DOWN TO EARTH ISSUE 47
SPECIAL NEW ZEALAND FEATURE INTRODUCING KOMATSU GENUINE ATTACHMENTS KOMATSU RELEASES NEW AND IMPROVED SERIES II GRADERS
DOWN TO EARTH Issue 47 April 2008, Issue 47 PRESIDENTS VIEW
Caledonia we have also been successful services capabilities and increasing our Our product improvement drive in our efforts and have increased our parts and service personnel. continues and Komatsu has made a market share across all major product number of upgrades to its existing In this issue of Down To Earth we groups and have also enjoyed strong GXX series of graders to deliver better present a special feature on Komatsu trading conditions due to the increased performance and reliability. The Series New Zealand customers and how our demand in all industry sectors. II graders have a new cooling system, substantial expansion and upgrading a full length belly guard for improved We have opened new branches in of customer support capabilities in engine compartment protection and Bunbury, Darwin and Rocklea in the past few years in New Zealand improved cab steps for safety. Australia and in New Zealand a has been a winning combination for new branch in Westport which is our customers and the Komatsu New We also introduce the Komatsu featured on page 22 of this magazine Zealand team. Genuine Attachments range of - these new branches have been buckets and quick hitches, specifically I am pleased to announce that we established in order to support the matched to the company’s construction have partnered with the Triple Eight growing market demands and most excavators and wheel loaders. Our Engineering Team in the V8 Supercar Bill Pike importantly our customers. aim is to provide our customers in the Motorsport series. Innovation and President construction and quarry sectors with Future government infrastructure engineering are both paramount to Komatsu Australia Pty Ltd the optimum bucket design to suit the growth initiatives will underpin the Komatsu and Triple Eight and these machine, and best match machine continuous growth across construction synergies make the relationship an performance to the application. Talk to Hello and welcome to the first and mining sectors. Challenges exit in ideal combination. our specialist sales team and see for Down To Earth issue for 2008. meeting the growing market demands As the 2008 race season begins we yourself how good the new range is. and in response we will be expanding I am pleased to report that Komatsu look forward to a very successful our network even further and our Thank you for your support. has had another successful year and partnership, and we also wish the team internal resources in customer support globally the company is dong very well. the best of luck in the bid to secure its activities, which will include training first series championship. In Australia, New Zealand and New our people, enhancing our technical
CONTENTS CONTRIBUTORS
Editor Feature: New Zealand Landscape specialist moving its Komatsu Genuine Attachments Wafaa Ghali Komatsu NZ’s transformation fleet across to Komatsu...... 14 integrate with excavators and paying off for customers...... 4 loaders...... 21 Copywriter Divall impressed with Komatsu Mark Cherrington Komatsu crusher at work on service and support...... 15 Komatsu NZ opens new West Construction Communications NZ’s biggest wind farm...... 5 Coast branch...... 22 Cato Constructions builds Graphic & Layout Design Fulton Hogan impressed with business on Komatsu Komatsu expands North Megan Burnicle Komatsu support...... 6 relationship...... 16 Queensland operations...... 23 Printed by Komatsu is first choice for Komatsu sponsors Leighton Komatsu continues support Colanco Printing Auckland contractor...... 8 family day at Rotowaro...... 17 for Beacon and young Smithfield, NSW Australians...... 24 © Komatsu Australia Pty Ltd Komatsu service is “top notch” Product News for M&M...... 9 Komatsu releases improved Bob Jones, Victorian major series II graders...... 18 accounts manager...... 25 Customer News Detailed research justifies Komatsu’s new class 4 Tony Holloway retires after Komatsu purchases for dozer has best vision on 38 years...... 25 Geraldton contractor...... 10 the market...... 19 Regulars 830E fleet at Zinifex is Komatsu News Did you know?...... 26 exceptional...... 11 Continuous improvement program pays off with better Komatsu Kids Corner...... 27 Building a strong payload accuracy...... 20 relationship...... 12 Continuous improvement Support keeps Armidale manager Iain Curran...... 20 Front Cover Dumaresq coming back for more...... 13 New Zealand contractor on Higgins Contracting as featured on page 5.
Down to Earth Magazine is a Komatsu Australia Pty Ltd publication
PO Box 943, North Ryde, NSW BC 1670, AUSTRALIA. Ph (02) 9795 8222 (Int +612 9795 8222), Fax (02) 9795 8244 (Int +612 9795 8244), Email [email protected], www.komatsu.com.au, www.komatsu.co.nz DOWN TO EARTH Issue 47 3 FEATURE NEW ZEALAND
KOMATSU NZ’S TRANSFORMATION PAYING OFF KOMATSU CRUSHER AT WORK ON NZ’S FOR CUSTOMERS BIGGEST WIND FARM
Front cover: An artist’s impression of a wind farm.
Komatsu NZ is substantially add value at all levels of their Christchurch, Westport and Silverdale A Komatsu BR380JG-1 mobile farm being constructed in the region. “This project is also unique in that Quite separately to this project, expanding and upgrading its dealings with us. – opened over the past 12 months. crusher owned by leading New At least another two sites are being we are trying to be completely self- Higgins recently bought two WA480-6 customer support capabilities Zealand contractor Higgins investigated for future projects. sufficient in producing aggregate on loaders, which are working at its “We have introduced new customer- The company has also been Contracting is playing a key site, so it doesn’t need to be trucked as part of a move to a more All NZ’s major power companies are aggregate production facility in Matai focused management and leadership strengthening the capabilities of its role in the construction of New in,” said David. customer-focused approach that currently investing in windfarms, with Road, Palmerston North. into the organisation at all levels, existing three branches in Auckland, Zealand’s biggest wind farm to began some years ago. another half a dozen on the drawing Cobus van Vuuren, manager of plus we are transforming our supply Rotorua and Invercargill. date, at Makara, southwest of “These two loaders working at our board around the country. Higgins’ aggregates division, said the “We are well into our program of chain for parts to provide Komatsu “windy Wellington”. shingle plant, where we use gravel “In addition to this, we are BR380JG-1 crusher is producing GAP transforming Komatsu NZ into a owners with a vastly improved According to David Rubery, manager of from a land-based source, crushing completely overhauling our Service Higgins is carrying out all the civil 65 product, derived from river gravel customer-focused organisation,” availability,” he said. Higgins Contractors Projects Division, to material for road base and chip Partner network to give us even works for the Project West Wind wind and rock from excavated cuttings. said Phil Pritchard, Regional General the company has had more experience sealing,” said Cobus. “Our aim is to provide all more comprehensive support for our farm, scheduled to be completed by Manager of Komatsu NZ. in wind farm civil works than any “We started on the crushing side of customers throughout the country the end of next year, on behalf of the “They are used to load the crushing our customers with world- other contractor – and the scale of the the project in December 2006, and [as “Our aim is to provide all – with additional expansion of our project’s owner Meridian Energy Ltd. plant, then carry the crushed product to our customers with class solutions that add Service Partners network currently works is very substantial. of early March] we’re about 50% of stockpiles, and to load sales trucks. Work on the $400 million project the way through it,” said Cobus. world-class value at all levels of their under way,” said Phil. “Our responsibilities include started in November 2007, with the “Since they were delivered late last Phil Pritchard solutions earthworks, access roads, foundations dealings with us.” “In the process of this transformation end result being a 62-turbine wind “We’re very pleased year, they’ve been doing very well. Regional GM that for the turbines, trenching 60 km of This program includes expanding program we are building a winning farm producing 143 MW of renewable They are economical to run and they trenches, and cable laying between with the BR380JG-1, it’s Komatsu New Zealand Komatsu’s own facilities throughout team here in New Zealand, with a energy – enough electricity to supply are very comfortable machines. the sixty-two 2.3 MW turbines, as very well cut out for this & New Caledonia the country, with three high level of morale and enjoyment most households in the Greater well as substation construction and “In this application, they do run around new branches – in of the job – where we can make Wellington region. kind of job.” promises to customers in terms of miscellaneous works,” he said. quite a bit; there’s a lot of load-and- Currently there are four operational “We’re very pleased with the carry work, which they are well suited support and service, and know they “All up, the civil works have about 1.2 windfarms in NZ, two under BR380JG-1, it’s very well cut out for to,” he said. will be kept.” million cubic metres of earthworks, construction, and two which have just this kind of job. 45km of road construction, plus about “Both are fitted with 5 cu m buckets, received resource consent. 24,000 cu m of concrete for turbine “It’s a very mobile unit, and it’s which allows them to load most trucks Despite Wellington’s windy reputation foundations which we’ll be batching economical to run. It’s crushing typical in a single pass, so they can get them – it is located on the northern side of on site, and we’ll be producing around grey wacke, which is the predominant loaded and out of there very quickly. Cook Strait between the North and 75,000 cu m of crushed rock – the rock in the region. “With the density of the product, each South Islands, which often funnels majority which will be handled by the “On this job, it’s a primary crushing bucket load is between 8 to 11 tonnes, the full force of the Roaring 40s Komatsu crusher. application, bringing the rock down to depending on the product. So after just – this is the first wind 65 mm all-in product, which is what one pass, most of the truck bodies are we need for the road base and the loaded to capacity,” Cobus said. tower bases.
