTRAC REP FOR NORTHERN NSW

EEM had the chance to catch up with Leader Earthworks WesTrac sales rep Morgan Rose while in Port Macquarie. Morgan shared, “I’ve been working with WesTrac here in the Northern NSW area for two and a half years and I’ve worked with Phil during that time. It’s been an amazing opportunity to work with Leader Earthworks and assist them with

Phil Immisch, Director, Leader Earthworks; and Morgan Rose, WesTrac sales rep, Northern NSW.

their needs during their time of substantial growth within the company. My goal is to get the best results for my clients, and I believe that’s what we have achieved for Phil during this very busy time in the industry. We tackle problems together and both work towards the same goals. Phil has Leader Earthwork’s equipment enrolled with WesTrac’s Fit Fleet CVAs (Customer Value Agreement), which provides Leader Earthworks and WesTrac with the ability to take care of scheduled servicing, and make sure the fleet is correctly looked after with the right parts and supplies. It means Phil can focus his time and energy into moving dirt and making money, which is exactly what he likes to do.

Morgan continued, “There’s more growth happening in the industry and Leader Earthworks is placed well to achieve that with their fleet of Next Gens and latest Caterpillar machinery. I’m looking forward to working with Phil into the future to see his company grow and be a part of it.”

EXCAVATOR ATTACHMENTS

Tried. Tested. Trusted.

The job site is no place for equipment failure. Rhino Buckets are built to withstand more. Built with Bisalloy® steel, all welds exceed Australian Standards for guaranteed strength and longevity.

Rhino Excavator Attachments are built for the toughest job sites:

+ Rhino buckets were designed, tested and proven over years on the job in the punishing Pilbara. Thousands of kilometers from a replacement, our customers depend on Rhino delivering quality when and where it matters most.

+ Backed by a 2-year warranty and industry-best support - we don’t hide behind legal fine print.

+ Dual Radius Profile on digging buckets stops excess drag on the bucket and offers dramatic performance advantages

Done right, with Rhino

precision digging

EVERY TIME

Sam started his business in Darwin in 2011 and today carries out earthworks and pipework in the civil sector with a little demolition.

EEM caught up with Sam on the Muir Head Subdivision (BMD) where the team has been working in the northern suburbs of Darwin for the last five months. Two of Sam’s excavators have been busy working on sewer mains and water mains, which is the bulk of the work the NT Excavation & Demolition team rips into on their subdivision contracts.

When I chatted to Sam about how he ended up setting up his operation in Darwin, he shared, “I’m originally from Ireland and I came to Darwin in 2008 while travelling around Australia. Darwin is now home to me, my partner Pon and our four-year-old daughter

“The EC250EDA has been a great machine so far.

It has been performing a lot of detailed excavation and bulk earthworks...it has shifted some serious dirt with minimal change in fuel efficiency.

The versatility of this machine has been great. It’s a good all rounder!”

- Grant Marino Owner, Marino Excavations

Alisha.

I started NT Excavation & Demolition in 2011 and after a year in business I bought my first Volvo excavator, which I still own.”

Sam continued, “NT Excavation & Demolition provides a large range of services to the civil, defence and construction industries. Our main service is plant hire to the civil

industry, including site preparation and clearing, trenching, rock breaking, rock grinding, demolition and crushing.”

When you’re onto a good thing you stick with it, and that’s the exact approach Sam has applied to his fleet of seven Volvo excavators. “I purchased my first Volvo in 2012 and now have a fleet of seven Volvo

excavators including a ECR145, EC290BL, EC300DL, three EC 350DLs and an EC460CL. We have found that Volvo excavators are well suited to the harsh climate and rough terrain here in the NT. They offer great comfort and drivability for the operators and the reliability and fuel efficiency are also key factors in why we buy Volvo. I have been involved

Sam O’Leary, owner, NT Excavation & Demolition.

with CJD Equipment for the past 10 years and have found them great to deal with. The staff there are always accessible to us for any queries or issues we have,” shared Sam.

Sam’s CJD Equipment rep is Brenton Jolly who has branched out to the earthmoving sector after many years selling Kenworth Trucks. “I first met Brenton five years ago when he joined CJD Equipment’s Darwin team and since then we have built a strong relationship. Brenton is great at helping us source and spec new and second-hand machines depending on our requirements and is always on hand for any queries I might have,” said Sam.

Brenton comes across as a humble and down-to-earth bloke who has obviously performed well during the last five years at immersing himself in the earthmoving industry and building great relationships and trust with his clients. Catching up with Brenton onsite in Darwin while filming the NT Excavation & Demolition crew hard at work, Brenton shared, “I’ve been the Regional Sales Manager for Volvo CE machinery and Kenworth Trucks for the last five years after moving up to Darwin from the southern states. During that five-year period I’ve sold Sam four Volvo machines, including his latest purchase, the EC350DL. The key features that stood out on this machine for Sam was the Volvo D8 engine, which produces 197kW and 1340Nm torque. The EC350DL is a powerful production machine designed to boost performance. State-of-the-art technology, including Volvo’s unique ECO mode, new electro-hydraulic system and fuel-efficient D8

We have found that Volvo excavators are well suited to the harsh climate and rough terrain here in the NT. They offer great comfort and drivability for the operators and the reliability and fuel efficiency are also key factors in why we buy Volvo. I have been involved with CJD Equipment for the past 10 years and have found them great to deal with.

The team at NT Excavation & Demolition.

engine, ensures this machine delivers fast cycle times, high digging power and low fuel consumption.”

Brenton continued, “My history is mainly in the transport industry driving, owning and selling trucks for more than 40 years, so I hadn’t had much to do with construction machinery before starting with CJD Equipment. But with a positive learning experience from great customers like Sam and our other branches, it’s been a pleasure to gain this experience in the earthmoving side of the business. Our dealership still focuses significantly on the transport side of the business, so my time is spread across both of these channels.”

After having a chance to also catch up and have a chat with Sam’s team of operators, it’s clear their experience in the Volvo machines is a positive one with the cab comfort, overall reliability and a reduction in operator fatigue all coming up in conversation.

The Volvo 350D in particular is sporting some advanced hydraulics with a new electro-hydraulic system and main control

There’s a great energy about Darwin with a lot of good people and excellent projects under way. However, the reality is you will be hard-pressed finding a more challenging work environment and when the heat really kicks in, you won’t find a better workplace than sitting in the cab of a Volvo excavator!

valve, which uses intelligent technology to control on-demand flow and reduce internal losses in the hydraulic circuit. This provides increased controllability, shorter cycle times and improved fuel efficiency. Features that both Sam and his operators can feel and appreciate.

This is only my second trip to Darwin, but it strikes me as a place with a lot of potential for operators with significant work opportunities for those looking to work hard and embrace this beautiful place. There’s a great energy about Darwin with a lot of good people

and excellent projects under way. However, the reality is you will be hard-pressed finding a more challenging work environment and when the heat really kicks in, you won’t find a better workplace than sitting in the cab of a Volvo excavator!

CASE STUDY

GLOBAL UTILITY CONSTRUCTION AND WESTRAC CAT®

Global UC now has more in-house construction capability to rival any other construction company in Australia. Getting to this stage has been a combination of good management from Luke and Aaron, and a lot of hard work from their well-skilled team.

When chatting with Aaron about the journey so far, he shared, “In 2016 we decided to expand our company into electrical infrastructure. As an ASP contractor our team has delivered works within major project environments throughout Greater Sydney. With 15 years of underground utility construction experience, we know what is essential to a successful project and have structured the business to deliver the best outcome for our clients. At the heart of our company is a drive to exceed expectations at every opportunity and this drive and motivation is what pushes our team every day.”

Like most construction small businesses, it’s been a busy decade and a half for Global Utility Construction directors Luke Maxwell, Aaron Wright and their team. Starting out as a small company building copper networks in new estates, the team has since grown to become a provider of turnkey construction services to all major telecommunication providers.

FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

Like most operators with vision and drive to step out on their own, Global Utility Construction started out with very humble beginnings. They purchased their first Caterpillar machine in 2017, a Cat ® 303.5E that now has over 5000 hours and is still going strong. The main reason to move to Caterpillar at the time was ongoing fleet breakdowns from another brand, so the reliability the team has experienced with Caterpillar has been a highlight of the relationship so far. Since purchasing this machine they have acquired a further six Caterpillar machines ranging from excavators to track loaders.

“We started the business on the smell of an oily rag with no financial help from anyone, which is something both Luke and I are very proud of. We are fortunate to have so many wonderful clients in the communications space where we can deliver a broad range of services with an inhouse team,” said Aaron.

Aaron continued, “As an ASP we seek opportunities within major transport projects and commercial builds requiring HV/LV substation works. We have spent the last three years on WestConnex delivering temporary power installations including CCTV, streetlighting and ITS works and are currently delivering HV/LV/comms installations for the new URBNSURF project.”

A GREAT RELATIONSHIP WITH WESTRAC Luke and Aaron have enjoyed the relationship they built with the WesTrac team over this time and in particular the relationship with their Sydney Sales representative, Adam Bunnings. Aaron said, “Adam is an absolute champion to deal with; nothing is ever an issue and he continually goes out of his way to ensure the experience is a pleasurable one. We would never look to any other earthmoving supplier.

“Our operators love the Caterpillar product,

James McManus, Business Development Manager, Global Utility Construction; and Aaron Wright, Director, Global Utility Construction.

from its reliability and performance right through to its technology, operator comfort, breakout force and hydraulic power, the Caterpillar machine and our service from WesTrac can’t be beaten.

“I’m happy to say we haven’t had any real issues with our machines in terms of major breakdowns, but when we have needed smaller issues fixed the WesTrac response has been fast, reliable and efficient to get us back up and running in record time. Our Customer Value Agreements with WesTrac also ensure our machines are serviced and maintained on time by WesTrac and any parts

required are all pre-ordered and ready to go. This enables us to focus on our business and delivering projects on time with little to no machine downtime,” Shared Aaron.

COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRICAL SERVICES

The Global Utility Construction team offers a wide and diverse range of communication services including Civil and Underground Services, Fibre Services, and 4G and 5G Wireless Services. On the Electrical Services front the team specialises in transmission projects and with expertise in the latest advanced technology, it spans across Air Insulated Substations and Gas Insulated Substations. They have constructed both AIS and GIS projects up to and including 330kV.

Global Utility Construction regularly complete all facets of transmission projects, including structural works, mechanical works, electrical works and civil works.

Global Utility Construction is an Accredited Service Provider for the three Network Supply Authorities in NSW: Endeavour Energy, Essential Energy and Ausgrid. It’s obvious the team’s skills and expertise has placed them in an excellent position to make the most of the major projects that have been happening in and around the Sydney area.

CHATTING WITH ADAM BUNNING

When chatting with Global Utility Construction sales rep Adam Bunning, it’s clear he has a lot of respect for Luke, Aaron and the team. Adam shared, “I’ve been with WesTrac forseven years as a Sales Representative

FEATURES

The Cat® 303.5 CR Mini Excavator delivers power and performance in a compact size to help you work in a wide range of applications.

ALL DAY COMFORT – Choose either a canopy or a sealed and pressurised cab, which can be equipped with air conditioning, adjustable wrist rests, and a suspension seat option to help keep you working comfortably all day long.

EASY TO OPERATE – Controls are easy to use and the intuitive Next Generation LCD monitor provides easy to read machine information. An advanced touchscreen monitor can also be equipped.

STICK STEER TRAVEL MODE – Moving around the job site is even easier with the Cat Stick Steer option. Easily switch from traditional travel controls with levers and pedals to joystick controls to move the machine and to operate the blade. The benefit of less effort and improved control is in your hands!

BIG PERFORMANCE IN A COMPACT DESIGN – Strong lift and dig performance helps you get the job done faster. The compact radius design lets you access and work in the tightest areas. Dozer float allows for easy clean up.

SAFETY ON THE JOB SITE – Your safety is top priority. The Cat mini excavator is designed to help keep you safe on the job. Courtesy work lights and a fluorescent retractable seat belt are just a couple of the safety features built into the machine.

SIMPLE SERVICE FOR LESS DOWNTIME – Maintenance is quick and easy on the Cat mini excavator. Routine check points are easy to access at ground level through the side doors. The unique tilt up cab or canopy lets you reach additional service areas when needed.

LOWER OPERATING COSTS – Equipped with features such as auto idle, auto engine shutdown, and efficient hydraulics with a variable displacement pump, the Cat mini excavator was designed with reducing your operating costs in mind.

