Terex ADTs pull their weight
Two female drivers give Terex machines the thumbs up at one of Australia’s major coal mines
BOASTING a string of mines spanning an area of around 150km2, Central Queensland’s Bowen Basin contains one of Australia’s largest coal deposits. As well as a major export earner, the coal mines employ large numbers of people, many of whom work for contractors involved at all stages of the mining operations.
Colin Ritson of Champion Plant Hire (CPH) said: ‘We won a contract in the Bowen Basin to commence topsoil removal at a mine site. Initially, we used second-hand trucks, but it soon became obvious we needed more articulated dumptrucks and our research and requirements lead us to the Terex TA400.
‘Terex were very competitive in terms of their pricing and support package. Their larger trucks and diggers had a great reputation, so we decided to put Terex to the test in the Australian construction landscape.’
CPH have just over 60 people employed on the site, but many people do not understand how remote these mine sites are. As Mr Ritson explained: ‘Long shifts, the inhospitable climate and the absence from friends and family for five days at a time isn’t for everyone, so I always try to explain the downside very clearly before people get involved.’
He continued: ‘Good employees are very valuable in this tough industry, and as we value diversity at CPH, we were glad to have Kaylla Phillips and Ruth Winchester join our predominantly male team.’
‘I’ve always been interested in mining,’ said Kaylla, ‘so I approached Colin about taking on an administrative role at CPH. There was nothing available, but when Colin suggested that I might like to try my hand at the equipment, I jumped at the chance.
‘I’ve been with CPH for about eight months now. The Terex TA400 trucks were my introduction to heavy equipment and I was surprised at how comfortable the trucks were even after long shifts. They all had power-assisted controls and everything about them was just so easy.’
Ruth Winchester worked as a hairdresser and then a barber on the Sunshine Coast, and it was while cutting Colin Ritson’s hair that she mentioned wanting a change of career and the conversation turned to working in the mines on heavy equipment.
Ruth said: ‘Colin went out of his way to try to discourage me from getting into the business as he knows that many people don’t fully understand the ramifications of the mine life, but I persisted and he agreed to take me through the induction process and introduce me to the Terex TA400.
‘Six months down the track on the mine site and I truly love working with this equipment and see it as a full-time career. Of course, it’s very hot in summer and cold on winter mornings, but you get into a routine and just get on with the job. The cabs are fully air-conditioned and heated so, once you get started, it’s a very comfortable place to spend the day.’