Pictured: BR380 JG-1 is the primary crushing application for the West Wind project. 4 DOWN TO EARTH Issue 47 DOWN TO EARTH Issue 47 5 FEATURE NEW ZEALAND
FULTON HOGAN IMPRESSED WITH KOMATSU SUPPORT
Over the past 12 months, leading a WA320-5 (in a joint venture with Fulton Hogan is a major civil to grow and diversify into new “With better pricing, we thought “With our WA480-6, we did have break down from time to time; it’s “There’s a very positive culture in trans-Tasman civil contractor Southern Aggregates in Southland) contracting company active markets – making Fulton Hogan this year was a good opportunity to some initial service issues, but the the attitude and responsiveness the company, and that’s reflected Fulton Hogan has purchased a and a WA380-6 to a smaller gravel throughout New Zealand, Australia one of the fastest-growing civil get Komatsu equipment back into local branch here in Christchurch of the company supplying and in the fact that we’ll be looking to significant number of Komatsu quarry south of Christchurch and a and the Pacific, with interests contractors in the region. our fleet and give it a good try out,” sorted them out very quickly, and supporting them that is critical – and buy Komatsu again in the future,” wheel loaders and mini WA65-5 into its general hire pool in a broad range of products he said. arranged for a backup machine while since then, we’ve had no issues with Steve said. Steve Grave, Fulton Hogan’s South excavators for its South Island for use among various divisions of and services in the roading, it was out of service,” said Steve. any of our other Komatsu machines,” Island General Manager, said the operations – the first time it has the company. quarrying, civil construction, “They are certainly he said. company had returned to buying “Given that it was our primary purchased Komatsu products in infrastructure maintenance and Fulton Hogan has also purchased Komatsu machines due to keener good robust machines and production machine, we were very “We’re finding that Komatsu is the past few years. land development sectors. a total of 11 mini excavators for pricing, improved support and very well built.” pleased to see how quickly they very easy to deal with, and we’ve Recent wheel loader purchases carparks and small earthworks It employs more than 5000 people customer service, and the quality of “They are certainly good robust responded. developed personal relationships have included a WA480-6 to its projects, including five PC18MR-2s, across New Zealand, Australia and the product. with people we can trust. machines and very well built. “We recognise that all machines large gravel quarry in Christchurch, one PC20MR-2 and two PC50MR-2s. the Pacific Islands, and is continuing
Pictured: Fulton Hogans WA480-6 wheel loader working at their Christchurch operations.
6 DOWN TO EARTH Issue 47 DOWN TO EARTH Issue 47 7 FEATURE NEW ZEALAND
KOMATSU IS FIRST CHOICE FOR AUCKLAND CONTRACTOR KOMATSU SERVICE IS “TOP NOTCH” FOR M&M
When recently established Doug and Corey Bodley after Doug Both these machines have a lot relationship with JP van Heerden, Auckland-based utility returned from a number of years working of power and are very smooth to our local sales rep, and he’s been contractor Bodley Brothers in the civil construction business. operate. looking after us very well,” he said. needed to purchase new Doug, who is a qualified civil engineer, “We’ve been ultra-impressed with For more information on Bodley excavators, principals Doug and worked overseas for a number of the PC130-7, and the amount of grunt Brothers Ltd. please contact Doug on Corey Bodley asked around the years on projects in Scotland and it has,” he said. 021 480 225. industry, as well as applying the UK, while Corey was previously their own experiences in the “When it was first delivered, the For more information on Komatsu working as a project manager and site construction business over buckets weren’t available, and call (09) 920 5300, free call foreman for contractors in NZ. many years to come up with one Komatsu NZ loaned us a set of 0800 KOMATSU (0800 566 2878), answer: Komatsu. Apart from its two Komatsu oversized buckets. Even with these visit www.komatsu.co.nz or excavators, the company’s equipment buckets, we found it had plenty of email [email protected] consists of a small Komatsu D20P digging power. dozer, fitted with a 2D laser control And why did Bodley Brothers opt system – the only one on this size for Komatsu? dozer in NZ – and a 4 tonne steel drum roller. Its PC78MR-6 was “We have a few acquaintances delivered in January 2007 and the working for earthmoving companies PC130-7 delivered in October. around Auckland, and we asked around them,” said Doug Bodley. Both the excavators are kitted out Pictured from left: Corey, Doug, John “Basically they all raved about with a standard range of buckets, and Anthony Bodley. Komatsu excavators. including wide buckets, tilt buckets, During 2007, the company spade buckets, plus an auger set “As I mentioned earlier, we’d also purchased two new Komatsu on the PC78 for drilling holes for hired and driven other makes over excavators, a PC78MR-6 and a footings and retaining walls. the years, and we’d come to the PC130-7, for use in its small-scale conclusion that Komatsu excavators “We’ve been very impressed with the construction works business. are the best around. performance of both the excavators,” Bodley Brothers works in the said Doug Bodley. “Since we’ve taken delivery of our metropolitan area in and around new excavators, we’ve built a good “We’d previously driven all Auckland, specialising in small- makes and models of excavators scale site works, including kerbing before deciding to purchase and guttering, carparks, drainage works, retaining walls, concrete Upper Hutt-based contractor along with graders, rollers, loaders, and PC40MR-2 late last year, initially comfortable.” our own, and we’d decided M&M Construction has recently dozers, dump trucks, screening plants, on a trial basis. works and the like. Another key reason for the we liked Komatsu purchased two Komatsu tippers and other equipment. “We found they well outperformed McKenzies coming back to Komatsu The company, which has been in excavators the best. compact excavators following a According to Peter McKenzie, everything else around as far as has been service. business three years, was started by trial period that showed them be Komatsu equipment owned by manoeuvrability, lift and general superior to equivalent machines “In terms of Komatsu’s service, we’ve M&M Construction includes the new performance goes ¬– so we purchased from other suppliers. always found parts availability and PC30MR-2 and PC40MR-2 excavators, them,” said McKenzie. backup to be top notch, whereas The two machines, a PC30MR-2 and along with some older equipment, “We use these machines in our with some other manufacturers that’s PC40MR-2, are used for trenching and including a PC30 with over 10,000 subdivision works for trenching, secondary to everything else,” he said. small-scale works around subdivision hours, an HA270 ADT “that’s still smaller works in and around houses, developments. running very well”, a 1994 WA40 and “A machine is only ever as good as that sort of thing. a WA70. its backup.” Owned by Peter and Margaret “Our operators love them,” he said. McKenzie, M&M Construction has “We’ve bought a number of pieces Both new machines have been purchased been in business for just on 18 years, of Komatsu gear over the years, all “They can get out of them at the end with three-year service contracts. primarily working around the Upper new,” he said. of a day’s work, and still feel fresh as a “With the new machines, we have a Hutt region, doing infrastructure daisy; they are very operator-friendly. “We went away from Komatsu for a good warranty, and we know we are work for local councils, as well as for few years over the mid-period of our “That’s something we’ve found with right for the next three years, with private developers doing subdivisional history, mainly to do with pricing. all our Komatsu machines – even the guaranteed maintenance costs,” said works, drainage, and so on. older ones like our original PC30 – but McKenzie. “However, we’d always found the Most of the company’s work is on a we can’t say that about some of our Komatsu product to be a bloody good For further information on M&M contract basis, although it does do other brands. product, because of its reliability and Construction please call some plant hire work. backup, parts availability and service. “The other thing the operators like (04) 527 0416 or email Its fleet consists of around 30 items about them is the size of the cabs; [email protected] The company brought in the PC30MR-2 of plant, including eight excavators, they’re nice and roomy and very
