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Hidromek HMK640WL Wheel Loader

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Hidromek’s HMK640WL has attracted international attention after being awarded global design awards including the Reddot Award, German Design Award, Good Design and Automotive Brand Contest.
The HMK640WL has an operating weight of 26.3 tonnes and is powered by a Mercedes 324HP and 1600Nm torque engine.
It provides the operator with high loading capacity, low fuel consumption and short cycle times. The machine can be fitted with a 4.2m3-5m3 bucket.
This is a heavy-duty loader that provides excellent control capability and high breakout force. Designed and built for harsh conditions the machine maintains durability and efficiency in all applications including quarry, gravel, mining, concrete batching and civil works.
The operator cabin is truly ergonomic, comfortable and secure with all the technology and safety features you can expect from a top of the line construction machine. Some of the key features from an operating perspective include heated air-suspension seat, climate controlled air-conditioned cabin, advanced 5.7inch colour LCD display, colour reverse camera, tilting telescopic steering column, adjustable wrist rests, front sunshade and six front – four rear LED working lights.
Thanks to a 35-degree tilting cabin maintenance and serviceability is easy anytime and anywhere.
The HMK640WL wheel loader was first launched locally in 2018 through Onetrak, the official dealer for Hidromek in Australia.
“We have run demonstrations in sand quarries, rock quarries and general loading applications. The unit is strong and performs well with good customer feedback”, says Nick O’Brien, National Sales Manager Onetrak.
“Since the release, the units we have working in Australia have logged up to 2000 operating hours and are working without issues”, Nick adds.
Barfold Quarry in Victoria purchased a Hidromek wheel loader last year. “We had the wheel loader on a demo for a few days, so I had the opportunity to spend some time in it and get a feel for it before making a decision. I believe the machine is equal or better than some of the major brands. We were very satisfied with the performance and the machine ticked all the boxes for us”, says Sam Trovatello, Managing Director of Barfold Quarry.
“The HMK640WL has plenty of power and it’s comfortable and easy to operate. Having had experience with other brands and jumping into a Hidromek it’s very user friendly and easy to learn how to operate. In terms of the design the visibility is fantastic from the cab. All components within the machine are also easily accessible which is a huge plus”, Sam adds.

Onetrak is currently offering guaranteed trade-back on all new Hidromek machine purchases. To find out more or to request a demo visit www.onetrak.com.au.

Norm Engineering range of Brooms

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To get the job done right, you need the right gear. You want equipment that’s tried and true, from a reputable manufacturer with local support.
So, when it comes to choosing a broom attachment, you can’t go past Norm Engineering.
The innovative team at Norm have created a range of brooms to suit every conceivable application. From a hydraulic open mouth broom with a removable gutter brush, to a hybrid 4-in-1 bucket capable of picking up and grabbing larger debris, and of course a conventional enclosed bucket broom to curved brooms for sweeping tunnels and pipes.
The Norm range of brooms are manufactured here in Australia in many different sizes ranging from 1.2m to 2.5m wide. They feature a one-piece poly brush as standard and optional segments are available with a poly wire combination.
The angle brooms work through a range of 25 degrees in either direction and angle adjustments can be made on the fly from the operators cabin.
Build quality is as you’d expect from Norm Engineering. As a market leader in the attachment manufacture space, you know they’re supplying you the lightest weight product with the maximum strength, durability and functionality that maximises your efficiency. Hydraulic componentry is selected for maximum service life, ease of maintenance and low cost of ownership.
Best of all, they’re Australian owned and operated so you’re not only supporting the Australian manufacturing industry, you’re buying a product that is supported locally which means a better ownership experience for you.
If you haven’t taken the time to look at Norm’s range of brooms, or the myriad of other attachment solutions on offer, head over to their website or call them direct to arrange for a demonstration and obligation free quote.