UNMATCHED DEALER SUPPORT – Your Cat dealer is here to help you reach your business goals. From providing equipment solutions to operator training to service needs and beyond, your Cat dealer is ready to help.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: Engine Model C1.7

Net Power @ 2,200 rpm: ISO 9249, 80/1269/EEC 17.6 kW 23.6 hp

Gross Power @ 2,200 rpm: SAE

J1995:2014 18.4 kW 24.7 hp

Bore: 84.0 mm 3.3 in

Stroke: 100.0 mm 3.9 in Displacement: 1.7 L 104.0 in3

• Meets U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final and EU Stage V emission standards.

• Net power advertised is the power available at the flywheel when the engine is at rated speed and rated power when the engine is installed with the factory configured fan, air intake system, exhaust system, and alternator with a minimum alternator load.

for Building and Construction in the Sydney Metro. I have worked with Global Utility for just on five years. Aaron and Luke have purchased nine machines from WesTrac over the five-year period, ranging from mini and micro excavators to a 14-tonne excavator, compact track loader and roller. They have been extremely happy with the performance of their fleet and the entire team are great to deal with.”

When asking Adam about the features of the Cat® Next Gen range that stood out, he shared, “The features of the Cat ® Next Gen certainly complement the work that Global Utility Construction does. Sometimes they are putting pipelines in on acreage and the stick steer feature makes light work of tracking the long distances and backfilling the trench. The Standard LED Lights also make their night works easier. Aaron’s operators have commented about the layout and design of the cab being a big improvement from the E and E2 series machines they have. Reliability has also been a big part of the excellent pairing of Caterpillar/WesTrac and Global Utility Construction because Aaron’s company used to use another brand machine, which they were having consistent problems with across their fleet. Knowing the Caterpillar machines will go to work, day or night, and

get the job done means the team hasn’t looked back since moving over to Caterpillar. This has certainly helped with ensuring projects are completed on time with as little stress as possible.”

Adam continued, “I think the key benefit of the BCP machine is with the Cat® 303.5E. They are small enough to get on their trucks, dig the

pits for the horizontal borers to fit in, and are an all-round nice size with good power. The boom configuration is great to dig a square pit and the Next Gen cab has improved blind spots from the pillars in the cab. Aaron is an easy guy to get along with because he’s friendly and approachable. Both Aaron and I work well because we are straight with each other and

we know that we aren’t messing about. When Aaron calls for a machine, nine times out of ten he purchases it. He knows that I do the best deal that I can for him, and he knows the quality of the product and what he is getting so he doesn’t try to bargain. It’s this relationship that makes doing business with great people and operators like Aaron an absolute pleasure.”

ASV RT-135 POSI-TRACK LOADER

THE MOST POWERFUL CTL EVER

Featuring 10 per cent more horsepower than its predecessor (the ASV RT-120), the new ASV RT-135 Posi-Track Loader has claimed the title of the most powerful Compact Track Loader in the world.

ASV haven’t produced this new marvel for titles and records, however – the RT-135 is designed to give operators a new level of performance, comfort, efficiency and profitability.

Maximum power is paired with a premium operator experience, as the completely upgraded RT-135 is part of the new ASV MAX-Series lineup – offering superior comfort and enthralling new ease-of-use.

In addition, the optional Forestry variant of the RT-135 is outfitted with forestry-rated guarding and safety features, and is therefore built to tackle for brush cutting, mulching, land clearing and other debris-heavy applications with never-before-seen efficiency.

Key Features:

• Industry-leading 132 horsepower Cummins engine and 189 LPM maximum auxiliary flow allows the RT-135 to transfer more engine power to the attachment with no sacrifices to machine performance.

• 196 litre fuel tank – 83 litres larger than its RT-120 predecessor – ensures minimal downtime for refuelling and therefore maximised profitability.

• Significantly boosted tipping load capacity of 5379kg – up from the 4853kg offered by the RT-120.

• New MAX-Series Cab: 360-degree visibility, LED lighting, more spacious, pressurised for all-weather performance, Bluetooth phone connectivity, and a state-of-the-art 7-inch touch-screen display provides vital monitoring tools, displays the reverse camera view, and integrates with service history and schedules.

• Intuitive operator controls benefit operators of all skill levels and a dual throttle option.

• Frameless door with 3/4-inch polycarbonate,

plus 1/2-inch polycarbonate side panels (meets level 2 safety standards).

• Includes a roof escape to improve operator safety in emergency situations.

• Less dirt penetration and easier-to-access engine componentry results in minimised service and repair requirements.

• Impr oved undercarriage: redesigned torsion axles are 20 per cent stronger and 150mm wider than their predecessors for improved comfort, stability and less ground disturbance, and a class-leading 381mm of ground clearance allows operators to work where other machines can’t.

Furthermore, ASV stands behind the reliability of its entire range of Posi-Track loaders, with an industry leading 2-year, 2000-hour warranty –plus a nationwide Australian service network ready to assist with any machine requirement, to minimise your downtime and maximise your profitability.

For more information on the new ASV RT-135 and RT-135F Posi-Track Loaders, contact your local dealer to schedule a demo or product walkaround at www.asvaus.com.

NEW GENERATION XCMG EXCAVATORS

DESIGNED TO PERFORM, BUILT TO LAST

As the world’s third largest construction equipment manufacturer with more than four decades of industry experience, XCMG has built a global reputation for innovation, reliability, and performance throughout its entire range of machinery – including excavators, graders, rollers and so much more.

New to the renowned range of XCMG excavators are two ultra-modern and technologically advanced models: the XE80U and the XE155UCR.

XE80U

With an operating weight of 9.5 tonnes, a powerful yet efficient 73 horsepower Kubota V3307 engine, and 219 litres per minute of hydraulic flow, XCMG’s next-generation XE80U excavator is made to work harder and smarter.

In addition, the XE80U’s minimised tailswing design offers improved safety and better accessibility in tight work environments –meaning you can work effectively where other machines in the same size class simply cannot.

Furthermore, premium quality hydraulic componentry throughout the XE80U ensures smooth control, fast response, low speeds, high torques and low energy consumption across a wide range of operations: digging, dumping, mulching, auger driving, log grappling and much more.

The XE80U’s state-of-the-art next generation cab instantly pleases the operator, with its spacious design, extremely comfortable seat, ergonomic control setup, high-definition colour LCD display screen and premium air conditioning. Large windows on all sides, plus a reverse camera included as standard, offer maximum visibility for machine operation.

Designed and manufactured with particular attention to easy service access, the XE80U offers a single access point for daily

maintenance of all main components, a fuel level gauge and refuelling through a lockable cap, plus swing open and swing up engine access doors. In addition, with the backing of XCMG Australia’s extensive national service network, your machine is always supported by industry experts and its downtime is significantly minimised.

In summary, XCMG’s new XE80U delivers unbeatable value for money in an 8-10 tonne machine and exceeds all the criteria of a quality, reliable, comfortable and operatorfriendly excavator.

XE155UCR

A step up in size from the XE80U, yet just as loaded with quality and value, comes the new XCMG XE155UCR excavator.

Weighing in at 16.7 tonnes, with a powerful and reliable Cummins B4.5 121 horsepower engine plus 2x113.4 litres per minute hydraulics and premium Kawasaki componentry, the XE155UCR is a beast made for power and control.

Like the XE80U, an ultra-short tail gyration design of the XE155UCR offers exceptional tight access capability – XCMG really have designed their excavators to work in more places. The XE155UCR also includes Japanese Nabtesco travel motor componentry, for smooth tracking on even challenging terrain, and long-lasting durability.

The operator cab is remarkably spacious and comfortable, with an exceptional climate

control system and smooth joystick controls that make machine operation a breeze. The high definition touchscreen LCD display allows operators to view all key machine information on the fly with a simple press, and the expansive leg and shoulder room delivers all-day comfort to even the largest operators.

With simple and efficient service access forming a fundamental design requirement, the XE155UCR provides a single access point for daily maintenance of all main components, a fuel level gauge and refuelling through a lockable cap, and swing open and swing up engine access doors – plus, the 24/7 backing of XCMG Australia’s national network of service and support, for constant peace of mind.

Safety is also a major focus of the XE155UCR, which includes high-quality wide angle reverse cameras, multiple e-stops accessible from the cab and ground level, audible operation warnings for bystanders, and remarkably short front and rear turning radiuses.

In summary, XCMG’s new generation XE155UCR 16 tonne excavator is an extraordinary amalgamation of intelligent operator-focused design, high quality manufacturing and exceptional durability and performance – resulting in a truly impressive and value-for-money machine, made to dominate any job site in Australia.

For more information about these excavators, or XCMG’s diverse range of construction, mining and agriculture equipment, visit www.xcmg.net.au.

THE NEW JCB SITE MASTER

THE ONE MACHINE FLEET

The JCB range of Stage V Sitemaster machines boast brand-new features and improvements including industry firsts, to help operators master any worksite.

The world’s best-selling backhoe is perfect for digging, loading and rehandling, making it ideal for owner operators, local authorities and plant hire, across any application.

Fitted with the new JCB CommandPlus cab the new range offers unbeatable comfort, space and low noise levels, plus a wealth of advanced features and technology. With 7-inch display operators can easily stay up-to-date with information on machine health including alerts, how-to videos, service schedules, audio and phone controls.

The 3CX and 5CX have all-new auto features that take automation to the next level. They are not only easier to use but their Auto Stop, Auto 2WD, Auto Seat Select, Auto Drive lever, Auto stabilisers, Auto interior lights and Auto Level features make these machines the ideal choice when it comes to a machine that’s robust and easy to operate.

Fitted with JCB’s highest performing engines ever, the new range provides huge torque for improved performance, greater efficiency and reduced service costs, ensuring a low cost of ownership. The 3CX PRO and PLUS has a powerful range of 81kW engines, providing high performance, on the road and loading on site, while the JCB Powershift transmission with Torque Lock helps to reduce fuel use. The new Auto Drive feature lets operators lock t he rpm when loading,

FEATURES:

COMMAND PLUS CAB – An environment ready for the next generation of operators.

EASIEST TO USE – Reduced operator efforts through Auto features.

ENHANCED SAFETY – Integrated LED beacons, step lighting and yellow touch points.

GREATER PRODUCTIVITY – Auto-Level and Auto-2WD.

IMPROVED PERFORMANCE – New 81KW/516Nm 4.8 Litre engine rating.

while Auto Stop automatically shuts off the engine at idle. Both save wear and tear and reduce fuel usage. JCB’s unique Torque Lock system is standard on both the PLUS and PRO models, and can help save up to 25% on fuel and 10% on road travel time.

Renowned for being the best and fastest on the road, the completely new driveline and JCB’s new 6 speed Auto Shift is standard on the 3CX PRO, reducing travel times by up to 25%. The ultimate specifications make the 3CX and 5CX PRO models the ultimate performing machines. The 3CX PRO has the new ECOROAD Auto Shift transmission, delivering exceptional roading performance reducing on-road travel times by up to 25%. This makes the PRO the ultimate choice for customers who do a lot of on-road travel between sites.

The new range of JCB Stage V Sitemaster machines are available now.

To find out more contact your local JCB CEA dealer today – www.jcbcea.com.au or 1300 522 232.

MINIMUM SWING

MAXIMUM SPACE

Introducing our latest addition to the X Series. 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.

SMARTGRADE™ REMOTE SUPPORT JOHN DEERE EXPANDS UPON PRECISION TECHNOLOGY SUITE

John Deere is pleased to offer SmartGrade Remote Support on its newest SmartGrade dozers, motor graders and compact track loaders. SmartGrade Remote Support, which includes both Remote Display Access (RDA) and Wireless Data Transfer (WDT), will be available on most SmartGrade products for six years from the factory invoice date.

Currently available on the 700L/750L/850L SmartGrade dozers, the SmartGrade motor graders and the compact track loaders, these features enable dealers and customers to work together to remotely transfer project files to machines and troubleshoot any grade control-related issues. This is important for more efficient management of large GPS equipment fleets. Real-time remote visibility and management of important grade control parameters can save valuable troubleshooting time and keep machines up and running.

Dealers can also use the latest technology for operator training and troubleshooting.

“Offering real time support to our customers is key, especially when it comes to the Precision Construction lineup. By incorporating technology like SmartGrade in our dozer lineup, we are helping to boost job site productivity and efficiency while enhancing the capabilities of our operators,” said Sean Mairet, product manager grade control, John Deere Construction & Forestry. “There isn’t always a one-size-fits-all solution, and contractors need options to pair the right technology with their business needs. This is where customers really benefit from the flexibility of our grade management path.”

SmartGrade Remote Support is crucial in providing customers with the most efficient method of troubleshooting and increasing uptime and enables the dealer to remotely

monitor and support the machine from miles away. Wireless Data Transfer provides the ability to remotely send updated design files to the machine, saving trips to the job site. Any user with a MyJohnDeere.com account paired with the machine can utilise remote support.

