Lethal Digital, Author at KEE Group

Caterpillar Wheel Loaders: A Quick Rundown of Loader Types

Construction projects rely heavily on calculations and blueprints. A vast amount of a project’s success is also linked to choosing the right earthmoving equipment for the job.

One of the leading manufacturers of such machinery is Caterpillar, established back in 1955. As a pillar of the motor grader industry, the company sets the standard for heavy plant machinery, including trucks, engines, dozers, and of course, the ever-reliable wheel loaders.

Caterpillar wheel loaders are four-wheeled machines used specifically for earthmoving. The loader consists of a front bucket tool designed to scoop, hold, and transport materials. Some of the most commonly used raw materials are sand and earth, which are then utilized throughout the site.

Wheel loaders also work with the use of mechanised lifts, which assists the attached bucket to go either higher or lower. The wheel-loader is one of the most powerful machines and can carry tonnes of materials in a single trip, even in the tightest of spaces.

If you’re looking to hire equipment for your future projects, Caterpillar is one of the most well-trusted manufacturers in the industry. To help you arrive at a well-informed decision, we have compiled a quick rundown of their top wheel loader models which KEE Group can deliver to you from Perth, Port Hedland, Albany, and beyond:

The Choice is Yours: The Best of Caterpillar Wheel Loaders

1 – Caterpillar 950K Wheel Loader

The Cat® 950K is one of the best on the market, as it was designed specifically for increasing productivity. It’s also incredibly comfortable, allowing operators to sit in the vehicle for long periods, which then allows increase an in production. The 950k is also highly durable, especially since it has been fused with the innovative optimized Z-bar linkage. This allows all the tools to work seamlessly, which in turn enhances fuel efficiency and performance.

This wheel loader boasts a better operator environment, with an automatic climate control system, noise reduction, and even a panoramic view feature. It’s transmissions also deliver smoother shifts and faster acceleration, optimizing time on the site, even during climbs.

2 – Caterpillar 962M Wheel Loader

The Cat® 962M Wheel Loader was specifically designed for better project management, featuring a fuel-saving capacity that enables lower long-term costs. It’s also designed to move in an accelerated mode, all without sacrificing fuel efficiency. Highly reliable and versatile, operators will find better performance due to its electric priming pump, topped off with a fuel and water separator for longevity.

It also comes with the highly-coveted Integrated Braking System (IBS), which adds safety and security on the job. The 962M is highly regarded for its tough transmissions, as it can handle even the most pressing and demanding loads during construction.

3 – Caterpillar 966M Wheel Loader

Like the 962M, The Cat® 966M Wheel Loader has been designed for cost-efficiency without sacrificing quality. Its performance remains top-notch, ensuring that the machine can withstand even the most demanding needs during the project. It’s also built for the comfort of operators, as it boasts an adjustable seat in a suspension system, combining both comfort and safety.

The machine also comes with Electrohydraulic (EH) controls, which allows the lift and tilt functions to be controlled better and faster, maximizing time, energy, and costs. It also comes with a touchscreen colour display to help operators, easily upping productivity time.

4 – Caterpillar 980M Wheel Loader

The Cat® 980M Wheel Loader was designed to perform, built with increased engine power, enabling unparalleled machine responsiveness. It also comes with easy-to-load buckets, which assists operators to retain difficult material (sand and gravel), reduces dig times, and so much more.

The 980M also comes with an idle engine shut down, which automatically turns the machine off when left unattended. Moreover, the 980M comes with a system that enables lower fuel consumption, all without the need to sacrifice quality.

The Best Loader for Hire in Perth

When it comes to construction machines, Caterpillar is one of the manufacturers to trust. With decades of experience and expertise, their wheel loaders have been designed to maximize productivity, enhance performance, and at the same time, lower costs.

For heavy plant and earthmoving machinery for hire in Perth, Port Hedland, and Albany, KEE Hire has you covered. We are Australia’s most effective construction support solutions, ensuring that you have everything you need for success. Reach out to us today to learn more!

A Quick Construction Guide: Why Choose Caterpillar Dozers?