For more information call 07 3376 3177 or visit normeng.com.au

 

 

Kobelco Launches New SK500XDLC-10, Built for Extreme Duty Applications

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Kobelco Construction Machinery Australia (KCMA) has recently released the first in a line of extra heavy-duty excavators in its XD Series, the SK500XDLC-10. The SK500XD is built for extreme durability, engineered to operate in the harshest conditions around the world, making it ideally suited for a variety of applications in Australia, such as quarry excavation, subdivision work, underground utility installation, and heavy infrastructure. Weighing in at 52,200 kg, the SK500XD is the heaviest machine in its class. Combined with Kobelco’s innovative technology and legendary Japanese quality and reliability, the XD Series is bringing industry leading performance to the most demanding worksites.
Designed for the most extreme work environments, the SK500XD is purpose-built with a robust machine body and substantial additional reinforcements to all key areas of stress and wear across the boom, arm, underbody and undercarriage. The specially adapted heavy-duty boom and arm set is built to last in the harshest of applications, and features factory fitted, triple-plated, hardened steel applied to all key structural sections, including the boom to arm connection, the boom centre and the end of the arm—providing high level of durability and longevity to the attachment structures. A specially designed full-length rock guard is installed on the inside of the dipper arm, on top of additional steel plating.

The introduction of a quadruple track guide frame provides confidence and reliability in harsh and rocky underfoot conditions, while reinforced heavy-duty 600mm triple grouser shoes make easy work of rough terrain. Durability of the track links has also increased, while the idler frame has received substantial double reinforcement plating inside and out, resulting in improved undercarriage reliability, while preventing premature wear of this key structure. A heavy-duty steel bolted underbody guard protects vital machine components and provides additional weight for greater stability. This next-level strength and durability has resulted in a machine that can stand up to the most extreme work sites.
Kobelco’s advanced hydraulic system delivers the ultimate in power and efficiency, engineered for uncompromising performance and productivity. The 10.52L Hino turbocharged liquid cooled diesel delivers 257 kW of power, with a reliable design and an efficient tropical cooling pack ensuring reliability in high ambient temperatures. The direct-drive pump set is managed by Kobelco’s Intelligent Total Control System (ITCS), which combined with a standard extra auxiliary pump delivers a total flow of 800 L/min.
With a best-in-class bucket breakout force of 293 kN, and powerful slew torque of 183 kN, the SK500XD produces fast digging cycle times, delivering a new level of machine productivity.
Powerful tractive force of 415 kN sets the benchmark in the class, providing plenty of drawbar pull to climb steep stockpiles, as well as impressive speed when transiting, climbing slopes or negotiating rough terrain, even when lifting a heavy load. The SK500XD also comes factory equipped with bi-directional primary auxiliary hydraulics, along with proportional hand-controlled tilt/rotate piping and quick hitch piping, while a convenient in-cab pressure relief function simplifies tool changes by relieving pressure from the attachment hydraulics.
In addition to unbeatable performance, the SK500XD is also built for exceptional fuel efficiency, delivering an average fuel consumption under 30 L/hr in typical Australian heavy digging conditions. The new boom to arm regeneration system more efficiently controls hydraulic fluid flow and delivers a significant reduction of in-line resistance and pressure loss. As the need for fluid to be forced from the pump is reduced, less engine and hydraulic workload means higher fuel savings—improving your bottom line. Three work modes allow the operator to select the best mode for the job at hand—heavy-duty and standard work options, and an ECO-mode that automatically optimises digging efficiency, delivering a 13% decrease in fuel consumption.
Ease of serviceability was a key priority for Kobelco engineers, resulting in extended fluid service intervals, easily accessed remote mounted fluid filters, and modern engine emissions with the simplicity of no DPF to service and no requirement for AdBlue. Kobelco’s reliable fluid filtration systems result in superior hydraulic performance for the life of the machine, reducing the risk of mechanical trouble and enhancing the machine’s longevity. Reliability is enhanced by the intelligent hydraulic system, which notifies the operator if filter performance is compromised, ensuring reduced downtime, while maximising the value of the machine.
The addition of a new hydraulically driven cooling package with independently driven fans for the hydraulic cooler, engine radiator and intercooler, not only improves fuel economy but also reduces engine noise while providing optimal oil temperature control—for increased reliability and performance in demanding high ambient temperature environments.