To learn more about SmartGrade Remote Support, as well as the full range of John Deere Precision Construction technology solutions, scan the QR code.

John Deere adds SmartGrade Remote Support to precision technology suite.

T

When you work your equipment off road, in hot, rugged and harsh conditions, you need lubricants that are made to handle it. With the proven protection of John Deere lubricants, you’ll get through your job list in no time. Our oils are engineered and tested specifically to meet the needs of Deere equipment. Discover how John Deere lubricants are tougher than you think.

Specifically developed to be used in harsh conditions under increased stress.

Saves money by reducing wear and downtime, and prolonging equipment life.

Designed to extend service intervals and ensure peak performance.

NORMANDY STATION AND THEIR VERSATILE SDLG LG946L

Normandy Station is located in Roma, Queensland, about 515km northwest of Brisbane. Owned and operated by third generation farmer John Lethbridge, the station is a mixed operation spread over 12,000 acres. Normandy Station grows around 1100 acres of wheat, 500 acres of oats and runs about 3000 ewes, 200 goats and ‘a handful of cattle’.

Lethbridge recently purchased a SDLG LG946L wheel loader from CJD Equipment to perform a lot of the general farm maintenance work around the property. He had previously carried out many of these tasks on a bulldozer.

Lethbridge explains that the SDLG LG946L wheel loader is a far more versatile machine, ideally suited to performing day-to-day jobs around the property.

“I’m currently fixing and building contour banks, as well as carrying out general farm maintenance, like fixing dams. For instance, after some heavy rain recently, I used the wheel loader to fix a couple of dams where the water cut straight through them and sliced a big gorge. The great thing about the SDLG LG946L wheel loader is that I was able to take dirt from elsewhere, whereas with the bulldozer you have to push the dirt up to the site. In that particular case, I went down the gully, dug a hole, and brought back the dirt to do the job,” Lethbridge said.

Normandy Station has also been utilising the SDLG LG946L wheel loader to prepare fence sites and for gravelling work.

“I’ve got a 2km road to the boundary and I’ve started using the wheel loader to gravel parts of that. As time goes on, I’ll start gravelling more of the bad areas on the access to the place. There’s one spot where water comes through and, after heavy rain, it’s impossible in a vehicle, so I’ll put a gravel path through there,” he noted.

The SDLG LG946L wheel loader comes standard with a Volvo compatible quick hitch ‘euro hitch’, which allows the operator to change the attachment without leaving the cabin.

“I’m currently modifying a 15 ft stick rake that I previously used on the bulldozer. If we have a drought, then I’ll be able to do some stick rake work in the wheel loader, instead.

“You won’t find many professional stick rake operators with bulldozers these days. The wheel loaders are far quicker – you get so much more done in a day with it. I need to get an attachment bracket

from CJD Equipment, then I’ll be able to drop the bucket and attach to the bracket using the quick hitch system,” Lethbridge remarked.

“I’ve also put a set of scales on it and have started using it to weigh containers of grain. Now I can measure the grain out in 2 tonne lots instead of making estimates, which is what I used to do,” he said.

While the SDLG LG946L wheel loader has performed flawlessly since Normandy Station acquired it last year, Lethbridge explains that – although he’d heard good reports about the machine from other operators – it was CJD Equipment’s customer service that was the main factor in his decision to make the purchase.

“CJD Equipment have a man in Roma. If I had bought a wheel loader in Brisbane or Toowoomba and then had issues with it, I would have to pay a guy to come out here to the property and then go back and that all costs money – you’re looking at a couple of hundred bucks before they’ve even started on the job,” he pointed out.

Normandy Station had an existing relationship with CJD Equipment. It had previously purchased a second-hand Volvo tracked skid steer from an independent seller; it had some electrical issues and, after struggling to resolve the problems, Lethbridge noticed a CJD Equipment sticker on the machine and decided to contact them to see if they could provide any assistance.

“I have to say, the guy I dealt with was extremely patient with me. I don’t believe they sell that machine anymore, but he was able to research the history of it and managed to come up with a few little tricks that resolved the issues in the end,” he recalled.

Last year, Lethbridge was at FarmFest, Queensland’s largest annual commercial agricultural business event in Toowoomba; he noticed that CJD Equipment were exhibiting and decided to visit the booth.

“Because I’d dealt with them recently, I saw them at FarmFest and thought I’d make myself known. They are a very professional company. Anyway, we got chatting and what do you know? – four months later I bought a SDLG LG946L,” Lethbridge related.

Hiring a wheel loader and getting a contractor in to do the work was never an option for Normandy Station.

“Because the SDLG LG946L is such a reliable, all-round machine used for a wide variety of jobs, you don’t want to be waiting aroundfor a contractor when something needs to be done. When work needs to be done – and it’s often urgent – it needs to be done right away. You need to have the equipment available then and there,” Lethbridge highlighted.

Lethbridge jokes that Normandy Station hasn’t had the SDLG LG946L long enough for him to make any comment about the lifespan of the wheel loader, except to say, “I have no doubt that it will outlast me.”

Normandy Station values CJD Equipment’s customer service.

A SMALL STEP ON OUR PATH TO CHANGE

CASTROL’S NEW SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY

The strategy sets out aims for 2030 to save waste, reduce carbon and improve lives, not just in Australia and New Zealand, but on a global basis.

Castrol became Australia’s pioneer in carbon neutral lubricants in 2016, when the premium Castrol VECTON range of diesel engine oils became the first to be certified as carbon neutral. From 2021, all Castrol products we sell in Australia and New Zealand are committed to carbon neutrality in accordance with PAS 2060.

CASTROL’S 120 YEAR FIGHT AGAINST FRICTION, CORROSION AND WEAR

Close to a quarter of the world’s energy is believed to be lost to friction, corrosion, and wear as per study by Kenneth Holmberg and Ali Erdemir.

“From Castrol’s earliest days, we have delivered products that help save energy by fighting exactly these problems,” says Jotika Prasad, Castrol Marketing Director, Australia and New Zealand. Castrol is also supporting new and growing sectors, like renewable energy and e-mobility with products and services.

For example, Castrol is the first lubricant supplier in the world to offer PAS 2060-certified carbon neutral lubricants for the wind turbine industry.

REDUCING PRODUCT LIFE-CYCLE CARBON EMISSIONS

As well as significantly increasing its carbon neutral offers to Australian customers, Castrol is aiming to halve its own global use of virgin (i.e non-recycled) plastic packaging per litre from its 2019 baseline. The PATH360 strategy is based on circular thinking, which means the company is looking at the lifecycle of its existing and new products, to see how they can be improved, extended, reused, or recycled.

“Customers in the mining and CVO sectors are especially committed to reducing their carbon emissions,” said Jane Carland, General Manager Castrol Australia and New Zealand, “and we plan to be an important partner in helping them achieve their goals and our target is to halve the net carbon intensity of our products by 2030.”

For example, three of Castrol’s plants globally moved to renewable electricity in 2020. At the same time, the company has developed new light-weight bottle designs which use less plastic, saving on a global basis 7,000 tonnes per year by 2023.

CARBON NEUTRAL PROJECTS

To help fulfil its carbon neutral programme, Castrol works with bp Target Neutral who purchase carbon carbon credits that support a portfolio of carbon reduction, avoidance, and removal projects around the world. These include support for projects such as the Zhaoyuan Zhangxing wind energy scheme in China, which mitigates more than 180,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide are each year by replacing fossil fuel power. Another such project has supported investment in solar energy in India, through a large-scale project that helps provide reliable and costeffective off-grid electricity for families and business. To date, 60,000 solar units have been distributed.

BUILDING ON ACHIEVEMENTS

Castrol’s Senior Vice President, Mandhir Singh, said: “PATH360 builds upon work we’ve been doing for years, pulling it all together into one integrated sustainability programme. We know that many of our customers are looking for more sustainable offers and help with their sustainability goals, and this is what this programme is designed to deliver.”

Castrol is helping to drive a more sustainable future with its recently announced PATH360 strategy

BLUNDSTONE – STABILITY MEETS THE FREEDOM TO MOVE WITH ROTOFLEX

Iconic Australian footwear brand Blundstone continues to be at the forefront of safety footwear, with the launch of their new RotoFlex® Range.

This world-leading biomechanical design is a result of years of research and development into the needs of workers in the trades, mining and construction industries. The airportfriendly range includes four unisex styles and two women-specific styles crafted for the evergrowing female market.

All six styles feature a water-resistant upper, lightweight, compression-resistant composite toe cap, and an all-new zoned airflow footbed to activate ventilation and provide moisture control—no more sweaty feet.

Biomechanics come to the forefront with all the features and design principles applied to the new GripTek® soling system. From larger cleats and tracks, which deter dirt build-up to a broader sole surface of the heel area and carefully moulded TPU to assist in preventing ankle injuries, GripTek® offers a new level of underfoot safety. A unique pivot pad has been incorporated into the sole, allowing freedom of movement, and reducing ankle twist injuries.

The overarching comfort system, SoftCell® utilises a combination of specialist materials and a unique biomechanical foot-cradling design to increase stability, balance, comfort and manoeuvrability, while reducing ankle slip risk and fatigue.

Every single component used in the construction of the RotoFlex range has been researched, tested and trialled to ensure Blundstone deliver truly innovative, betterperforming safety footwear. Their dedicated

design team looked at multiple options for each element and selected the best performing, most appropriate product – and if they couldn’t find the perfect piece, they created it.

Launching in September 2022, RotoFlex delivers a strong foundation from the ground up, providing unbeatable fit and unrivalled comfort – perfect from day one. Put their innovation to work at the link below.

www.blundstone.com.au/rotoflex

HIDROMEK MACHINES THE PERFECT FIT FOR GILLIES CIVIL

“I started working on big infrastructure and rail projects operating wheel loaders and excavators before deciding to start my own small business with earthmoving gear in 2014,” George explains.

“I had smaller machines and posi tracks. My first business got bought out so I decided to start my own a year later.

“I started with a 20 tonne and then added another as the company grew. There was

a halt with Covid but after June 2021 the business started growing again. I now have six operators working with me,” George adds.

George’s first Hidromek machine was a 40 tonne Hidromek HMK370LC with EI Engineering buckets and a Rammer hammer.

“The reliability of the HMK370LC is unreal. It’s great value for money. The operator has been very loyal to other brands, but he was pleasantly surprised and loves the machine. It’s great for final-trimming and material handling such as loading and sorting,” George says.

George’s second Hidromek was a HMK145LCSR.

“The Hidromek HMK145LCSR is a heavyweight for its class. It is fitted with the latest Leica GPS and an A2 tilting hitch. It’s great for final trim and detail works.”

The newest addition for Gillies Civil is a Hidromek HMK140W wheeled excavator. The HMK140W has an operating weight of 15.7 tonnes without additional attachments.

The HMK140W is an impressive unit – fitted with all the bells and whistles. The machine has been fitted with a heap of options including Leica GPS system, a Steelwrist tiltrotator and an 8m3 Stewart Hardox tipping

George Gillies has been in the industry since 2008 when he started working on rail projects operating wheeled excavators.

trailer with drop sides.

“The machine is road registered and complete euro spec with everything I need including a tipping trailer so the attachments or materials can be transported around the job or from job to job with ease,” George explains.

“It’s the perfect machine to help the local community with general works and bits and pieces. I’m starting to do more road projects and property storm clean-ups etc.

“Everything is so dense in the commercial areas so if my clients have multiple jobs that are within close proximity, having a road registered wheeled machine with a trailer means I don’t

have to use a truck to move it. It’s a no brainer really – I can bring all the attachments and be ready to go.”

George has now tried a range of the Hidromek models both by purchase and rental.

“The Hidromeks are great on fuel. The HMK140W is the most economical machine I’ve owned. My Leica GPS systems are fitted locally but are the same as the Hidromek factory fitted systems. The integration and installation were both seamless.

“When asked why George decided to give a lesser-known brand a go, he replied: ‘It’s not an easy decision to try something completely

new but after hiring the HMK300LC for a few months I was convinced they are great machines. You just have to hire one and try for yourself’.”

“Onetrak is great to deal with. I can call Rhodes at any time of the day and he will sort out any issues or answer any questions I have. The customer service is good and the parts departments are also great to deal with.”

WEST COAST LIMESTONE STRENGTHENS FOUNDATIONS WITH TOYOTA SKID STEERS

Western Australian construction company West Coast Limestone has turned to Toyota Material Handling Australia (TMHA) to help its business during a time of growth, and to capitalise on the booming construction industry in the west.

Based in the Perth suburb of Malaga, West Coast Limestone plays a crucial role in the Western Australian construction industry, building limestone retaining walls for new housing developments and land estates to help combat WA’s notoriously sandy soil.

