Independent Earthworks entered the earthmoving market just three years ago. Managing Director, Grant Pierce, had a twenty year history of working with many of the country’s Tier1 contractors. Backed by his industry experience and skills, Grant identified an opportunity to start his own business.
Scope of works The company specialises in performing major civil works, typical of which is the current site on a major International airport precinct. The project involves an elevated ramp and road construction as an upgrade to access a car park. The elevated road consists of five spans, earthworks, pavements, drainage, pier protection barriers, reinforced earth walls, concrete piles, abutments, columns, crossheads, beams and services.
The works will provide a direct connection from a freeway to new dedicated pick-up and drop-off zones in the car park, reducing traffic congestion and enhancing safety. The project’s design focuses on separating public traffic, pedestrians, and commercial transport operators through an elevated road network. This road design streamlines traffic flow from a freeway to all airport terminals, helping a smoother and more accessible journey for all airport users.
Grant said, “This site is typical of those where you have to work in areas of tight access, strict time schedules and the challenges of non-stop, high volume vehicular and pedestrian traffic movement throughout the day. These constraining elements make it important that we can work quickly, efficiently and safely within the confines of the space.” “As a contractor in the civil construction market, it is very important for the prime contractor to know that we have state of the art gear that is going to give them the expected level of efficiency and precision.
“We recently bought an 18-tonne Hitachi Zaxis 170W rubber tyre excavator which is fitted with an engcon tiltrotator system with an engcon EC219 EC-Oil automatic quick coupler system, a full range of buckets including a set of forks and Topcon 3D GPS guidance. This machine has been a game-changer, allowing for rapid relocation across our construction sites. “On the airport road project, the versatility of our Hitachi rubber tired excavator working with the engcon system has a loader backhoe, compact track loader and a15- tonne excavator, which is a major boost to safety and productivity.
“This machine combination enables us to deliver high efficiency and precision on every job site -- in the dirt, or sitting on asphalt or concrete without any damage, making this machine valuable to any civil project.
“This is our first engcon tiltrotator and from the time we bought it in February this year it has absolutely lived up to our expectations in every way. The main requirement was for versatility on the job. On projects like this you have to be able to change tools quickly and adapt to site conditions by responding immediately to what the client needs.
“I had seen many other contractors were starting to use engcon tiltrotators and they were becoming quite common on jobs like this. I realised it was time for us to be part of the progress to versatility and flexibility. The engcon system gives us a huge benefit through its safety and ability to rapidly change tools without the operator leaving the cabin and not needing to move the machine, a major consideration on infrastructure construction sites.
“Our customers benefit from us being able to complete tasks quickly, safely and with a minimum amount of effort. Being able to move the excavator’s tools through 360 degrees means that we can quickly do anything that is needed on a site, despite multiple tool changes.
Operator Mark Fisher shares this view, saying “My first experience with engcon tiltrotators was around ten years ago when I was introduced to the technology on hi-rail machines that included excavators and other equipment. “My specialty is operating rubber tyred machines. I really appreciate how the functionality of engcon tiltrotators is driven by advanced hydraulic systems. These systems are integrated with the excavator's existing hydraulic system, allowing for seamless control of the tilt and rotation functions. Once learned, the operator can manipulate these functions using controls in the excavator's cabin, providing real-time adjustment and precise positioning of the attachment.
“With the ability to tilt and rotate any attachment, I can complete tasks faster and with greater accuracy. For example, when digging trenches or shaping earthworks, the tiltrotator allows for precise angling of the bucket, reducing the need for manual adjustment and repositioning. This ability is excellent for saving time, while reducing fuel consumption and machine wear.
“With the wheeled excavator and the engcon system, I can leave the machine in the one parked position for most of the time and perform tasks without leaving the cabin. This benefit makes for a very quick and efficient approach to the job.
“Using the integrated pincers, it is easy to pick up objects on the ground such as pallets and move them out of the way. Unhooking a bucket and attaching other tools just takes a matter of seconds. On most of these large infrastructure sites safety is paramount. Our customers appreciate it the benefits of having the engcon for safety, speed, efficiency and precision.
“There is no doubt that engcon tiltrotators improve safety on the job site. By giving me more control and flexibility of movement, this minimises risks associated with awkward positions, excessive reaching, and repetitive motions. The great precision of the tiltrotator also reduces the likelihood of errors and accidents.”
In conclusion, Mark said, “You can't beat the engcon tiltrotator. It’s definitely the best in the game and is absolutely reliable. In my experience no other rotation equipment comes even close to the reliability, efficiency and operation of the engcon system.”
Grant Pierce, Managing Director
Independent Earthworks
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