Digging in the Goldfields and Pilbara
Red gravel, hardpan, rock. Extreme heat; mining-site compliance; freight distances.
Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Karratha, Port Hedland, Newman and Tom Price are a long way from Perth and a long way from each other. Machines here work for mining contractors, town councils, station owners and the trades that follow the mines, and everything about the region is bigger: the distances, the heat and the compliance.
What the ground does
Red gravel, hardpan and rock. Digging is slow in a small machine and the ground does not soften much between seasons; the Pilbara wet brings cyclones and flash flooding rather than workable soil. Breakers, rippers and weight are the answer, and the 1 tonne class is rarely the right tool.
Heat and compliance
Summer temperatures over 45 degrees are routine. Cooling, hydraulic oil grade and early starts are not optional. Mine sites and many contractors require machines to meet site standards (lighting, isolation, fire suppression, reversing alarms and inspections), and operators need tickets and verification of competency. Check the site's requirements before buying for that work.
Machines and attachments that suit
The R32 PRO with a cab for town and trade work; the R57 PRO and R82 PRO for civil, drainage and service work; the RS20 for loading and yard work. Breakers and rippers are essential, and spare filters and tracks should travel with the machine.
Freight
Kalgoorlie is about 600 km from Perth and Port Hedland 1,600 km. Machines go by road freight; ask Rippa Perth for a quote to your town or site.