To help make the most of a busy period, West Coast Limestone owner Phil di Giuseppe wanted to capitalise on the Toyota Advantage pillars of legendary quality, durability and reliability provided by Toyota equipment.

Having used other brands in the past, Mr di Giuseppe said he was compelled to return to Toyota skid steer loaders due to their impressive performance in soft sand, as well as the faultless reliability of the Huski 5SDK9 open cabin.

“I always wanted to get back into a Toyota, I thought they’d always been good, reliable machines,” Mr di Giuseppe said.

“They’ve always been renowned for their reliability. They’ve got good ground clearance as well, the Toyota is much better in the dirt.”

The Huski’s high ground clearance combined with its 12-inch all-terrain tyres and all-paw traction means the soft sand of WA construction sites is no match for the supremely capable machine.

The reliability of construction equipment is crucial for any customer, as is ease of repair -

which is what makes Toyota equipment stand out, with TMHA area sales manager Paul Smith explaining mechanical simplicity can be a major advantage for durability and servicing.

“We don’t have any computers in our machinethe reliability factor is enormous,” Mr Smith said.

“It’s a big selling point for us - no computers, no ECUs.

With a mechanically and electrically simple design, Toyota skid steers are designed to keep at optimum performance.

Mr Smith added that the ease of repair afforded by Toyota skid steers was advantageous, with the machine able to be serviced and repaired

without the need for unique diagnostic tools.

“A lot of mining companies love them because they don’t play-up and you don’t need a specialised tool to repair them or service them,” he said.

West Coast Limestone has used a range of Toyota skid steer loaders over its roughly 15-year history, with Mr di Giuseppe purchasing his first TMHA machine a number of years ago.

After leaving and subsequently returning to West Coast Limestone, Mr di Giuseppe needed to purchase new equipment, and decided on a used competitor products.

However, their poor performance in sand and the relative price parity of Toyota’s skid steers meant that another TMHA purchase was never far away.

“I wasn’t really happy with the competitor machine that I bought, so decided to go for a Toyota,” Mr di Giuseppe said.

“It’s the best machine that we’ve got.”

Mr di Giuseppe added that West Coast Limestone had a great working relationship with TMHA, and would recommend their products to other people in the industry.

When the time comes to purchase new skid steer equipment, Mr Smith was confident that TMHA would be the first number West Coast Limestone will dial.

And with the booming state of the construction industry out west, it would hardly be a surprise if that call came sooner rather than later.

WA-based West Coast Limestone rides the waves of the construction boom with new TMHA equipment.

DITCH WITCH CEA MAXIMISING PROFIT AND PERFORMANCE

Horizontal Directional Drilling is a demanding industry and having the best equipment on the market has been an essential part in the success of Bench Direction Drilling and Civil. Bench Civil purchased its first Direction Drill in 2010, the JT2020. Twelve years later and several machines on, Barry is still a proud and loyal Ditch Witch customer maximising on profit and performance.

“When looking for a machine in the civil and construction industry you need to take a range of factors into account, such as longevity, service and durability, so when seeing what Ditch Witch had to offer, it was a pretty simple choice,” Barry explains.

“The longevity of the Ditch Witch machine is second to none. They are built tough to last through the long and often difficult days in the civil industry.”

The JT20 Directional Drill is packed with plenty of power in a compact size, and the JT20 helps you work faster so you can tackle more jobs. The JT20 has a turbocharged 74hp engine that produces less noise for the operator. It’s among the quietest in its class –while its slim yet durable profile allows you to tackle more jobs in tight places.

“We need machines we can rely on and people who understand the machines, allowing us to maximise results day in, day out. When working in the industry you understand how important it is,” Pringle says.

“For over 12 years, Ditch Witch CEA have been able provide great aftersales service, manufacturers backup and service/parts availability.”

The JT20 Directional Drill has an advanced cooling system that uses five fewer gallons

of fluid than competitive systems offering exceptional efficiency and less environmental impact, while an industry-best cruise control system simplifies drilling and back reaming.

“We have a range of Ditch Witch machines that have been purchased over time. Our collection has grown into eight various machines, which all allow us to make difficult days easier, not to mention one of the main advantages is the training of the machines with purchase,” Barry says.

Bench Direction Drilling and Civil are located in Adelaide and have proudly provided Directional Drilling and Civil works for over 12 years in partnership with Ditch Witch CEA. If you are interested in how Ditch Witch CEA can assist your next civil or construction project get in contact with them today.

Visit: www.ditchwitchcea.com.au

Ditch Witch CEA has been maximising profit and performance for Bench Directional Drilling and Civil since 2010 with a range of machines. Barry Pringle, Director of Bench Directional Drilling and Civil explains.

ERKAT INTRODUCES THE NEW V CUTTER SIMPLICITY PREVAILS

With its V-shaped design, the latest drum cutter from Erkat is a smart challenger to the chain cutter that sets a new standard in trenching and quarrying. A seemingly simple solution with extraordinary effectiveness – enabling tremendous savings in energy consumption and maintenance time.

“The efficiency issues connected with trenching have been met with advanced, but expensive solutions. We’re pleased to present an alternative that can match the performance of a chain cutter but with 40% fewer picks and no need for overhauling. By changing the angles of the drums, we managed to increase uptime and user-friendliness substantially, all while lowering the investment cost by 25%, compared to a chain cutter, says Glenn Illingworth, Business Development Manager Business Partners

The reliability, robustness and ease of use of the Erkat drum cutters have been taken to a new level with the VC 2000. Thanks to the V-shaped design, that enables a cut with a flat base, no material is left untouched between the drums. Where a regular drum cutter must move side to side to create an even trench, a method that causes extra wear on the carrier arm, the VC 2000 can reach the same result by just going straight. The approach is similar to the way a chain cutter works but the solution has several advantages: lower weight saves fuel, simpler construction and less picks reduce maintenance – by up to 50% – and there’s no need for overhauls. The risk of oil contamination is eliminated and it’s very easy to operate. The efficiency gains and user-friendliness combined with the economic benefits provided excellent business opportunities.

The distinguishing features of the classic Erkat drum cutters, like the robust spur gears, adaptable high torque gear motor and the QuickSnap retaining system for fast and easy pick changing, are all to be found in the new VC 2000. It even comes with the Pro bracket, which leads all hydraulic hoses through the centre of the extension arm and out of harm’s way, as standard. Mechanical and hydraulic rotatable brackets are also available as well as dust preventing water spraying system. HATCON, a monitoring system that keeps track of operating hours,

location and service intervals and presents that data on virtually any screen via MyEpiroc is another option that will increase the overall effectiveness.

“Providing solutions that can help our customers reach new levels is rewarding, not the least when it comes to energy-saving and sustainability. They inspire us to constantly rethink all aspects of our offer, and VC 2000 is certainly a result of that,” concludes Glenn Illingworth, Business Development Manager Business Partners.

Learn more www.erkat.com

CLARK EQUIPMENT NAMED HYUNDAI DOOSAN INFRACORE OCEANIA PARTNER OF THE YEAR

Clark Equipment has been awarded the 2021 best regional partner of the year by Hyundai Doosan Infracore for the Oceania region, with the Australian-owned distributor being recognised for its strong overall performance and commitment to providing its customers a high standard of service from sales through to after-sales.

Each year Hyundai Doosan Infracore acknowledges the accomplishments of dealers in key regions around the world, with the Korean company recognising machine sales growth, excellence in after-market operations and achieving significant improvements in providing high standards of customer service.

Hyundai Doosan Infracore has built a strong presence in the Australian market in partnership with Australian-owned Clark Equipment, supported by Clark Equipment’s extensive national branch and dealer network.

As Clark Equipment notes, “Doosan is a world leader in the engineering, manufacturing, and marketing of heavy construction equipment”, with its local range spanning machinery including excavators, wheel loaders and articulated dump trucks.

DOOSAN DELIVERS ALL-ROUND QUALITY, PERFORMANCE AND RELIABILITY

The Clark Equipment Doosan range is decked out to provide quality, reliability and strong performance without the premium pricing, having been built for easy maintenance, durability, fuel efficiency and operator comfort.

Excavators

Doosan excavators come in a range of sizes, bringing together an array of features designed to ensure quality, reliability and strong performance, including an ergonomically designed cabin, with fully automatic heating

and air-conditioning, a six-way adjustable seat with lumbar support and a telescopic control stand.

In addition to this, the Doosan excavator range comes equipped with a bi-directional cooling fan and fan swing-out options, high-quality filters, a rear-view camera and wide vision mirror, while a fabricated, single robust base plate main frame absorbs the forces associated with loading, twisting and penetration.

Wheel loaders

The Doosan wheel loader line-up combines raw power and versatility, paving the way for efficient and effective performance at high-demand worksites, while a fully automatic powershift ZF transmission with directional and kick-down control minimises operator fatigue.

The range provides for lower operating costs via easier routine maintenance, extended service intervals and increased fuel efficiency, with centralised hydraulic pressure test ports accessible from the ground for quick and easy diagnostics.

Articulated dump trucks

The Doosan Moxy articulated dump trucks deliver premium performance, featuring independent front suspension, ensuring maximum ground contact and stability, with a sloping rear frame, creating a low centre of gravity, maximum stability and excellent weight distribution to the front axle.

In addition to this, an extended cab offers easier operation and improved driver comfort, with a free-swinging rear tandem bogie delivering best possible ground contact, an articulation hinge system distributing equal weight to the front axle in all situations, and permanent six-wheel drive providing a significant traction advantage in rugged terrain.

CLARK EQUIPMENT PROVIDES FIRST-CLASS SALES AND AFTER-SALES SUPPORT

With a history stretching back to 1948, Clark Equipment has long been a prominent fixture in the local heavy machinery market, with it involved in the manufacturing, distribution and servicing of industrial, construction and rural equipment throughout Australia, New Zealand and other international markets.

Clark Equipment oversees a far-reaching dealer and branch network across both Australia and New Zealand, with it focused on delivering first-class professional sales and after-sales assistance, as well as offering comprehensive financial and rental packages to satisfy every client need.

Its on-the-ground support comprises a network of company-owned branches and authorised service agents across Australia and New Zealand, with its 4,000m2 Sydney facility supporting its locations with over 50,000 line items and an availability rate of over 90%, along with service support from modern workshops and factory-trained technicians and a fleet of mobile service vehicles.

TIER 4 FINAL, NO DPF!

The Doosan DX140LCR-5 machine builds on Doosan’s enviable reputation for hardworking, reliable and comfortable machines, with this next generation model offering an exceptionally powerful DPF-FREE TIER 4 FINAL engine.

By complying with US Tier 4 regulations, the Tier 4 Final DX140LCR-5 will have no issue operating on jobsites with Tier 4 emission standards - helping future-proof your investment. And with no DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter), you will avoid the maintenance issues experienced by other manufacturers - from time consuming regeneration cycles to expensive DPF servicing issues. This makes the Doosan DX140LCR-5 one of the most productive and reliable machines in its class.

TILLY’S SERVES UP A GREAT SPONSORSHIP

Tilly’s Crawler Parts has been an iconic Toowoomba business for nearly four decades. While selling earthmoving machinery and parts is what they are best known for, what many don’t realise is the importance the company places on supporting the community, which has supported them for so many years.

Andrew and Helen Tilly are business owners with heart. Supporting regional towns and businesses has seen them travel thousands of kilometres over the years, visiting customers and building relationships which now cross generations. From sports clubs to race days, school fetes and charity functions, Tilly’s has proudly supported hundreds of organisations. This company value of giving back has been evident through Tilly’s sponsorship over the last two years of the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation’s Legends at their Game events. In 2021 over 600 guests welcomed Thai cave divers Dr Richard Harris and Dr Craig Challen to Toowoomba, raising over $40,000 for the Mental Health Department at Toowoomba’s Base Hospital.

In 2022 Team Tilly’s were thrilled to again be the naming rights sponsor for the event, this time featuring Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott OAM. While most are familiar with Dylan’s brilliant wheelchair basketball and tennis careers, Dylan’s purpose through the establishment of the Dylan Alcott Foundation is to help young Australians with disabilities gain confidence, fulfill their potential and achieve their dreams.

Six hundred guests at the event were treated to a grand Tilly’s entrance, with two of Tilly’s great range of low-hour machines, including a 2016 Cat®140M Series 3 Grader fitted with new Bedrock ripper groups and front push block group attachments, proudly filling several carpark spaces – despite the pouring rain.

Dylan Alcott, OAM and Lance Hinrichsen, Tilly’s General Manager.

Lance Hinrichsen (GM) and Helen Tilly (Director) Tilly’s. Image by Annielyn Images.