8 DOWN TO EARTH Issue 47 DOWN TO EARTH Issue 47 9 CUSTOMER NEWS
DETAILED RESEARCH JUSTIFIES KOMATSU 830E FLEET AT ZINIFEX IS EXCEPTIONAL PURCHASES FOR GERALDTON CONTRACTOR
Central Earthmoving, a family- and operated Komatsu equipment for confident in the relationship and “I was very impressed in everyone’s owned contractor based at about seven years. found a growing confidence in the pride in their workmanship and the Geraldton, WA, carries out very support Komatsu offers us, which we strong quality focus,” he said. “It was Its equipment includes one WA600-6, detailed research when selecting most definitely keenly regard. a very very streamlined operation, a WA470-6, two PC300s – one Dash new equipment – resulting in and the amount of quality checking 6 and one Dash 7, a P200-7 and “Today we’re doing more in-depth it opting for Komatsu for all its all the way along the assembly lines PC270-7, two GD555A-3 graders and justification when choosing our recent purchases. and the set up was outstanding. three WA250PT-5 toolcarriers. equipment; we put in all the relevant The company, which has been in data, allowing us to do very detailed “It gave me a lot of confidence in Two of the toolcarriers are in business since 1985, carries out a comparisons,” he said. what was behind the Komatsu brand. underground applications, while one is full range of civil construction works being used in civil works on subdivision “We only request information off “I also found the people at the – including land development and projects. The two underground ones the suppliers that we are sure can Komatsu factories were very keen to road construction – along with mine are on long-term contracts, replacing give us the best-possible levels of hear feedback from end users to help servicing and infrastructure works another brand of Toolcarrier. support and service. Based on these them improve the product. throughout Western Australia. comparisons, we fully justified our “We went for Komatsu in the “I was very impressed with what I It operates as far north as Halls Creek, decision to go with Komatsu.” first place, because we felt the saw; they were as committed as we south to Pinjarra and east to the investment offered us a better return Craig’s confidence in the Komatsu were to putting out the best product Goldfields region around Kalgoorlie. on our capital,” Craig said. product has been boosted by a they possibly could,” said Craig. According to managing director Craig factory tour to Japan he took in “Since then, we’ve grown very Patterson, the company has owned November 2006.
A fleet of 42 Komatsu 830E dump reached in 2003. Zinifex Century Mine since 1998/99 and are now getting to-repair was about two hours. trucks – including 12 new trucks uses conventional open pit mining towards the 60,000-hour mark. Zinifex purchased the 12 new 830Es added in the past year – has been methods, with the flat-lying ore body Over that time, they’ve had rebuilds last year in order to accelerate its giving exceptional performance covering an area of 1.4 km by 1.2 km – including mid-life engine rebuilds overburden-stripping program, and availability at Zinifex Century with a final depth of 344 m. and wheel motor overhauls – but ensuring access to the ore body Mine in Queensland’s Gulf region. Century’s mining fleet moves more no chassis rebuilds. Century has a through to the end of 2010. Zinifex Century Mine, in the remote than 100 million tonnes of material a rigorous crack-checking program John Lamb, the General Manager lower Gulf region of northwest year, including approximately 5 million which has not revealed any chassis of Zinifex Century Mine said, “The Queensland, is Australia’s largest tonnes of ore. The Komatsu 830Es are cracks to date. Komatsu fleet has performed reliably producer of zinc concentrate. The used almost exclusively for stripping The entire fleet is averaging 88% on this site for nearly a decade. open cut mine also produces lead overburden and very occasionally for availability, with mechanical availability They’re a credit to the brand and a concentrate. ore hauling. for January 2008 finishing at 91%. great asset to us.” The deposit was discovered in 1990 Some of these trucks have been Mean-time-between-failure for the with full commercial production being operating at Zinifex Century Mine month was 50 hours, and mean-time-
10 DOWN TO EARTH Issue 47 DOWN TO EARTH Issue 47 11 CUSTOMER NEWS
BUILDING A STRONG RELATIONSHIP SUPPORT KEEPS ARMIDALE DUMARESQ COMING BACK FOR MORE A strong relationship between JCM Contracting, owned by John Other attachments include hammers, to making that purchase, plus the Sydney contractor JCM Colohan, carries out a wide range augers, grabs and tilt buckets. product name is very good. Contracting and Komatsu’s of works, from general excavation Now in its eighth year of business, “We don’t have too many problems Sydney utility representative to detail work, using its fleet of four The product support and backing a PC50MR-2 and a WA250-5 fitted with attachment is particularly well suited. available from Komatsu,” he said. JCM carries out small contracts as with the Komatsu machines, but of the entire Komatsu organisation a profiler unit. Matt Watton – backed by the Komatsu excavators, a PC30MR-2, “The service and support we’ve had Andrew said the council decided to stick well as some hourly hire, across a large when there is a problem, Matt and has kept Armidale-Dumaresq customer support team – has two PC40MR-2s and a PC35MR-2 According to fleet manager Andrew from Komatsu has been very good,” with Komatsu for several reasons. group of clients, including councils, the Komatsu people are good at Council coming back to Komatsu seen the company purchase six which it just purchased after trading Levingston, Armidale-Dumaresq’s said Andrew. private companies, major contractors, getting it resolved for me, which is equipment – with the council’s “It’s the size of the company, suitability Komatsu excavators over the it on an earlier Komatsu. excavators and the backhoe are and home owners and builders. why we keep buying them. latest purchase being a PC18MR-2 “For example, we took delivery of the of the machine’s specifications for our past four years. used for a range of construction and Much of its detail excavation work is mini excavator. 5 tonne excavator some months ago, requirements, and the product support “I bought my first Komatsu excavators “I’ve got a good crew of lads, who maintenance works, water services carried out using a rocksaw due to and initially we had a few issues with we get,” he said. second hand, and then my first new like the Komatsu machines, find them The council, based around Armidale in and general utility work. the reduced vibration, and which it. Komatsu supported us and in the end one in 2003,” said John. easy to drive and comfortable to sit on the New England region of northern “Some of our purchases are replacing can be easily swapped The WA250-5 is used for civil gave us a brand-new machine. – which is very important as they’re NSW, has a range of Komatsu Komatsu and other machines, while among the machines. “I first went for Komatsu through construction and maintenance duties, working on them six days a week, up equipment, including a 10-year-old “I was very appreciative of that. It’s an others are additional purchases to give my relationship with sales rep Matt along with general loading works and to 50 hours a week,” said John. PC220-5, a WB97R backhoe, a PC128-2, excellent example of the level of service us increased capabilities.” Watton, whom I knew well prior road maintenance – for which the profiler
Pictured: Komatsu’s PC40MR-2 mini excavator is a winner for JCM operators.