Lean, Mean, Ripping Machine

Caterpillar has become a household name. It is the world’s largest construction equipment manufacturer and was ranked #204 on the Global Fortune 500 list in 2020. Serving major industries like general construction, gas, mining, oil, marine, the American company is an industry leader in innovation and technology, offering some of the finest equipment in the world.

Caterpillar, or ‘CAT’ as it is more commonly known, has a diverse range of products, including excavators, wheel loaders, haul trucks, graders, and tractors. Apprentice mechanics and operators are generally trained on the CAT machines, which is perhaps one of the reasons why they have become so popular.

One of their most highly regarded pieces of equipment is the Dozer. This lean, mean, ripping machine with its enormous blade fitted to the front is seen to be one of the more intimidating pieces of equipment on a site.

Why should you invest in Caterpillar dozers?

Dozers are generally used for demolition work, using their massive size and claw-like metal plates to push brick, soil, sand, dirt, and other heavy materials from one place to another. They’re also commonly used for land clearing. These innovative bull-dozers can take care of most tasks in a single swoop, uprooting everything in the way including unwanted trees, shrubs, and debris.

If you’re planning to hire advanced equipment for your next project, here’s a quick rundown of Caterpillar’s dozers and why you should invest in them:

Dozer Models by Caterpillar—Which one is right for you?

1 – Caterpillar D8T Dozer

The D8T bulldozer is perfect for those looking to increase productivity without sacrificing costs. It allows operators to gain maximum efficiency without burning too much fuel. It’s also equipped with a four-speed transmission, complete with superior technologies making the experience worth investing in.

The D8T is very easy to operate, as it comes with fully automatic equipment with adjustable manuals. It comes with innovative added technology, such as the Engine Idle Shutdown Timer. If the tractor is accidentally left in power, the machine will automatically shut down during idle time.

The D8T is also a crowd favourite due to its built-in safety features. It boasts rear vision cameras, with cylinder mounted mirrors to enhance visibility. There are also handles, guardrails, and carefully planned steps available, ensuring better and safer boarding.

Golden tip: Interested in the D8T dozer’s power? KEE Hire has you covered—we offer innovative Caterpillar equipment for hire, available now.

2 – Caterpillar D6R2 Dozer

Much like the other Caterpillar models, the D6R2 dozer has been designed primarily with the operator’s comfort in mind. Using this world-class dozer, you’ll be able to produce high-quality work with ease.

It has Roll Over Protection Structure (ROPS) and all-around better visibility. Gear and direction selection has also been made easier, thanks to the built-in control panel. There’s a cooling system built specifically for high debris environments, keeping the equipment safe and easy to clean in the event of a blockage. It also comes with weather features, such as reversible fans and batteries for colder areas.

World-Class Advanced Equipment in Perth For Your Construction Needs

Here are some of the most popular Caterpillar machines KEE Hire currently has available:

Caterpillar 226B Skid Steer
Caterpillar 140m Grader
Caterpillar 950K Wheel Loader
Caterpillar 962M Wheel Loader
Caterpillar 966M Wheel Loader
Caterpillar 980M Wheel Loader
Caterpillar 740B Articulated Water Cart

Hiring Caterpillar equipment will always be a popular choice. Their technology-driven dozers remain to be a crowd favourite, especially when it comes to big construction projects. Allow these dozers to plough, clear, and carry even the most difficult pieces—they get it done!

For the best dozers for hire in Perth and surrounding areas, KEE Hire is the place to call. We offer you machinery and equipment at its finest, gathered from the best companies all over the world. Experience an unparalleled full-service at the best prices—reach out to us today.

The Skid-Steer Loader; Tough, Quick and Nimble

The absolute height of a company’s success has to be when a product is called by its brand name rather than the name of the object itself. ‘Bubblewrap’, ‘Velcro’, ‘Thermos’, and ‘Chapstick’ are just a few examples. This said, one of the most successful brands in the earthmoving world would have to be the ‘Bobcat’. This skid-steer was branded ‘bobcat’ by Melroe in the 1960s, as the engineers believed it shared similar characteristics to their North American cat, being tough, fast, and nimble.