Inside the venue tables were decorated with Tilly’s branded ‘tennis’ balls on theme with the guest speaker, and replica model Caterpillar dozers, kindly donated by the local Toowoomba division of Hastings Deering. These dozers were then auctioned with copies of Dylan’s book, and along with other donations and ticket sales contributed to the grand total of over $78,000

raised from the event. This year’s funds go directly to benefit the work of the Emergency Department at the Toowoomba Hospital, which sees thousands of patients every year.

Tilly’s is incredibly proud to support their local community through events like this, and the team looks forward to continuing to do so well into the future.

Image by Annielyn Images.

SCRAP METAL MINING WITH THE FLIPSCREEN!

Many scrap yards today are still using outdated methods for separating scrap and dirt. Read on to see why the locally made Flipscreen is made for scrap metal.

Many scrap yards today are still using outdated methods for separating scrap and dirt.

Flipscreen’s operator arrived at a client’s premises recently for a demo only to find the (pictured) screening deck still being used. They could only laugh! We often do demos at client houses who still use stationery vibrating decks or even skeleton buckets, and it’s amazing that they push on with these methods when there are alternative means available.

We hear it all the time – these things are trustworthy, they are reliable, they work, etc.

The objective, however, is supposed to be increasing productivity, increasing profits, and using tools that make the job easier, simpler and faster.

Why take the product to the screener when you can take the screener to the product?

Why handle the material multiple times when you can handle it just once?

When you are putting together a container of scrap metal, you want to minimise contaminants or dirt and you want to maximise the metals that you have laying around your yard.

And you want to go about collecting those metals as quickly and easily as possible. Head to Flipscreen’s Youtube channel to watch the modern way of sorting scrap metal.

When using a Flipscreen (as shown in the video) fitted to a carrier (excavator) it creates an operational site, which has very little impact on real estate or the size of the territory being used. You are taking the screener to the material and you can screen the dirt directly into a skip bin or truck and then dump the oversize or screened metals either into their pile or directly into a truck/bin. This means you have handled the material once. You don’t need to drive to the scrap inclusive dirt piles, pick up a load, drive to the grizzly screen, drop it onto the screen, drive around, pick up the dirt, drive to a

bin or truck and dump it. You scoop and screen, directly where it’s needed.

And if you think this attachment will let you down, think again.

The Flipscreen is made for scrap metal. It’s locally made in Australia to be tough enough to handle any material. And with no internal moving parts, the bucket is never going to foul or jam on the job. Direct drive models also require zero daily maintenance!

The Flipscreen is an engineering marvel and boasts some incredible features, such as the EX85 DD in the video you just watched:

• Longer periods between greasing.

• No chain adjusters and longer periods between drive servicing.

• Less fouling when used in wet conditions.

• Less noise of the material being screened.

• Less noise of the ratchet mechanism.

• Lighter to enable fitment to a greater range of excavator sizes.

• Direct drive.

Starting from the top we achieved this by introducing a bush that never needs greasing.

We also researched two-speed bent axisdriven planetaries. Trips were made to Korea where the best of these are made to configure the exact spec for the extreme conditions experienced on the end of an excavator’s arm. Each drive can take the weight of the carrier machine several times over and they put out 23,000 Newton metres of torque – that’s the torque of 35 F250 super duty truck motors.

We reduced sticking by introducing hopper liners. This stuff is like the best non-stick frypan you have ever seen, but also has better wearing

characteristics than most metal. The Hopper liners were a great breakthrough in noise reduction because scrap metal impacting special molecularly designed polyethylene makes about a 10th of the noise of hitting high tensile steel. Plus, the material acts as a damper – like acoustical foam it robs all surrounding areas of the ability to achieve harmonic vibration effectively cancelling sound.

The engineering team decided to incorporate an external hydraulic cylinder into the ratchet system to silence this unit. However, we didn’t want any hoses because they would get damaged; yes, that’s right we wanted a hydraulic cylinder without hoses. The cylinder rod is located in the sidearm with the base pointing out to the ratchet. The rod has internal veins ported through its centre allowing for both hydraulic lines to be inside the rod.

Weight was our biggest challenge, put simply: every kilo we put on our Flipscreen is one less kilo which you can scoop up. We religiously stay within the safe working loads of carrier machines. It may not seem so, but steel is flexible. With this in mind we successfully incorporated flex points under the main drive arms and a leaf spring effect on the hitch plate. Together these work like a big shock absorber. These design features have allowed us to remove unnecessary metal and put the steel where it is needed, therefore reducing the weight by reducing the EX85 by 356KG compared to its predecessor.

In conclusion: you have an incredible machine, which doesn’t need daily maintenance, won’t jam, and will screen your material at a rapid rate!

BRUCKNELL LIME – UPGRADING WITH ANACONDA

Brucknell Lime – located in Brucknell in the shire of Corangamite in South-West Victoria – is a family owned and operated limestone quarry that has been in the industry for over 35 years.

The business was founded in 1985 by father and son Lindsay and Bill Askew. Today, it is a third-generation family business as Bill continues to run the quarry together with his son Billy.

The quarry is located at the rear of the family’s property, which also includes a working dairy farm.

In the quarry the fleet of machines includes a 35 tonne excavator, a smaller excavator for clean-up around the site, two dozers, two wheel loaders, a Striker impactor, Anaconda screen and a stacker.

The Anaconda screen and stacker were purchased and delivered in late 2021 to replace an older screen.

“Demand has increased and we needed to update and get more capacity,” Bill explains.

“We had seen the Anaconda machines advertised in the magazines and thought they looked good. Since we owned a Striker crusher we were already dealing with Onetrak for spare parts. We got put on to Sam Powell who worked out the dimensions for recirculation and was able to give us advice on what equipment would be best suited to the application we are working in,” Billy explains.

“Sam is super responsive and will answer your call at any hour of the day. Jason MacDonald from Onetrak is the same, always super helpful and always finds out the answer to any question,” Billy adds.

Adding the stacker to the plant has allowed for a bigger stockpile making the wheel loader more efficient when loading the trucks. The Anaconda stacker is a hydraulic ST5032. The ST5032 has a 50ft conveyor belt, which allows for substantial stockpiling.

“With the recirculation from the impactor the rocks are only fed in once meaning the excavator isn’t working as hard. We also get a better, more consistent product. It’s all about the lowest cost per tonne, which is usually the best way to increase production in a quarry,” Billy explains.

The new Anaconda Screen is an SR520 2 deck finishing screen. It has a capacity of up to 450 tonnes per hour and is fitted with a Tier 3 – JCB 444 DieselMAX – 120kw engine.

“The screen has a remote-controlled tilting grid, which helps clean out the rocks rather than having rocks stuck in the shaker box. There is no build up. The remote control is also a great safety feature,” Bill explains.

“Some of the features of the new screen that stand out for us is the better visibility thanks to the walkway giving great access to the top of the screen. The area around the motor is very spacious making the screen’s serviceability easy,” Bill adds.

Brucknell Lime supply clay-based Agricultural Lime to a large part of Victoria and to a wide range of local farmers.

“Since we are working with limestone, we opted for an additional scraper on the belts to ensure the product doesn’t stick,” Bill continues.

Brucknell Lime’s crusher is a 2010 Striker HQR1112 R impact crusher purchased secondhand five years ago.

“The Striker has 13,700 hours on it. It’s a very reliable and well-built machine,” Bill adds.

Operating a dairy farm and a quarry is busy work.

“Thanks to upgrading our equipment we have doubled the amount of trucks coming in to site. We’re working smarter – not harder!” Bill adds with a smile.

Billy concludes by talking about the aftersales support: “Onetrak have always been good to deal with. Jason, Sam and one of the service technicians completed an extremely thorough commissioning of the machines when they were set up, ensuring everything was running perfectly.”

Onetrak is the official supplier of Anaconda Equipment and Striker. Contact Onetrak to speak to a specialist about your crushing, screening or conveying needs.

Visit www.onetrak.com.au or call 1300 727 520.

Left to right: Sam Powell, Bill Askew and Billy Askew.

The recirculation from the impactor leads to high efficiency and a more consistent product.

The Anaconda SR520-2 deck screen and conveyor were delivered late last year.

NASH PLANT HIRE AND STM TRUCKS & MACHINERY

Having taken the reins of Nash Plant Hire in 2014, Managing Director Trent Victorsen has since presided over a strong period of growth for the wet and dry hire business, which has seen it both regularly add new staff members and significantly expand its fleet of telehandlers, forklifts, straight booms, knuckle booms and scissor lifts.

As Trent explained, the previous owner had decided to sell Nash – which is based out of Eastern Creek and which services the Sydney metropolitan region – shortly after he had started with the business, which led to him initially taking it on as a one-man operation, managing a fleet of 15 machines.

Trent, who draws on the better part of two decades of experience in the plant hire industry, had subsequently set about building the business’ capabilities, underpinned by a firm focus on providing exceptional customer service, noting that “a lot has changed in eight years”.

“I’ve got 12 staff, and we’ve recently cracked the 200-machine mark,” he told EEM. “We just grew organically.

“We’ve also got a service department, a large centre at Eastern Creek, with major inspection facilities, including 90-day inspections and all that sort of stuff. We can do all of that and we do it all in-house.”

COMMITMENT TO CUSTOMER SERVICE COMPLEMENTED BY HIGH-QUALITY MACHINES

Nash prides itself on its fleet of reliable, highquality machines, with skilled operators on hand to help tackle a range of projects, while Trent noted that the business has built its reputation

around ensuring customers are completely satisfied with the level of service provided.

From smaller to larger clients, this commitment to customer service is a constant focus, with Nash’s service offering structured around meeting and exceeding customer expectations and providing “a personal touch”.

“We talk about it weekly, about how we do things differently,” Trent explained. “We don’t treat the customers like a number. We get a lot of feedback about the big guys and we’re a bit more personal. We make sure that the customer is happy with what they’re getting.

“We make sure every single customer is contacted. We see them all the time and we go the extra length to make sure something gets done – be it paperwork, or a delivery, or the inspection of a machine. We don’t let it go until it’s complete.”

This high level of customer service is backed by premium machinery, and among its evolving fleet Nash’s Merlo telehandler range spans 3 to 6 t operating weights, decked out to tackle a range of projects.

Nash has also recently added several compact 4.75 t P27.6 models to its line-up, with the fuel-efficient P27.6 featuring a spacious cab, hydrostatic transmission and a boom reach of 6m, while it is capable of reaching speeds of up to 40km/h.

Trent observed that the Merlo telehandlers sport a range of highly functional features, have been designed for ease of use, and have “got a lot of good things about them”, noting that they are always in demand.

“They are what the operators and customers request,” he said. “Because they know they’re good for different projects, they’re easy to operate and they’re user-friendly.

“Along with this, the various attachments easily come right off, the different functions are more than easy to use, and the visibility of each unit is better than most, while they’re also a good-looking machine.”

STM TRUCKS & MACHINERY SEEKS TO BUILD STRONG RELATIONSHIPS

Trent said Nash has enjoyed a strong relationship with STM Trucks & Machinery since it took over from the previous dealer, with STM having taken the time to learn about his business and his requirements right from the get-go.

He noted STM – which offers a range of new and used trucks and machinery, along with an extensive inventory of spare parts – had made a concerted effort to develop clear lines of communication between the two businesses.

“They initially came out and built a good relationship with us,” he told EEM. “As a result, we’re pretty close to them.

“They made a big effort when they first took over, knowing that I was one of their biggest clients. They came and visited me and made

sure I was getting what I was promised from the previous dealer, while they also rang me to get my feedback, as I know a fair bit about the gear.”

As for how the plant hire market is currently tracking, Trent said it’s been extremely busy of late, with Nash enjoying a healthy flow of business.

“The industry is just going off its head at the moment,” he said. “There’s a lot of work out there, and I’ve got an empty yard at present.”

Building on this, and looking ahead to the rest of 2022 and beyond, Trent is optimistic demand will remain strong, and noted that Nash is well positioned to thrive.

HYDRAULINK JIM READ RACING TOP FUEL DRAGSTER TOO FAST FOR MILDURA

After running quickest through the qualifying rounds and re-writing the record books on Saturday, the team’s aggressive set-up was too much through the competition rounds on Sunday.

“It’s a shame we didn’t perform to our usual expectations. We had the speed on Saturday but didn’t tune for the track on Sunday,” says Phil Read. “We got a little greedy in our last run, trying for a 3.0 second pass to get the record back. I was about a car length in front but couldn’t stay there.”

Jim Read Racing is still a solid second in the standings for the Burson Auto Parts Australian Top Fuel Championship after a first-up win at Sydney Dragway in February – and is looking forward to being “Best Under Pressure” in forthcoming races, living up to the performance promise of sponsor Hydraulink.