Pictured: Armidale - Dumaresq Council’s new PC18MR-2 mini excavator is the latest machine used for a range of general utility work in the local area.
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LANDSCAPE SPECIALIST MOVING ITS FLEET ACROSS DIVALL IMPRESSED WITH KOMATSU SERVICE TO KOMATSU AND SUPPORT
Victorian landscaping and one of national significance in fact. “We’ve also got Roadliner tracks on of pool digs we carry out. Pools are Divall’s Earthmoving & Bulk haulage, demolition, subdivisions and Dash 7 excavators are used in articulated dump trucks,” Andy excavation specialist TreeLawney the machine, so we don’t have to lay an area we specialise in and we chose Haulage, a Goulburn, NSW- hourly hire. general earthmoving and in crusher- said. “We found the opposition “Each year, at the beginning of the is in the process of trading its fleet boards across the ground; we don’t to fit articulated booms to improve our based company, has recently feeding operations. parts and service backup has been cricket season, the wicket tables Its clients range from local of excavators across to Komatsu even put a mark on the surface,” accuracy with the detail work. returned to buying Komatsu pretty ordinary so we went for the need to be installed following the government, state government According to Andy Divall, the company as a result of the company’s Paul said. equipment, including excavators HM300 truck. AFL Grand Final,” said Paul. “Subsequently our investment is agencies, large private contractors, has been buying Komatsu products – “faultless” service and support. and articulated dump trucks, as a The TreeLawney team also carries paying off, we get a better result and and major companies in the region, primarily excavators – for the past “The other thing I liked about the “The wicket tables are pre-prepared result of inferior parts and service out other works at the MCG, in better time frames. down to private home-owners and 14 years. HM300 was the fact that it came with and simply drop into carefully backup from other suppliers. including trenching for irrigation small backyard projects. KomTRAX. The ability to pull up the excavated slots. “And we can’t fault their service and “The main reason we bought these repairs or excavating areas of turf Divall’s was established in 1991 by fuel figures and the hours on a job is support,” he said. Much of its construction-related work latest Komatsu machines was because that have suffered high wear for the Andy and Michael Divall operating great; those are things I like to be able “We need to be very careful with is in the Sydney/Hawkesbury-Nepean of the parts and service backup we groundstaff to re-lay. from a company-owned and operated to look at. this process, as the MCG now has “We’ve dealt with others in the catchment areas, building rock get from the company,” he said. a concrete base over which there’s past, and we’re still with one quarry at Carrick Hill, Goulburn. “Having a background in turf flumes for the Hawkesbury Nepean “It also gives our service guys the a drainage layer and then a fabric supplier – though not for much “We have been very pleased with management from working there The company has since grown to the Catchment Management Authority. ability to look at all the other aspects geotextile layer – which we have to longer. We’ll be getting rid of our that, especially compared with some ensures we are on the same page stage where it employs over 80 local of the machine that they need to. excavate down to without tearing last non-Komatsu excavator in the Currently its fleet consists of its of their opposition. as the groundstaff when performing people and is a major contributor to We can pull up all that information the fabric. second half of this year. recently purchased HM300-2 artic and these critical tasks, as it is not the local economy. “We do have a couple of opposition remotely, no matter where we are.” TreeLawney Excavation Pty Ltd was two PC200-8 excavators, along with “We need to excavate to an accuracy uncommon for the surface to be in “Matt McCarthy, the local Komatsu excavators, which we went for at one started by Paul Mitchell in 1992, In addition to its crushing and seven PC200-7 excavators. of about 5 mm – which we do without use the day after this has happened. rep we deal with, has been great. time, but we’re slowly trading our way initially as a landscaping company, quarrying operations, Divall’s areas of any machine guidance systems – so The newest machines are currently back into Komatsu. but over the years it has also moved “It’s a credit to the extremely “We’ve only been with Komatsu for operations include general earthworks the ground staff can just sweep off being used for general earthworks into excavation works. A few years talented groundstaff who perform two years, and now as we change and earthmoving, roadworks, bulk “It’s been the same with the the last layer of soil. on subdivision projects, while its ago, Paul’s brother Tim joined him in these repairs, and whom we get machines we’ll only buy Komatsu,” the company, and is now part owner “The ground is very flat and smooth the opportunity to work alongside,” Paul said. and director of operations. now, so this is not too difficult a said Paul. “We’re also looking to expand to a process for us,” he said. Before he started TreeLawney, Paul “Overall, we’re very pleased with 20 tonne machine at about the same was a groundsman at the world- “We use our Komatsu PC78UU for our Komatsu equipment; we find they time, which will mean we no longer famous Melbourne Cricket Ground give a very comfortable environment this job; we find not only is it very have to hire one in when we need it. Andy Divall – and uses one of his Komatsu good on fuel consumption, but it’s to operate in. “I really can’t fault the Komatsu Divall’s Earthmoving & Bulk Haulage excavators there every year for a very not too big to damage anything, and “Our PC78UU and PC138US machines excavators,” he said. important project, it gives us the right feel for the job. were chosen because of the number It’s ideally suited to it.
Pictured: The PC78UU is used to dig about 5mm excavated slots for the wicket tables at the Melbourne Cricket Ground each year at the beginning of the cricket season.