Experience next-level lifting capabilities with the standard extreme duty 7.0m boom and 3.45m arm, reaching a 7.81m dig depth with a rated safe working load over 6,000 kg (measured at full reach over the side). For even greater capacity, the XD Series is also available in a mass excavation (ME) configuration, known as the SK520XDLC. Equipped with additional counterweight and a shorter 6.5m boom and 2.6m arm, the SK520XDLC delivers even higher breakout forces and additional bucket capacity, with a rated safe working load exceeding 8,000 kg.
A spacious cabin designed for comfort and safety results in a highly productive operator. The expansive front window provides a wide, unobstructed view for greater visibility, while the large cabin’s high level of pressurisation and effective dampening provides a quiet and airtight work environment, free from dust. Optimum comfort is achieved with the heated and air-cushioned suspension seat, providing excellent protection from vibration, while an automatic climate control system with vents optimally placed around the cabin provides air flow directed toward the operator’s neck and back—designed to provide all day comfort even in high ambient temperatures.

Operator fatigue is reduced over prolonged operation with pilot hydraulic joysticks delivering low lever effort, while allowing outstanding precision and control. A standard 12V charging receptacle is also provided alongside an audio auxiliary jack, while the standard Bluetooth integrated stereo system allows the operator to stream audio. A large cupholder and a large rear storage area completes the cabin.
The colour LCD multi-display screen shows important information, including fuel consumption and maintenance intervals, as well as the standard integrated rear-view camera. The easily recognisable on-screen graphics and helpful one-touch attachment mode switch icons let the operator confirm the proper configuration at a glance, while continuing to work efficiently. Up to 10 pre-set attachment settings can be selected from the comfort of the cabin, with independently programmable settings for flow and pressure to accommodate a wide variety of attachments, meaning machines can be fitted and ready to work, faster. Safety is enhanced by the FOPS Level 2 top guard, which is fitted as standard. An optional front operator guard is also available, with a convenient swing-out design allowing access to the front window for cleaning.
Kobelco’s Extended Major Component Warranty of 4 years/6,000 hours is included with all new XD Series machines, further allowing peace of mind for your equipment investment. Kobelco’s GEOSCAN telematics system is also provided free of charge for 5 years, allowing remote access to a comprehensive set of machine operational and maintenance data from any web enabled device.
“The XD Series is an exciting evolution in Kobelco’s large heavy excavator product offering, setting a new benchmark for machine durability and wear guarding in the 50 tonne class,” says Mark Johnson, General Manager of Product & Distribution for KCMA.
“The new SK500XD is the result of Kobelco’s continuous pursuit of being a leader in excavator design and durability—it’s engineered for the most extreme environments around the world. It also builds on Kobelco’s excellent reputation for machine reliability, taking it to a new level by providing a factory installed, comprehensive set of structural reinforcements—not to mention class-leading digging performance and fuel efficiency. The result is a machine that is the perfect choice for quarry work, infrastructure contractors, and civil construction.”

The Kobelco SK500XDLC is available at dealers around Australia and New Zealand from May 2021. To locate your local authorised Kobelco dealer, or to learn more about Kobelco excavators, please visit www.kobelco.com.au.

Electric Construction Equipment the way of the future.

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Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) have spent a lot of time with the design and development of their new compact electric machines. When some people think about electric-powered construction equipment, they tend to jump to the conclusion that it will be inferior to a diesel machine in some way — mainly power. But we can assure you that’s not the case at all.

In fact, in addition to maintaining (or in some instances exceeding) the power of diesel models, electric construction equipment offers just as many advantages as the diesel counterparts. Check out the benefits of electric construction equipment.
Volvo electric and diesel machine specs are nearly identical