TRACK RECORD AT MILDURA

At Mildura, team tuner Bruce Read got the full potential from the car and the result was a new track record at 3.199 seconds and 247 miles per hour, easily good enough to be the number 1 qualifier heading into the three rounds of racing.

“It was great to re-write the records. And we put on a real show for the fans,” says Phil Read. Things did not run as smoothly on Sunday, in a competition format where all six Top Fuel cars compete in three rounds of side-by-side racing. A first-up win over Wayne Newby, who eventually finished the event as runner-up to hometown hero Phil Lamattina, looked promising. But then the Read team went down to Peter Xiberras in the second round and fell again to Shane Olive in the third, both times as a result of

over-powering for the track and failing to get traction.

The Hydraulink top fuel dragster, driven by Jim Read Racing legend’s son Phil Read, has really put the Hydraulink brand on the map in both Australia and New Zealand, where the expanding company has more than 400 service points spanning both countries, says Hydraulink Australian National Franchise Manager, Wayne Abbott.

“These events are very popular with Hydraulink clients – and they also attract the dedicated performance-oriented participants we attract who share the values of our Hydraulink franchise and technical staff network. So the events are big winners for all involved, seeking excellence in the hydraulic engineering, which is integral to high-performance machinery across the automotive and industrial spectrum.”

The first appearance of Top Fuel dragsters at Mildura in regional Victoria was a story of outstanding speed, but not quite first place success for the Hydraulink-sponsored Jim Read Racing team.

For the

Hydraulink

Jim

Read

Racing dragster, maximum power was too much power this time.

Ready to race, the Hydraulink Jim Read Racing Team.

KOMATSU NOW OFFERS

REMANUFACTURING OPTION FOR DPFs

Diesel particulate filters play key role in ensuring ultra-low emissions.

Ultra-low emission diesel engines that power earthmoving equipment are fast becoming industry standard.

Despite not being mandated under environmental standards in Australia, government departments, major contractors and project managers keen to reduce their impact on the environment are increasingly giving preference to earthmoving equipment suppliers who can offer machines that comply with Tier 4 Final emission requirements.

Tier 4 Final engines reduce both Diesel Particulate Matter (PM) and nitrous oxide (NOx) levels by 90% when compared with previous generation Tier 3 engines.

Komatsu engines achieve this through a combination of Closed Crankcase Ventilation (CCV), optimised combustion systems, advanced electronic controls and heavy duty exhaust gas after-treatment.

These include cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) systems, Variable Geometry Turbochargers (VGTs) and Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs).

A critical element of ensuring Tier 4 engines achieve such significant reductions in PM and NOx level, is the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), a regenerating filter that captures soot and ash. Typically, it has a life expectancy of 4500 hours or more (depending on application, operating conditions and operator practices) before requiring replacement or a major overhaul, says

As a way of ensuring quality and supply reliability for customers, Komatsu has recently set up a remanufacturing facility for DPFs at its Fairfield head office in Sydney.

Komatsu’s DPF Reman process involves a series of quality assurance inspections and tests at all stages of the process to ensure they continue to meet emission and reliability standards, says Bowling.

This includes high-pressure air cleaning and/ or baking of the Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) and the Catalysed Soot Filter (CSF), the primary elements that make up the DPF core.

In addition, the DPF Reman process covers 100% replacement of all gaskets, hardware –essential due to the high operating temperatures

in these units – along with pressure and temperature sensors to ensure reliability.

Komatsu’s DPF Reman facility caters for the 9 inch, 10.5 inch, 12 inch and 14 inch diameter core sizes currently used on Komatsu T4 engines.

“Changing over a DPF is a very straightforward process for our customers,” says Bowling.

“We offer a fixed price, depending on the machine model, and it’s simply a matter of giving us the old DPF when we swap it out.

“Komatsu Reman DPFs are available through our service and parts departments throughout Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia, and cost approximately one-quarter to one-third the price of a new unit.

“And as with all our Reman products, Komatsu Reman DPFs are backed by our full factory warranty,” says Bowling.

Steve Bowling, Komatsu’s National Operations Manager - Manufacturing Support.

KOMATSU OPENS INNOVATION HUB IN NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART DC

Komatsu’s state-of-the-art facility designed to improve customer satisfaction.

Komatsu has officially opened an Innovation Hub – which showcases the company’s focus on innovation and technology leadership across all aspects of its business – as part of its new Wacol Distribution Centre.

The Innovation Hub is part of the new 17,500sq/m Distribution Centre in Wacol, which demonstrates Komatsu’s vision to empower a sustainable future where people, businesses and our planet can thrive together, says Todd Connolly, Komatsu’s General Manager, Business Transformation.

“It’s been designed to inspire the next generation of Komatsu employees and management, along with our customers and other stakeholders, to continue our innovation journey along with us,” he says.

The Innovation Hub provides a range of interactive exhibits that demonstrate the latest technologies in mining, quarrying and construction equipment and solutions.

Exhibits cover mining automation, Komatsu Smart Construction, digital services, sustainability, supply chain and a ‘history lane’.

“Visitors to our Innovation Hub can go from displays of classic items of Komatsu equipment, to a vision of the future with a prototype all-electric remote-control excavator,” says Connolly.

“We have live displays of our Komatsu machine population throughout Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia – including location, operating status and machine condition – along with a countdown to our 150th anniversary in 2051.

“There are also opportunities to try out a Komatsu excavator simulator, or see how our Smart Construction offerings are having a direct influence today on the management of our infrastructure and resources projects of tomorrow.”

The Innovation Hub is also a celebration of Komatsu’s century of innovation, dating back to when the company was founded in May 1921. The company is celebrating its centenary in the year since the anniversary.

“Since the company’s founding, innovation has been at the centre of Komatsu’s DNA, and our new Innovation Hub brings together all our technology innovations under a single roof,” Connolly says.

GOOD THINGS COME IN SMALL PACKAGES

NEW ATTACHMENTS FOR YOUR JOB SITE

Good things come in small packages, and these new units are small and designed for mini and midi excavators. Small but efficient, practical and productive. The two new shaft screener models are the MB-HDS207 and the MB-HDS212.

These two shaft screeners were created to simplify tasks on all job sites. For example, tasks like aerating packed soil whenpreparing a garden. Or if you need to recycle and separate dirt from demolition debris, stones or roots; or screening materials to cover pipes and trenches.

SHAFT SCREENER BUCKETS FOR MINI AND MIDI EXCAVATORS

Features:

• The MB-HDS207 weighs 98kg and is compatible with a mini excavator with operating weight from 1.3 to 2.8 tonnes.

• The MB-HDS212 weighs 480kg and can be installed on midi excavators and backhoe loaders between 8 and 9 tonnes, and skid loaders from 4 to 5 tonnes.

The attachments are designed and created for gardening, landscaping and urban construction industries. The new MB-HDS shaft screeners combine efficiency and versatility and are solutions for complex job sites.

The shaft screeners were designed to simplify the job. Thanks to the coupler connection being lower than the rest of the unit, you get more control during the loading and processing phases making it easier to get the

job done. Not only that, the bucket shape increases productivity.

Maintenance is simple – greasing is centralised and can take place at the job site. The shaft screeners have a sealed cover designed to withstand long-term use but also to shield the internal parts of the machine from materials such as dirt and sand. The same cover protects the bolts and side casings, guaranteeing minimal downtime and the ability to continually work.

Similar to our other HDS models, the new units have shafts that are easily replaced on the job site.

You can also install a capacity increase kit to the MB-HDS207, increasing the unit’s load capacity from 50 litres to 60 litres. The MB-HDS212 is also compatible with skid steers. These two attachments are crucial when you’re looking for practicality, reliability, and productivity on the job site. The shaft screeners are compact, versatile, and extremely easy to use; they’re designed to simplify jobs, reduce working times, and save money.

MB Crusher presents two new shaft screening buckets.

BRANDING UPDATE FOR KANGA LOADERS

Kanga Loaders, the leading Australian manufacturer of stand on mini loaders, announced that it has completed a major rebranding, the first in over 20 years.

Kanga Loaders invented the mini loader on the Gold Coast back in 1981 and during that time has undertaken several identity changes. The latest being a name change to “Kanga Loaders” back in the late 90s. The logo and machine branding had remained relatively unchanged since then.

“It was important to us that we embraced Kanga’s rich 40-year history and respected our heritage,” said Rod Lehpamer, Kanga General Manager. “We didn’t want the new logo to stray too far from the original design, which has served the brand so well over the years,” he continued.

With technology moving ahead so quickly, the modernised logo will better reflect the exciting future ahead for Kanga Loaders as they embrace the latest trends. In addition to the logo change, Kanga Loaders will be updating machine branding as well as upgrading all safety decals to ISO standard.

For more info visit www.kangaloader.com

TOPCON ANNOUNCES 3D MACHINE CONTROL COMPATIBILITY OPTIONS FOR CATERPILLAR EXCAVATORS

Topcon Positioning Group announces a new option for Caterpillar Next Gen excavator users to leverage Topcon 3D machine control functionality together with Cat Assist features.

As a result of new compatibility of the Topcon 3D Excavator System with Caterpillar factoryinstalled NGH sensors, customers will experience simplified installation of the Topcon aftermarket system into Caterpillar’s existing 2D excavator systems, in coordination with Topcon and Caterpillar dealers.

Jamie Williamson, Topcon executive vice president, said, “With increased pressure for productivity and accuracy, and the industry’s need for skilled operators, the solution is timely. The customer will have the benefit of Topcon 3D Excavator System and Caterpillar Assist features working together. Once the user is acquainted with the combined system, it will be easy to be a more productive operator.”

The Topcon system is designed to provide real-time, dynamic, on-screen bucket location and design views, resulting in the operator cutting grade faster and more accurately. The

operator can create, cut, and check designs directly from the cab. Together with Caterpillar boom and bucket automation, operators can deliver quality work all day long with less fatigue.

Josh Allan, Construction Business Manager for Position Partners, Topcon’s Australian distributor, said the enhanced compatibility will be popular in the local market. “We have integrated Topcon machine control to hundreds of Caterpillar machines over the years, including the new Next Gen models,” he said.

“Customers have always loved how seamless the integration is on their machine, with the ability to use the CAT joystick with their Topcon system for example,” he added. “This added compatibility to get the full benefits of the Topcon solution and the Cat Assist features will mean even more productivity and an enhanced experience for operators.”

Information on the compatible make and models for installation is available through Position Partners or Caterpillar dealers.

To learn more about Topcon machine solutions visit www.positionpartners.com.au or call 1300 867 266.

OLD LOGO

NEW LOGO

UHI MACHINERY’S LOADER RANGE PROVIDES POWER AND VERSATILITY

UHI Machinery stands out in the national earthmoving machinery market courtesy of its ever-evolving, premium-quality small machinery portfolio, decked out to thrive in demanding conditions and tackle a variety of commercial projects, including its range of wheel loaders, skid steer loaders and mini loaders.

The small machinery specialist has built its reputation around its highly efficient and effective machines, manufactured by top-tier manufacturers and sporting high-quality components, providing ample grunt when the going gets tough, while also delivering versatility when required.

On the back of its unique product offering, UHI has grown its presence around the country in recent years, spanning branches in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Darwin and Townsville, with it providing both in-store pick-up and nationwide delivery.

Across its wider loader range, UHI offers machines built to last, featuring a robust construction and a quality comparable to other big brands, with its loaders primed to power on through in undertaking a broad array of commercial landscaping, agricultural and construction projects.

US40K AND US50K SKID STEER LOADERS

The US40K and US50K skid steer loaders provide operators productivity and efficiency benefits in carrying out a variety of applications, and have the muscle required to get the job done across agricultural, farming, nursery and construction projects.

The US40K’s substantial rated load capacity makes it a strong and sturdy option to have on hand across a range of challenging site conditions, while the US50K steps the power up another notch, making it a go-to machine when more bulk is required.

LG820 AND LG825 WHEEL LOADERS

The LG820 and LG825 wheel loaders are solid and reliable units, packing plenty of power and have been designed to go the distance, which can be deployed across a variety of projects, including farming applications, construction works and recycling jobs.

Both machines are as robust and resilient as they look, featuring a high-strength welded frame, providing operators peace of mind that they will keep on powering on through when it comes to undertaking a range of tasks day in and day out and from one project to the next.

UWL807 AND UWL810T ARTICULATED MINI LOADERS

The UWL807 and UWL810T articulated mini loaders bring together power and versatility, with the articulated design enabling manoeuvrability on job sites, paving the way for operators to get the job done across a variety of applications.

Both the UWL807 and UWL810T feature substantial rated load capacities, and provide plenty of power when required, meaning operators can confidently get stuck into projects where a bit more grunt is needed.

