Melbourne-based family company Schibeci virtually created a new market worldwide for concrete flooring maintenance and finishing systems based on stand-on mini and skid steer loaders. Schibeci’s attachments are market leaders around the world, but the company has gone further in having a range of mini loaders badged under its brand and built to its specification using the shells of Kanga and Dingo loaders. The Schibeci machines generally have higher hydraulic output and lifting capacity than the machines they are based on, as well as optional electric drive for indoor use. Schibeci is a company that is worth keeping an eye on, as it is exciting to see an Australia-based manufacturer lead the world into a new market.Morooka distributor Sunset Equipment is working with Weldco to manufacture Morooka tracked transporters in Australia this year.While the move will reduce the effect of the altered exchange rate on the cost of a new machine, Sunset Equipment had already engaged Weldco to lengthen the chassis of the MST 2200VD model and incorporate an extra bogie and longer tracks. Rather than disassemble a new machine, add some components and discard others, it made more sense to build the required chassis from scratch.Local manufacture also allows the possibility of altering the design where necessary, including being able to break the machine into modules for transport into remote locations by helicopter.Paveline has been building truck-mounted road maintenance units for a number of years, and last year unveiled a new model designed to incorporate CANbus systems and to make working components more accessible for maintenance. The next module planned is a road sign robot that places signs, records their positions using GPS and collects them when the work is completed. Paveline director Dick Howling says Australian patching machines are the most advanced in the world, and credits close contact with users with the rapid pace of development of these machines.Howling says exporting is a possibility, but he will not pursue it until local demand is satisfied. The long-term intention is to have Paveline machines manufactured overseas under licence.Bathurst Equipment has designed a compactor that uses Caterpillar components and fits between vibrating pad drum rollers and larger 815 compactors, with its optimum production range being 650-950 cubic metres per hour. To date two machines have been delivered and a third is due to be delivered soon. The SC805 compactor has a power angle/tilt blade that allows operators to easily move material into or away from an embankment, and the lack of external blade mounts means that it can compact against high vertical banks. The machine is not aimed at a high volume segment, but it is economical and cost-effective in the right application, and has prospects in export as well as domestic markets. It may suit the hire market.Arrow Machinery was formed in 1967 to manufacture a New Zealand design of concrete kerber. This was redeveloped locally, and export markets were developed almost immediately. At one time the company was the second largest producer in the world of kerbing machines.Manager Peter Andrews took full control of the company in 1989 and continued to develop the product range and export markets, which included the Americas, Asia and the Pacific. Peter’s son Tim took over the reins after working with Peter for a number of years and continues to find success locally and overseas. Tasmanian company Terratec and its founder Tony Peach are well known in the international tunnel community. Terratec manufactures new and modifies existing tunnel boring machines and tunnelling backup and muck removal equipment, and has developed some specialist equipment in this area, including a segment erector, a self-propelled California Switch that allows vehicles to pass in the tunnel, and a bracing vehicle used in closely spaced parallel tunnels.
