Big Collection

Press, 25 January 1979, Page 11

Big Collection

Developers have heavily relied on the strength and durability of machines to shift the millions of tons of earth and gravel necessary to build the dams, canals and powerhouses for electricity.

Consequently, the Ministry of Works and Development engaged private contractors in addition to its own forces, resulting in a large collection of earthmoving machines — so big in fact that overseas experts rate the project as having the biggest collection in the world.

Near the peak of earthworks about the middle of last year, there were 16 contractors on the job. They were F. A. Willetts (Richmond), R. W. Warden (Omarama), Ray McGregor, Contractor (Queenstown), McKay Earthmovers (Christchurch). Doug Hood, Ltd (Ashburton), Higgins Earthmoving (Twizel), G, E. Harker (Auckland), Green-McCahill (Twizel), Earthmovers (Waikato), A. S. Drinkrow (Auckland), L. D. Collis, Ltd (Twizel) D. W. Collis Twinpower, Ltd (Twizel), W. H. Butson (Invercargill). J. R. Bishop, Ltd (Oamaru), Birkett Construction (Ashburton) and Baker Construction (Cambridge). Between them, these contractors operated 93 heavy machines — 37 scrapers (Caterpillar 631 C, Terex 524, International 2958), 37 dozers (Caterpillar ranging from D 5 to D9H. Komatsu 155 A, Allis Chalmers, Terex, International), eight graders

(Champion. Caterpillar), three front end loaders (Hough, Terex), and 10 dump trucks * (International). Ranged alongside these was the MWD fleet of 15 scrapers, 53 dump trucks, 66 dozers, 17 loaders, 20 watercarts, 52 vibrating rollers, 10 agitator trucks, and 13 mobile cranes. All in all, over 350 plant items. Other contractors have supplied services with types of machines. Waitaki Holdings (Oamaru) has a large fleet of trucks and buses — the latter for transporting men from Twizel township to the scattered work sites. North Otago Road Metal and Downers, Ltd, have both been engaged for the carting of aggregate to the Johnson concrete batcher. Needless to say, these machines have all consumed large quantities of diesel, required regular maintenance, and of course, men to drive them.

Back-up services from towns and cities throughout New Zealand have helped keep the fleet running.

Now, with the earthworks nearly two thirds completed, the concentration of machines is no longer required. There may never be another project in New Zealand which will require such a collection of men and machines.

According to a spokesmen for the contractors, they are all proud to have been associated with the Upper Waitaki Power Development, and gained experience from it.