U50 ELECTRIC MINI LOADER

The eco-friendly U50 electric mini loader is a compact unit with a powerful lifting capacity, and an extremely convenient machine to have at the ready when both versatility and power are required on a job site.

The U50 delivers up to eight hours of working time on a single charge, making it a more-thanhandy option for tackling small earthworks projects.

UHI BACKS PREMIUM PRODUCTS WITH COMPREHENSIVE CUSTOMER SERVICE

UHI supports its high-quality product portfolio with knowledgeable and responsive customer service, with it firmly focused on ensuring

customers receive the assistance they require at each stage of the purchase process, from sales through to after-sales.

In addition to this, UHI offers several finance options, designed to help customers quickly get equipment up and running in the field, with it very much aware of the importance of timing in tackling different projects.

UHI is also focused on opening additional branches around the country in the near future, building its nationwide network, while continuing to add to its product line-up.

SCANDINAVIAN SOFTWARE COMPANY’S AUSTRALIAN EXPANSION DISRUPTS 3D MACHINE MARKET

Unicontrol, a fast-growing disrupter of 3D machine control systems for excavators and wheel loaders, has entered the Australian market to provide a more competitive high-tech solution for companies using excavators and wheel loaders.

With short introduction times, competitive pricing, and straightforward fully customisable interface, Unicontrol3D is one of the market’s most user-friendly 3D machine control systems with pricing models at times half the price of others in the market.

“Companies are facing tighter cost controls, escalating supply chain pressures, and are seeking to get more from their technology,” said Ehsan Ekhlas, Co-founder and CCO.

The heightened demand for guidance technology in Australia is pushing operators and construction companies to seek easy to adopt machine control systems.

Unicontrol has signed Australian distributors, Kommand Machine Control in Queensland and Victoria, and RaptorTech in New South Wales and Western Australia for on-the-ground installation and distribution.

Delays and cost overruns post significant challenges on construction projects with the industry in Australia being severely affected by supply chain issues, rising labour costs and lack of user-friendly technology systems aimed at optimising efficiencies.

“The Australian market is faced with many challenges. Making a cost-effective, easyto-use 3D machine control system available to construction companies will alleviate some of that pressure,” said Ehsan Ekhlas.

Unicontrol has experienced fast-growing expansion to 17 countries since 2021 including opening in regions in Scandinavia, Central Europe, the Baltics, North America, and now Australia.

This ambitious growth is why distributors Kommand Machine Control and RaptorTech are confident that the launch of Unicontrol in the Australian market will be pivotal to their customers success.

“Unicontrol3D provides exactly what the industry has been looking for – a simple and user-friendly 3D machine control solution at a price point that makes sense,” confirmed Gerald Kirkpatrick, Director at Kommand Machine Control.

Unicontrol’s investment in user experience is critical to uptake of their highly reliable 3D machine control solution. In addition, acknowledging that not all contractors have similar needs with localised features and processing key.

“It’s clear that customers choose Unicontrol because of its user-friendly interface. I trained an operator this morning, and the feedback was that it’s an intuitive and easy-to-use system,” said Aaron Locke, Co-Founder of RaptorTech.

“We see immense potential in the Australian market,” Ehsan Ekhlas, Co-founder and CCO.

“In the past few months, 20 installations in the Australian market due to the high demand for a cost-effective solution has seen the company escalate its expansion plans.

“The reputation of Danish developers in this space has been key, and the Australian market is largely untapped at this point.”

WHAT IS MB CRUSHER DOING ON AN ISLAND?

Withstand material shortage by using your heavy equipment.

Type in “island”’ on a search engine and a dreamy image of a piece of land surrounded by clear blue water will appear. Those pictures immediately make you feel at ease – and secretly a little bit envious – they might even prompt you to plan your next vacation.

In the dictionary an island is also defined as isolated and detached. Undeniably, living on an island can be blissful but certainly for those companies in charge of construction and development being remote represents a series of difficulties that have been more accentuated by the shortage of materials that is happening all over the world right now.

From the world’s biggest island of Greenland to the tiniest inhabited one located off Alexandra Bay in the state of New York, the Just Room Enough Island – planning development jobs can be stressful. Material transportation is laborious and not only from the mainland to the Island itself, but very often the internal roads are small or inexistent.

Everywhere in the world, to prosper an area, roads must be built, which is not an easy task. To build roads materials are needed, and they are hard to get at the moment. It is in these difficult situations where you find MB Crusher units to the rescue.

Excavators are the main machines used to build roads, and they can travel even when there are no roads. Simply attaching an MB Crusher bucket to any brand of excavator will transform it into a mobile jaw crusher. All the rocks laying around are quickly reduced and reused to build the missing roads. An arduous job with MB Crusher units became effortless and connecting roads are created linking remote areas to society without the need to outsource the materials for the job.

THE UNSPOILT ISLAND OF MEGANISSI IN GREECE

“If you build it, they will come’’ – the quote from Field of Dreams is a mantra for holiday destinations like the Greek islands, where there is a constant need to build tourist accommodation. In Meganissi, a small island with a population of around 1000 people, they use MB Crusher units to build villas. The BF90.3 mounted on their Caterpillar 329E is crushing sea rocks to create the aggregate needed for the construction, meaning they did not need to bring in further machines or materials by sea from the larger island of Lefkada. Again, the jaw crusher gave independence and overcame the shortage of materials by transforming local raw material into a usable product.

THE STOCKHOLM ARCHIPELAGO IN SWEDEN

There are approximately 670,000 islands in the world. Some of them belong to Antarctica

and others are unclaimed territories but Sweden itself owns 221,800 of them. Although the majority are inhabited and difficult to connect to terrestrial infrastructure, the capital of Stockholm is built across a 14-island archipelago. In one of those islands, a Case TR340 skid steer has become a mobile jaw crusher after installing an MB-L140.

A DEMOLITION IN PUERTO RICO, CARIBBEAN ISLANDS

Being versatile is another reason why MB Crusher units are largely used as not only natural materials can be processed to be reused, but also demolition debris.

Like in Puerto Rico in the Caribbean, the old Costa Salud Aguada hospital was dismantled and the crushed down concrete will be reused as the foundation for the new Health Prevention Center building.

What can we take from these stories? That it can be done, and it can be easier. A key to development is a good strategy and an MB Crusher for your carrier.

ACQUISITION AMPS UP WESTRAC SOUND SUPPRESSION OFFERINGS

Leading Caterpillar® dealer WesTrac has enhanced its sound suppression capabilities with the recent acquisition of Hushpak Engineering.

Sound suppression solutions are vital in regions such as the Hunter Valley, where equipment operates in close proximity to residential and business locations.

Based in Beresfield NSW, Hushpak is an Australian pioneer of noise control solutions, products and technologies for the mining, manufacturing, construction and commercial industries.

Hushpak General Manager Michael Neville said the acquisition provided mutual benefits for both organisations.

“WesTrac now has its own sound suppression design capability, while Hushpak has greater access to product information and machinery experts complementing our skillset,” Michael said.

“This results in products that meet both the sound requirements and the proven Cat product reputation of robustness and reliability.

“Hushpak has worked with WesTrac for many years and this is a natural extension of that very successful relationship.

“We will continue to maintain the same focus across all Hushpak solution areas, providing advanced design and manufacturing services for every make and model of mobile and fixed plant equipment. Hushpak’s capability to service the non-Caterpillar® market has not been affected, as these customers can still engage us as they have always done.

“But now WesTrac customers needing noise control solutions have access to a complete, end-to-end service including installation and testing.”

Michael said while Hushpak provides a range of ready-made acoustic cladding and noise barriers, most projects – and particularly those involving mobile equipment – start with an evaluation of the problems that could be unique from one site and machine to another, with resulting solutions often being custom-designed.

WesTrac NSW Strategic Growth Manager Alan Corcoran said Hushpak had particular expertise working with customers in the Hunter Valley region.

“Hushpak’s ability to analyse noise sources and develop solutions using advanced acoustic engineering principles was of great interest to WesTrac,” Alan said.

“We were investigating ways to grow our own capability and the opportunity to acquire Hushpak allowed us to fast-track that growth by aligning with the best in the business.

“Many Hunter Valley mines require high standard solutions, which we can now provide alongside the Caterpillar sound suppression offering.

“Also, now that Hushpak is part of the WesTrac family, their staff can access far more information, ensuring solutions are fit for purpose and meet the same reliability reputation that applies to all aspects of the Cat product.”

As well as providing solutions for all brands of mobile equipment, Hushpak caters for a wide range of fixed plant including crushers, vibratory screens and industrial buildings.

Hushpak General Manager, Michael Neville.

OTR TYRES ACQUIRES TITAN AUSTRALIA OPERATIONS TO BUILD AN AUSTRALIA-WIDE BUSINESS

The combined group will incorporate both companies’ talent, infrastructure, and intellectual property, and enable Titan Australia to achieve their vision to be the leading Australia-wide, Australian-owned, diversified provider of wheel, tyre and axle solutions.

Titan Australia has an extensive history providing tyre, wheel and axle solutions to the mining, construction and agriculture industries across Australia’s east and west coast. Titan adds to their depth here and brings Australian servicing to the business in Brisbane and Mildura together with additional locations in Emerald and the Hunter Valley.

Headquartered in Perth, OTR Tyres has a strategic presence in major mining hubs in Western Australia, with supply depots in Kalgoorlie, Karratha and Port Hedland.

The joining of OTR and Titan will solidify their manufacturing relationships globally for both

wheels and tyres. The tyre services industry has recently seen a lot of consolidation, and this acquisition only strengthens their position in the market.

Please be assured that the change will be virtually seamless and your business interactions between OTR Tyres and Titan Australia will continue as usual, with current points of contact remaining the same. There will be minor administrative changes which will be communicated on an individual level, specific to each vendor and customer requirements.

Titan Australia would like to personally thank both OTR and Titan vendors and loyal customers for the significant role you have played in their combined companies’ success. For a business to thrive it needs great service and supply and it is only as good as the people it serves. They certainly could not have reached this point today without your partnership. Titan Australia looks forward to continuing this new phase of OTR and Titan Australia with you in 2022 and beyond.

Titan International’s operations in Australia, trading as Titan Australia, will be coming together under the OTR Tyres brand.

DIG DEEP TO RAISE FUNDS AND AWARENESS FOR MENTAL HEALTH IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Victoria’s newest machinery and construction show, Dig Deep, is raising funds and awareness for mental health in the construction industry with all profits going to Beyond Blue.

Dig Deep will include a showcase of Australian and international earthmoving equipment with exhibitors displaying the newest construction machinery, attachments, simulators, safety and technology with expert advice and information.

The event will engage visitors with a broad range of machines, trucks, trailers, utility vehicles while seeing global brand names like CJD Equipment, William Adams, CRE Group, Verkan Group, UAA, Solution Plant Hire, Kubota, Hitachi Construction Australia, and Porter Group.

A highlight of the inaugural day is the William Adams 2022 Global Operator Challenge preliminary finals where Victoria’s best machinery operators will undergo a unique combination of events designed to put their agility, resilience, versatility and technology skills to the test.

The winner will advance to the regional finals, with the chance to progress to the Global Operator Challenge finals at CONEXPO-CON/ AGG 2023 in Las Vegas, where Caterpillar will uncover the world champion.

The inspiration for Dig Deep evolved from a conversation between event co-founders Patrick Doheny and Michael Harding from CRE Group who wished to provide an opportunity for the industry to come together and connect.

Michael and Patrick were both born in Tipperary, Ireland but only met when they were working on a pipeline project in Queensland. A friendship formed and they have since been in business together for eight years and are determined to give back to the industry that has given them so much.

Dig Deep co-founders: Michael Harding and Patrick Doheny.

The Dig Deep committee comprises a passionate group of people working within the civil construction industry who have an audacious goal to raise one million dollars for Beyond Blue.

“We want to create an event that can both support and give back to the people within the construction industry. This year our machinery show is focused on supporting Beyond Blue and mental health awareness in construction” –Patrick Doheny.

Tragically 190 construction workers take their own lives per year which equates to one person every two days and Dig Deep wants to stop this needless loss of life.

Construction workers are six times more likely to die from suicide than an accident at work. For young construction workers, the facts are that they are twice as likely to take their own lives than other young Australian men.

According to Beyond Blue, 27 per cent of their calls in the 2020-2021 financial year were males aged 15-54.

Based on population, this demographic is underrepresented, and the starting point is educating males around signs and symptoms and helping to break stigma around reaching

EVENT DETAILS

Dig Deep Event

Sunday 29 May, 2022 10am – 4pm

Gaelic Park, 324 Perry Road, Keysborough General Admission $20.50

Family Pass $42.99

Children (5-16years old) $5 Children under 5 are free (+gst + booking fee)

out for support; exactly what events like Dig Deep is aiming to do.