14 DOWN TO EARTH Issue 47 DOWN TO EARTH Issue 47 15 CUSTOMER NEWS
KOMATSU SPONSORS LEIGHTON FAMILY DAY AT ROTOWARO
day. It included tours of the coalface, operating at the mine. Other “We were delighted to be involved and walkarounds of equipment – equipment includes a 400 tonne with this community event; it was including the Komatsu dump trucks, PC4000 excavator. a terrific opportunity for the mining dozers and graders at the mine. industry here in NZ to showcase itself The Rotowaro operation, which to workers’ families and therefore More than 600 people attended the Leighton has operated since 2006, is the community at large,” he said. open day, with Komatsu NZ providing the largest mining operation in New drink bottles, sunscreen and insect Zealand, with annual production of “Leighton is a major customer for repellent to cope with the very warm approximately 1.6 million tonnes of Komatsu throughout Australasia, and conditions, along with giveaway coal a year and overburden removal we were also happy to support the pens, notebooks and bags – and of up to 43 million tonnes a year. company, the community and the In early February, Leighton models for the raffle draw. industry as a whole. It employs more than 200 people, the Contractors held a family open Included in the static display at the majority of whom live locally. “It’s great to see an organisation day at the Rotowaro mine site mine was one of its Komatsu 730E such as Leighton giving back to west of Huntly, where it operates Steve Haines, Komatsu NZ’s sales dump trucks, a D375A-5 dozer and a the community and showing the the mine on behalf of Solid manager, said this was the first GD825-3 grader – which gave visitors importance of its role supporting and Energy. Komatsu NZ was a major family day Leighton had held in New to the open day an opportunity to developing New Zealand infrastructure sponsor of the day. Zealand, although the company has look over the equipment. and resources,” said Steve. held similar events in Australia with The aim of the open day was to The 730E on static display great success. Pictured: Joe Cato, Cato Constructions allow the families of those who was one of 10 of these trucks work at the mine to see what their mums, dads and partners do all CATO CONSTRUCTIONS BUILDS BUSINESS ON KOMATSU RELATIONSHIP
Wollongong-based contractor Cato decorative asphalts division operates It is fitted with Komatsu’s KOMTRAX any reason to go away from Komatsu Constructions – which celebrates throughout NSW. remote machine monitoring system, based on performance, support and 20 years in business this year and was financed through Komatsu availability of parts. Joe, who is currently president of the – purchased its first Komatsu Australia Corporate Finance. NSW branch of the Civil Contractors “For example, one machine has had machine 13 years ago on the basis Federation, recently sold the Cato Other Komatsu equipment in its fleet some issues from day one; now over of engineering quality, reputation Group of Companies to Steve Gillies – includes a PC270-7, a PC138US-2 18 months later, Komatsu is still as a distributor, and support. a former managing director of Downer and a PC40MRX-1 excavator, a standing by me and ensuring that And it has continued buying Komatsu EDI Ltd – but Joe will be staying on as D65EX-12 dozer, GD530A-3 grader they rectify the issue. They are still products ever since – taking delivery general manager. and WB97R-5 backhoe. doing the right thing,” Joe said. of a brand-new PC220-8 in February. “Maura and I had done 20 years in “Our first excavator was a used [non- “Komatsu also encourages our feedback Founded by Joe and Maura Cato, the the business, and my partner (in the Komatsu] machine,” said Joe. as a customer. They like to know how company started with two employees, asphalt businesses) Pat Quinn had machines are performing and what (if “However, when it came time to buy a ute and a dumpy level, carrying out done 10 years. We realised that we any) issues we might have. our second excavator, we put a lot of small drainage works. didn’t have the financial capabilities to research into the process, and decided “They are prepared to listen, and grow to the next stage of a business Today the Cato Group of Companies to buy a new machine. it’s good to have access to factory like this. We’d done about as much as turns over around $10 million, employs people when making decisions. If you we could with it,” said Joe, explaining “We looked at the three leading brands, about 40 people and has a substantial need to talk to engineering people, the reasons for selling the business. and picked Komatsu on the issues of equipment fleet, carrying out civil they’ll make themselves available, so quality of engineering, reputation of construction works throughout the The company’s relationship with you’re not just dealing with the local the distributor, and support. Illawarra region. Komatsu has been an important reason representatives,” he said. for its success over the past 20 years. “We haven’t found any of those Its asphalts division, set up in 1997, Its latest PC220-8 is its sixth Komatsu lacking in the years since,” he said. carries out contract paving work in excavator, and was purchased with the Illawarra, Shoalhaven, Southern “Certainly they back up the product. a trade-in on the second Komatsu Highlands and Sydney regions, while a We can honestly say we haven’t had excavator bought by Joe.
16 DOWN TO EARTH Issue 47 DOWN TO EARTH Issue 47 17 PRODUCT NEWS
KOMATSU RELEASES IMPROVED SERIES II GRADERS KOMATSU’S NEW CLASS 4 DOZER HAS BEST VISION ON THE MARKET
Komatsu has released the hydrostatic transmission. The dozer so they are less fatigued at the end of Key specs D39EX-22 dozer, a 9 tonne, 71 is also available as a low ground a shift,” said Kevin. kW hydrostatic drive machine pressure (swamp) machine, the “The pressurised air conditioned featuring a “super-tapered” D39PX-22, which has an operating Brief specs of the D39EX-22 and cab is the same size internally as bonnet design said to give the weight of 9.5 tonnes. our larger construction and mining D39PX-22 are: best all-round visibility of any According to Kevin Edwards, Komatsu dozers, and features the same cab dozer on the market. Australia’s Business Manager, damper mounting system as the D39EX-22 Government, the D39-22 is the first in larger Komatsu dozers – again operating weight, 9040 kg a new line of small hydrostatic drive contributing to operator comfort and engine Komatsu ecot3 dozers – all featuring outstanding productivity.” visibility due to the cab-forward and SAA4D107E-1 rated at 71 kW Standard on the D39EX/PX-22 is super-tapered bonnet design. maximum speed, F/R, 8.5 km/h Komatsu’s just-released Komtrax “The D39EX/PX-22 – along with others system, which allows all key machine PAT blade capacity, 2.21 cu m. in our forthcoming small dozer line – data – hours, fuel consumption, alerts incorporates a number of features that and warnings, etc – to be monitored An ERG Class 04 (68-98 kW) machine, D39PX-22 make it a highly productive, reliable remotely and accessed by owners its cab-forward design, tapered operating weight, 9480 kg machine,” he said. from anywhere in the world. bonnet and integrated ROPS/FOPS engine Komatsu ecot3 means that the operator has an “At 71 kW, it has the highest “The PAT blade on these smaller SAA4D107E-1 rated at 71 kW uninterrupted view to the blade horsepower of its direct competitors, dozers makes them an ideal final trim corners and front of the tracks. while a high-capacity PAT (power/ machine, as well as for small-scale maximum speed, F/R, 8.5 km/h angle/tilt) dozer blade makes it a bulk earthworks,” he said. PAT blade capacity, 2.3 cu m Its cab-forward design has been very versatile machine. achieved by moving the radiator to “Combine this with the latest- the rear – which also allows for easier “Its hydrostatic transmission is technology GPS-based machine control access to the radiator, as well as controlled by Komatsu’s patented and they are a perfect machine for a Komatsu Australia has announced a allowing them to handle up to 50° delivering full constant speed Key specs engine and transmission components. Palm Command Control System full range of earthworks, from cutting number of upgrades to its GXX series Celsius ambient temperatures, a regardless of engine rpm. (PCCS) – the same system that is used out, to site clearing, to batters to final Power comes from Komatsu’s Tier of graders, delivering improved full-length belly guard for improved on our large mining dozers. This gives trim and site clean up – all with the Overall excellent visibility, giving 3-compliant ecot3 SAA4D107E-1 performance and reliability. engine compartment protection and operators unprecedented control in a millimetre accuracy that the latest the operator an unmatched view Brief specs of the new graders diesel rated at 71 kW and driving a improved cab steps. very ergonomically friendly package, machine control technology allows.” out the front, to the front wheels, are as follows: Komatsu designed and manufactured In addition, the GD555-3 Series II now full width of the blade and even the has six circle-support shoes for greater rear ripper shanks. GD555-3 strength, durability and reliability. Tight turning circle due to the operating weight, 17,100 kg; As with the previous GXX graders, combination of steering angle, engine, Komatsu SA6D102E all feature Komatsu components articulation, wheel lean and rated at 104-119 kW@2000 throughout, with all machine oscillation. rpm components designed and Reduced wheel spin through a manufactured by Komatsu to work speeds F/R, 8/4; maximum manual lock/unlock differential. together as an integrated whole. speed, 42.9 km/h; Low in-cab noise levels. blade length, 3710mm mm; Other key features include: According to Kevin Edwards, Komatsu turning circle radius, 6.8 m. Dual direct-drive/torque converter Australia’s Business Manager, transmission, giving the operator Government, the latest changes GD655-3 the choice of direct drive will ensure the highest levels of transmission as used on operating weight, 17,900 kg; reliability and durability for Komatsu’s conventional graders or torque engine, Komatsu SA6D114E construction grader range. converter transmission for rated at 123-142 kW@1900 improved control at low speeds “In developing the Series II grader Designated Series II, the new graders rpm; and in final finishing – all at the range, we’ve listened very closely to cover the GD555-3 Series II (104- speeds F/R, 8/4; maximum flick of a switch. our customers – particularly those in 119 kW, 17,100 kg) and the GD655-3 speed, 42.1 km/h; local government – to ensure they Series II (123-142 kW, 17,900 kg) . A hydraulic system – based on best meet the needs of grader owners blade length, 4320 mm; Komatsu’s patented HydrauMind Common to all the new Series II and operators in Australia’s very harsh system used on its excavators – turning circle radius, 6.9 m. graders is a new cooling system, and remote conditions,” he said.