A Bobcat, known as a skid-steer loader, compact track loader, skidsteer, or skid loader is a small, rigid-framed, engine-powered earthmoving machine. The mini loader has arms that come with bucket attachments as standard, but the buckets can also be replaced by a variety of tools, including a hydraulic breaker, roller, cement mixer, backhoe, auger, or stump grinder, to name but a few. Skid-steer loaders are extremely maneuverable and are capable of zero-radius pirouette turning, making them both fun and easy to drive.

A little knowledge goes are a long way, so before hiring a skid-steer, here’s a quick guide for you:

Why should you rent a skid-steer loader?

Excellent size and weight: Skid-steer loaders are extremely popular, mainly due to their convenient size and weight. They’re much smaller compared to compact or front loaders, allowing them to move with ease and convenience. As such, they can be transported and towed onto even the smallest project site.
Versatile attachments and flow rate: Most project managers also opt to use skid-steers due to their versatility—various attachments for hire can be used, allowing operators to improve on and tackle various construction jobs. These attachments can be installed and swapped quickly and easily, thereby maximising your scope.
Better operator control and visibility: as the operator is close to the ground, and with a 360-degree windowed cab, skid-steers offer excellent visibility. As such, these machines can be easily driven, further supported by convenient joystick controls.

Best Skid-Steer Loaders To Choose From

There is a wealth of skid-steer loaders available on the market, but Bobcat, Case, and Caterpillar offer some of the best. KEE Group has a variety of skid loaders ready for hire, making it easier for you to gain access to world-class equipment. Here are a few of our most popular skid loaders available for hire:

BOBCAT S185: Although slightly larger than the S150, the Bobcat S185 is still small enough to provide you with powerful lifting capacities in small spaces. It’s perfect for daily operations, allowing ease and convenience no matter the industrial need.
BOBCAT S650: The Bobcat S650 is perfect for vertical lift paths. It reaches higher without compromising power, allowing operators to reach full lift height rather than the traditional radius lift path.

Some of our more popular skid steers for hire are listed below:

Case SR175 Skid Steer
Case TR270 Skid Steer
Caterpillar 226B Skid Steer

Hire the Best Earthmoving Equipment in WA

The construction industry can be challenging, but the best of today’s roads, buildings and infrastructure have been built with talent, hard work, and of course, the best construction equipment. To ensure your project’s success, it’s best to enlist the help of a company that delivers—in the realm of skid-steer loaders, KEE Hire is the company to trust.

If you’re looking for skid-steers for hire in Perth and other surrounding areas, KEE Group has you covered. We offer you only the finest construction equipment, handled by a team of professionals. Allow us to help you reach success—reach out to us today!

Photo credit: Equipment Watch

What do Komatsu and 13 Elephants have in common?

Komatsu holds the Guinness World Record for manufacturing the world’s largest earthmover, a gigantic wheel loader known as LeTourneau P&H L-2350. With a 2300 Horsepower engine and a standard bucket capacity of 40,52 m³, it’s no surprise that it can carry an operating payload of 80 tons, the equivalent of 13 adult elephants.

Komatsu not only holds World Records, but it is also one of the game-changers in the construction industry.

The Japanese multinational corporation, which manufactures construction and mining equipment, was founded by Meitaro Takeuchi in 1921 in the city of Komatsu, after which it was named. The company is the second-largest manufacturer of construction equipment, with almost 60,000 employees and a revenue of over AUD 31 billion.

“Komatsu’s operate very well in our Australian environment”, said Mal McDonald, KEE Group’s business manager. “They produce robust machines with good hydraulic systems and well- configured track gear. It is also noted that our operators are consistently impressed with the air-con systems, which in this climate is an absolute necessity.”

While we may not have LeTourneau P&H L-2350 in our fleet, wheel-loaders are an incredibly important component to have on your site. Construction managers use these front-end loaders to move heavy materials from one location to another and are predominantly used in the preparation stages of a project. They are versatile and highly reliable machines, offering the most efficient method of transferring even the heaviest of boulders from one site to another.