ECR25 Electric on site

When it comes to power and performance, Volvo’s ECR25 electric excavator and L25 electric wheel loader are nearly identical to their diesel counterparts — almost line for line, every diesel model spec applies to the electric models. The few exceptions are a slight increase in continuous motor power and a marginally higher operating weight for the ECR25 electric excavator. And for the L25 electric wheel loader, it too has a marginally higher operating weight and a higher static tipping load compared to the diesel model.
The maximum speed of the electric L25 wheel loader is set at 16 kph. The good news is that for most applications, high speed isn’t required. It’s mainly necessary if you have an application where you need to drive from jobsite to jobsite without hauling the machine.
Electric Construction Equipment Less noise and vibration
Reductions in noise and vibration are the result of the diesel engine and cooling fan no longer present. In Volvo’s pilot programs, they heard how less fatigued operators felt after several hours of work as they noticed the difference of the smooth, quiet operation of electric construction equipment.
Just how much quieter are the electric machines compared to their diesel counterparts? On the ECR25 electric excavator, for example, exterior noise levels were reduced from 93 dB to 84 dB. If that doesn’t seem like a lot, then consider that a 10-decibel increase is perceived as twice as loud, and it represents a tenfold increase in sound intensity. By reducing the noise by 9 decibels, Volvo have created an electric-powered construction machine that will sound two times quieter.
Potential lower operating costs
With diesel construction equipment, operating time is defined by the engine runtime, and a lot of those hours are counted while the machine is idle. With electric, as soon as the operator stops working (e.g. a landscaper waiting for pipe to be placed in a trench he’s just dug), the motors turn off and no operating hours are accumulated. So when you think about it, jobs over time that can rack up 10,000 hours on a diesel machine might only add 6,000 or 7,000 hours to a comparable electric machine. These saved hours can essentially lower operating costs, and in turn lower total cost of ownership.

Customise settings with an improved human machine interface.
All of Volvo’s machines come well equipped with functions that allow you to customise settings tailored to your preferences, however Volvo’s electric equipment boasts an improved Human Machine Interface (HMI) and software, allowing more opportunities to adjust settings and customise the behaviour of the machine to an operator’s personal preferences. Adjustments can be thoroughly customised as how the machine performs — it can be more aggressive to more normal to a very sensitive, smooth ramp up of the hydraulics. HMI improvements are a reason for operators love the performance and feel of electric machines.

Reduced Maintenance Costs
With electric, there’s no engine-related maintenance. Essentially, the only services required for a tech working on Volvo electric machines is grease, the hydraulic oil, and in the case of the L25, coolant for the water-cooled inverters and drivetrain.
The state-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries and electric motors are totally maintenance-free. The lifetime of the battery-electric components should be equal to or better than the diesel engine on a conventional machine.

While electric Volvo CE is not currently available in Australia, electric construction equipment is certainly the way of the future and there is no doubt there are benefits of this exciting technology.

NEW HIGH DRIVE CAT® D7 DOZER

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The new Cat® D7 dozer offers high drive undercarriage design, increased performance and the broadest choice of easy-to-use technology features to help you get the most from your bulldozer. It is configured with the Cat® C9.3B that comes with either the U.S. EPA Tier 3 or the U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final emission standard. A fully automatic 4-speed transmission offers optimal fuel and dozing efficiency, plus ease of operation. At 197 kW and an operating weight of 29,776 kg, the new D7 dozer replaces the D7E and the D7R.
Next Generation Value
The D7 moves up to 8 percent more material per hour than the D7E, with 6 percent more weight and 12 percent more horsepower. Blade capacity is increased by 10 percent, and the elevated sprocket undercarriage delivers better ride and balance, as well as increased penetration force.
Like the D6 and D8T, the new D7 is driven by a fully automatic 4-speed transmission. The smooth-shifting transmission continuously adjusts for maximum efficiency and power to the ground without added operator input.
The completely redesigned cab raises the standard in comfort and productivity. Operators will find more space, multiple seat and control adjustments for optimal comfort and an easy-to-use 10-inch touchscreen operator interface. A standard High Definition rearview camera shows prominently in the main display.
Technology such as Slope Indicate is standard with the premium display package, showing machine main fall and cross-lope for easy reference.
ARO with Assist is a grade-ready option bundled with basic blade control and a new set of assist features that just work in the background to help operators get more done in less time.
The D7 is available in Standard or Low Ground Pressure (LGP) configurations, with a variety of blade and track shoe choices to optimize the machine for the intended application.
The D7 with specialized guarding can take on the challenges of Waste/Landfill work and Forestry/Land Clearing. In addition to machine protection against impacts and airborne debris, these specialty dozers can be ordered with an impact-resistant cab, application-specific undercarriage and a specialty blade.

For more information visit www.cat.com NEW HIGH DRIVE CAT® D7 DOZER or contact your Cat dealer.