18 DOWN TO EARTH Issue 47 DOWN TO EARTH Issue 47 19 KOMATSU NEWS
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM PAYS OFF KOMATSU GENUINE ATTACHMENTS INTEGRATE WITH BETTER PAYLOAD ACCURACY WITH EXCAVATORS AND LOADERS
A Continuous Improvement PLM II-fitted trucks have only and applied them to the PLM III “This enables mine sites to keep (CI) program implemented by achieved accuracies of around systems to increase reliability and track of truck payloads, and to Komatsu Australia in 2005 as 15-20%, with PLM III-fitted trucks performance, and are now achieving maximise truck payloads within the (GPW) and slope finishing buckets do not always comply with our part of its HME contract with around 10-15%. within 2% accuracy. trucks’ capabilities,” he said. (SF), as well as quick hitches, engineering standards.” Rio Tinto has delivered some “Over the past two years, we’ve been “We’ve now extended this program “It also enables mines to minimise while products for wheel loaders substantial savings for Komatsu, Colin said that the development working closely with Rio, fine-tuning to 730Es and 830s in the Pilbara, payload variations between will include general-purpose of the Genuine Attachments range Rio and other customers. (GP) loader buckets, said Colin the maintenance and setup procedures which are running PLM III, and individual trucks. would also substantially shorten One major result of the CI program has on the PLM II system to improve there we are consistently getting Chamberlain, Komatsu Australia’s “These capabilities pay off in terms lead times for buckets and hitches been substantially improved accuracy its accuracy and value as a mining accuracies to within 2%.” National Marketing Manager – of maximising production, because for new Komatsu machines. of Payload Monitoring Systems (PLMs) management tool, and we’re now Construction. Iain said there are significant each truck always carries its optimum “All buckets for Komatsu used on Komatsu dump trucks. getting better than 8% accuracy on “All Komatsu Genuine Attachments advantages to both mines and to payload. There are also benefits in construction equipment are planned trucks in the Hunter Valley,” said Iain. are being manufactured in Komatsu’s HD785 and HD1500 mining Komatsu in having highly accurate maintenance and repairs, as each truck to be available off-the-shelf, so Australia and New Zealand in trucks run Komatsu PLM II, while its “As a result of this program, Rio is PLM systems. consistently carries the same payload. that customers will receive their top-of-the-line 730E, 830E and 930E now using PLM as a tool in its Hunter accordance with Komatsu factory “Mines are able to use the data in “We are now passing on these buckets at the same time as the trucks run PLM III. Valley mines –something it’s never specifications real-time, and then transfer it to benefits to our other mining machine is delivered – with no hold done before,” he said. According to Iain Curran, Komatsu mine management systems such as customers who run Komatsu haul Pictured: Colin Chamberlian for each machine they are matched ups waiting for buckets or hitches,” Australia’s national manager, “We have also taken what we learnt Modular Mining’s Dispatch system. truck fleets,” said Iain. to,” said Colin. he said. Komatsu Australia has continuous improvement, historically from our experiences with PLM II introduced Komatsu Genuine “That ensures each attachment “Previously, we’ve found that local Attachments, a range of buckets provides the best-possible integration machine assembly lead-times in and quick hitches specifically with each machine, giving optimum Australia and New Zealand are matched to the company’s performance and production. frequently adversely affected by attachment availability for construction excavators and “In addition, each Genuine CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT MANAGER construction excavators and wheel wheel loaders. Attachment comes with warranty, loaders,” he said. IAIN CURRAN In developing Komatsu Genuine matching the period of the Komatsu Attachments, the company’s aim has standard care warranty of the All Komatsu Genuine Attachments been to provide customers in the machine it is supplied with. are clearly identified with the Komatsu logo, along with an Iain was appointed to this position in “We are doing this with the support Before joining Komatsu Australia, construction and quarry sectors with “Customers can be assured of better identification plate providing August 2005 to look after Rio Tinto’s of the regions and the people on the Iain had a varied professional career, the optimum bucket design to suit the bucket/machine performance, relevant capacities and weights. HME contract – under which Komatsu ground, who are playing a pivotal including 16 years in the Navy, machine, and best match machine better reliability, faster delivery was obligated to provide Rio with role in the success of this program. working on weapons systems – 99% performance to the application. and a bucket engineered to the In Australia, Komatsu Australia approximately $14 million of value in CI Without them, there would be no CI of which was sea-based. Komatsu’s Genuine Attachments same demanding standards as all has signed a contract with Elite annually across the globe, with about $8 successes to celebrate,” said Iain. On leaving the Navy, he moved range is available for construction size Komatsu equipment,” he said. Attachments in Melbourne to supply its million of that to come from Australia. factory-certified genuine attachments, “As a result of these successes, my to Bucyrus/P&H working on mine Komatsu excavators and wheel loaders “In the past, we’ve found that there while in NZ Komatsu buckets and “Our solutions under this program in the role is now changing to managing sites around Australia, as well as sold in Australia and New Zealand. are a number of suppliers providing first few years were mostly technically a CI program across the whole of with various other OEMs, primarily attachments will be supplied through Pictured: Iain Curran Products for excavators include attachments at varying levels of based, improving realtime interfaces Komatsu Australia. involved with shovels, draglines JB Sales in Auckland. general purpose (GP) buckets, quality and service, often with little Iain Curran, who was with Modular Mining products, safety and trucks. We’ve proved the definite value we general-purpose wide buckets or no backup and support, and that appointed Komatsu Australia’s initiatives and the like,” he said. national manager, continuous can deliver to our customers, and More recently, he worked with improvement – primarily “More recently, we’ve been moving we’re now looking at using CI to UDDTek on its Universal Dig and responsible for the mining side of forward on operational improvements better service our customers and Dump (UDD) program, developing the business – is now seeing his with Rio including, for example, our increase customer satisfaction with retrofit technology that lifted the role expanded to cover the entire payload monitoring development Komatsu,” he said. productivity of a dragline – the systems (see accompanying article). workhorse of an open cut coalmine company following the program’s “As a result of this, we’ll be doing – by more than a quarter. success in the mining sector. “We are also able to pass these a lot more work with customers The term “continuous improvement” benefits onto other customers, who across the construction and utility This program was an initiative of (or CI) refers to an ongoing effort are also now using our latest highly sectors to deliver the benefits to CRCMining aimed at improving to improve products, services or accurate PLM systems.” these other segments that the CI dragline productivity and efficiency. process can bring.” processes, and has resulted in a While Ian is still responsible for Iain’s professional qualifications include number of successes for Komatsu Rio’s CI program, Komatsu Australia In this expanded role, Iain is working an electrical engineering background, Australia’s mining business – such management is now looking at how the with Komatsu’s operations managers, Diploma of Management and an that it is now being extended to other CI program can benefit the company across a whole range of customer Associate Diploma in Maintenance. product lines and markets that the internally, as well as its customers in service-related issues. EXCAVATOR BUCKETS QUICK HITCHES WHEEL LOADER BUCKETS company services. other industry segments.