The benefits are aplenty, but you wish to hire a Komatsu front-end loader, a little knowledge goes a long way. Here is a quick guide for you—we take a look at the reasons to choose a Komatsu wheel loader, as well as the models you can select from:

Why should I choose a Komatsu Wheel Loader?

1 – Boost your power and productivity

Komatsu wheel loaders are incredibly popular on WA construction sites. Some sites can also be rather confined, with obstructions on every corner, so it is best to invest in equipment that can carry heavy loads whilst navigating through tight spaces.

These front-end loaders are powerful and fast, helping you save on time and ultimately costs. With speed and a versatile form, Komatsu wheel loaders will be able to go through cycle time without any problems, almost doubling your productivity.

2 – Enjoy additional safety features and ease of use

Komatsu wheel loaders come with intelligent safety features. Your construction loaders will come with backup alarms and rearview cameras and have been designed to give optimal visibility from the cab for your operator.

Depending on the type you choose, it may also come with machine lighting, which is perfect for operators working during the night. Moreover, Komatsu wheel loaders also set new standards in the industry. With ultralow fuel consumption and innovative Powershift feature, you are ensured safe and exceptional machines.

Which type of wheel loader truck should I choose?

Hailed as an industry leader, Komatsu has developed various models of wheel loaders.
KEE Hire has a wide range of Komatsu wheel-loaders for hire; here is a list of the most popular models:

WA380-8 Wheel Loaders:

WA380-8 has a new technology Komatsu engine and a bucket capacity of 2.7-3.6 cubic metres. They are an ideal choice for general loading and handling operations. They are great for loading rocks and gravel, log handling, civil construction, and waste management purposes. They are also equipped with the advanced KOMTRAX remote monitoring and location system, letting you monitor the essential information about your Komatsu equipment through your computer.

143 kW / 191 HP
ENGINE POWER
18,670 kg
OPERATING WEIGHT
3.6 m³
BUCKET CAPACITY

WA500-7 Wheel Loaders:

The WA500-7 loader has a 4.5-7 cubic metre bucket capacity and boasts impressive power and performance. This large loader is built for loading operations in aggregates and quarry sectors, and they also have Komatsu components that you can monitor with KOMTRAX.

263 kW / 353 HP
ENGINE POWER
37,415 kg
OPERATING WEIGHT
6.4 m³
BUCKET CAPACITY

WA150-5 Wheel Loaders:

The WA150-5 is capable of loading and handling various types of material, making it perfect for a wide range of construction projects. This loader also comes with a remote monitoring and location system, with a bucket capacity of 1.3-1.7 cubic metres.

71 kW / 96 HP
ENGINE POWER
7,495 kg
OPERATING WEIGHT
1.7 m³
BUCKET CAPACITY

WA250PZ-6 Wheel Loaders:

The WA250PZ-6 comes with a 2-2.3 cubic metre bucket capacity, topped up with a hydrostatic drive and a PZ parallel-lift arm system. This allows operators to use various attachments and buckets, ensuring maximum productivity and efficiency across the site.

103 kW / 138 HP
ENGINE POWER
11,950 kg
OPERATING WEIGHT
2.3 m³
BUCKET CAPACITY

As mentioned in our previous blogs, KEE Hire caters to each of our client’s specific needs. If you are looking for a different spec, KEE Hire is pleased to offer a variety of different front-end loaders for hire. Some of our most popular models are:

Case 621FXT Wheel Loader
Case 1021F Wheel Loader with Loadmaster
Case 721 IT Wheel Loader
Case 821F Wheel Loader with Loadmaster
Case 921F Wheel Loader
Caterpillar 962M Wheel Loader
Caterpillar 966M Wheel Loader
Caterpillar 980M Wheel Loader
JCB 411HT Wheel Loader
Liebherr 556 IT Wheel Loader
Liebherr L566 Wheel Loader
Volvo L260H Wheel Loader with Loadmaster

The Power of Wheel Loaders

“When it comes to hiring a wheel-loader, the Komatsu is probably the most powerful on the market,” said Mal, “but this, in turn, will mean the machine will possibly consume more fuel than say a Case”.

