![]() ![]() The transmission includes three forward and three reverse speeds. This Cat D8R Series II runs a tried and proven 306hp Cat 3406C direct-injection, turbo-charged diesel engine, which is matched perfectly with a Cat torque converter and differential steering to deliver fantastic power and reliability.Īdrian claims it is far superior to the D7 dozer he owned previously, saying: “We are in another zone with this old girl compared to our old D7 we ran prior to this purchase … very happy with it.” The dashboard is simple and effective, sitting in front of and in clear sight of the operator. ![]() Operator comfort is more than adequate with an easy and comfortable reach to the blade and ripper controls located on the right, and to the travel speed buttons affixed to the diff-steer control lever to the left. This is an integral structural and safety component for the operator and machine alike as it prevents serious injury or damage should there be a big tree or branch topple back or onto the dozer during operation. The mesh covers surround the side of the cab for glass and operator protection, but the scrub canopy covers almost the full length of the machine. Once in the operator’s seat, the first thing I realised is that the vertical vision is quite restricted. On close inspection, this dozer reminded me of a State of Origin rugby league front row forward – all protective gear, stocky, solid and almost as tough as my mate Tommy Raudonikis. ![]() On the day of the test, the dozer wasn’t fitted with the stick rake as tree clearing was well underway but there was still plenty to do as Nurse Susie set up the still and video cameras. The creation of a 20m-30m-wide clearing along each side of the fence line allows clearance from any falling trees during storms, gives stock access when mustering, and provides an excellent fire break between properties. The landowner had a real problem with dogs taking stock and, as he was close to a national park, had approvals to construct a 2m-high dog-proof fence to keep the marauding wild dogs at bay. He’s a very approachable, knowledgeable and professional bloke, and we soon hit it off and started a series of very interesting events.Īdrian took us out to a block about 50km out of Stanthorpe toward Texas/Tenterfield way, where he was contracted to push in several kilometres of lightly scattered tree/scrub fence line, rake the loose material and stockpile. This stand belonged to Adrian and Maree Johanson of Applethorpe, just to the north of town, so I took all the details down and was determined to get to know this bloke … it looked like there was a good story behind this machine.Ī couple of days later I caught up with Adrian on a job site nearby. The 42-tonne, 330hp Cat D8R II dozer with its 24-foot-wide stick rake I made a beeline to it and took it all in. Sitting in pride of place on a corner block was a Cat D8R Series II dozer housing a big, 24-foot-wide (73m) root rake and tree pusher combined with a double-shank No. ![]() The usual kids’ rides, stalls, equestrian events, fireworks, ute muster and local business displays were prominent, but one in particular took my eye. The first country show on the Queensland agenda is the famous Stanthorpe Show, which just happened to be on during my stay. With great community spirit, no graffiti, well-mannered and communicative teenagers (no I’m not fibbing), a backpacker-friendly attitude, a four-season climate and a thriving business centre, Stanthorpe has been voted as one of the 10 most desirable places to live in Australia. Not far from our Earthmovers & Excavators testing grounds in Boonah, some 120km to the north, this little town has got it all. One such spot I had the fortune to find is Stanthorpe in the Granite Belt of south-east Queensland. One thing you will find when you travel this lovely country of ours is that you are sure to find some really lovely people who live in some pretty spectacular regions and, when these two attributes are combined, make these places a truly desirable place to live. ![]()
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