The Shearcore Fortress range of mobile shears

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If you have an appreciation for mechanical engineering, for brute horsepower, for beautifully neat welds, fine tolerance machining and unsurpassed refinement, you’re going to love the Fortress range of shears distributed in Australia, New Zealand and The Pacific Islands by Boss Attachments.
Not unlike watching a lion take down it’s prey, the shear unadulterated violence of the Fortress range is nothing short of impressive. The Shearcore Fortress range of mobile shears has developed an envied, global reputation for power, uncompromising performance and outstanding reliability. Fortress company founder, Bruce Bacon, has a 30 year association with the demolition industry and his core business philosophy is simple. “We operate under a simple belief – hire great people, deliver the best product and focus on customer satisfaction.”
These things are designed for the demolition and scrap recycling industry, the increased piston surface area of the large diameter actuating cylinder means higher forces are created. The additional volume of the cylinder means the moving parts push slowly, but with great force and devastating results.
The fortress FS range of sheers are designed and engineered for maximum durability, strength and reliability. The rotating head allows it to be agile and versatile without trading off strength. The design reduces unnecessary weight and improves the operator’s line of sight to the work tool. The pivot point features a large main shaft and heavy duty thrust faces enabling it to handle excessive side loads and heavy gauge plate, channel and beams.
Backed by an industry first 3 year warranty, the Shearcore Fortress FS series is forging its way into the market here in Australia, in part as a result of the after sales support offered by the Boss brand. Regardless what the requirements of the task may be, Boss have you covered with a range of attachments to suit every application.

For more information call 1300 116 661 or visit bossattachments.com.au

Site or quarry dewatering? Use pumps that prime!

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Pumps play a major role in the construction industry. They’re indispensable in keeping sites and quarries dry enough to operate.
Australian Pump Industries, Australia’s leader in the self-priming centrifugal trash pump market, have done a lot to develop wet prime pumps on what has traditionally been a dry prime pump application.Most dewatering applications involve some solids handling and the ability to move large amounts of potentially contaminated waters. To move large volumes of water fast, most operators use diesel drive pumps, many with flows up to 6,000 lpm.
What makes the Aussie Pumps option so attractive is the simplicity of the pump design. A non clog, open impeller is designed to handle slurry and solids. A huge integrated tank in the pump’s body holds the liquid required for fast self-priming.

When the company introduced it’s big 6” self priming trash pumps, both the mining industry and construction sat up and took notice. The pumps also feature an easy- access front opening port, enabling the pump to be serviced without disconnecting hoses or pipework. A choked pump can be cleared within a minutes and back in action fast.
Aussie’s big 6” pump is powered by an 80hp Deutz air cooled diesel engine. The heavy-duty skid features a 152 litre fuel tank, that enables it to run continuously for eleven hours and an integrated lifting bar. It can also be configured into a robust site trailer for easy movement where required.

The Aussie MQ600TD with the non clog, open impeller, designed to handle slurry and solids

The Deutz diesel engine is fitted with engine protection and the Lofa DL240 controller. With major mines and quarries moving to wet prime pumps , Aussie is planning to build an 8” guzzler that will move dirty water up to 9,000 lpm!

Further information including a copy of Aussie’s new Pump Smart pump catalogue is readily available online or by calling an authorised distributor throughout Australia.
For more information call 02 8865 3500 or visit aussiepumps.com.au

 

 

Find the best staff for your business

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Cappro Pacific consultants are highly talented individuals with a minimum of 15 years experience delivering bankable results for their clients. This enables them to provide to you talent matched on experience, track record and qualifications.

Principal Consultants Ryan O’Donnell and Iden Werden actually take the time to ensure the right cultural fit to optimise long-term retention and prosperity for your organization. They strive to deliver quality over quantity, and above all, a sturdy ROI for their clients.

Cappro Pacific are one of the rare recruitment business that not just understand your recruitment process but have clear technical and commercial knowledge of all capital equipment markets. Their senior consultants have the passion, enthusiasm, the connections and talent pools to connect you to the best talent with your market area.

Cappro Pacific consultants invest time at the start of the process to correctly profile the role or job at hand. This investment translates to quality rather than quantity, saving you a lot of time and money in the long run.

A holistic approach in relation to candidate screening encompasses the talents experience, qualification and achievements. Your company/team culture is also considered when matching a candidate to optimize retention and long-term prosperity for both parties.

Cappro Pacific focuses on the Australian and New Zealand market, which enables their clients to expand across the Tasman in either direction and capitalize on opportunities as they arise.