The Komatsu Wheel Loader is the perfect choice for construction projects, especially in areas that require maximum productivity and efficiency. Due to its unique safety features, versatility, and overall excellent performance, choosing Komatsu wheel loaders make your investments truly worth it.

If you are looking for the best equipment for hire in Perth and surrounding areas, KEE Group has you covered. We are the country’s most effective and unique civil and mining support service, dedicated to excellence and quality. Allow our professional team to help you achieve your project goals—reach out to us today.

Credit: worldsbiggest.com

Our World Record Holding Champion

EMPLOYEE PROFILE
Rait Sagor, KEE Project Engineer.

Estonian born Rait (pronounced ‘right’) Sagor is one of our top project engineers.

He bears a striking resemblance to a young Arnold Schwarzenneger, not only in physique but also with his no-nonsense, deadpan accent. The thirty-year-old also just happens to hold a World Record.

Born in the small country village of Asuka, to a fishing captain father and a factory inspector mother, at the incredibly young age of 13 he had to move out of his family home so he could attend a more academic school in town. He shared a room in a rental house with his auntie, Merike, who was only 16. “I had to grow up pretty quickly and take responsibility for myself, as my auntie was also very young,” he said.

On the first day at the new school, he was challenged to an arm-wrestle with one of his class-mates. “I beat him and then others wanted to try”. After beating the entire class, the older boys also wanted to challenge him, some of them were two years older. “I took the challenge on and beat them too, I think this is where I picked up the bug for competing. I loved the win and my passion for Powerlifting began.”

From the age of 14 to 17, Rait worked throughout the school holidays as a labourer so he could earn enough money to compete. Jaan Salu, the owner of the local gym, became his mentor and fitness instructor, and 17 years to this day, he is still his coach. After leaving school Rait studied engineering and gained a degree in Road Construction and Bridges. During the four years, his study was interrupted when he was called up for National Service. “I loved the discipline and routine of the Army,” he said, “We camped out in forests for training and the temperatures went down to minus 20. Our clothes would get wet during the day from rain, snow, and sweat and we had to sleep with our wet clothes in our sleeping bag in the hope they would dry out the next day. I also learned to sleep on my rifle to keep my back off the frozen ground”. He lived like this for 11 months, living on ration-packs, sleep-deprived, and earning just 100 Euros per month.

Rait competed in his first Powerlifting World Championships in 2007, and incredibly, he won. He won the title again in 2008. He is a multiple medalist for IPF World and European Championships. From competing at such a high level, Rait learned to be self-disciplined. He has brought that attitude to his work at KEE Group. “It is in my nature to be competitive, to be the best, to never give up,” he said, “If someone is better than me, I want to learn how to improve to get to their level. When I first started operating the paver for KEE I asked for tips from all the main operators, that is how I bettered myself”.

Rait competes in the Powerlifting 100kg Class, which is open to all men weighing under 100 kilos. In 2017 his Ozzie flat-mate suggested he entered a dead-lift competition here in Perth. He had four weeks to train. He won. When he was invited to train at a new gym, he looked at their record board and decided he would beat not only all gym records but all state records AND national records. The owner of the gym didn’t believe him, but he focussed and trained hard and true to his word, after three months, Rait had beaten all Australian records in the 100kg Class. From that first competition in Australia, he has been undefeated in over ten competitions and he’s twice won Over All Australian Champion.

Rait still holds the World Record with a total of 950kg. Unbelievably, with that score, he has beaten competitors in the 110kg Class as well! We are proud to say that Rait recently acquired his Australian Citizenship, so hopefully, he won’t mind if we now claim him as our own Ozzie World Champion?!

This Is How We Roll: Dynapac and HAMM Rollers

Dynapac is one of KEE Hire’s preferred suppliers of compaction rollers.

The Swedish company supplies the largest amount of compaction equipment worldwide. Their rollers are designed using superior technology with operator comfort at the top of their agenda. They also have Australian-wide service and support, which is critical for any hire company.

KEE Hire also love their HAMM rollers. HAMM, the oldest manufacturer of road-building machines in the world, started production in 1878. They were the pioneers of the industry.

