Forests NSW takes delivery of new grader (Central West)

Forests NSW Bathurst workshop has recently taken delivery of a new 672D John Deere grader from Hitachi Construction Machinery for use in its pine plantations around Oberon, Lithgow, Bathurst and Orange.

Forests NSW Area Operations manager, Greg Smeaton, who is based at Bathurst, said the new grader would deliver exceptional comfort, control and speed.

“It will be used on road construction and maintenance projects and to assist with fire fighting activities,” he said.

“We ensure that our machinery is customised for forest operations. Some changes from a standard grader include additional guarding of machine components, additional lighting for fire fighting and cabin protection for operator safety.”

Before the grader is put to work, Hitachi will provide training for its operators and fitters.

Mr Smeaton said the new machine would replace a 1990 John Deere 772B grader that had achieved more than 21,000 hours of work under extreme conditions in the large scale forest operations in the region.

Forests NSW undertakes an array of forest road projects each year, including major gravel roads and feeder roads for timber harvesting. This includes a program to invest $9 million over five years to help upgrade local government roads and the Forests NSW road network in the Oberon Shire.

“The delivery of this roads program is very dependent on the capabilities and commitment of local staff,” Mr Smeaton said.

The new grader will start its working life in the Hampton State Forest area near Oberon where it will be driven by Greg Burns.

Mr Burns is one of Forests NSW three experienced grader operators in the region that have attracted a reputation for delivering sound work standards and possessing unique skills in forest road activities.

Photo available from sarahc@sf.nsw.gov.au

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