20 DOWN TO EARTH Issue 47 DOWN TO EARTH Issue 47 21 KOMATSU NEWS
KOMATSU NZ OPENS NEW WEST COAST BRANCH KOMATSU EXPANDS NORTH QUEENSLAND OPERATIONS improved support for other customers with Komatsu and its products, we are picking up in the region. predating his company’s appointment as a Komatsu Service Partner in “Key customers here include the 2004. Stockton Mine, which is operated by Kaipara, Solid Energy’s mine and “I’ve been working with Komatsu Komatsu Australia has with Komatsu in the Central and Cairns, Peter Weaver in Townsville, “This expansion of our operations Holcim’s quarry operations – along equipment since the early 1980s, announced a significant North Queensland regions. He was Mike Foreday in Gladstone and Rod in North Queensland means we can with contractors and subcontractors carrying out mechanical work on expansion of its Queensland previously the North Queensland Featherstone in Mackay. offer significantly improved support construction and utility major accounts manager for to our customers in both local providing mining support services excavators and other products at the In addition, all facilities have their own operations, with the expansion Komatsu’s mining group. government and the private sector and general construction works in Stockton mine,” he said. workshops and warehouses, along of its support and representation throughout the region.” the region,” said Colbert. Included in the North Queensland with mobile service capabilities. Komatsu’s establishment of a branch in North Queensland. branch region are Komatsu facilities At the same time it is expanding As part of the move to a dedicated on the West Coast is part of an “This expansion is in response to a According to the company, this at Gladstone, Emerald, Mt Isa, Cairns, its operations in North Queensland, Komatsu branch, the company is on-going program to expand its growing Komatsu machine population expansion allows it to better focus on Townsville and Mackay, covering the Komatsu is also growing in the south moving to purpose-built premises – a operations throughout New Zealand. in North Queensland, across local former Ministry of Works workshop its North Queensland operations and whole of Queensland from Gladstone of the state. Last year it set up a Christchurch government, civil contractors, plant – at 1 Forbes Street, Westport. customers, where strong demand for to the west and north of the state. branch, so it now has a total of hirers, mine contractors and other The company has recently opened These are being totally refurbished new infrastructure and a growing three branches in the South Island As part of the restructuring, the sectors,” said Sean Taylor, Komatsu a new Utility story in Brisbane, in for Komatsu, with the move-in is customer base are opening up more – Invercargill, Christchurch and now company is expanding its sales Australia’s General Manager, addition to existing facilities in scheduled happen during April. opportunities for the company. Wesport – joining its Auckland and service capabilities, including construction division. Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Heading up the region’s sales team is the appointment of additional sales Sunshine Coast. Colbert said the company would be and Rotorua branches in the North “We’ve seen our machine population Graham Moohin, Komatsu Australia’s representatives. appointing a branch manager for Island. growing by 20 to 25% over the the operation, with Bernie Schwass North Queensland sales manager. And in addition to its workshop Branch account managers already in past few years, in response to the staying on as part of the transition facilities at all branches, it also Graham Moohin is a 21-year veteran place include Gavin McConachy in booming economy,” he said. management team. operates satellite workshops in “Our decision to purchase Buller Silverdale, north of Auckland, and Trucks was a mutual one,” he said. Cromwell in Central Otago. “We recognised we needed a greater At the same time, it is continuing to presence on the West Coast, and Bernie expand its Komatsu Service Partner Pictured from left: Graham Moohin North QLD Sales Manager was looking to exit his business.” network, with the most recent and Rod Featherstone North QLD Account Manager Pictured: Mike Colbert According to Mike Colbert, Komatsu Schwass said Komatsu’s business appointment being Construction and Komatsu NZ has opened a new NZ’s service partner manager, the on the West Coast was “at a Machinery Services as its Wellington branch at Westport, on the South company decided to establish a crossroads”, making the timing of its Service Partner. company-owned West Coast branch purchase of his company ideal. Island’s West Coast, as part of its “We are also looking to appoint to build its capabilities and profile in on-going strategy of expanding its “There was definitely a need for additional Komatsu Service Partners the West Coast. service and support capabilities Komatsu NZ to be represented on the in both the North and South Islands,” throughout New Zealand. “Strategically there’s a lot of mining Coast at a branch level, including the said Colbert. and construction work for us on the substantial investment required for In setting up its new West Coast “For us, the Service Partner network Coast, with some of our biggest branch infrastructure,” he said. branch, Komatsu has purchased perfectly complements our branch customers in New Zealand based Buller Trucks, its Service Partner on “I was looking for an exit package from network, allowing us to give the here,” he said. the Coast for the past four years – Buller Trucks, so this was a tremendous highest-possible levels of service and with former owner Bernie Schwass “This move allows us to give them the opportunity for both of us.” support to our customers throughout continuing to work for Komatsu. levels of support they require, along New Zealand,” he said. Schwass has had a long association
1 Forbes Street,
22 DOWN TO EARTH Issue 47 DOWN TO EARTH Issue 47 23 KOMATSU NEWS
KOMATSU CONTINUES SUPPORT FOR BEACON AND BOB JONES, VICTORIAN MAJOR ACCOUNTS MANAGER YOUNG AUSTRALIANS Trust is the key philosophy “And while the great majority of my participate more in service work,” levels of reliability and especially driving Bob Jones, Komatsu business is repeat business, I get he said. high levels of safety in the products Australia’s Victorian major particular satisfaction and enjoyment they purchase. “Many of our customers today presenter support for Beacon’s working with Beacon to provide are now producing precast concrete accounts manager, construction from bringing new customers into the are winding down their own “And if we want to participate in the Queensland state conference. information to schools regarding panels for use in houses, bridges and quarrying. Komatsu fold; that is, those who have literacy and comprehension skill and other precast concrete products service facilities, and expecting industry, we’ve got to understand our Providing weekly mentoring to been predominantly with another levels required for different jobs – for road transport and erection “To me, probably the most important us as suppliers to take over that customers, we’ve got to understand students in Beacon schools in supplier, bringing them across to such as developing young people’s throughout the East Kimberley. thing is for the customer to trust me,” responsibility. their business, and come up with Perth, Western Australia. Komatsu – and then retaining them skills in form completion.” he said. solutions that are competitive and And Beacon’s innovative housing as long-term clients. “They expect the full package from Exploring ways of working with offer the highest levels of safety,” There are now 85 schools involved and employment Real Jobs project, “You’ll never be successful with us: on-time service and parts, high the Northern Territory’s Palmerston “Of course, there’ll always be said Bob. in Beacon’s No Dole program across which began in early 2006, employs customers unless you earn their trust High School, and its Palmerston challenges and issues for customers Australia. nine young Indigenous men from the – which is something you can only Futures Program. in this business – and the key to that local community to build precast demonstrate by performance.” In the last quarter Beacon’s taken how quickly we can respond, and our Inviting students from Hunter concrete houses. on three new schools in far North Bob has been with the company in attitude to solving each problem or Valley high schools to its “Boots Queensland; Western Cape College, The team has already built four his current role for the past 13 years issue,” Bob said. On” open days in August. – following a 20-year career with Northern Peninsula Area College and precast houses in the local area “Today, we’re also seeing a lot of another major supplier of quarrying Involvement with charter-signing Tagai College. and now has an order for 15 more changing dynamics in the business. activites at South Australia’s from the WA state government, as equipment. Komatsu Australia has continued All schools have now completed There are emerging market Smithfield Plains High School. well as an order from