“The quality of a German machine cannot be beaten”, said our director, Clayton Spiers. “They are known for their incredible ergonomic design, fuel efficiency, and they have the best oscillation technology in the world”.

Clayton was fortunate enough to be invited to the HAMM factory in Tirschenreuth, Germany. “It was inspiring”, he said, “they have the most technologically advanced machine assembly line in the world, it was meticulously clean, highly organised and the energy was dynamic. The workshop was state-of-the-art, almost futuristic.”

How to Pick the Right Roller for Your Project

What sets a genuinely superior roller apart from the rest, is advanced technology. The machines should be ergonomically designed, provide superb fuel efficiency, and quite simply, be of world-class quality. This is why KEE Hire uses Dynapac and HAMM.

To select the appropriate roller, consider the following factors:

Efficient compacting requires a machine that can complete the job in just a few passes and minimal overlap. A small double-drum pedestrian roller with rammers and vibrating plates are ideal for compacting narrow spaces.

Selecting a road roller also means taking a closer look at the duration of the project and how often you’ll need it. Compaction rollers make for a trustworthy addition to your fleet of road-repair equipment.

Oscillation rollers are the number one choice for metro or residential sites. The technology employed in an oscillator means there will be zero vibration, so the foundations of buildings and underground service areas such as water mains and electrical cables, will not be affected.

To select a roller that best suits your construction needs, it is a good idea to know about each type and its benefits.

Dynapac Products

Single-Drum Vibratory Rollers
Dynapac’s range of vibratory rollers is most suitable for road, airfields, harbours, and dam construction projects, able to compact all types of soil except rockfill. For cohesive soils, a vibratory roller with a padfoot drum will typically do the trick.
Double-Drum Vibratory Rollers
Dynapac offers a full range of double-drum asphalt rollers, that can be used in both compact spaces and larger sites. Its high-performing maneuverability, operator ergonomics, and safety are thanks to its vibration-dampened platforms, swivel seats, and logically sorted controls.
Combi Rollers
Dynapac’s combi rollers minimise the risk of damaging newly laid asphalt compound. As they are equipped with four rubber tyres at the rear, the rubber ensures a denser and smoother surface.
Steel Drum Rollers
The Dynapac CS1400 is the ideal modern steel drum roller, covering the asphalt mat with its full width. It’s suitable for medium and large-size projects in areas close to old buildings and on bridges, where the ground mustn’t vibrate.
Pneumatic Rollers
Dynapac has no shortage of pneumatic tyred rollers. They are high-performing, simple, and versatile in their ability to compact asphalt for sealing purposes. The CP1200, in particular, boasts a modular ballast system that allows operators exact visual control over wheel loads.
Tamping Compactor
The Dynapac CT3000 tamping compactor, with an operating weight of 22 tons, can efficiently achieve specified densities on both cohesive and semi-cohesive soils. It has an average production capacity of 900 cubic metres an hour and can supplement highway, dam, and airport runway projects.

HAMM Products

Compactors
HAMM’s articulated soil compactors range 5 to 25-t for soil and landfill compaction, with smooth, padfoot, VIO (vibration and oscillation), and VC (vibration crusher) drums.
Tandem Rollers
HAMM’s broad range of machines is appropriate for any application. Its double-vibration rollers (VV), VO rollers, combination rollers (VT, VT-S, OT), vibration rollers with split drums (VV-S), and the like suit all markets.
Pneumatic Tyre Rollers
HAMM’s pneumatic tyre rollers come in operating weights between 8 and 28-t for every type of market. They are easy to incorporate into earthwork and asphalt construction.

Conclusion

High-performing rollers will undoubtedly require less effort to achieve your construction goals. They will also give you peace of mind for the safety of your field service mechanics. The reason why our clients choose our Dynapac and HAMM rollers is that they know that these brands are leading the industry.

At KEE Hire, our trained operators and field support make for your ideal compaction hire. Our fleet of heavy plant machinery is versatile and available to rent; wet hire or dry hire. We pride ourselves on a unique and synergistic structure. We are available 24/7.