Eire Constructions. Pic: Lindsay Moller Productions

Ryan and Iden go above and beyond to find you the best quality talent on the market. Using Cappro you can be sure they will deliver you the best talent in the pacific.

They recognise the importance of understanding your business and have a vested interest in seeing your organization grow, develop and succeed by helping you acquire the best talent out there.

Partner with Cappro Pacific today and enjoy the bottom line benefits that can be achieved when you have the right team members in your business.

For the best staff for your business visit cappropacific.com.au

T&S Roadworks: when you get it this right, don’t mess with the recipe

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Every family has that one special, secret recipe that’s handed down through the generations – everyone changing it up a bit as they go. But when it comes to T&S Roadworks, it seems the Argyropouloses got the mix exactly right from the get-go.
Peter Argyropoulos and his two younger brothers, Michael and Stan, currently manage and run the family business, originally named for their parents, Tony and Sophie, who started it 30 years ago.
“Me and Michael, we’re moving things forward,” Peter says. “Dad’s semi-retired at the moment. So, he still comes in and gives us a bit of a hand – plays an active role. But he lets us manage the business as we think we should.”
The Argyropoulos name has been a mainstay of the Australian earthmoving industry since Peter’s grandfather moved the family out from Greece half a century ago.
“My grandfather started off in the industry back in the early seventies,” Peter says. “From there we evolved into purchasing excavators and working with the DMR and, later on, the RTA and Road and Maritime Services. These days we work mostly with Transport for New South Wales and tier 1 & 2 Contractors.”
As the preferred contractors for TfNSW (Regional NSW), DM Roads & Downer Group T&S Roadworks crews are kept busy most nights, taking care of road maintenance and ensuring they’re safe for users in the morning.
“We’ve always got various projects going on. Every night we’re in different locations,” Peter says. “So, we tend to look at it as ‘What zones have we got going at the moment?’ Lately, we’re looking after all the maintenance for Sydney’s west and north zones.”
At 26, Peter has already clocked up a lifetime of experience in the industry.
“We were all born into it. I was about four or five weeks old when I was sitting under the desk,” Peter laughs. “Later they bought this little excavator – just a toy one. They’d sit me up on the stockpile and let me play all day.”
Having known their path early on in life, each of the Argyropoulos boys made the decision to officially enter the business upon turning 16.
“It definitely wasn’t a forced thing – it was what we wanted,” Peter explains. “So, once we finished year 10, we each came on board and worked our way up through the ranks – washing machines and all that. We still go out there and help the guys wash the machines and trucks. I like playing that active role and helping each other out. It goes a long way.”
This sense of family tradition and loyalty even extends to their choice of equipment.
“Our first Kobelco was purchased in late 1989 – the K907,” Peter recalls. “From then on, we’ve always stuck with Kobelco. Later, in the early 2000s, when the SK135 Zero Swings first came into the picture, we purchased two of them. Now one’s retired and the other’s semi-retired,” he laughs.
The family’s love affair with Kobelco excavators began when Tony and his father Peter were working on the Sydney M4 Motorway.
“My grandfather, he’d seen some Kobelco excavators out on a site they were working on,” Peter recalls. “One of the operators said to him ‘Come and have a try – see what you think’. He just loved it.”
Over the years, plenty of reps have tried to convince them to switch to another manufacturer’s machine, but they never stood a chance.
“We’ve had lots of brands come out and say ‘Just try it’. And we say ‘Thanks, but no thanks’. You just don’t know what you’re walking into,” Peter explains. “With Kobelco, whether you’re in a 907 or a brand new Dash 7, it’s like operating a very similar machine. Even though they’ve revamped it and modernized the cab – and it’s got great features – everything still falls into place. It’s a very familiar environment.”
At Peter’s count, the T&S Kobelco fleet currently stands at seven machines.
“We’ve got four SK135SRs – the thirteen and a half tonners. Then we’ve got a five and a half tonner, an eight and a half and the brand new SK75SR-7 with the monoboom.”
As Peter explains, there are three main types of boom. “You’ve got the monoboom, Knuckle boom and then offset boom,” he says. “The monoboom is like a conventional excavator boom, where it’s all one piece and then goes into your dipper arm.”
Considering the types of jobs the business takes on, there are a few advantages to choosing this type of machine.
“You get more power out of a monoboom excavator than a two-piece. It’s also really hardwearing,” Peter explains. “We do a lot of hammering with our slab replacement and concrete works – we always need to run rock breakers. So, having booms that can withstand hours of rock breaking is important. Also maximising the power because a lot of our work is time critical. We’ll often start work at, say, 10pm. Then, by midnight, I’ve got to have the hole dug out and filled back in with concrete. It needs to work like clockwork. Otherwise, If I’m off the road late the repercussions are enormous.”
Peter’s also a big fan of the SK135SR-7 machines.
“That’s an awesome bit of equipment – I absolutely love that machine,” Peter shares. “Just the way Kobelco has designed and evolved it – you no longer feel like you’re sitting in an excavator, you’re sitting in a luxury car or truck. With the air operated seats, cameras all the way around, the air-conditioned cabin, the controls and joysticks – it’s just very, very safe and comfortable.”
As a result, he’s always pretty keen to take one out for a spin.