the Shire of its support for the Beacon their Charter Signings and are In this position, Bob gets to deal with opportunities for customers – and Wyndham and East Kimberley for Foundation, with significant Beacon’s executive director Scott currently undertaking a Best Practice Komatsu’s major Victorian-based suppliers – in the approaches to two small bridges. interaction between Komatsu Harris said that Komatsu’s support survey. The schools will then be customers across the construction, machine ownership, and the employees and young Australians for the foundation was an important given a ranking, ranging from best quarrying and mining sectors – and a growth of the large plant hire firms. through Beacon programs element of its success in helping performing school through to the job he clearly enjoys immensely. Certainly, that’s a challenge for us as including its highly regarded No a supplier. young Australians find jobs and stay lowest performing school. “I really enjoy mixing with our Dole project. off the dole. The Best Practice survey allows customers, and helping them come up “And every customer today is looking The company’s support for Beacon “2007 has been a great year for any program “gaps” to be identified with solutions for their operations,” for more focus on profitability, for programs has occurred in all states, Beacon thanks to the on-going and helps with the No Dole Annual he said. more focus on reliability, and as part through a wide variety of activities. support of Komatsu,” he said. Planning for 2008. of that, they expect that OEMs will Pictured: Bob Jones These included: “Beacon’s success last year in Another successful Beacon Recruiting a student from Victorian guiding young people onto a positive undertaking is the ‘Something No Dole school Westernport pathway could not have been Concrete’ Project in the West Secondary College as a diesel achieved without the financial and Australian town of Kununurra, which mechanic apprentice. in-kind support of Komatsu – and has taken another step towards TONY HOLLOWAY RETIRES AFTER 38 YEARS Hosting girls from Triabunna High we look forward to continuing our sustainability with the construction School as part of a “Girl’s Day Out”. relationship in 2008. of a precasting factory. Providing sponsorship and “For example, in 2008 Komatsu is Employees and trainees of the project products, such as Wabco, which “We survived and continued as a “When the factory closed in 1982 I came under the Komatsu banner. very small operation until Komatsu transferred to the parts department, purchased an interest in Dresser in responsible for purchasing and Tony was one of the final 15 1987, and by 1993 Komatsu had shipping, which included imports employees of Wabco Australia in taken full control of the company,” and exports.” 1983, by which time the company had said Tony. been purchased by Dresser Industries “When Dresser Industries purchased – which was itself subsequently “I followed the product to Komatsu Wabco in 1984, the Dresser taken over by Komatsu. and began working for the-then NS head office was in Brisbane, so I Komatsu on October 31, 1993.” transferred to the Brisbane office and He started working for Wabco remained there until Komatsu took Australia in February 1971 – time Tony started work with Wabco Pictured from left: Karen Byers, Tony over Dresser in 1993, when I moved which saw the company employing Australia as a purchasing officer, Holloway and Hugh George back to Sydney. up to 700 workers. responsible for both local and Long-serving Komatsu employee overseas purchasing of raw materials “In recent years my responsibility has However, in 1982 it was decided Tony Holloway has decided to and the finished articles required to expanded to include Hensley, KVX Wabco’s Rydalmere (Sydney) factory retire after 38 years with the manufacture the range of machines and KMG products but the Wabco/ should close, reducing the Australian company. Many D2E readers that were produced in the factory. Haulpak product lines will always be workforce down to around 15. will remember some historical my favourite,” said Tony. “I was later promoted to shipping articles by Tony in the late 1990s, Then in 1984 Dresser Industries manager where I was responsible for in which he looked at early purchased Wabco USA, including the all imports, exports and transport. Komatsu equipment – as well as Australian operation. Pictured: Beerwah State High School visit to Komatsu facility in Brisbane
24 DOWN TO EARTH Issue 47 DOWN TO EARTH Issue 47 25 DID YOU KNOW...
KOMATSU AND TRIPLE EIGHT FIND-A- – A V8-POWERED HEAVY ENGINEERING PARTNERSHIP Komatsu Australia has partnered with the Triple Eight Engineering Team in the V8 Supercar Motorsport series. WORD The 2008 opening race of the V8 Supercar season was a success for the Triple Eight Team as Jamie Whincup won his second Clipsal 500 in Adelaide in late February, while Craig Lowndes was 13th at the chequered flag. We wish the Triple Eight race team the best of luck in the bid to secure its first series championship in 2008. Hi Kids! W C O N S T R U C T I O N S H 2008 V8 Supercar Championship Series Calendar Welcome to the very H Y A I B X M I N I N G P E V first Kids Corner for E D U S H P Q E Y D F S H R E Round Date Event Location the year 2008! E Z E X C A V A T O R P V V L 1 February 21-24 Clipsal 500 Adelaide Can you find the 2 March 7-9 Eastern Creek Raceway Sydney words listed below? L M Y W L T J C X Z S O D I C N/C March 13-16 Australian Grand Prix Melbourne There are a couple L R B S C B K E R E G A S C L 3 April 18-20 Hamilton 400 New Zealand of tricky ones, so 4 May 9-11 BigPond 400 Perth put your mind to O J E K Q I U K Y R F Q I E T the test and find all 5 June 7-9 Sandown 400 Melbourne 13 words! A O G C H S O Q J P W B Z R E 6 July 4-6 SKYCITY Triple Crown Darwin D E M U T M U T I L I T Y L O 7 July 18-20 Queensland 400 Ipswich Why not make it 8 August 1-3 Winton Motor Raceway Victoria more fun and time E N Z R A W A S L F I W C M H 9 September 12-14 L&H 500, Phillip Island Victoria how long it takes you to find them! R I K T S N N C R U S H E R K 10 October 9-12 Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 Mt Panorama S O S V C Z D I B V Y U D H C 11 October 23-26 Coffee Club V8 Supercar Challenge Surfers Paradise Good luck! 12 November 6-8 Desert 400 Bahrain Kim, Matt and Sue! K U P J T O Z A W F O J W S A 13 November 21-23 Tasmania Challenge Symmons Plains H M O T O R G R A D E R N K B 14 December 4-7 Grand Finale Oran Park Raceway Sydney B N K S K I D S T E E R D G A
FIND THESE WORDS:
Winners for the create your own Komatsu Bookmark: 1. KOMATSU 9. WHEEL LOADER Amber Page, Raglan QLD, Age 8 Don’t miss the next issue 2. CRUSHER 10. CONSTRUCTION Diesel Jackson, Frankston VIC, Age 8 Dalton, Worongary QLD, Age 9 of Down To Earth – a 3. DOZER 11. MINING special article will be 4. TRUCKS 12. UTILITY Winners for the HD1500 colouring-in competition: Liana Kennedy, Cardigan VIC, Age 11 featuring the Triple Eight 5. EXCAVATOR 13. SERVICE Kayla Caruso, Surry Hills NSW, Age 10 Team and the drivers. 6. BACKHOE James McFarland, Bethanga VIC, Age 12
7. SKIDSTEER Congratulations Komatsu Kids! You have won a From left: Craig Lowndes, Jamie Whincup with one of the triple eight 8. MOTOR GRADER model of a PC200! We will be sending these out V8 super cars at the North Ryde office. soon, so keep a look out for it in the post!
26 DOWN TO EARTH Issue 47 www.komatsufinance.com.au
“We Understand This Business” Komatsu Corporate Finance is an equipment finance company owned Komatsu Corporate Finance’s reputation as a competitive and flexible by Komatsu Limited Japan. The company provides the following financier has seen the company supply financial solutions to many services to customers of the Komatsu Australia group: of Australia’s largest companies. • Finance Lease The advantages of using Komatsu Corporate Finance include • Operating Lease competitive rates and flexible repayment structures such as seasonal, • Commercial Hire Purchase structured or hourly rates. In addition, we can tailor solutions to meet your cashflow, currency, taxation, interest rate outlook and balance • Chattel Mortgage (loan secured by a mortgage over the equipment) sheet requirements. By diversifying your funding sources, this means • Power by the Hour™ your bank facilities are free to support your other working capital We use funds supplied by our Japanese shareholders and from other requirements. You can also transfer your equipment resale risk and Japanese capital market sources. maintenance responsibilities to us. As a Komatsu-owned finance company, closely connected to the For more information about Komatsu Corporate Finance, talk to your construction industry and working directly with Komatsu Australia, local Komatsu Sales Representative or call the following contacts we understand your business better than other financiers. This allows at Komatsu Corporate Finance below. us to tailor a financial solution to best suit your needs.
NSW: Simon Rawther (02) 9795 8222 QLD: Shane Kennedy (07) 3246 6232 VIC & TAS: Peter Johnston (03) 9205 9377 Jason Warnes (08) 9351 0555 CORPORATE FINANCE WA,28 DOWNSA TO& EARTH NT: Issue 47 Mike Gray +64 (9) 920 5300 WILSON-KOM0205 NZ: