A John Deere 772GP motor grader is proving to be the standout machine in a civil works fleet developing coal seam gas (CSG) projects in Queensland’s Surat Basin.
GD Engineering and Construction’s project works include the installation of wells, tie-ins to water power, steel works, development of field control stations, gas and water pipe installations, and interconnections to main gas lines.
Its fleet includes a number of John Deere machines, which CEO Chris Rodgers says are playing a critical role in the development.
“This project has been a major test for the John Deere equipment, which has performed well and has been very reliable,” he says. “The machines have performed through all of the challenges and scored highly with our operators.”
The 772GP boasts larger-than-usual articulation joint roller bearings, big-displacement wet sleeve diesel engines and heavy-duty transmissions, to deliver long-term durability in harsh environments, such as the Surat Basin, according to Hitachi (HCA), the distributor of John Deere construction machinery in Australia.
Safety features include increased visibility from a narrow front console, streamlined saddle arms, and floor-to-ceiling tinted glass.
The 772GP grader comes standard with JDLINK, which is John Deere’s proprietary telematics system.
It provides anytime, anywhere computer access to the machine’s location, use, tonnage totals, alerts, fuel consumption and hours run. Among other capabilities it also offers geofencing and curfew options.
“The JDLINK system has been invaluable in its reporting capability,” Rodgers says. “The system is out-performing other telemetry systems.
Overall, he adds, “the operators are very impressed with the total ease of use of the machinery, including the fit for purpose usability on the job site”.
GD Engineering and Construction has been providing services for major works across Australia for more than 20 years, specialising in remote area pipelines and construction for the mining, resources and energy sectors.
Click here to find John Deere graders for sale.