“Every few nights I’ll go out and operate. I like to be hands-on. It projects the right image,” Peter says. “Our clients prefer that we’re out on site, supervising and taking part in the project. It takes the stress off them – they know they’ve consulted with us and we’re the same people that are going to be with them through the whole job.”
Speaking of image, Peter feels their Kobelco fleet also helps T&S Roadworks look the business.
“It’s a refined piece of equipment. You sort of want to keep it clean,” he laughs. “And, look, image is important to us. Our trucks are always clean, polished and schmick when they go out to work. We’re out there doing specialised services. We need to be a cut above the rest. That’s why we always revamp our fleet and buy new equipment. It gives us that confidence – and it gives our clients that confidence – that we take pride in what we do.”
Anyone would agree that a business is only as good as its people. For T&S Roadworks that includes their suppliers.
“We deal with Sydney Trucks and Machinery. And, actually, it was Peter Moore who sold us our first excavator,” Peter says. “So not only have we been purchasing from the same brand for 38 years, but we’ve also dealt with the same salesperson that whole time. I don’t know too many other businesses that still deal with the same salesman that sold their grandfather his first machine. So, we have that relationship with Peter where you ring up and say ‘Pete, we’re looking to buy an excavator – what can you do?’ and he knows exactly what we need.”
For the Argyropoulos family, their choice to stick with Kobelco is simply a case of knowing when you’re onto a good thing.
“They’re just a great machine. Very, very reliable,” Peter says. “You can work them hard but, for small detail stuff, they’re very refined compared with other manufacturers. I do believe every machine has its application, but I think people go with the Kobelco because it’s a trusted brand and a proven brand – in Australia and around the world.”
It’s the same story with their choice of attachments; why switch, when you’ve found something that works?
“We’ve always stuck with GroundTec equipment and the Rammer Hammers,” Peter shares. “We have a great relationship with Wolfgang and the team over there. He’s good at what he does. We’ll even call him about our other purchases – even if it has nothing to do with a hammer. Honestly, I wouldn’t even look anywhere else. We’ve tried other brands, but they just don’t work the same. And these pair up with the Kobelco so well.”
For buckets they run between ECH and Salmon Buckets. “They’re robust,” Peter explains. “With other buckets, it puts a lot of wear and tear on them. But we’ve been very happy with those attachments.”
Which is important when you specialise in concrete pavement replacements.
“We work on the major Sydney arterial roads,” Peter says. “So, when they’re fatigued, cracked or at their end of their life, we go out overnight remove and replace sections of concrete pavement with fast setting high early strength concrete. So, within four hours, you can have B-doubles running over the slab.”
When your work is that time-sensitive, maintenance is essential for keeping things ticking over.
“We’ve got an in-house maintenance division that looks after all our machines, trucks and equipment,” says Peter. “That’s led by my younger brother – he looks after all of that and he’s got it down to a T. We’ve also got some mechanics in there giving him a hand to service all the equipment and make sure it’s all up and running – it has to be ready to go out to work every night.”
They also keep plenty of spare parts on hand, even though Peter reckons they hardly ever use them.
“We’ve actually had incidences where other contractors have called us and said, ‘We’ve broken our hammer hose, can we come and take one off one of your machines?’ And we’ll tell them ‘We’ve got a spare one. Here, take it’. I mean, this could be at 9pm, midnight or even 4am,” Peter laughs. “And, again, this is why a lot of people go with Kobelco. I mean, we’ve got four 13 tonners, so if something happens to one of them, I can take a hose off one and put it on the other and get my job done. You’ve got that flexibility.”
Even beyond that commitment to using only top-notch equipment, it’s clear the secret sauce behind T&S Roadworks’ success is the fact it’s a genuine family business.
“We all put in 110%,” Peter shares. “We’re all here for the same cause, you know. And I wouldn’t have it any other way. We stick together through thick and thin. I think that’s why we’ve been so successful. It’s why we’re good at what we do.”
Even outside of work, Peter says they spend most of their time as a family. “We’ll go away camping together and we’ve got a little hobby farm that we all go and enjoy. But work is definitely a big part of our lives.”
No doubt, it helps to have a clear mission that gets everyone on the same page.
“At the end of the day, our main goals is to make Sydney’s road networks safer for the general public and make it efficient for the contractors that are doing the works,” Peter explains. “That’s very important – to do a job that’s time critical or specialised, but at the same time make it cost-effective.”
Looking towards the future, while expansion is always an option, Peter says the Argyropouloses are pretty happy with their lot.
“Sydney is growing, as is our industry, but right now we can control the business. That’s something our family has always had,” Peter explains. “The problem is, when you do expand, so often quality goes out the window. Safety goes out the window. You don’t know where your crews are and what they’re doing. With us, we’re on hand – we have that bird’s eye view of everything.”
At the end of the day, Peter’s vision for the business is simple. “We just want to continue doing what we do,” he says. “I believe we offer a great service in Sydney and Regional NSW. Our clients are happy. I think we just want to keep going as long as we can.”
We reckon they’ve got that one ticked.

Up for Grabs

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You wouldn’t generally think about relationships at the same time as high-performance attachments, however at SBA, it’s those relationships that sets us apart.

Take our relationship with Arden Equipment.

Arden Equipment was founded in 1956 and is the only French manufacturer of hydraulic attachments for excavators. SBA is proud to be an authorised dealer of Arden Equipment in Australia and proud of the strong relationship that has been in place for 3 years. Sorting and Demolition Grabs
The Arden Equipment Sorting and demolition grabs are reliable and versatile and are used to easily pick, demolish, sort, load and recycle all your materials.
In their standard versions, all are fitted with a 360-degree rotation with crown, plus one or two motors. The rotation motors are protected against temporary excess pressure or excess flow, the motor does not require an additional drainage line. The top of the rotation features a drilling guide making it possible to quickly fix all types of adapter plate. They can also be selected without rotation.
The grabs are perfect for all demolition operations:
• The frame is reinforced using High Elasticity Limit, anti-abrasion steel for enhanced strength and service life
• The pins have been subjected to High Frequency treatment to harden them and give them an increased service life and strength
• Replaceable bolt on edges
They are also fully adapted to sorting waste and miscellaneous materials.
All shells are manufactured from anti-abrasion steel. They open perpendicular to the ground, making it possible to pick products even along a wall. This grip is also enhanced thanks to a very high force at the blade.
The product line was developed to cover all needs, including more specific requirements, hence, the existence of the special grab lines:
• Crossed 2 and 3 bars used to easily pick cylindrical items (culverts, tubes, logs etc)
• 2 and 3 notched bars for blocks ideal for picking large blocks
• Articulated pads specifically for picking blocks
• Manure
• Special Sugar Cane
• Seaweed
Depending on the models, there are three shell finishes available to cater to all needs:
1. Bar shells – making it possible to carry out almost all tasks
2. Rip-rap shells – ideal for handling stones and earth during rock-filling operations
3. Open shells
SBA currently have Arden sorting grabs in stock and ready and waiting to pick, demolish, sort, load or recycle all of your materials.
With over 40 years’ experience, SBA Earthmoving Attachment Specialists are renowned throughout Australia as a high quality and innovative manufacturer of buckets, quick hitches and other earthmoving attachments.

For more information on Arden Sorting Equipment or any SBA products call 1800 BUCKET, email [email protected] or visit salmonbuckets.com.au.