TWO track dumpers that are ideal for soft or boggy conditions, played a small but important role in preparing the Melbourne Cricket Ground for the Commonwealth Games.
Mondo Pacific, which installed the synthetic running track, and jump and field event areas, used the high-lift dumpers from Kennards Hire to move 35t of asphalt.
The job involved removing turf from outer areas of the ground and replacing it with a layer of sand, two layers of asphalt and then the competition surface.
Turf was re-laid over the competition surface for the Boxing Day cricket Test and later removed so the tracks could be finished off.
Mondo Pacific also used two Kennards' 2t tippers and two excavators, the standard 1.5t, as well as the recently-introduced 3.5t model.
Track dumpers can move loads of up to 750kg, and, being only 730mm wide, are ideal for confined areas, and can even fit through doorways. They have angled rocking roller rubber tracks, with seesaw rollers for rough terrain. The dump angle extends to 90°.
A similar machine, a mini transporter, which is also available from Kennards, performs the same sort of work, but does not have the high dumping action.
It can carry loads up to 400kg, and will move everything from bricks, building rubble and bags of cement to small concrete pours, sand, soil and mulch.
The rubber tracks provide a strong grip, making it particularly good for climbing slopes or traversing rough ground. The tray tips up for unloading.
Kennards' other small earthmovers include mini loaders, mini skid steer loaders and mini excavators.
The company has 78 hire centres across Australia.