It’s a big industry and with the help of our sponsors and exhibitors we are confident we can make it happen and make change by providing our hard-working people with the vital mental health support they need” –Michael Harding.

The family friendly construction event will have something exciting for everyone and is targeted to kids big and small, interested in equipment of all sizes.

For more information and tickets please visit www.digdeepevent.org

DARE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

ITR Pacific’s NSW Branch Manager John Mortimer and his mate, Angelo De Angelis, took part in the Autumn Shitbox Rally from Wollongong and finished up in Mackay, 3594 kilometres later.

Shitbox Rally is the adventure of a lifetime, challenging participants, and their cars, worth no more than $1500, on a 7-day drive across Australia to raise money for cancer research.

With sponsorship from ITR Pacific and Saunders International, as well as support from friends and family, John and Angelo have raised over $10,000 so far, which has contributed to the total amount of just over $2 million raised for this Autumn event so far.

As 250 teams drive across Australia via some of its most formidable roads, the biggest challenge is to get all entrants and their $1500 shitboxes across that finish line. As you can imagine, there were numerous flat tyres and breakdowns along the way that occasionally required some creative bush fixes to get going again, with only a handful of teams not making it to the finish line.

With torrential rain hitting the autumn rally around the halfway point, the teams had to change the route to outrun the rising floodwaters in Queensland. With the slight detour, the final route had the team’s stopover in Trundle and Glengarry Hilton in NSW and Thargomindah, Charleville, and Emerald in Queensland, where the locals looked after all the teams with food and camping facilities.

This rally is for those who want to have an adventure, have fun, crave something different, make new lifelong friends, and take part in something memorable; but most importantly, it’s for those who want to raise much-needed money for charity.

Many of us have been affected by cancer in one way or another. Whether it be parents, family, close friends, people we know or ourselves that have battled or are battling cancer, this awful disease has touched us all. This rally is not only to raise awareness and money for the Cancer Council, but to offer support and a friendly ear to those who have suffered or are suffering.

With up to a three-year waitlist, the team could not recommend this fundraising challenge enough for anyone willing to rough it for a couple of days to support and rally behind a great cause with a great group of like-minded people. No skill or previous experience is required, just find yourself a suitable shitbox and be prepared to have a whole lot of fun.

For more information visit www.shitboxrally.com.au

The Shitbox Rally is not a race but rather a challenge to achieve the unthinkable.

2022: ANOTHER GREAT NATIONAL DIESEL DIRT & TURF EXPO

Despite Sydney’s drenching rain that preceded the event, the 2022 Diesel Dirt & Turf Expo was another huge success, with 71,300 people visiting the Expo over its three days.

Proving itself last year as an excellent venue, the Sydney Dragway more than lived up to expectations again this year, with easy navigation to find exhibitors and plenty of parking to accommodate the huge crowds.

LOCAL COUNCIL SEMINAR

Representatives of local councils braved the wet and wild weather to attend the International Greenkeepers local government educational seminar on the Thursday, prior to the Expo opening. The seminar hosted 118 council delegates.

Damien Curtis and Daryl Davidson from International Greenkeepers said they are a networking group that creates opportunities for greenkeepers all around the world to find new jobs, new careers and to promote the industry.

“We provide scholarships to international and domestic students of all ages and provide experience working in large stadiums, golf courses and sporting venues,” Daryl said.

EXPO OPENING

Cutting the ribbon at the opening were the Mayor of Blacktown, Councillor Tony Bleasdale, Chris Moroz of gold sponsor Komatsu and Andrew Hobbs of gold media sponsor Earthmovers & Excavators.

BEST STAND AWARDS

Once again, exhibitors excelled in presenting their products, with WesTrac taking out the award for the best large stand and Digga being awarded the best medium stand. The best small stand award was taken by Manitou and the award for the best laneway booth went to GAAM Emergency Products. Komatsu took out the most innovative product award with its electric excavator.

KOMATSU LAUNCH

Chris Moroz, Komatsu sales manager for New South Wales said, “Komatsu is proud to again be gold sponsor of the 2022 DD&T. We are showcasing the latest in Tier 4 technology, smart construction machinery and showing a fully electric 3.5 tonne excavator.

“The Expo is the launch platform for the latest in smart construction technology for our range of bulldozers and excavators. The benefit for operators is high efficiency and the ability to work exactly to the project construction design. Less fuel is consumed and less time is spent on the job.”

Greg Page from Tough Dog took the opportunity to show their range of suspension upgrades for four-wheel-drive vehicles.

“Tough Dog products are designed in Australia to meet Australia’s super tough off-road conditions,” Greg said.

“Our market is typically those people who would attend the Diesel Dirt & Turf Expo. Many people in the construction industry drive off-road vehicles, both for work and play, so it makes good sense for us to be here,” he said.

Long-time expo exhibitor Norm Engineering showed new products including trenchers and augers.

General manager John Pesch explained, “These are designed for civil, agricultural and landscaping markets, or for anyone who needs to drill a hole or lay a trench. Their design includes a lot of proprietary technology that enables them to outperform many others.”

Roy Rossini, director and general manager for XCMG Mining Equipment Australia said they were an Expo sponsor because it is the largest construction industry expo in Australia and the event attracts a lot of people.

“The Expo gives us the right platform because it caters to our customer base. While XCMG has been operating in Australia for around 14 years, it’s only been the last 18 months we have really started to make our mark in the Australian market.

“We now have a dealer network throughout the country and we are using Diesel Dirt & Turf to release our 8-tonne and 15 tonne excavators, together with our roller, which has been a huge success.”

Mark Micallef from West-Trans Equipment and HMF Cranes said Diesel Dirt & Turf was the ideal place to exhibit its new, low weight hook loaders that are designed to maximise the payload.

“We supply the waste and civil markets and these new products are designed to increase their productivity. We enable our customers to handle bigger weights and bigger payloads on their jobs. We decided to exhibit these Australian designed and made products at the Expo because this is the place where many of our customers come to find out what is new,” said Mark.

EVER POPULAR PICKLES SATURDAY

Hugh Rainger from Pickles Auctions said that the Diesel Dirt & Turf Expo is one of their highlight events of the year.

“We have exhibited at Diesel Dirt & Turf from the first year and we have created a great following through the event. Our Saturday auction comprised about 130 lots of equipment across a wide range of applications.

“People are in the market for wheel loaders, excavators, jet skis, dirt bikes, skid steers, and trenchers. We have something for

everyone in the construction, agricultural and farming sectors.”

Michael Rojek from CreditOne Equipment finance joined the many enthusiastic exhibitors.

“The Expo is a fantastic opportunity to catch up with our dealer partners and end user customers.

“We are one of Australia’s largest privately owned finance brokers. Also being a financier means we have the flexibility to offer our customers some arrangements that the mainstream banks find difficult to provide. We can fast track approval and offer some of the industry’s most competitive interest rates,” Michael said.

Sydney sales manager of Prolube lubricants, James Taliana, was also enthusiastic about the response to their sponsorship of Diesel Dirt & Turf. “The Expo has given us the opportunity to highlight our agricultural and earthmoving industry products.

“Our lubricants for engines, hydraulic oils, transmission oils and diesel machinery are fully approved by all the major equipment suppliers,” he added.

Mark Bygrave from Marxgold Starting Solutions is another dedicated exhibitor at Diesel Dirt & Turf.

“There is no better place to show our full range of permanent and temporary engine starting solutions, which include jump starters, starting modules and battery chargers.

“The Expo was an ideal opportunity to release our new 12 and 24-volt heavy duty Lithium jump-start system. It’s the first available in Australia and weighing just 8kg it can start anything including mining equipment, trucks and machinery,” he said.

NTI, together with its other operations Truck Assist and Yellow Cover said Diesel Dirt & Turf is a big part of their promotional activity.

Farah Lock said, “All our people are tradesbased specialists who have been on the tools. We have very strong relationships with all the key companies in the construction and related industries. Diesel Dirt & Turf has been a fantastic event for us and we are really proud to be involved. The Expo enables us to showcase our special expertise and demonstrate a strong support for the industry.”

Albert Martin, Toro area sales manager of Semco Equipment sales, said they received great feedback from enthusiastic visitors

“We are proud to be an Australian familyowned enterprise which manufactures the full range of lubricants for the earthmoving, construction, transport and automotive industries.

who appreciated the availability of stock in these times when the right machine is not always easy to find.

“The Expo is an unbeatable place to show our full range of equipment, which includes Toro mowers, construction equipment such as mini diggers, trenchers and stump grinders. We are also showing the first of the Toro lithium powered equipment range, which has generated huge interest,” Albert said.

Andrew Hobbs from Earthmovers & Excavators magazine and Trade Earthmovers said it was great that they were gold media sponsor for the second year.

“There is no better way for us to connect with everyone in the industry – including the operators of the machines. As a news organisation, it is important for us to see what is happening in the market. It’s a great opportunity to gain a real sense of how the industry is operating. With 1.2 million decision makers who read our publications, we need to have our finger on the pulse of the industry.”

Ryan Macdonald, one of the owners of Cappro Pacific said it was their first time at Diesel Dirt & Turf and considered their presence to be important to be there to connect with customers to grow the brand and the business.

“We recruit for all positions throughout the earthmoving industry, whether a dealer or a major OEM. We cover roles from workshop to senior management throughout Australia and New Zealand,” Ryan said.

Jamie Gray of Earthmoving Equipment Magazine said it was great to be part of the Expo which brought the industry together and enabled them to keep in touch with key decision-makers.

CONTRIBUTION BY SPONSORS

Expo Manager Marti Zivkovich said sponsors had a major impact on the Expo’s success and paid special tribute to gold sponsor Komatsu Australia; gold media sponsor Earthmovers & Excavators magazine and Deals on Wheels; major supporter/associate sponsor Pickles; and associate sponsors Prolube, XCMG, CreditOne, Cappro Pacific, Norm Engineering, NTI/Truck Assist, Yellow Cover and Earthmoving Equipment Magazine.

MAKE SURE YOU ARE FINDING THE RIGHT PEOPLE FOR YOUR BUSINESS

In light of the recently announced Victorian Budget this month, state and federal infrastructure investment has never been higher. With a $16.6 billion spend in 2020/2021 and $19.5 billion in 2023/2024 by the Victorian Government on civil infrastructure projects, the talent pipeline will be essential.

In the last edition of EEM, we asked you the question: “Is your business equipped for the 2022 forward works plan across Victoria?” and in doing so alerted you to the three most important areas where you need to be proactive and develop people strategies to ensure you are adequately prepared, which were:

1. Attraction – Where is your talent pipeline going to come from? Social procurement?

2. Building Capability and Capacity – What flex do you have within your current workforce to build capacity and capability? What do you need to acquire and then build?

3. Retention (both People and Knowledge) – How do you retain your people and organisational knowledge in this competitive talent market?

These three areas are essential to making sure you have the right people and skills to meet future infrastructure demands, and CCF Victoria is there to help make sure the pool of skilled workers continues to grow with world-class training and apprenticeship programs in place.

However, while we help to build the next generation of civil workers over the coming decade, CCF have also been looking at how we can assist our members (and the wider civil industry) seek and find the best people to join their company now to

take on existing projects and opportunities that are available across the State.

Therefore, CCF Victoria are proud to announce our newest service to the industry to help civil construction businesses find the right people for their current operational needs with the CCF “Civil Jobs Board”.

This new online service is scheduled to go live in July 2022, and will allow civil

companies the opportunity to promote available jobs within their own businesses to the very people they are looking for. Think of it as “SEEK for Civil”.

The Civil Job Board is a quick and easyto-use service which allows civil construction businesses the opportunity to post any available jobs/roles they are seeking to fill via the CCF Victoria website. This includes all details around the position including duties, necessary qualifications/skills, remuneration, location, hours required etc.

This will then be seen by anyone looking for work in the industry and offer them the opportunity to apply with a CV and covering letter.

It essentially provides direct channel between employers and potential employees within the industry. Whether you are a business owner looking to fill a position or a skilled civil worker looking for a new opportunity, we encourage you to check out this exciting new service.

Any questions or for more information, please contact CCF Victoria on (03) 9588 7600.

CCF Victoria is connecting employers and employees faster.

TOGETHER WE DEFINE TOMORROW

LiuGong keeps up with you. Through day and night, tight deadlines and harsh conditions, LiuGong machines are the reliable choice to never stop working.

precision digging

EVERY TIME

“The EC250EDA has been a great machine so far.

It has been performing a lot of detailed excavation and bulk earthworks...it has shifted some serious dirt with minimal change in fuel efficiency. The versatility of this machine has been great. It’s a good all rounder!”

- Grant Marino Owner, Marino Excavations